Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Name: Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
Brand: ISA by WorldStrides
SKU: 15464
Rating: 4.94 (34 reviews)

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4.94 Rating

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Location

Italy
- Florence

Term

Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Art History Arts Business Communications Design Fashion Design Film History Hospitality Language Studies Marketing +1

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding

Health & Safety

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Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

High School Diploma

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Starting Price

2000

Price Details

Program Price Includes:
• Comprehensive Advising and Support
• Tuition at the Host University
• Official Transcript from Host University with ISA Cover Letter
• Housing
• Meals and Laundry Services
• Bridging Cultures Program
• Full-Time Resident Staff
• On-Site ISA Offices
• Computer and Internet Access
• Excursions
• The ISA Discovery Model
• Cultural Activities
• Medical Insurance
• Comprehensive Health, Safety and Security Support
• Airport Reception
• Visa Support
• Tutoring
• The Professional Development Toolbox
• Scholarship Opportunities

What's Included

Accommodation Some Activities

Last Updated: Jun 19, 2024

Last Reviewed: Feb 26, 2025

Wish List

75 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Study abroad in Florence, Italy at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) and Apicius International School of Hospitality (AISH) or at the New York Film Academy (NYFA). Students will spend time mastering their artistry in one of the most diverse artistic cities in the world in so many facets. They will explore all of the history and architecture that Florence has in store to get a lifetime worth of inspiration.

We offer excursions that are included in the program cost. Destinations include Rome, Cinque Terre, Siena, and central Italy. Students will immerse themselves in the culture of Italy during an amazing semester or summer abroad. Check out our website for all the details!

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Diversity & Inclusion 💙

BIPOC Support

Our team is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and staff. We have developed our Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders, particularly the needs of underrepresented student populations. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of our destinations. This information can be used to start your reflection about how your intersecting identities relate to the host community context.

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LGBTQIA+ Support

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Neurodivergent Support

ISA by WorldStrides is devoted to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of neurodivergence. Our Health & Safety team is available to answer questions about insurance and medication, as well as provide students with materials on overseas access to support.

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Accessibility Support

We are dedicated to facilitating quality programming to students with varying levels of accessibility. With our wide portfolio of program types and locations we’re confident there is a suitable and accessible program for each student. Accommodations abroad can be complex and take time, so those with accessibility needs should inform ISA of any accommodations requests as early as possible in the advising process. Please contact accessibilityteam@studiesabroad.com with questions or for more information.

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Impact 🌎

Sustainability

We have partnered with Fill it Forward to engage team members and program participants in waste reduction practices. The goal is to encourage the elimination of single-use waste. Every QR code scan shows the impact of reusable bottles and unlocks a donation to environmental impact groups.

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Ethical Impact

ISA by WorldStrides, a global organization, is committed to educate and serve communities worldwide. Our commitment is fueled by the passion of our team members and partners to make experiential learning accessible, while also being socially, environmentally, and ethically responsible. Together, we accomplish this by investing in initiatives to promote inclusion, diversity, and sustainability.

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Program Highlights

Florence is known as the cradle of Renaissance with artists such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Donatello, Botticelli, Lorenzo de Medici, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, Machiavelli, and more emerging from the city during the 15th and 16th centuries.
Europe’s three active volcanoes are all located in Italy: Etna and Stromboli are in Sicily, and Vesuvius is in the Campania region.
Italy, and southern Europe in general, has a laid- back culture. If you are interested in working to live, Italy is the place for you
The Italian peninsula is largely located in the Mediterranean Sea, with over 7,600 kilometers of coastline.
The historical sites in Italy make for a very unique learning experience.

Popular Programs

Florence University of the Arts

Located between the historic Palazzo Doni and Palazzo Guicciardini-Strozzi, the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is housed in a combination of historic palaces converted to modern academic buildings. With free access to internet, research labs, recording and art studio spaces, demo kitchens, fashion media labs, and numerous other facilities, you will enjoy a fusion of Florentine tradition and modernity!

New York Film Academy

The New York Film Academy (NYFA) Florence's campus is built on the remnants of an ancient amphitheater that was built 2,000 years ago and is located steps away from the Piazza Santa Croce. NYFA has been successfully providing unique summer study programs in Florence for 16 years and has welcomed more than 1,000 students from nearly 35 countries.

