ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

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

I loved my time abroad in Florence. As someone with italian heritage, I fell in love with the culture, lifestyle, and language in Italy in a more tangible way living and studying there. My Nonno encouraged me to study in Florence, specifically, because they have incredible programs encouraging artistry and education, and the views, history and architecture surrounding you in the city are simply incredible.

Florence is more like a small town, than a big city. It feels like you're in a place you know and love, and you get to experience the everyday lifestyle of a Florentine as you stroll the streets, eat pasta, (and other regional dishes like bistecca fiorentina, lampredotto, tartufo, etc) drink one euro cappuccinos, connect with the locals, and visit the markets. It genuinely felt like a dream almost everyday.

I always felt safe walking alone to and from my apartment near Ponte Vecchio, and appreciated the easy access, and consistent business of the city around me as I ventured out on my own.

I was quick to make friends, and my only encouragement would be to branch outside of the American friends you will automatically create in your program! I connected with a friend and her friends, who were locals from Florence at a nearby restaurant, and continued to meet European students that I wouldn't otherwise have met if not for living in Italy at the same time. I opted for the Italian Language program that ISA offered, and they partnered me with an Italian student to work on my language skills and offer assistance in English as we learned together.

Florence hold a deeply special place in my heart, and I still have friends and owners in the city who I stay in contact with. I loved it so much so that I am considering going back to the University I studied at through ISA to get my masters in Visual Media!

If you're hesitating, go live 'la dolce vita'; I promise you will only grow and experience the beauty of a lifestyle entirely different than your own, and consistently find yourself beaming with the joy of living abroad and all the adventures ahead of you.

Florence was the best home base! The city itself is amazing and you can do so many different things in your free time. It also allows for easy travel to other amazing places. I traveled to nine different countries in the span of my four months studying abroad. I was immersed into the culture and had experiences that I would never trade. I kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland, white water rafted in Croatia, played blackjack in Monaco, swam in the baths in Budapest. I was able to do and see so many amazing things.

Studying abroad through ISA was the greatest thing to happen to me.
Florence is a magical city. Incredible food, so much history easy access to travel around Europe- I cannot imagine a better place to have spent my four months abroad. I learned so much about other cultures and discovered so much about myself during my time there. I cannot recommend this place and program enough.
What truly made this experience unforgettable was the people I met. I arrived knowing no one, and by the time I left, I had found my best friends in the world. The professors at FUA inspired and challenged me to expand my perspective. And the staff along the way made my experience so seamless. The only downside to the experience was having to leave. Florence will always hold a special place in my heart!

I studied abroad in 2022. It was the best experience of my life and part of that is thanks to ISA! I was paired with the best roommates in a charming, modern apartment. Studying abroad will allow you to meet such unique people and truly learn more about yourself in the process of learning the culture. Florence had something for everyone, whether it be the art, food, history, or nightlife. The city is walkable, so you never have to worry about finding a taxi! If you are thinking about studying abroad, DO IT! You will not regret it!

From the moment I arrived to the moment I left, I had to pinch myself. I was driven from the airport to my apartment which was on the beautiful square of Piazza Della Signoria. From here, I attended an informative orientation and met my peers who quickly became lifelong friends. We enjoyed the excursions offered through ISA as well as several self-planned trips. Beyond these leisurely activities, I gained invaluable knowledge at FUA. I felt truly immersed into the Italian culture. I would recommend it anyone!

ISA provided many excursions and accommodations that made the experience amazing. Florence is an amazing place it felt like a dream. My favorite part was my roomates and I trip to Amalfi which again was very student friendly. I would love to go back I even made so many friends that live there that I would love to see again. I also gained so much knowledge about another culture and felt like I was fully immersed. School was amazing too. Classes were great and teachers were very hands on and gave great recommendations for things around the city!

My time in Florence, Italy with ISA was the best time of my life! I could not recommend this program more. I made memories to last a lifetime and I am so grateful for my experience. The ISA staff was wonderful and very helpful. The opportunity to live and learn in a new country is so special - getting to try new food, meet new people, and experience a new culture is all a great part of getting to study abroad. I encourage everyone to study abroad in any capacity as it is great learning experience for young people.