Location
  • Italy
    • Florence
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer, Winter
Subject Areas
Anthropology Archaeology Architecture Art History Business Communications Creative Writing Economics Education Fashion Design Film Food Science and Nutrition Geography Graphic Design History Interior Design International Business International Relations Journalism Literature Marketing Museum Studies Philosophy Psychology Religious Studies Theater Visual Arts Web Design +18
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment
Language
English

Pricing

Price Details
Pre-Departure Services:
- Advising, @api Online Resources, Orientation Materials and Support, Peer Mentors, Social Networking, and Scholarships.

On-site Services:
- Airport Reception, Resident Director, API Center, On-Site Orientation, Housing (Including Meals and Laundry with Some Options), Tuition, Tutoring, Language and Culture Tools, Medical and Life Insurance, Excursions (Overnight, Day and International in some locations), Social and Cultural Activities, API Learning and Engagement Badge Program, Welcome and Farewell Group Meals, and Volunteer Opportunities.

Re-entry Services:
- Re-Entry Materials and Support, Post-Program Evaluation, Transcript, Alumni-Network, and Development Opportunities.
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Some Activities Airport Transfers Classes Some Meals Travel Insurance Wifi
What's Not Included
Some Activities Airfare Some Meals
May 06, 2024
Jul 05, 2024
74 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

API students in Florence study at Lorenzo de’ Medici - The Italian International Institute (LdM). Come see this rich Italian culture first-hand on one of API's most popular programs! The campus is primarily located in a 13th century AD convent in the heart of Florence. LdM offers students a wide selection of courses from The School of Arts and Sciences, The School of Creative Arts, The School of Design and The School of Italian Language and Culture.

Live and study in the heart of Florence alongside a thriving international student community. Explore the birthplace of the Renaissance, and so much more of Italy with API's included excursions to places such as famous Cinque Terre, Venice, Tuscany, Rome and more!

For students who want one of the most unique study abroad experiences in Italy, check out the Two Italies Program in Florence and Tuscania. You'll take classes in these two fascinating Italian cities – getting the best of both worlds!

Video and Photos

Program Highlights

  • Walk the streets of Florence and relive the ancient history with the greats that have walked the same cobblestones
  • API Florence staff offer cultural activities within the city such as a glassblowing show, wine tastings (and pizza tastings!), soccer match, opera night, and more!
  • Excursions to nearby cities, cultural landmarks, historic sites, and more
  • Pre-departure, on-site, and re-entry services included
  • The birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is still a haven for artists and art lovers from across the globe

Popular Programs

Florence

API students who want to study abroad in Florence for a semester or summer may choose from over 400 courses at Lorenzo de’ Medici- Florence (LdM). Courses are available in a wide variety of subjects across the arts, humanities, business, and international relations. In addition to the free-elective course structure, several additional opportunities are available including internships, certificate programs, and professional development opportunities.

Sketching the Tuscania countryside

In this traveling study abroad program, students will split their semester between both of Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute’s (LdM) locations in Florence and Tuscania! Students follow a structured program of five 3-credit courses, which together focus on interesting issues that intersect with the broader experience of Italy.

API Florence students selfie over city

Embark on the adventure of a lifetime at Lorenzo de'Medici (LdM), one of Italy’s most established international higher education institutions. Then, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Florence igniting your passion for Italian culture. Explore architecture, art, and fashion, and discover bustling markets and the city’s culinary delights!

Program Reviews

4.84 Rating
based on 25 reviews
  • 5 rating 84%
  • 4 rating 16%
  • 3 rating 0%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.95
  • Support 4.95
  • Fun 4.8
  • Housing 4.85
  • Safety 4.75
Showing 1 - 8 of 25 reviews
Default avatar
Caterina
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Spending an Academic Year Abroad 2022-23

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.

What was your funniest moment?
Instead of traveling during break, I decided to go on a museum crawl of as many museums as I could fit into my schedule. During this, I climbed the dome of Santa Maria del Fiore- 464 steps! Behind me was a couple who were majorly afraid of heights, so I started to talk to them about the history of the dome and it's significance as it was a topic that I had just learned about in one of my several art history classes. I ended up gathering a group of people who listened to my story once we were at the top and they didn't know much about the dome. It also helped that I gave free tours at Santa Maria Novella, which helped me brush up on my group speaking skills
Pros
  • I learned a lot and traveled to many places in and around Florence as well as Italy itself
  • I got to see a lot of art through the many museums that Florence contains
  • I gained a better sense of surety of myself and my abilities as well as independence and self sufficiency
Cons
  • Lots of walking- if you are not prepared or able bodied and can't spend a lot on cabs, it can be killer. Each semester I walked 350 miles. When it rains, the cobblestone gets slick, so make sure to wear grippy boots
  • It can get very busy and crowded, you have to dodge a lot of people and be wary of scammers and pickpocketers.
  • The heating crisis is big here so you should bring a winter coat and thermals in order to stay warm. If you have to study or do work, go to a library as they will be heated- my hands froze solid in my apartment, so much so I couldn't move them.
23 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kaitlyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

BEST Year of My Life!

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
If you are worried about being able to satisfy your home university's requirements, I encourage you to explore this program. When I was in your shoes, there were very few programs elsewhere that had enough courses available to satisfy an entire year's worth of study.
170 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Juliana
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Truly A Life Changing Experience

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.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
My advice would be to take advantage of everything Florence has to offer because once your back home you're gonna wish you had done more. Even if you're tired from the day, go to the Michaelangelo steps whenever you can, I miss watching the sunset so much! Go for tons of walks, make friends with the locals, and immerse yourself into the culture, it will only make your experience that much better!
165 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Katie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Semester of my Life

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
I feel that in new cultures there are always some very unique foods. I definitely stepped out of my comfort zone here and tried to always try something fun off the menu. I tried a wild boar sauce pasta and lots more seafood than I have ever eaten before!
150 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Hailey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

The MOST Beautiful Month

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.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
Two words: wild boar. Most interesting meat I've ever tried thanks to Florence. They really love to serve it over there, definitely worth a try. Oh, and rabbit. I tried rabbit gnocchi and let's just say it was very interesting.
170 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Jill
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Great and friendly API Staff

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!

What would you improve about this program?
I truly had a positive experience with API and have no specific recommendations on how to improve the program.
180 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Kristie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Best Experience of My Life

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!

168 people found this review helpful.
Default avatar
Cole
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Time of my life

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.

167 people found this review helpful.

Questions & Answers

Our semester programs typically include 2-3 daytrips as well as 1-2 weekend trips around Italy! Summer programs also include daytrips within the cost of the program. API also includes cultural activities within Florence itself such as culinary classes, walking tours, gelato runs, play and operas, museum visits, etc. Activities and excursions may vary by session so please check our website or give...

API has a special housing form where you can request to live with a particular person or group of people. We do our best to accommodate mutual roommate requests for your time abroad. If you don't have someone in mind to room with, we do include questions on habits, study preferences, lifestyle preferences, etc. to match you with like-minded participants. If you have any additional questions about...

We love that students want to take advantage of traveling around Europe while studying abroad. Students use a variety of ways to travel so it depends on your plans, destinations, and budget. Some students love using cheap flights like EasyJet, RyanAir, or other budget airlines. Other students use trains and buses to get where they need to go for a weekend adventure as they're easy to navigate and...

Hi, you can travel by yourself. I traveled to a few cities on my own during the week at one point. Also, API plans weekend trips for you but you aren't necessarily required to attend so you can travel elsewhere during that time. Also during your free weekends you are free to travel.