Location
  • Italy
    • Florence
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring
Subject Areas
Architecture Art History Arts Business Classical Studies Communications Culinary Arts Cultural Studies Economics English European Studies Fashion Design Film Global Studies History Humanities International Business International Relations Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Music Philosophy Photography Political Science Psychology Religious Studies Service Learning Sociology Theology Visual Arts Women's Studies +23
General grants/scholarships, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
AIFS Abroad is a premier provider of study abroad programs. Program fees cover tuition and housing, and over 50% of our study abroad participants receive financial support from AIFS Abroad in the form of scholarships or grants. Coordinated AIFS Flight Packages with major airlines are also available.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance
What's Included (Extra)

Round trip flights, airport transfers and 2-night stopover in London included for students on the optional AIFS Abroad Flight Package.

Feb 15, 2024
Jul 08, 2024
63 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Spend a summer, semester or academic year in Florence with AIFS Abroad. Earn up to 16 credits studying from Fairfield University. No previous Italian language study is required.

Select the Traditional Academic Program to begin or advance your Italian language and select courses from a variety of subjects. During Spring semester, a Fashion Management and Marketing Program is also available.

The program includes a one-week orientation. Fall semester orientation is on the coast of Tuscany, while orientation for spring semester is in Rome.

Live in an Italian homestay or a shared student apartment. Both housing options include a meal plan.

You’ll enjoy cultural and social activities including:
• Guided city walks
• Visits to museums
• Italian cooking classes
• Day trips to Pisa, Lucca and the Vespa Factory.
Fall students take a 3-day trip to Rome. Spring students take a 5-day trip to Rome. All students enjoy 2-days in Venice and a day trip to Siena.

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.

LGBTQIA+ Support

At AIFS Abroad, we want to support all participants in their study/internship abroad journey, inclusive of gender, race, religion, age, physical ability, or sexual orientation. Everyone has a complex identity, and faith, spirituality, and religion are important factors when deciding on a program location.

Accessibility Support

Everyone’s experience is unique. We recognize the location you choose can have an impact on your sense of belonging. We encourage you to use the information below as you review your options to select the program and location that will be the best choice for you. If you do not hold the identities that are amplified here, this information is still a great resource for you as well. It will give you a better understanding of those who have this identity.

Impact

Sustainability

In response to the overwhelming global climate crisis, AIFS Abroad is pleased to make Sustainability a key priority when considering organizational, operational, and programming decisions. We understand that the only way to effectively combat this crisis and mitigate the effects of climate change is to drastically reduce our environmental impact. Therefore, AIFS Abroad has committed to reaching carbon neutrality by the year 2025. AIFS Abroad is proud to announce we have signed the CANIE Accord, becoming the first US provider to make this commitment.

Program Highlights

  • Earn up to 16 credits and transcript issued by Fairfield University
  • Internship opportunities available
  • No previous Italian language study required
  • 3-day trip to Rome (Fall) or 5-day trip to Rome (Spring) & 2-day visit to Venice
  • Meal vouchers for five breakfasts (or lunches) and five dinners a week in specified local restaurants

Popular Programs

AIFS Abroad Florence

Spend the summer in the classic city of Florence, Italy with AIFS Abroad ! You’ll earn up to 10 credits from Fairfield University. Courses are taught in English or Italian with no previous Italian language study required.
In Florence, you’ll enjoy cultural activities such as:
• Museum visits
• Concerts, operas and ballets
• Cheese tasting
• Gelato tasting
• Food and wine pairing
• Day trips to Pisa, Cinque Terre, Siena and the Tuscan coast.

Spring Farewell Dinner

Students enroll in the following required courses: INTN 310 International Internship (3 credits) and SOCI 360 Italian Culture and Traditions (3 credits). In addition, students also enroll in 2 3-credit courses from the regular offering of courses on the Traditional Academic Program. Students may also add a 1-credit optional Italian Art: Selected Topics course, taught primarily during the field trips to Rome and Venice for a maximum of course load of 13 credits.

