Culinary Arts Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

It has been about 3 months since I came home from Study Abroad, and I still haven't found the right words to describe this experience! When I left for study abroad, I was stepping into the unknown - moving to a new city, far away from everything and everyone I had ever known. Some moments challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and forced me to grow in ways I never expected. Along the way, Ifound a new sense of independence, confidence, and trust in myself! What I will cherish the most are the people. The friendships I made, my roommates and forever friends who turned into family. They were there for every laugh, every tear, and served as a shoulder to lean on when I needed it most! I was lucky enough to do something most people only dream of. I got to experience cultures, traditions, and places that opened my eyes to how beautiful our world is! I left study abroad with more than just pictures and postcards, but lessons, stories, friendships, and memories that will last a lifetime!

I went abroad with this company, and it couldn't have gone any better. In any situation that was rough, they were always there to chat or help resolve the issue. Great company; would love to go again!

Studying abroad through SAI was the best choice I have made in my academic, personal, and career life yet. Not only are the staff and program well structured, but they truly allow you to be supported, make friends, and experience places/things you never would have expected. As a participant of the 2-city program, I experienced life in two cities of Italy, each unique but special. While La Spezia helped me settle into Italian culture and appreciate the slower pace of life, the hustle and bustle of Florence showed me why Italy is such a destination for people to experience. My 4 months flew by faster than I could imagine, and staying so busy and immersed (in the best way) now allows me to share about my time- and how I have absolutely no regrets. Being involved in the moment, taking time to talk to locals and do "non-touristy" trips/things, and keeping an open mind can shape your life and is truly what makes the experience. It's the little things. People watching. A scrumptious cappuccino. An immersive class experience. Studying abroad is, yes, about education and pursuing a career, but so much of the learning and growing for it are done outside of the classroom, often through unexpected moments. I always felt the support of SAI staff, and their focus on the student experience at a personal level created a sense of belonging and home away from home. If you are on the fence, just go! You won't regret it!

I genuinely had the best study abroad experience through SAI in Florence. I was able to live with 3 of my best friends and we loved our apartment so much! Although we weren't right in the city center by thew duomo, we found that we loved being across the river as we were more immersed in the culture by being in a neighborhood filled with locals. Outside of our housing and classes, we had so many opportunities to do different activities whether it was a cooking class or a gold leafing class. I could not recommend this experience enough!

I went to study abroad knowing nobody, completely throwing myself into a different culture across the world, and it was the best choice I made in my life. I met the most amazing people in the most amazing place, and I would choose to do it all over again if I could. Study abroad if you have the opportunity!

This is my second trip with this program I did the Japan last year and Italy this year also intend to go again next year and I loved the different classes there were I took cuisines and art history we made many different kinds of Italian food and went to different places almost every day there were also many different day trips on the weekends that were amazing to go on and ending in Rome and seeing the colosseum and learning about it was a great way to end the trip and the staff was really amazing and accommodating with the need of the students

I learned so much on this trip through the art history course and photography course. I wasn’t that interested in many of the art made in periods such as renaissance, but I learned so much about them and got quite good at identifying them. I similarly wasn’t that knowledgeable about Christianity and especially Catholicism (at least more than the average American) but I learned so much about it as well and really came to respect the ideas related to it. Finally I also knew literally nothing about photography but through this I learned a lot about different styles and the essentials of photography to the point that I think I’ll be taking better pictures for the rest of my life. This is all without saying the fun and incredible sights and art I got to see, yes we went to churches and art museums to learn about it but we also went to appreciate it and through that I got to see some beautiful art that might be some of my highlight pictures from the trip. Also the day trips to other prominent cities are so much fun and so different Florence is a great base to operate out of and through that base different cities especially Venice and Siena contrast very well, Venice being very tight and of course featuring water, and Siena being very hilly.

World class program is great because it’s more than just a summer program it is an absolute immersion into Ancient Rome; the renaissance in Florence, and amazing medieval art were extravagant and eye popping. Going into the different museums and churches was, like dunking yourself into a beautiful shining spring in Ancient Rome taking you back in time to the minds of Roman’s and what they were thinking while walking into grandiose church. The different day trips were amazing in total there were four day trips one to Lucca where we rode bikes around the city walls, and explored the city, one to cinque terre where we hiked across a mountain with a view of the Mediterranean and ended on the beach. One to siena where we explored the city on the mountain and saw the amazing views. My favorite day trip was the one to Venice where we saw Murano the glass making city and we took boats around to different locations. The pros of the program was the amount of stuff that we had easy access to because of the great connections and the staff. Another pro is the community all the people were easy to connect with and make good friends without any problems. The amount of free time to explore and shop in Florence was great you were able to get what ever lunch you wanted or go to what ever shop in all of old Florence. The cons weren’t many. The program was genuinely so amazing. The only one I can think of is the heat in Italy, but it wasn’t the programs fault it is Italy’s faults for not having good american a/c. The only other con I can think of is not being able to go longer.

