Culture Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

Studying abroad in Zagreb, Croatia, was one of the most transformative experiences of my undergraduate journey. As a Biology major on the pre-medical track at Spelman College, I wanted an experience that would challenge me academically, immerse me in a different culture, and allow me to explore medicine beyond the traditional classroom setting. Zagreb gave me all of that and so much more. During my time abroad, I had the opportunity to participate in clinical shadowing at KBC Sestre Milosrdnice, where I spent much of my time observing cardiology and cardiovascular procedures, learning about patient care, and understanding how healthcare professionals collaborate in a hospital setting. One of my most memorable experiences was observing the medical team's response to a complication during a cardiac stent procedure. Witnessing the level of precision, communication, and critical thinking required in that moment strengthened my interest in cardiovascular medicine and helped solidify my aspiration to become a cardiothoracic surgeon. However, my experience was about much more than medicine. Choosing Zagreb was intentional. I wanted to travel somewhere unfamiliar, where I would have to step outside my comfort zone, navigate cultural differences, and become more independent. From learning basic Croatian phrases to exploring the city, connecting with my roommates, and experiencing everyday life in a new country, each day taught me something valuable about adaptability and confidence. As a first-generation college student and a Black woman pursuing a career in medicine, this opportunity also reminded me of the importance of representation and making international experiences accessible to students from all backgrounds. Studying abroad is not limited to students majoring in international studies or foreign languages. STEM students can also find programs that complement their academic interests and professional goals. My advice to anyone considering studying abroad is to research your options, ask questions, and remain open to destinations you may not have initially considered. Some of the most meaningful opportunities come from choosing experiences that challenge your expectations. I returned from Zagreb with more than memories and photographs. I returned with a clearer understanding of the physician I hope to become, greater confidence in my ability to navigate unfamiliar environments, and a deeper appreciation for the global nature of healthcare. If I had the opportunity to choose again, I would choose Zagreb every single time. This experience did not simply allow me to explore another country; it helped me discover a new direction for my future.

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy, was an unforgettable journey filled with new experiences, cultural discoveries, and personal growth. From exploring the beautiful streets to experiencing authentic Italian food and history, every moment was special. Although adjusting to a new environment had its challenges, the experience helped me become more independent and open-minded. I would highly recommend studying abroad in Florence to anyone and everyone! I think spending a full semester abroad is the best way to experience a new country because it gives you enough time to truly immerse yourself in the culture and adjust to a different way of life. A semester also provides the perfect balance of time to focus on your studies while still having opportunities to travel and experience new things. I was in Florence for the Spring 2026 term, which was such a wonderful time to experience the city. As the weather began to warm up, Florence became even more beautiful and lively. As an arts major, one of the most special parts of studying in Florence was being surrounded by so much incredible art and history. Getting to experience the art firsthand was truly inspiring and allowed me to connect with my passion for art in a completely different way. It made my time abroad especially meaningful. The API team made this experience even more amazing by helping make the transition to living and studying abroad feel comfortable and exciting. I appreciate the support and organization that went into making the experience so memorable. Having API as a resource allowed me to fully enjoy my time in Florence while feeling supported throughout the process. Overall, both Florence and API exceeded my expectations, and I would highly recommend this experience to anyone looking to study abroad and create unforgettable memories!

Florence was the best host city I could have ever asked for. As a graphic design major, LDM offered a wide range of arts classes that supported my studies during the spring 2026 semester. I had class 3 days a week, so there was always plenty of time to explore Florence and travel throughout other European countries. Throughout my 4-month term, I learned so much, both inside and outside the classroom, shaping the person I am today. The API staff helped make this such a memorable experience, as communication was easy and everyone was so kind and accommodating. As for Florence, transportation was relatively easy to navigate, and the city proved safe both during the day and at night. I am truly blessed for my time abroad and hope to encourage anyone to take the leap of faith to do the same.