Florence Painting Class

Earn 3 credits studying either Art History, Painting, Photography, Food Culture and Fashion Communication, all taught in English. Italian Language is also available. Florence itself plays a vital role in your study and becomes your open-air classroom with fascinating hands-on experiences. The art classes will make great use of Florence’s beautiful scenery with classes on location around the city and unforgettable walking tours to capture all the hidden treasures.

Program Reviews

4.91 Rating
based on 58 reviews
  • 5 rating 91.38%
  • 4 rating 8.62%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.15
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.9
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 58 reviews
Default avatar
Kade
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A Wonderful Summer Abroad

I chose their 7 week summer program and had a fantastic time. The staff is wonderful, extremely helpful, and accommodating. The program includes meal vouchers which was a great way to explore restaurants around the city and try new things. My classes fit well into my degree plan. I feel like this trip has given me more insight into what I'd like to pursue with my degree than my home university! The three week class was fast paced, understandably so, but I still gained a lot from it. Be prepared to study when you can, get started on your essays early, and try to rest! Classes start the Monday after you arrive.

My apartment building was filled with other AIFS students, so by the end of our stay we all knew each other well. Each apartment had its own charm, utilities were included, we even had air conditioning! It seemed like some roommates weren't well matched, either by the lack of other students or trying to group interns with interns. However, it worked out in the end. Honestly, part of the experience is learning to handle hard situations and deal with different people.

The excursions were fun and completely worth the time and money going on. The trips to Venice and Rome were extremely worth it for the price paid. They handle all the transportation, accommodations, and tickets to sightseeing places. Breakfast is included but lunch and dinner were not. Our guide was extremely knowledgeable and what you learn is more than what a normal guide would give. The trips you can sign up for on the side were almost always £20 and also worth going on.

Overall, it was an amazing experience! Florence is beautiful and the program was great. I'd love to do it again in a heartbeat. If you're like me, don't let the price intimidate you! It's well worth the cost and what you gain in experience.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
Be prepared to try new things and don't be afraid to do it on your own!
Pros
  • Amazing staff
  • Fun excursions
  • Time to explore on your own
Cons
  • Not a lot of time to acclimate before classes start
  • Mismatched roommates
  • Not much time to rest. It was Go Go Go (fun! But a lot)
3 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Chanel
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Florence study abroad-Best experience ever!

Embarking on the AIFS Florence Study Abroad Program was one of the most transformative experiences of my academic journey. From the breathtaking landscapes to the rich cultural heritage, Florence served as an unparalleled backdrop for an unforgettable adventure.

One of the most commendable aspects of the program was its seamless integration of academics and cultural immersion. The curriculum, designed offered a diverse range of courses taught by knowledgeable professors who were passionate about their subjects. My personal favorite course was Marketing of Italian luxury fashion. Whether delving into Italian fashion or mastering the nuances of the Italian language, each class was an opportunity for intellectual growth and exploration.

Beyond the classroom, AIFS provided a plethora of experiential learning opportunities that allowed students to engage directly with Italian culture. From guided tours of renowned museums to cooking classes led by local chefs, every activity was thoughtfully curated to deepen our understanding of Italian traditions and customs.

Living in Florence for a semester provided a unique opportunity for personal growth and self-discovery. Immersing myself in the vibrant local community allowed me to develop many intercultural skills and forge lifelong friendships with fellow students from around the world. Overall, AIFS provides students with an amazing program,an ideal housing situation, and engaging courses and excursions that will contribute to lifelong memories.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
pear ravioli-it was SOOO good!
28 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Maeghan
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS study abroad

I absolutely love AIFS! I chose to study abroad in Florence during the fall of my senior year. The program is very intimate, and the class sizes are just perfect, so you can really get to know your classmates and professor. AIFS feels like a family, not just a school program. Each of the faculty genuinely cares about you as a student, and is so welcoming every day. The weekend excursions within the program are so fun to get to explore new cities and all the history!
Definitely choose to go AIFS

Pros
  • weekend trips included
  • monthly activities
  • intimate classes and field trips
Cons
  • no Italian students
43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hannah
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Study Abroad!

