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
Nov 15, 2023
52 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.

Scholarships

AIFS Logo

AIFS Study Abroad Scholarships, Grants & Financial Support

We believe a study abroad experience is an essential component of well-rounded university education and we are committed to providing financial assistance to as many students as possible in support of their goal to study abroad. AIFS also offers internship and study abroad + internship blended programs to support the development of personal and professional skills.

Value
$500 - $5,000

Program Reviews

4.91 Rating
based on 56 reviews
  • 5 rating 91.07%
  • 4 rating 8.93%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 4.1
  • Support 4.8
  • Fun 4.9
  • Housing 4.8
  • Safety 4.85
Showing 1 - 8 of 56 reviews
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
18 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
26 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!
22 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
17 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
18 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.
17 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Melanie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

AIFS Florence

I have loved studying through my program. They are so helpful to students adjusting in a new city and provided lots of resources in Florence. They offer countless activities for their students to participate in, for no to little cost, such as cooking classes, concerts, wine tasting, etc. The classes students can enroll in are also especially engaging and taught by knowledgeable professors. All of the students are open to join program trips on weekends, to cities around Italy, that include guided tours and many learning opportunities.

Pros
  • Engaging
  • Helpful
  • Education
20 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kelsey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Highly recommend AIFS

Studying abroad with AIFS has been such an exciting experience. They offer many cool learning opportunities for students, like cooking classes and trips to other places in Italy. The classes offered in the program are quite unique to Italy, which is really cool because I wouldn't be able to take the classes at my home university. The meal plan with AIFS also introduces students to restaurants that we might have otherwise never tried. I definitely recommend studying with AIFS, they are very communicative with their students and want us to have a positive experience.

Pros
  • Opportunities
  • Unique classes
19 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.