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating

based on 34 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 94.12%
4 rating 5.88%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.35
Support 4.8
Fun 4.85
Housing 4.65
Safety 4.8

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Solo Travelers

Showing 1 - 8 of 34 reviews

Studying abroad was truly the best experience of my life, and I would recommend it to absolutely anyone. Going into it, I was terrified—traveling to a foreign country alone without knowing anyone felt overwhelming. But taking that leap paid off in ways I never imagined. This experience gave me so much confidence in myself and a deep trust in my own abilities. I not only made lifelong friends and unforgettable memories, but I also left with a stronger, more fulfilling relationship with myself. Being immersed in different cultures firsthand is the best way to gain perspective, knowledge, and personal growth. A huge part of what made this experience so incredible was the support from ISA. From the very beginning, they provided guidance and reassurance, making the transition so much easier. I always felt safe knowing that if I ever needed help, I could rely on them. Their support allowed me to focus on enjoying my time abroad and truly making the most of every moment.

If you're on the fence about studying abroad—do it. It’s scary at first, but it’s an adventure that will change your life in the best possible way!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Do your research! Before you go, take the time to figure out what you want from this experience—what you want to gain, what memories you want to take home, and what’s most important to you. Set your priorities, whether that’s places you want to visit, food you want to try, or experiences you want to have.
Most importantly, don’t let anyone else dictate your experience. If the people you’re with don’t want to do something you’re excited about—go anyway! Some of the best memories come from stepping outside your comfort zone, even if it means going solo. This is your time, and it will fly by, so make sure you’re making the most of it in a way that’s meaningful to you. And also, remember, money comes back, but experiences last forever. Don’t let fear, hesitation, or finances keep you from making the most of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. You won’t regret investing in memories that will stay with you forever.

Pros

Better relationship with myself
Gained knowledge and perspective
Like-minded people

Cons

It's hard to keep a good routine
Can get expensive
It ends!!!

This was from the first time I saw the Ponte Vecchio. I was very excited and can still remember that feeling.

I studied abroad in the fall of 2024 with ISA by World Strides. It was an experience I will forever talk about. I met some of my best friends and got to travel throughout Europe while studying for my degree. During my time abroad, ISA staff members created fun little day trips for each of the students to go on which helped with meeting people and learning more about Italy. I stayed in the social hub which I would say is the best option for meeting people from other programs and from around the world.

What was the most nerve-racking moment and how did you overcome it?

The most nerve-racking moment was stepping off of the plane in Florence. You get a feeling full of excitement and nervousness. I think the most nerve-racking part about going abroad is meeting new people but once you find your people it is the best feeling in the world. I kept telling myself, everyone was feeling the same emotions as me.

Pros

Meeting new people.
The staff members being their for you when you need them.
The opportunities the porgram gives you to travel with them and also traveling to other countries.

Cons

Communication with the school itself.

First night in Italy - View from the social hub

I decided to study abroad in Florence, Italy, Fall of my senior year of college. I was super nervous (and had never been to Europe), but I wanted to challenge myself! All I can say, is this experience taught me more about myself than I ever could have imagined. I traveled to 13 countries, met amazing lifelong friends, and ate the most fabulous food. I am truly aching to get back to Europe and explore even more. I was terrified to do this (as many other students are), but I promise, with all of the support from your program, you are more than prepared to take on the journey! There is no better time to immerse yourself in a new environment and live abroad than during college! You grow so much and learn a new appreciation for your host country, as well as your actual home! I have never been more proud of myself for leaving my comfort zone and diving into the most amazing for months of my life. I miss it every single day!

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

Please, whatever you do, SAVOR EVERY MOMENT!!! A semester abroad sounds like a long time, but it flys by! The money comes back, but the experiences and time doesn't! I miss my little Italian life every single day!!!

Studying abroad in Florence with ISA was the best decision of my life. Being able to live in a new country and learn about a completely different culture and way of life is a once in a lifetime opportunity. There is no better way to learn than being able to learn through experiences. During the semester I was abroad, I was able to travel all throughout Italy as well as to many other countries all over Europe. Because of this program, I was able to meet some of my best friends and make many amazing memories. Through my time there, Florence truly became a second home, and I can't wait until I am able to be there again!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

If I were to do it again, I would have stayed in Florence more weekends. I went on a trip almost every weekend, which meant that I didn't really spend any long periods of time in my home city. I also wish I had done more day trips or quick overnight trips to smaller places around Italy. Studying abroad is your opportunity to get to know a country on a new level, so I wish I had taken advantage of that. I don't regret anywhere I went, but I wish I had spent a little more time in Florence as there are many things that I never got to do.

