Program Reviews

I chose Italy and Florence for my music studies because I had just entered a point in my life where I was, and still am, “starting over”, it made sense to me that I wanted to go back to the beginning in all other aspects regarding this change. So, it was logical that in order for me to understand the city where opera was born I needed to move to Florence, which just happens to be in the beautiful country that is Italy. My experience at Istituto Europeo has been absolutely positive, I would recommend the same experience to a friend. My teacher, Valeria, is very good. She places importance on every aspect of my life, not only the voice – but nutrition and my physical health as well - now I run 5 days a week!

Me llamo Maria, vengo de Costa Rica, y soy estudiante de canto en la Univesidad de Costa Rica. Estoy perfeccionando no solo la parte musical sino la parte de la cultura: me gusta mucho también el arte, la danza y la pintura. Soy soprano. Estoy frecuentando el curso intensivo de italiano, que ha sido muy interesante y me ha gustado mucho; he aprendido mucho para estar poco tiempo. Despues estoy llevando el curso de técnica del canto, donde tuve la oportunidad di estar con Valeria y con Diego: excelentes los dos. Con ellos ha sido muy claro y muy fácil de entender, entonces me ha gustado mucho. La ciudad de Florencia es mágica. Es una ciudad muy rica en cultura, no solo en música, sino también en arte en general. Es muy impresionante también ver estos grandes edificios de tantos años atrás: es muy rico no solo en arquitectura, sino también en el lenguaje – aquí el italiano es facil de entender, ¡en Roma no entendíamos nada! Por eso, me he sentido muy a gusto en la ciudad.

Me llamo José Daniel, y soy de Costa Rica. Me gusta cantar, es mi profesion: soy un tenor. También toco guitara, piano, escribo música... Soy un músico. Escogí Florencia porqué de antemano ya sabía que esta ciudad es una cuna del arte en Italia

y casi en el mundo en general. Hay muchisimo arte, no solo de la parte del canto, sino escultores, pintores, arquitéctos. Entonces escogí Florencia para estudiar la lengua, puesto que aquí comenzó casi todo lo que tiene que ver con la lengua italiana y la ópera: Florencia es una ciudad somamente importante para Italia. En el Istituto Europeo estoy frecuentando un curso de italiano, un curso de libreto de ópera y un curso de canto con dos profesores; todos los cursos me gustan mucho. En particular, me gusta muchisimo la clase de libreto, el profesor Fabio es una persona muy amable, inteligente y tiene mucho vocabulario y facilidad para explicar una cosa, encuentra siempre los ejemplos. También la clase de canto con Valeria es muy buena, me aclaró muchas cosas, y con Diego lo mismo: es práctico, rápido, me gusta su forma de enseñar.

I was looking for language schools in Florence and Istituto Europeo came out first. Then I realized that Monica Benvenuti was teaching at Istituto Europeo. Basically yes, Monica made me decide to come to Istituto Europeo. I have a friend who studied here

with Monica Benvenuti and for this reason I knew that she is a great teacher. Monica expects a lot from me…but she’s very motivating. Here in Italy you have teachers that teach only one subject, they are specialized in one subject and this is good, because you can concentrate solely on one subject at one time.

When I was researching places to study in Italy, I came across Istituto Europeo and I kind of just knew I had to study here. I researched the teachers at Istituto Europeo and came across Susanna Rigacci. I listened to her singing on YouTube, then I spoke

to my teachers back home and they all agreed that she would be the right choice for me. Before coming here I was focusing completely on technique and Susanna gave me the opportunity to actually sing and blossom in my own singing style. The Study Abroad experience changed me in a lot of ways. It taught me to be independent: being alone in another country made me stronger mentally and taught me to be my own support system. I would definitely recommend this experience to students. Especially If you are studying opera as I do. I think it has helped me to grow, and to learn a lot. Studying Italian in Italy (as studying any language in its home country) is extremely helpful, because you are forced to speak it with people who don’t understand you. Studying Italian here helped me immensely to learn it much quicker. But also singing: where else you can study opera if not in Italy?

IE provides excellent language programs tailored to learners of all levels and across a variety fo disciplines. The instructors and the administrative staff are very competent, effective and helpful. IE is highly recommended to those looking for a gateway to la bella vita. There is really nothing better in Florence if you want to immerse yourself into the local culture and lifestyle and apprehending by first hand experience such a beautiful language as Italian. It doesn't really get any better than that, trust me!

Istituto Europeo gave me the perfect internship experience while in Florence. The internship had flexible hours, my coworkers and boss were all extremely warm and welcoming, and I had the chance to try out a job that focused on a different area than what I study at university (healthcare management). At first I was a little disappointed that my internship placement wasn't in a hospital or doctor's office, however I am delighted with my placement now because I've been able to learn new skills, meet different people, and learn about what it takes to run a business in a different industry successfully (jewelry).

The staff at IE were always very helpful when I needed them, and checked up from time to time to make sure that everything was okay both at work and in my apartment. I really loved the experience of being able to live in an apartment with students from different countries, and have made many international friends because of it!! I would recommend this program to anyone looking to intern in Florence because it is MUCH MUCH more affordable than other internship programs that provide the same services, and they additionally allow you the option to take an intensive italian language course while you're here (which was very helpful!!). I had a great experience this summer in Florence, and it's all thanks to IE!

Grazie per tutto, Istituto Europeo!!!

I had an amazing experience interning abroad in Florence, Italy. The program helped me find a great internship and housing and helped me throughout the whole process. My boss and supervisors at my workplace were extremely kind, understanding and flexible and I was able to learn a lot in a laid back, Italian envirnoment. I really enjoyed being able to experience another culture and actually live here. Living abroad is much different than just visiting, you have the opportunity to gain a respect and understanding for the culture, the place and the people. I am so glad I took this chance and lived in Italy for the summer, my future career and personal life will benefit from this experience.

When I was going to istituto Europeo to do my study abroad program I didn't know what to expect. I entered the room on the first day and it was just 6 of us during orientation. At first I was a little taken back, I was expecting a huge college program with different students from different universities from the states; that wasn't it at all. Long story short I really enjoyed the classes being small, it really gave us the opportunity to get to know our teachers and get on a personal level with them (professionally). I really enjoyed my time abroad at istituto Europeo, I would recommend anyone to go.

My internship at Istituto Europeo was fantastic! I got to spend my time writing about all the exciting things to see and do in Florence for the institute's blog. It was a great opportunity to gain working experience as well as delve deeper into the Italian culture. The administration were all sincere, kind, and helpful, and I enjoyed going to my internship every day. Rinaldo, the director of the institute, was always very helpful and attentive to my needs. If I had the opportunity, I would do it again without a doubt!