API: Experience Florence, Italy (Scholarships Available)

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.

Hands down the best experience in my 21 years of life. A full month abroad in the most beautiful city. The ladies of API Florence planned the best weekend excursions. We saw some of Italy's most famous spots and were on the most informational tours. We really got the full experience just in a short 5 weeks. The program also provided some really fun activities like gelato making, tours of Florence, cooking classes and more. As for the classes, so informational and helpful. I would do it all over again in a heart beat.

Although it was almost 10 years ago (eek!) that I studied abroad in Florence, Italy with API, I still have fond and positive memories of my time there. They were extremely accommodating and helpful as at that time I was the only student doing the year long program. I lived in two different apartments each semester and they did a fantastic job with matching me with compatible roommates. I am still in touch with some of them today! My apartment during the second semester was steps from the Duomo.. absolutely incredible!
For future participants I would highly suggest using API. I would only remind you that Florence is extremely touristy and one of the more popular study abroad destinations. Perfect, if this is your first long term trip as I'm sure you'll make lots of new friends from your home country and even find American style restaurants. If you want a more cultural and authentic experience I would suggest trying a different city, but continue with API!

Seriously...BEST EXPERIENCE OF MY LIFE! API's Study Abroad program in Florence, Italy is something that will resonate with me forever. The staff was overwhelmingly kind, welcoming, and they truly made us feel at home while abroad. API was so helpful from the minute I decided to study abroad, and kept that communication throughout my program, and even after I got home. Studying abroad can be intimidating, but it was comforting to know API was there if I needed anything. They also planned AMAZING excursions to places like Cinque Terre, Venice, Verona, and more. When I say amazing, I mean experiences that you read about on travel blogs. I couldn't be happier with my choice to study abroad with API in Florence. Since studying abroad, I became a Study Abroad Peer Ambassador at my school, started my own travel blog, and just came back from traveling in Europe for a month. Thanks for forever inspiring me, API!

API's study abroad program at LdM in Florence is truly remarkable. I went in the summer of 2015 for a month and studied Italian and it was hands down the most incredible month of my life. Florence is absolutely the most amazing city in Italy, and probably in all of Europe. On top of that, the social scene there is great for college students, you will always run into people from all over the country that you would have never had the opportunity to meet without API. API put me in an ideal apartment, just a block from the Duomo, and 15 steps from Edoardo (the best gelato in Florence). API allows you to live with people from different universities and different backgrounds, and these people will become your closest friends on this trip. The opportunity to travel with your roommates on the weekends and go out and have a good time with them is the best part.
This program allowed me to meet some amazing people, see some amazing things, and have memories that will last a lifetime. This is hands down the best program available, Florence is a beautiful, inspiring place, you will never regret the decision to go.

My experience studying abroad with API was better then I could have ever imagined! I was set up in an apartment on the Arno River, looking over the famous Ponte Vecchio bridge. Not only was the view amazing, but my roommates and I had live music outside our window almost every night. The school is located near the Duomo and the Central Market, so you are always in the middle of the excitement of Florence. LDM and API also provide a variety of free activities for students every week, including wine tastings, tours in the city, and live shows. Most importantly, there are tons of travel groups for students that make it VERY easy and inexpensive to travel Europe on the weekends! Also, API provides free excursions to cities in Italy like Rome, Venice, Verona, and Cinque Terre!