Studying abroad in Florence was one of the most incredible experiences of my life. From walking past world-class art and historic architecture such as the Statue of David on my way to class, to discovering authentic Italian culture through food, travel, and new friendships, every day felt like an adventure. Living in such a small yet vibrant city taught me independence, adaptability, and a deeper appreciation for global perspectives. Whether it was exploring Tuscany, traveling to many other countries in Europe, or simply enjoying a cappuccino in a local café before 11, Florence gave me unforgettable memories and personal growth that I’ll carry with me forever.

I met so many wonderful people through this program and through Florence. Many people choose to study abroad here so there are plenty of opportunities to meet people and make new friends. Everyone was willing to step out of their comfort zone and explore. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

The support from API was amazing! They offered counseling and made sure to keep us in the loop on events happening in Florence. The staff in Florence are so kind and were lovely to get to know. If you want to study abroad I would highly recommend this experience!

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!

My study abroad experience was truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. Getting to immerse myself in European culture for four months was hands down the best experience I’ve ever had. The people I met, the classes I took, and the places I traveled all made it unforgettable. I was able to explore places such as Greece, Malta, Croatia, Rome, Venice, Cinque Terre and more, all of which were magical places; the memories I made are something that I will never forget. If I can recommend anything to anybody, it would be going abroad.

API was an amazing group to go abroad with- the resident directors were amazing, helpful and accommodating, willing to help plan extra travel, get textbooks, and just be someone to talk to. They made sure I felt safe and well cared for. The trips that were included in the package were amazing with pre-planned tours around if that is what you wanted to do, or you could split and go your own way. The education aspect was also top notch and I enjoyed the classes that were provided as I am pursuing an art education major and art history minor. The school that they have paired with provides many different activities that you can do while there in and around the immediate Florence area all for free. The school also provides additional trips that you have to pay extra for but are well worth it. API is amazing and well worth going with as they have such a good safety net and resident directors that care for you and make sure that you are looked after, which you wouldn't get if you went directly through the school. Housing was in a great area and they bring you in a week early so that way you can get acclimated and figure your way around- they also do some activities with you like tours and cooking lessons, which is included in the cost, that help you feel more at home.

I was lucky enough to spend my entire 2018-2019 academic year with API in Florence! I spent months digging through different study abroad programs and providers on GO Overseas' website trying to find the right program for me, and ultimately API was the winner.

I know one of the hardest parts when choosing a study abroad program as a student, is finding the right courses to satisfy your home university's requirements. API and LdM have a great system in place and not once was I worried about not getting into a course I needed or maintaining the right amount of credits. API truly stood out among the other providers because they offered such a wide range of courses that would satisfy both my major (psychology) and minor (studio arts).

The API ladies do a fantastic job on the local tours and I really enjoyed having the small weekend trips available to just API students.

Studying abroad in Florence for a semester was by far the best decision I could have made. The fact that you're able to leave the US for a semester and immerse yourself in an entirely different culture than your own is so exciting. From the minute I got to Florence I felt this sense of home away from home and was surprised by how quickly I was able to pick up on my surroundings and able to navigate the city on my own. That was very comforting to me, especially being so far away. API helped tremendously with feeling comfortable during this transition and was with us every step of the way until we were settled in. I was shocked by how equipped and nice our apartment was, it was very clean and spacious for an apartment right in the city. It came with all the supplies needed for cooking and cleaning. My apartment was so close to the Duomo and I always felt safe both in my apartment complex and whenever I was walking outside. If anything breaks or isn't working properly, API is on top of it! They were always quick to respond and fixed any issues in a timely manner. All of the program directors were awesome, they helped in any way they could whether it was getting in contact with parents, academics/home universities, or finding out what restaurant to eat at, they were always happy to help. The API program also included amazing weekend excursions to various cities outside Florence so you got to see other parts of Italy. This was definitely a highlight and something that's really unique to the program. Overall this was an experience I will never forget and the best semester of my life. It truly changed who I am and I can't wait to go back to the city that has such a special place in my heart.

I cannot lie when I tell you that this was the best semester of my life. Florence itself felt like home right away. From the program directors to my professors to my fellow program members, everyone was so welcoming and kind. I immersed myself as much as I could in the culture with the help of all the extra programs and activities that API offered. My apartment was very spacious and had supplied us with all the essentials. The program includes many excursions (weekend and day trips) in which were so enjoyable. Our program directors were so funny, and always were smiling! They also were always there to provide guidance or recommendations! I felt that they were always accessible both on excursions and in Florence. It was easy just to stop into the API center to ask a question or just say hi! Overall, living in the city center of Florence, Italy can never be topped. It is truly surreal to see pictures and just think "Oh I lived right off of this street" or "If you're looking at the Santa Croce church you can see the door to the apartment where I lived". This program allowed me to step out of my comfort zone and truly immerse. Best. Semester. Ever.