Winter Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

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.

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.

When I decided I wanted to go abroad, I was nervous about a lot of things. First off, I was scared that when I went abroad I would have to settle for a location I did not want to be in because I needed my credits to transfer over. Luckily AIFS had a program in a wonderful city with a bunch of classes that would transfer back to my home university super well. When I chose this program, I was overjoyed but nervous about living in a homestay. When I got there I was happily surprised to find that my host family was amazing and provided me with an experience I would not have been able to have if I had been in a dorm/apt. The people that I met in the program were some of the coolest people I have ever known and am happy to call them my friends to this day. If you are looking for a great program in Paris where you have the freedom to meet new people, travel, and find yourself in a new place, I would 100% recommend this to you!

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.

Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From walking past the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio on my way to class, to exploring masterpieces like Michelangelo’s David and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus at the Uffizi Gallery, every day felt like living in a museum. I spent afternoons wandering the narrow streets, tasting authentic gelato, and hiking up to Piazzale Michelangelo for breathtaking views of the city. On weekends, I traveled to different parts of Tuscany and beyond, experiencing the diversity of Italian culture firsthand. Living in such a vibrant city taught me independence, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for global perspectives, and I’ll carry the memories and lessons from Florence with me forever.

Florence was an amazing city to study in! With a central location in Italy and ease of public transportation, I was able to visit major cities all over the country, while studying in the beautiful city center of Florence. From surrounding myself in local customs through food and live music to visiting centuries old sites I had the opportunity to live immersed in a new culture. I studied over summer for a shorter, 4-week term. As a psychology student, I decided to take the Psychology of Art and Creativity which gives me credit towards my major. My class took field trips throughout the city and completed a workshop with a local Florentine artist. One of my favorite parts of my experience was the walkability Florence offered. My class was two streets away from the Duomo and less than ten minutes from my apartment. Most afternoons I enjoyed exploring the city, all within walking distance. Florence has so much to offer and was definitely the best host city for me!

I studied in the fall of 2021. The campus itself was spread all around Florence, which sometimes made it tough to make it from class to class in time. That is really my only complaint, though! They had free cooking classes (outside of classes for credit) and free mental health services which was a huge bonus. Overall, I had a really great experience!

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy with API was the best decision I made during college. I arrived not knowing many people and left with lifelong friendships that have shaped who I am today. Immersing myself in Florence’s rich culture and history through all API had to offer…. wandering through the Uffizi, going to cooking classes, and discovering hidden piazzas was a dream come true. Beyond the breathtaking art and architecture, I learned so much about myself. Navigating a new city, embracing a different culture, and stepping out of my comfort zone helped me grow personally and academically. This experience wasn’t just a highlight of my college years and I will treasure forever.

My experience as an art student abroad with this program was amazing! Every excursion around Italy that we went on showed off new art, and the tours around Florence showed us it's Renaissance beauty! The classes offered there also took you in and around Florence museums, palaces, and buildings, offering you an in depth view of the city. I highly recommend this program for all of the art lovers out there!

A few sentences about my time studying abroad with API absolutely cannot encapsulate what a life changing experience it was for me. Studying abroad (specifically in Italy) was also a dream of mine! I chose API specifically due to their scholarship opportunities and course offerings. I was able to live the life of my dreams while also earned academic credit that counted towards my major requirements. From the moment I landed in Italy, API ensured that I was welcomed and informed. I met other students who were in my program, and they have become lifelong friends. From a pasta making classes to a guided tour to orientation, my first few days were informative and exhilarating. My transition into school life was seamless, and API encouraged us to get involved in school activities. They even offered a soccer league!! Unfortunately, my time aboard was cut significantly short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. API ensured that we stayed informed during a scary and unprecedented time. Although my time was cut short, I would’ve have traded my experience for anything. I stepped outside of my comfort zone, and I loved every minute of it!

My semester abroad in Granada, Spain was absolutely unforgettable. I decided to stay with a host family and I lived in their home with another student in the same program. Living with a roommate, we became really close friends. My host family was so kind and welcoming, they included us in everything they did. I learned so much Spanish culture and tradition from spending time with the family. The school was called Center of Modern Languages and I had a mixture of Spanish and Business classes. I loved speaking Spanish in class and getting to know other students. AIFS provided a level placement test at the beginning of the semester so that everyone found courses that were appropriate for their knowledge of Spanish. The classes were very fun and I enjoyed going to class. The AIFS program excursions were some of the best experiences/trips that I went on. I was blown away by the Morocco trip as well as the Seville/Córdoba/Gibraltar weekend. The trips were well planned, affordable, and allowed for free time to explore with friends. I made so many connections with locals, got to experience once in a lifetime activities like riding camels next to the ocean, and tried amazing foods. The program application process was hassle-free and the program advisors in Granada are so helpful. I would often visit their office and just chat with them or ask their advice on where to visit on the weekend. They organized cooking classes, art classes, sporting events, and cultural activities like a flamenco show. Granada is such a wonderful city. It is very walkable and the people are very friendly. There are endless tapas bars in the city where you get free food with each drink purchase. I made friends with lots of locals and other students from across the US. I attended exchange club meetings where you get drinks and tapas, and you chat in whatever language you are trying to learn with people from around the world. AIFS did a wonderful job providing opportunities for all of the students in the program to get to know each other. I made a close-knit group of friends and we spent so much time together. I am so thankful for having met them thanks to AIFS. We even visited each other once we arrived back in the US! I would highly recommend this program to anyone who wants to experience Spain on a more personal scale compared to bigger cities. I think Granada is the most beautiful city, and the Alhambra is a must-see!