This specific program truly blew my study abroad expectations out of the water. The staff and faculty were so helpful and responsive the entirety of the trip!! There was so much freedom involved and I had to learn how to live and adjust myself into the new lifestyle that I soon became engulfed in. I felt one with the people, place and culture. Florence was truly a magical place and had pure charm. It was so central for travel and easy to walk from place to place. The teachers did an outstanding job of creating a classroom and learning environment that was collaborative with not only other students, yet the Italian culture as well. Classes were highly educational, yet I did not feel as if i was drowning in school or work. The opportunities of adventure and trying new things were endless, I learned so much!!! As for rooming goes, I was blessed with the best three random roomates that genuinely made my experience what it was. We traveled to many countries together and made so many fun memories that I will cherish for a lifetime. We have already had a reunion back here in the states!! Overall I met so many amazing individuals throughout my Florence journey. I miss the people and the place every single day and would not trade my experiences for the world. I hope to be back soon Firenze!!!

I had such an amazing experience studying abroad through WorldStrides! I attended the 15 week program in Florence, Italy. Not only did I get to learn more about the Italian language and culture, but I got to see beautiful pieces of art and architecture. The food was another bonus! With WorldStrides, I was able to choose from many different classes, and there were excursions included in my program price!

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most meaningful experiences of my college journey. As an Architecture student, being surrounded by the art, architecture, and history that I had previously only studied in class made learning feel completely different. I was able to visit important architectural sites and museums throughout Florence while taking courses related to architecture, Renaissance history, museology, and Italian culture. Beyond academics, studying abroad pushed me outside of my comfort zone. I learned how to navigate a new country, travel independently, meet people from different backgrounds, and adapt to a culture different from my own. I also had the opportunity to travel to other cities and countries, which exposed me to even more architecture, art, and ways of life. By the end of the semester, I felt much more independent, confident, and open-minded. Florence became more than just the place where I studied abroad. It became a place where I grew personally and academically, made unforgettable memories, and gained a new perspective that I know I will carry with me throughout my career and life.

Making the choice to study abroad can be a very nerve racking and stressful process, but it can also be the most rewarding and fulfilling experience if you go with a program that puts your needs first. I traveled to Florence with WorldStrides this past spring and it was honestly the best months of my life. Program staff and support was accessible throughout my entire journey ever since the start of my application to even after my flight back home! One of my favorite things they provided us with was the chance to participate in included excursions, events, and activities. This helped me and my roommates get more involved around the city and allowed us to save a little money on travel. Overall, this was an experience I will remember for the rest of my life and I’m so thankful that I was able to learn so much about the city, meet people from all over the world, and return home with a new appreciation for the world around me!

Studying abroad was without a doubt the most transformative experience of my life. World Strides made the process so much easier with their quick and detailed communication. I felt like I had so much support and resources to be successful while abroad. They also provided multiple excursions that were already included with my trip. If you get the opportunity to study abroad with world strides I highly recommend!!

I absolutely loved my time in Florence with World Strides! I had never been out of the country and didn't know anyone else going, so I was terrified, but the experience was amazing. World strides was really easy to work with and offered a lot of free activities in Florence, such as a cooking class and a weekend trip to Lake Garda. The staff were all really kind and welcoming, and I made very good friends in the program. I could not recommend this program enough!

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.

I would definitely recommend studying abroad with CIEE because information is always clearly communicated, the staff is super welcoming and friendly, orientation was very helpful, and I got to go on fun trips and activities with the program.

I absolutely loved CIEE! I would recommend them because they are extremely supportive, helpful, and kind. They offer a ton of opportunities for students to dive into that they would never have access to at home. CIEE helps students explore a new culture and community while making them feel at home!

I really enjoyed my 7 weeks abroad with AIFs. I made lifelong friends, navigated being in a medical emergency in a foreign country, and learned some amazing things about Italian history and culture. I took the Wine Marketing in Italy and Museum Art History courses. During the Wine Marketing course we went to Pollenzo which was amazing. The program did a wonderful job of creating excursions for us to participate in. All the staff are very kind and helpful.

I wish I was there longer to explore more of Italy and Europe, but my program doesn't allow semesters abroad. Information regarding departure and arrival is informative, had a great apartment that was local. Fun opportunities for class trips and to be involved in with cooking classes and wine tastings. We traveled to Siena, and Milan which was an extra charge but not that expensive and a lot of fun. 2 week art class was good but long hours and busy. Very fulfilling trip.

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.