Environmental Studies 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!

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.

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 had a wonderful time working with a veterinarian in Italy and making so many new friends from around the US and the world! We all became fast friends and took many trips around Italy and Florence during our free time. I was able to go to Sienna as they were setting up for the horse races, I was able to go to the Uffizi gallery, and pisa. I had the most amazing lasagna at trattoria Marione! I was able to learn so much about horses and what goes into their senior care. It was so amazing to work with sanctuaries that respected animals just as I do. It was an unforgettable experience. I wish I could go again!

Without a doubt, Carpe Diem changed my life. I recommend this experience to anyone who has the opportunity. Not only did Carpe help me discover my love for traveling and learning new cultures, They also helped me find myself. I am so happy I made the decision to do a gap year and ever more happy I picked Carpe Diem.

It was such a crazy life changing experience, I loved my class and SAI was so incredibly helpful along the way. Any question I had, before, during, or after, was answered efficiently and effectively. I never felt like I was alone in a foreign country which is super important when you're out there. They also provided so many awesome and unique experiences that are included with your tuition, which I highly recommend! I will always recommend SAI to anyone wanting to go abroad.

SAI was the best program at our university in Florence. We always had activities to attend that were included in our tuition. We could go to cooking classes, bind books, take day trips, and more. The onsite staff was always keeping us updated with current events and happenings in the city. You can always stop by their office to ask questions or just talk. They are so helpful with anything you need or ask for. Florence itself is such a perfect city for study abroad as well. The people are so welcoming and kind and the city is just big enough to have so many things to do without feeling overwhelmed. The museums and historical sites are stunning as well as some of the landscape if you take yourself a little bit outside of the city center. Overall I couldn’t have asked for a much better experience studying abroad in a different country.

The eight weeks I spent with Carpe Diem in Italy and Greece was the best experience of my life and the best decision I have ever made. Our program leaders (shoutout Megan and Ariana) were the absolute greatest people ever and made our trip as easy and enjoyable as it could have been. All the places we went, from Rome and Athens to rural Tuscany and the Peloponnese, were so amazing and fun. However, my favorite part of traveling with Carpe Diem was the people we met. Carpe Diem has partners located across both countries in every place we stayed. They are such incredible, interesting people with different backgrounds and inspiring stories. Overall, in every aspect, my semester with Carpe Diem was everything I could've hoped for and more. I would strongly recommend this program, as it will teach you many valuable lessons, have you coming out as a better version of yourself, and give you experiences you would never have otherwise.

I just wanted to thank you again for everything. Everything was great! I loved your organization, the intructors, and my host family. I am still not sure if I am coming again next Summer (I would love to), but if I do not, I will probably be there the following year. I miss you all and Florence very much. I still talk about my trip and look at my pictures a lot. I do not even know where to begin describing my trip to Florence because everything was unbelievable. The family I lived with was perfect: close location to everything I needed, amazing food, and very welcoming. The NECA faculty also helped us with whatever we needed. They showed us around the city as well as the other cities we visited as a group. Additionally, they took us out on evenings after school. I could not have asked for a more ideal trip than what I experienced during my four week stay, and hopefully I will be able to return soon.

I wanted to thank you guys for a a wonderful Spring semester! I made life-long friends, broadened my knowledge of art, fell in love with the city of Florence, and even learned some Italian! Loredana, I must thank you for being a wonderful teacher who always kept our attention in class! You have influenced me to take more art history classes and earn a minor in it! Francesco, thank you for always making us laugh! You both have shown great hospitality and kindness…

Ciao Loredana and Francesco!! I miss Florence VERY MUCH! I would like to thank you from the very bottom of my heart for the opportunity to fall in love with Italy and Florence as much as I did. I thank you for filling my mind with knowledge, and making learning fun. This experience was something I will never forget. The Fall semester started one year ago, and I have thought about my study abroad experience every single day since I have been home. I cannot wait until the January term, because I will be arriving once again in Florence. I have been studying the Italian language, and the history of Italy since I was younger, and I have been to Italy a handful of times before, but to be able to have class standing outside churches, or inside museums looking at statues, and paintings that I used to look at in textbooks, gave me a feeling that I think everyone should feel. It is indescribable. For two years I searched to find the perfect study abroad program, and NECA has definitely exceeded all of my expectations. Thank you for caring for us as much as you did, but also giving us a feel of independence. I cannot wait to see you both in January!

From a student’s parent: Thank you for your work in getting Julie into the program! I know you worked extra hard for her in finding scholarships for her, and we really appreciate it. We are all so excited for her to experience Italy; the culture, the history, the sites, and especially the people. Julie has been reading on line about NECA and has read only glowing things about the program, so I know she will be in good hands. When we first talked, I honestly didn’t think we would be able to make this work, but thank you for finding the scholarships. We are all now learning Italian, and gathering books from the Library about where she will be going and such. It is fun for us too! Thank you again helping make this possible.

I had the most wonderful time being totally immersed in the Italian culture. The food, people, attitudes, and the overall atmosphere was so unique. I looked forward to the next day every night when I went to bed, wondering what new things I would learn and experience. You can’t imagine being surrrounded by so many new things and trying to take it all in at once; you just don’t know where to start. In the school itself, all of the NECA staff were so friendly, helpful and eager to show you all of the things they knew and wanted you to know and experience as well. The trips to the different cities in Italy (Siena, Rome, Pisa, Orvieto) gave an even wider perspective on the whole of current Italian life as well as its history and the many stories that are held in the ancient buildings and works of art. Please send my love to the host family I stayed with (Maria, her husband, and children). They made my experience there so pleasant. They received me, Rosanna, and Waaaaaaaayyyyne so sweetly and made us feel right at home. I will never forget how good they were to us. I will never forget how good you Francesco and Loredana were to us. We did have so much fun with you and my family benefited from the cooking classes we had at your house because i cook them Italian meals every now and again. I never would have known what real “mozzarella” was if it weren’t for you either and I did find a place that sells it here in the States, so yay! Well, I am writing a book here, so I will end here and just say that I miss you all and I will send you some pictures soon that you may want to post on the website too. Take care! -Hy comma Kristen ( io, io, io!!!! )

Ciao! Thanks again for an amazing program. I had the time of my life! I really miss you and Florence and the rest of NECA. I hope everything is going well! Allora…. when I get back into the States (I am still in Paris) I am going to send you a CD of my pictures – maybe you could use some for the website. Take care. Ciao! Alley

Words cannot describe the experiences I had while at NECA in Italy. The weeks spent in Florence were some of the most memorable times of my life. I met great people, saw amazing things, and learned about a culture that is part of my ancestry. I would not have passed up that opportunity for the world. Anyone who has the chance to travel to this beautiful country should take advantage of it. You will NOT be sorry! All of the instructors (and director) were of course wonderful and made us feel very welcome. They also had a lot of patience with us which was very much appreciated. I miss all of them so much. I could write a whole book on how wonderful my time there was. I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to get back there.