Hosted by ISA (International Studies Abroad)

ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Name: ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
Brand: ISA (International Studies Abroad)
SKU: 15464
Rating: 4.93 (28 reviews)

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4.93 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: Jul 12, 2024

Wish List

73 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.

ISA offers 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 the ISA website for all the details!

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Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA 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 ISA 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

Our team at ISA is committed to providing exceptional support through identity-focused advising and resources for students, university partners, and ISA staff. We have developed our ISA Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee to help serve all students and stakeholders. Our country-specific diversity pages offer information about the societies and cultural history of ISA 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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Neurodivergent Support

ISA is committed 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

ISA is committed 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

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

4.93 Rating

based on 28 reviews

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Rating Spread Study

5 rating 92.86%
4 rating 7.14%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 4.25
Support 4.75
Fun 4.85
Housing 4.65
Safety 4.75

Good for Students, Adventure travelers, Foodies

Showing 1 - 8 of 28 reviews

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

I recently completed my study abroad experience with ISA in Florence, Italy. The staff at ISA were extremely helpful and took time to thoroughly answer every question I sent their way. In Florence, the staff were some of the nicest people i’ve ever met and genuinely cared about me and my peers. I decided to study abroad alone and was really nervous leading up to departure, but ISA provides such great care and lasting friendships. When I arrived in Florence, I was greeted by a staff member and transported to my apartment quickly and easily. I went on two excursions through my program, Pisa, Siena and San Gimignano, where ISA provided comfortable transportation and guided tours of the cities. I also had a wonderful experience with the apartment ISA assigned for me, with it being located in walking distance to the city center as well as grocery stores and restaurants right next door. In Florence, I took three fashion classes and a wine and city class. Each class was always so fun and I enjoyed going to museums, tasting food I would have never tried and meeting locals. I truly had the time of my life and will cherish the memories and friendships forever.

My experience with ISA and their study abroad program in Florence, Italy, was absolutely incredible. From the moment I arrived, I was immersed in the rich culture and history of this stunning city. ISA's program was meticulously organized, ensuring a seamless blend of academics and exploration. The staff was incredibly supportive, providing guidance and assistance every step of the way. I had the opportunity to live like a local, studying in historic buildings and indulging in authentic Italian cuisine. ISA made my dreams of studying in Italy a reality, offering personalized support that allowed me to focus on my studies and fully embrace the Florentine lifestyle. This transformative experience not only broadened my academic horizons but also enriched my personal growth in ways I could never have imagined.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

For future travelers considering ISA's study abroad program in Florence, Italy, my advice is to embrace every moment with an open mind and a spirit of adventure. Prepare in advance by familiarizing yourself with the basics of the Italian language and culture to navigate daily interactions and show respect for local customs. Engage with the local community to gain invaluable cultural insights and stay organized by keeping track of important documents, deadlines, and schedules. Take full advantage of the academic offerings by studying in historic buildings and learning from knowledgeable professors who can provide unique perspectives. Explore the city’s rich art, history, and culture by visiting museums, historical sites, and local markets. Balance your time by building a routine and forming connections in Florence while also taking the opportunity to travel. Document your journey with a journal, blog, or photo diary to capture your memories. Lastly, be open to new experiences, try new foods, participate in cultural activities, and step out of your comfort zone. Embracing the unfamiliar will enrich your experience and make your time in Florence unforgettable.

Pros

Cultural Diversity
Personal Growth
Exploration

Cons

Cost
Homesickness
Language Barrier

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy through ISA was the experience of a lifetime. The program was in the Fall of 2023, from the end of August until Mid-December. Although I wanted to stay forever, this timeline was a perfect amount of time away from my home university at UCLA. ISA set 4 of my friends and me up with a wonderful apartment, right on the edge of the city center and the residential area. They were extremely helpful in providing us with anything we needed, from kitchen supplies to a spare key when I was once locked out! Florentines were extremely welcoming and excited to share their culture with us, making this experience more immersive and culturally enriching. The classes offered were also so fascinating and fun! I can't recommend the program enough.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?

My advice would be to get as involved in the community as possible! Florence is a small but mighty city, with passionate residents. They are all super excited about sharing their beautiful culture, history and city with you, so you should definitely take advantage of that. I did a weekly pilates class in Italians, which was a fun way for me to do something I love in a Florentine way!

Pros

Walkable City
Rich History & Art
Inexpensive

Cons

Poor public transportation

Studying abroad was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I had never felt so excited about my life and engaged in what I was learning. It was an experience that made me learn so much about who I am and what I wanted to do with my life. I made friends that I will have for a lifetime and found a mentor who has helped me find my path. Studying abroad opened doors for more opportunities in the US as well. After studying at FUA Apicius I was granted an incredible opportunity to do a program in New York City cooking for the James Beard foundation. The ISA blog program also gave me experience in my field of digital media. I cannot think of a more valuable incredible time of my life and I cannot wait for the day I return to Florence. I now plan to study for a whole semester in Spain to continue the incredible experiences and learn more about the world.

What was your funniest moment?

Interacting with the chefs and

My semester in Florence was nothing short of amazing! Instead of staying in student housing, I chose the homestay option so that I could be fully immersed in the Italian culture. I took fashion design, leather handbag construction, clothing construction and styling classes, and what better place to learn fashion than the Home of Fashion?! I was truly in heaven with all of the fashion, food, and history. Traveling with friends and family to Rome, Pisa, Venice, Milan, and more put the cherry on top

What was your funniest moment?

My mom and aunt came to visit me for a week before Thanksgiving, and we traveled to San Gimignano to do a Vespa Wine Tour. Our tour guides made this excursion so fun! We rode the vespas through the hills of San Gimignano, did wine tasting and ate pasta with a beautiful view, and had a mini concert with the other group and our guides on the way back to the hotel. This day was one I will never forget!

Pros

Quality of life
City pace
Access to luxury

Cons

Pickpocketers
Exchange interest

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 (International Studies Abroad)

As a leader in international education for over thirty years, ISA is dedicated to providing university and college level students the opportunity to discover, learn, and enjoy a way of life other than their own. ISA offers a diverse portfolio of education abroad programs across Africa, Asia, Europe, Latin America, and the Pacific. Our worldwide...