Studying abroad with CEA Capa in Florence was one of the best decisions I have made! Prior to departure, CEA Capa staff were always willing to help with any questions I had. They did an amazing job finding us our housing in the perfect location and great amenities. There were always activities to do around the city that were organized by CEA Capa and the classes were all so interesting and fun. I learned so much about Italian culture that I never would have without these classes.

I had an amazing time, thanks to CEA CAPA, in Florence, Italy. I stayed with a roommate in the cutest apartment ever, and me and 16 other Biomedical Engineering students from the University of Miami all studied together in a CEACAPA classroom. They set up the best trips and programs for us and were so helpful when we needed anything: from a doctor, to a restaurant recommendation, or knowing where the best running trails are. I now work with CEA CAPA as an ambassador, and my experience there has been great as well. If you are considering studying abroad, look into doing it with CEA CAPA!

Spending time abroad in Florence was genuinely a dream. My street, lined with charming cobblestones, became my home in a way I never expected. Every corner and store of that street holds memories I miss deeply, like the family who took me in as one of their own. They fed me, ate with me, and helped me translate when I needed a cab or help on my italian homework, those simple meals turned into life long memories. There was the bar down the street that by night, buzzed with laughter and new local friends. By day, it was a little refuge where I could have cappuccino with the owner before class. Florence was more than just a city; it became a home filled with people I miss deeply and experiences I will treasure for life. It left a mark on me that I’ll carry with me always.

I had an amazing experience studying abroad in the Fall 2023 semester in Florence, Italy through the CEA Program. The variety of course offerings, professor-student relationships, and out-of-class activities were incredible. I had the opportunity to learn Italian, meet with professors outside of class, and attend a pasta-making class through CEA! I loved the food and culture of Florence with its tight-knit community and authentic, traditional recipes. It was an experience I will never forget and I hope to return soon!

My experience with AIFS was amazing! I took an introduction to painting class in Florence and had the best professor. Every weekend trip that AIFS took us on was 100% worth the 19,000 steps a day?. I decided to study abroad because I wanted to get out into the world and have an adventure and with AIFS I definitely had one. I wish I had the time to study abroad again with them.

My time studying abroad was the most enriching experience of my life so far. Despite only being abroad with my class for 6 weeks, I feel as though I spent months there due to the amount of knowledge and perspective on the world I gained throughout my time. I believe that every student should have this once in a lifetime experience to study abroad if possible.

CEA responded to this reviewMarch 21, 2024

Hey Gabriela. Thanks for your fantastic review about Florence! We totally agree that everyone should have the study abroad experience!

Before choosing Florence, I talked to many students who had previously studied abroad. Some people claimed Florence was a "basic" destination and "everyone studies there", but for me this was not the case. Florence was the best study abroad destination for me personally and for many of my peers. There is so much to see, do, and experience as I never had a day in which I was bored. Italy is full of amazing food, art, history, and culture. My housing with CAPA was amazing, a 3 minute walk to school compared to my friends in Barcelona who had at least a 45 minute commute to school including the metro. I met so many new people that I still talk with today. I think about this experience every day of my life. Pros: - New friends - New experiences - Independence Cons: - Adapting to a new culture can be difficult - Time difference with USA - Missing family/friends back home

I did the January course in fashion marketing. It was the most magical time of my life. Memories made, new friends, amazing food, and incredible professors. I would do it again in a heartbeat. The accommodations were beautiful and a very quick walk to class. Everything was well organized.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5) Embarking on the AIFS Summer Fashion Marketing Abroad Program was a transformative journey that seamlessly blended education, cultural immersion, and unforgettable experiences. Spanning London, Paris, Milan, and Florence, this program not only fueled my passion for fashion but also left an indelible mark on my personal and academic growth. From the outset, the AIFS staff demonstrated unparalleled friendliness and support. Their guidance was instrumental in navigating the vibrant fashion scenes of each city. The professor leading our class was not only knowledgeable but also adept at fostering an engaging and relatable learning environment. Their commitment to student success was evident, making the academic aspect of the program thoroughly enjoyable. Our program guide was a treasure, offering insights that transcended the typical tourist experience. Their guidance felt like that of a trusted friend, enriching our exploration of each city. Upon arriving in London, we were equipped with underground passes and Citymapper information, empowering us to traverse the city independently. The convenience of having our class just two underground stops from the hotel added to the overall positive experience. Speaking of accommodations, the hotel was not only comfortable but also offered a complimentary breakfast, a thoughtful touch. However, the proximity of beds in shared rooms was the only minor inconvenience, particularly for those rooming with strangers. Fortunately, the amicable nature of all the program participants made such situations manageable. The class structure, with sessions lasting just under two hours, struck a perfect balance between learning and free time. The schedule allowed us to delve into fashion marketing concepts, with an emphasis on different designer houses. The workload remained light, thanks to the interactive and enjoyable nature of the coursework. Beyond the classroom, the program seamlessly integrated cultural activities and free exploration time. Museums, sightseeing tours, and spontaneous adventures enriched our understanding of the diverse fashion landscapes and histories of each city. The opportunity to immerse ourselves in local cultures added depth to our experiences. One valuable lesson from the program was the importance of budgeting. With an array of tempting opportunities, saying yes to everything ensured that no valuable experience was missed. The friendships forged during this journey are among my closest, and the shared interest in fashion among fellow students created a tight-knit community. In conclusion, the AIFS Summer Fashion Marketing Abroad Program was a dream come true for any fashion enthusiast. It not only deepened my understanding of fashion marketing but also provided a platform for personal growth and cultural exploration. The program's seamless blend of education, cultural immersion, and leisure time made it an unparalleled experience that I wholeheartedly recommend to any aspiring fashion professional.