My study abroad experience was truly unforgettable, largely because of the amazing and easy-going staff who made every day enjoyable. Their friendly nature and sense of humor created a welcoming atmosphere that helped me feel at home even when I was far away. I often found myself laughing with them, which made the whole experience not just educational but genuinely fun. Their support and kindness made a big difference, turning challenges into opportunities to grow. One of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad was the relationships I built. I connected with people from all over the world, and these friendships became an important part of my journey. Sharing experiences, learning about different cultures, and supporting each other made these bonds truly special. These relationships taught me the value of understanding and empathy, and I know they will continue to be important in my life long after the program ends. Beyond the social side, I learned so much academically and personally. The new environment pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt in ways I hadn’t before. I gained knowledge in my field of study, but I also learned life skills like independence and problem-solving. This experience has not only enriched my education but also helped me grow into a more confident and open-minded person.

Everything about AIFS is organized so well! I loved all the planned trips and classes, sports, and volunteering you could do within the program. I think my favorite part about this program was the meal plan and my friends I met and became so close with. I also learned a lot about Italy and got to explore a lot of my interests in my classes. My only one issue was with the absence policy. I get that 3 absences is generous, but I didn't like how you couldn't get an excused absence with a doctor's note. Unfortunately I got sick a lot during the program because students would come to school sick as they had no other choice. This caused sickness to spread rapidly among students in the program. It was disappointing that when I was sick I couldn't rest even if I had gone to the doctor and provided a doctor's note. I feel like maybe it would even make sense to change it to 2 or 1 absence as long as students can get their absences excused with a doctor's note.

My study abroad experience was truly amazing. I felt safe, fully immersed in the culture, and it was honestly one of the best times of my life. One of my favorite parts was how the school made me feel excited to go to class and genuinely connected to what I was learning. All the staff members were extremely kind and helpful. My favorite classes were Italian Food Studies with Mario Bracci and Wine Marketing with Dario Parenti. The content in both courses was engaging, and the professors were hands down the best I have ever experienced in my academic career. Professor Bracci exceeded expectations by giving us extensive food recommendations and taking us to various places for different food experiences, which made the class incredibly memorable. Professor Parenti also went above and beyond by taking us to different locations to try Tuscan wines and even allowing us to experience wines he helped create. His expertise clearly translated into the way he led his class and engaged with students. Overall, I had an incredible experience. The program-led trips to Venice and Rome were very well organized and a lot of fun, adding even more to an unforgettable semester.

AIFS made sure I had the best experience abroad while keeping me safe and supporting me through each step. The meal plan and housing options were unmatched as you are living in the city eating at local restaurants every day! AIFS really supported my traveling ventures on the weekends and did not restrict me from having independence with that. The trips they took us on to Rome and Venice were all included at amazing hotels and the tours through the city were priceless. Also the weekly activities they offered such as wine tours, pasta classes, picnics, and more were so amazing! The classes personally were not challenging enough but the professors really cared about our learning.

I studied abroad for the main purpose of growing and developing my skills more as an artist. LdM offered amazing courses when it came to my interests, such as portrait oil painting and my senior art thesis. The professors are so skilled in their artistic training and techniques that they offer such thoughtful critiques on your artistic methods and how you can develop them skillfully. What I appreciated most about LdM was its large assortment of art courses. There were so many to choose from, such as jewelry-making, ceramics, photography, and my personal favorite, oil painting. I learned so much about myself as an artist through the students and especially through the professors. LdM does a fantastic job of integrating Italy and study abroad in their courses, as they encourage students to venture out and be inspired by artists of the Renaissance. There was never a day where I wasn't learning something new.

I went abroad alone, which was very intimidating at first, considering I've never even been to Europe before! However The AIFS staff and students met me exactly where I was. I was immediately surrounded by new friends and an apartment that felt like home. This experience was the best thing I had ever done for myself. I was immersed into a entirely new culture that created the industry I want to pursue a career in. Physically exploring Italy forged a special connection between my personal experience and Italian history, that a textbook simply couldn't replicate. This semester showed my ability to explore, learn, be scared, take risks, and prove to myself that I can tackle the growing pains that come with adulting. I leave this experience with a gift too big for words!!!!!

