Winter Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

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.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

My experience studying abroad in Barcelona with CEA CAPA was one of the best experiences I have had in college. I chose Barcelona because I have always loved Spain and wanted the opportunity to experience Spanish culture, travel, try new foods, and explore a new city. From the beginning, CEA CAPA made me feel welcomed and supported. Moving to a new country can definitely feel overwhelming, especially at first, but the CEA CAPA staff were always there to help and made me feel much more comfortable throughout my experience. One of the things I appreciated most about CEA CAPA was how safe and supported I felt while abroad. The staff were welcoming, approachable, and made it easy to ask questions or get help whenever I needed it. Knowing that I had people there who cared about my experience made being so far from home feel much less intimidating. I also loved that CEA CAPA helped create a community where I could meet other students and feel like I was not alone in a new country. I was able to become more independent while still knowing I had a support system if I needed one. Overall, studying abroad in Barcelona was an experience I will never forget. CEA CAPA gave me the opportunity to experience a new culture, meet amazing people, travel, and grow as a person while also making me feel safe and welcomed. I would definitely recommend CEA CAPA to anyone considering studying abroad, especially students who may be nervous about living in another country for the first time. It made the entire experience feel more comfortable, supported, and exciting.

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.

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 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.

I was always on the fence of studying abroad until I started doing my research and found a program that actually interested me. As soon as I landed in Florence I knew it was the best decision I could have made for myself. The experience and friendships I made are something I will never forget. I was the only person from my state there and I thought I would be so nervous since everyone else knew each other, but it was so easy talking to everyone and making those connections.

I had a wonderful time on this trip! The opportunity to experience so many new cultures through art was great! Being in foreign countries with new people also created the perfect opportunity to create new friendships, especially since you're all in the same boat! Travel is a great way to build bonds. We also had plenty of time to explore on our own and enjoy the cities we were in!

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!!!!!

If I could go back and relive last summer I would do it every year. I’ve never had an experience that I have missed as much as I constantly miss study abroad. The friendships and memories I made will literally be with me forever.

Over the summer of 2025, I studied abroad in Florence for 4 weeks. It was truly a life-changing experience. I was blessed to have my parents visit for a few days, as well as my Fiancè. I shared an apartment with 8 other girls, all of which I got along with. I made a lifelong friend and saw beautiful sights. It was truly unforgettable.

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

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.

Studying abroad was the best experience of my life. I learned how to navigate life in a different country and discover myself while traveling the world. It was truly life changing and I encourage everyone to go while they are able and in college. I never had been outside of the United States before going abroad, and now I have been to 11 different countries. You are able to travel the world and see things you only dreamt of seeing. Studying abroad is so much more than just visiting a country, you have little to no obligations other than school so you are free to do whatever you want with your time. Whether you go alone or with friends... go. I never thought I would be able to experience something like this but truly this opportunity was the best decision I have made in my life. If I had one piece of advice to give, it would be to say yes to everything.