Pros

make long-lasting friendships
travel the world
learn a new language

The best 4 months of my life! Florence was a dream and I would giving anything and everything to go back. The city is filled with lots of history and offers something for everyone. The coffee, the pasta, the pizza, you name it and it was amazing. I lived in an apartment in the city and I recommend this! It was nice to be able to cook meals when wanted and to come back to a cozy place.

With Florence being a smaller city, it creates a home-like feel which made my abroad experience 10x better. The more I traveled, the more I appreciated the fact that it was a walkable city. I enjoyed getting to roam the streets of Florence and take in the culture and architecture it had to offer. I am constantly missing my view of the Duomo I had on my walks to class!

While Florence is a bit more expensive to fly out of compared to other cities, I was able to travel to a hand full of cities and countries without any issues. Seeing as there are so many surrounding cities to fly out of, it didn't downgrade my experience one bit.

If you are thinking of studying in Italy, I absolutely recommend Florence! You won't be disappointed!!

What was the most surprising thing you saw or did?

I traveled to Morocco for a weekend and while I was there we went to a Berber village. One woman there showed us how to make Moroccan Mint Tea and it was the coolest experience, along with, some of the best tea I've had!

Pros

Smaller city which gave off a home-like feel
Walkable
Sunsets at Piazzale Michelangelo

Cons

Expensive to fly out of

Such an amazing experience. I got to go with my best friend and we made so many friends and got to experience the amazing culture in Florence. I think living in an apartment off campus was such a key in feeling fully immersed. We got to cook at home and go out to restaurants. I recommend this! I did the J-term which was about two and a half weeks which was perfect for my schedule. I LOVE to travel however have only been overseas once before this so I was nervous about going a whole semester and this is a great way to ease into a longer trip. I really want to study abroad for longer again!

If you did this all over again, what's one thing you would change?

I would have traveled to other cities and gone for a longer time. I traveled to Rome one weekend but wished I planned other travels!

Pros

Education
Experience
Excitement

My experience was unique because I had never been to Europe before studying abroad. This was my first time for everything in Europe, and I think that’s really special. I had never been so far from home before, and it definitely made me very independent and develop new helpful problem solving skills. I ended up having so much fun in my classes abroad, and with my new friends that I am now inspired to help others through the study abroad process. I also didn’t know a single person studying abroad and that was a little nerve racking for me because I didn’t know what any one in my program was like or even who my roommates were. However, I think that my program did an amazing job at pairing me up with girls that are like me, to make living with strangers a lot smoother. A note I would leave for someone studying abroad in Florence for the semester is to say yes to everything, and do as much as you can. The semester goes by so so fast it almost feels like a dream when you come back, so you have to make the most of your time and enjoy every moment.

What was your funniest moment?

The funniest moment I remember was when my friends and I had a family dinner at one of our apartments, and we were all laughing about something, per usual. Amidst the laughter and fun, my one friend loves to take photos and she ended up taking a really silly photo of me eating. And of course, she showed everyone and we all hysterically laughed.

Pros

amazing food
found cool friends / travel buddies
interesting and fun classes

Cons

waited about 5 hours after landing to be driven to the apartment
apartment was a little far from my classes
wifi and electricity was unstable

I decided to spend an academic year studying in Florence, Italy, because my mother’s family is Tuscan and Sicilian, and I wanted to reconnect with my heritage. I stayed in a homestay with one roommate, and our host was a wonderful grandmother. She was incredibly kind and supportive, and I am so grateful for the year I got to spend with her.

While in Italy, I also traveled to ten other countries, experiencing their food, celebrations, shopping scenes, and more. Besides traveling, my time in Italy was one of the best periods of my life. I made close friends with many locals and foreigners who taught me their languages, cooking skills, and other cultural traditions.

What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?

There was a traditional Florentine sandwich called "Lampredotto" which was made from the 4th cow stomach. I tried it at first just for the experience but I actually fell in love with it. Its a super simple dish with just a green sauce on it but the taste and texture is unlike anything I've ever eaten before. It quickly became one of my staple dishes to get, I would probably eat one once a week.

Pros

Opportunity to Travel
Food
Architecture

Cons

Mandatory Activities

Questions & Answers

Is this program only offered to college students or can high school students apply as well?

Answer this question

Do you have to learn the language of where you travel?

Hi Mikayla, The short answer is that you don't have to learn the language of where you travel. There are many students who have studied abroad who haven't studied the language of where they end up traveling. However, with that said, knowing or studying the language can definitely help you feel more integrated into the culture in which you're living and help you to make closer and deeper...