AIFS Florence is genuinely one of the best study abroad programs in Florence. I was able to live in an apartment in the heart of the city, the food program was AMAZING and all the activities included the program was such a great perk. We got to eat at local restaurants and cafes everyday and go on field trips in the city daily. I was able to meet friends from all over the country I'm still best friends with and travel with them on weekends since there is no classes Fridays. The AIFS staff is so friendly and welcoming. They helped contact our landlord when our AC broke and had it fixed day of. Overall best summer of my life!

I truly had the best experience. Had random roommates where 2 of them became my lifelong best friends! I met so many amazing people & had so many cool travel experiences! Met people who lived in these countries and changed as a person. I truly grew and made my life better.

I enjoyed this program. I opted in to buying the flight through the program. I felt the instructions and process was easy. I enjoyed my living situation- it was almost an air bnb with four girls and two full bathrooms and a toilet in the laundry room. It was a longer walk to school than some and to get to the center of Florence but it was a nice living experience. I felt the class sometimes were almost too long. I took 5 class and on Mondays and Tuesday I was in class from 9 to almost 5. I did enjoy the class and some of the class offerings were interesting and you wouldn’t get that anywhere else. Overall it was a great experience, I felt the school was great at taking students to places like Venice and Rome and some classes had field trips. Very enjoyable experience

If you are thinking about studying abroad with SAI, DO IT! They were so helpful with getting me prepared before I left, while I was there, and even once I returned home! By studying abroad I gained so much confidence that I knew I had in me but hadn't unlocked yet. I studied the Italian language, and am proud of how much I learned. I took a class on the Italian-American Experience where I learned about Italian history, the immigration process, did a research project on my family's immigration from Italy to the United States and found supporting documents along the way. Each member of the SAI on-site staff was wonderful and so helpful! All of the FUA professors were passionate about what they taught, new me by name and were so accommodating and kind! Florence is a wonderful and beautiful city that I would love to visit again. I am very thankful for my time there and highly recommend studying abroad with SAI.

To any student who’s even contemplating studying abroad: Go for it! SAI will change your life in amazing ways you never would have expected. Studying through SAI at Florence University of the Arts in Spring 2025 was the best and most memorable experience of my life! In just four and a half months, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and into a world filled with new languages, cultures, friendships, and adventures I never imagined possible. Whether I was exploring Italy on day trips provided by SAI, learning to cook regional dishes in class, or traveling over the weekends to European countries, every week brought something meaningful and exciting into my life and if I could have, I definitely would have stayed longer than just one semester in Florence, Italy. What made this experience even more special was the constant support that my roommates and I received from SAI throughout the entire year; they supported me with the initial application process up until the day I returned home…and even now, months later, other opportunities with this program await me. At first, I was overwhelmed and nervous before studying abroad, but the staff made everything feel manageable and exciting, and they were always just an email or phone message away whenever I had a question or needed guidance. The SAI staff would even show up at our door if we needed anything while living and learning abroad! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and SAI makes it not only possible, but also truly unforgettable so I without a doubt recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad!

I studied in Florence, Italy during Fall 2024. I chose AIFS Abroad for a number of reasons. Having face to face interactions with AIFS staff during the application process made the steps to getting abroad much more manageable. Having the opportunity to take courses that not only worked toward my graduation goals, but also sparked interest in new areas was a huge asset to my time abroad. Through my courses, and connections at AIFS, I was able to build lifelong connections, friendships, and met with professionals who are continuing to help me achieve my goals. Beyond the academics, the accommodations and opportunities presented through AIFS positively contributed to my time abroad. Living around the corner from the Duomo, and crossing the Ponte Vecchio everyday to get to class was a unique cultural experience. AIFS provided field trips to better immerse students in Florentine culture, and excursions outside of Florence to see beyond common tourist attractions. As a student through AIFS, we had a meal plan to use at local restaurants, access to cooking classes, museum tours, and many other opportunities at our finger tips to embrace our time abroad. Moving across the world can be daunting, however, the friendships and connections I built through AIFS are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life. Those who share abroad experiences together with have a unique type of bond. I had the opportunity to live with five other girls who were also studying through AIFS. I never could have imagined the experienced we had together. But, now I cannot imagine living a life without them by my side. I truly feel indebted to AIFS for introducing me to my lifelong best friends. The AIFS community is one-of-a-kind and one that I knew undoubtedly would support me through my time abroad, and continues to show up for me even a year after! Thinking back to who I was a year ago when I was leaving the US to go abroad, compared to who I am now, is inspiring. I had no clue how much I would grow as an individual. I became more confident, outspoken, independent, and driven than I could have ever imagined. The experiences I had abroad shaped me into the person I am today. I recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a unique abroad experience. Fueled by individuals who are eager to see you succeed, and will be there to support you every step of the way.