I have thoroughly enjoyed my study abroad experience so far. I was very nervous to travel to a new country and start life in a new city as I came into this program not knowing anyone and never traveling outside of the US prior. The AIFS staff has made me and all of my peers feel so welcome into this community and has guided us to discover our place here in Florence and push us to reach success! I feel so grateful to have such a great support system and to have made so many amazing friends since coming here. There is so much to learn and experience while studying abroad and AIFS helps expose us to the culture and lifestyle. We are provided so many opportunities to step out of our comfort zone and try new things through AIFS!

Pros
  • Independence
  • New experiences
  • Worldly knowledge
54 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Alexa
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS

AIFS provides really interesting and fun classes outside of major specific classes which is really nice. I appreciate how AIFS goes out of their way to incorporate different events for students to be engaged in the community and learn more about florence. I love all of the events like cooking classes, tours, and numerous activities to meet more people and have a good time. AIFS staff is very welcoming and approachable and truly wants the best for the students. I would highly recommend studying in Florence through AIFS!

Pros
  • Meeting new people
  • Learn a new language
  • Traveling and exploring!
53 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Lauren
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS Abroad in Florence

Choosing to study abroad with AIFS Abroad in Florence was one of the best decisions I could have made. Through this program, I was able to really immerse in rich and authentic Italian food and culture. Additionally, I was given the opportunity to travel so ten different countries which has been one of my big goals in life. Not to mention, I got to establish a close relationship with my professors and made so many new friends. Studying abroad was something I really wanted to do during my college experience and I am so glad that I got to do it through AIFS Florence. :)

Pros
  • Ability to Travel
  • Small Program that is Great for Academics
  • Amazing Activities Included in the Program
Cons
  • Housing Is Hit or Miss
  • Meal Plan Sometimes Doesn’t Work for People with Allergies
  • Some Activities You Have to Pay For
43 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Katherine
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Amazing Program!

AIFS in Florence has truly been a life changing experience. The support staff here is amazing, the classes are interesting, and there are so many cool outings and trips within Florence and in other places in Italy. The small class sizes have helped me learn so much and push myself out of my comfort zone. Apartment living in the city center makes all of us truly be able to be immersed in Florentine culture. I would absolutely recommend this program to any student who wants to be a part of this amazing city with a caring support system.

Pros
  • small class size
  • volunteer opportunities
  • cultural immersion
44 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Sidney
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS Florence

I spent a fall semester in Florence, Italy and it was so fun! The academics were challenging, but there was still time to go out and explore Florence and so many other parts of Europe.
AIFS was helpful during the application process and throughout the semester. They set up many opportunities for excursions and activities. My favorite trip that they set up was a weekend in Rome.
They also set up events where you could get into many different museums in Florence. Each class was interesting in its own way; they all had different field trips built in throughout the semester.

Pros
  • Great excursions through the program!
  • Easy access to so much history!
  • Helpful support from the staff throughout the semester!
Cons
  • Somewhat overwhelming for someone from a smaller town.
43 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Yes, this program is open to seniors.

You don't have to know any Italian! I hadn't taken any Italian classes prior to studying abroad and I knew maybe three words total before I went over. You will have to enroll in Italian classes through AIFS while you are studying there, but you need no prior experience with the language.

Do it! I spent a summer in studying Art History in Perugia (about 2 hrs south of Florence) and didn't know a lick of Italian. Particularly in a place like Florence you don't need to know much Italian to get by, other than learning how to order gelato. While you're there though you should definitely take a language class. It helps make the experience more authenticate and memorable.