How to Have an Epic Study Abroad Experience in Florence
How to Have an Epic Study Abroad Experience in Florence
Florence (Firenze, as the Italians say) is a city bustling with Renaissance art and history, illustrious Italian cuisine, and academics that will not disappoint! On top of that, it’s central location in Italy’s Tuscany region makes travel in, around, and far outside of Italy accessible and easy.
What are we hinting at with all of these wonderful features you ask? Well… Florence is a fantastic choice for a study abroad destination that will exceed your wildest dreams.
Firenze
Culture Galore
During your time in Florence, you can expect to be immersed in the rich Italian culture that will make you feel at home in no time.
Each day will be new, exciting, and different as the mid-sized city of about 400,000 inhabitants has so much to offer. After taking care of your academics, there are many world-class museums, restaurants, and shopping opportunities to take advantage of. For students in some courses at Florence University of the Arts, visiting these museums, restaurants, and shopping areas may actually be a part of your course curriculum! Hands-on classes in a city with so much to offer makes dozing off in class impossible.
Stroll to the Galleria dell'Accademia and see Michaelangelo’s David, grab an out-of-this-world pizza, gelato, or pasta dish at a local restaurant, or window-shop/spend a few Euros at the world-famous leather markets and many other world-class shopping venues.
Climbing to the top of the Duomo is also an activity not to be missed. This cultural activity is usually included in ASA students’ tuition fee, so you will have the chance to do this with your peers and Site Directors. It’s definitely an experience you’ll remember forever. The stunning views of not only the city of Florence, but the rolling hills of the Tuscan countryside in the distance provide picturesque views following a climb of just about 450 steps. Don’t let the stair count scare you - I promise the views are worth it!
The Duomo
After the climb, unwind with a walk along the Arno River that winds through the city. Cross the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge, and look at all the trinkets the merchants have to offer. Or, walk up to Piazzale Michelangelo, wait out the sunset and take in the spectacular view of Ponte Vecchio (and all of Florence) as the sun goes down behind it (gelato in hand, of course).
Studying Abroad
Your academics during your time in Italy will also be enriching, as there are a wide variety of courses offered that focus on Italian culture, cuisine, history, and art.
All students can expect to enroll in a course load they are excited about. What better place to learn about Italian Renaissance art than the Uffizi Gallery, a comprehensive museum that was founded in 1581 and is located centrally in the city, adjacent to Piazza della Signoria.
As previously mentioned, the courses at FUA are very hands on and allow for students to carry the knowledge and skills they learned abroad with them for the rest of their lives. Imagine being able to make homemade pasta for your grandchildren when you’re older because of the pasta course you took during your semester abroad in Florence? How cool is that!
Making pasta!
Michaelangelo’s David
Hidden Gems
With its central location in Tuscany, Florence’s neighboring towns are also not to be missed during your time abroad.
Chianti is a famous wine region that can be reached easily from Florence. A stroll around their vineyards provides beautiful views as well as an education on Italian winemaking, complete with a tasting.
If you’re a chocolate fan, Perugia is the place for you. If you study abroad in the fall, you’ll be lucky enough to hit the Eurochocolate Festival, a yearly festival held in Perugia that attracts vendors and visitors from around the world.
Chianti Wine
International Travel
International travel is also simple from Florence, as the city has its own airport AND train station that can connect you to just about anywhere you need to go (but, with all the reasons we’ve mentioned here, you might not even want to leave)!
Florence provides everything a student could want in a study abroad destination. What are you waiting for? Start planning your adventure today!