By Troy Stiles on May 22, 2018

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Give us an intro!

Hi everyone! This is Leah and she’s from Pennsylvania, but currently attends college at Arizona State University!

Her major is Communication, and her minors are Special Event Management and Tourism Management. She enjoy’s window shopping, eating anything sweet, browsing Pinterest for some DIY ideas, and hibernating in the summer (it’s 105+ in Arizona).

Why did you pick this program?

Leah: I picked ISA Florence because I had been to Italy before and I loved everything about the culture. I picked Florence specifically because I found it less busy than Rome. Italy is magnificent and has wonderful history to explore and even better food to eat.

I knew Florence was the place I wanted to spend my four months both living and exploring. Florence University of the Arts was a perfect fit for me and the classes offered really peaked my interests.

What is the most important thing you learned abroad?

Leah: The most important thing I learned abroad is to get out of my comfort zone. That may sound obvious, but a lot of the time I really had to force myself out of my comfort zone and become independent in multiple areas of life.

I walked everywhere, which means I needed to learn to use a map and ask for directions! I am terrible at other languages, but I really needed to force myself to try speaking Italian to the locals and to keep trying when I failed.

I also learned to be by myself, whether that meant eating alone at cafes, going to museums or shopping at the markets. Going abroad I didn’t know anyone and that can feel like your starting over.

This was my opportunity to meet new and amazing people! While traveling to other countries I learned to take different public transportations, read transit lines, and I explored unknown cities.

What's your favorite story to tell about your time abroad?

Leah: UGH. There are so many stories I would love to share, but my favorite story is when I went paragliding in the Swiss Alps. Switzerland was one of my favorite countries to visit, and I knew immediately I wanted to have an experience I would never forget (besides living in Florence for four months).

Since skydiving was WAY to expensive I went with the next best thing: Paragliding. If you are not familiar with what exactly Paragliding is, it involves taking a cable car up a huge mountain (side note: I thought this was the worst part) and than hiking for about 10-15 minutes.

You are than attached to a harness and your guide, and finally you run off that mountain into the air. This experience was thrilling, and unbelievable. You’re in the air for about 20 minutes and the guide does crazy tricks (only if you feel comfortable though). What a view to see, those Swiss Alps are spectacular and I will never forget this experience. GO OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE –its wonderful.

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Leah: If you decide to do the ISA Florence Program, my biggest piece of advice is to take advantage of everything the program has. There are tons of classes to choose from, so choose what interests YOU! Also get to know the staff, they are wonderful people and extremely helpful. Take advantage of the weekend and day trips that are included, and the museum card you are provided with.

Finally, have FUN while on the program; take advantage of every single day you are in Florence. If you plan to travel to different countries every weekend than explore Florence during the weekdays, and take the time to actually see Italy (it is where you are studying after all!!!!).

What made this trip meaningful to you, or how did this trip change your perceptions, future path?

Leah: I have always been interested in traveling, but this study abroad experience opened my eyes even more to how wonderful and unique other cultures are. I met a lot of people from not only other countries, but also other states within the US and this helps build connections all over the world.

I realized how much I appreciate what I have in the U.S, but realized even more how much traveling shaped me into a better person. This trip helped me realize I want to do something in the future with my minor of Tourism more than my major Communication. I would love to pursue a job that includes travel or working in the Tourism Industry.

Most importantly I realized how much I still have left to see in the world and I am excited for my future. I saw a quote while scrolling through pinterest that describes everything perfect. “ We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open” - Jawaharlal Nehru

What are the top 5 restaurants, museums/sites, and cities to visit in Florence

Leah: Places to eat:

Gusta Pizza (PIZZA, HEART SHAPED, what could be better?)
Pino’s (Best sandwich’s YUM)
Ganzo (This is the Florence University of the Arts restaurant where the students at Apicius cooking school produce the most AMAZING food)
GROM gelato or Vivaldi (YES to gelato always)
“Bread Place” (Okay so I forget the name, but there was a cute little bread place it is located down the street from Vivaldi Gelato!)

Places to visit:

Uffizi Gallery
Galleria dell’Accademia (The David)
Pitti Palace

Haley Helfer

Lyndsey Sotwick

About ISA by WorldStrides

As a leader in international education for over thirty years, International Studies Abroad (ISA) by WorldStrides is dedicated to providing university and college level students the opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy a way of life other than their own. We offer a diverse portfolio of education abroad programs across Africa, Asia, Europe...