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Study Sustainability & Project-based Learning in Florence, Italy

Study Sustainability & Project-based Learning in Florence, Italy

Authentica
Authentica Study Abroad
5 · 2 reviews
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Authentica Study Abroad

 5 · 2 reviews
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Location
  • Italy
    • Florence
Term
Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Environmental Studies Global Studies Sustainable Development

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
High School Diploma Associates Bachelors Masters
Housing
Apartment
Language
Italian

Pricing

Starting Price
5670
Price Details
Spring 2026- USD $17900
Summer 2026- USD $5670
What's Included
Accommodation Some Activities Classes Some Meals Transportation Wifi
What's Included (Extra)

Guided visit of a Florence museum
Guided market visit & cooking class
Basic Italian language class
Walking neighborhood orientation
24/7 Authentica staff assistance
Co-curricular activities
Bus pass for program duration
All course materials
Airport pickup and transportation to accommodation

What's Not Included
Airfare SIM cards Travel Insurance Visa
Sep 19, 2025
Sep 29, 2025
Wish List
0 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

Spend Spring (semester) or Summer 2026 in Florence, Italy with Authentica!

Experience Italy’s leadership in sustainability, from the Slow Food movement to renewable energy, circular economy, and smart city initiatives, while exploring challenges like over-tourism and regional disparities. Engage directly through hands-on coursework, co-curricular experiences, and professional development opportunities.

Explore SDG-related issues on field visits and participate in workshops, seminars, volunteering, and networking events focused on sustainable business and professional skills.

Dive into Florence’s culture with:
Guided visits to major museums
Market tours and cooking classes
Basic Italian lessons
Welcome and farewell dinners
Neighborhood walking orientations
One-day excursion to either a sustainable farm, a medieval Tuscan town, Bologna, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, or San Gimignano

Earn up to $1,000 in flight credits and compete for SCALE scholarships covering up to 100% of program fees.

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Apply Now

Video and Photos

Study abroad in Florence, Italy with Authentica
Florence Cathedral
Study Abroad in Florence, Italy with Authentica
Palazzo Pitti, Florence
Porta Romana, Florence

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Program Highlights

  • Get 6 credits in summer or up to 15 in semester through project-based learning, sustainability coursework, and electives in Florence, Italy.
  • Earn up to $1000 in flight credits + up to 100% of scholarship coverage. Join our Changemaker Crew and be an advocate for purpose-driven study abroad on your home campus.
  • Live in shared student apartments with kitchen access, WiFi, linens, and a washing machine. Or choose a homestay for a more immersive experience, including meals, laundry, and a private room.
  • Enjoy a one-day excursion to either a sustainable farm, medieval Tuscan town, Bologna, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, or San Gimignano, plus guided Florence museum visits and market cooking classes.
  • Includes 6 hours of basic Italian language classes, welcome/farewell dinners, neighborhood orientation, weekly Florence activities, and a bus pass for easy city transportation.

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Program Reviews

5.00 Rating
based on 2 reviews
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  • Academics 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
Theodore
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Perfect mix of learning and fun in Florence

Sep 29, 2025

Florence with Authentica was honestly the perfect combo of studying and having a great time. The program was super engaging — we got to learn about sustainability and innovation in ways that didn’t feel like “school,” because we were actually visiting places and meeting people doing the real work. It made the concepts click in such a cool way.

And then outside of sessions… it was just pure fun. Exploring the streets of Florence, eating way too much gelato, discovering little cafés, and just hanging out with friends in a city that feels like an open-air museum. The best part was that it never felt too heavy — there was always the right balance between learning and enjoying. I left with new ideas, new memories, and honestly, a new love for Italy.

24 people found this review helpful.
Helpful
Natalie
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Life changing experience in Florence with Authentica

Sep 18, 2025

Going to Florence with Authentica was honestly such a cool experience. The program was all about sustainability and innovation, but what I liked was that it wasn’t just lectures or slides. We actually got to visit places and meet people in Florence who are doing real work in sustainable fashion, food, and design. It made everything feel so much more real and inspiring.

And of course, being in Florence was amazing. The city itself is gorgeous and has this mix of history and creativity that makes you want to learn more. After sessions, we’d just wander around, grab gelato, or sit in little cafés, and it felt like the perfect balance of learning and exploring. I came back not just with notes for class, but with new ideas about how sustainability fits into everyday life.

What is your advice to future travelers on this program?
I’d say keep an open mind and be ready to jump into everything. Talk to the speakers, ask questions, and don’t be shy about joining discussions – it really makes the experience better. Also, Florence is super walkable, so comfy shoes are a must. Try local food, explore side streets, and don’t just stick to touristy stuff. Oh, and definitely bring a little extra space in your bag… you’ll want to bring souvenirs home!
Pros
  • You actually get to see sustainability and innovation in action through real company and community visits, not just in theory.
  • Florence itself is the perfect setting – super walkable, full of culture, and inspiring everywhere you go.
  • The program balances learning with free time, so you still have space to explore, hang out, and enjoy the city.
Cons
  • Home sickness
27 people found this review helpful.
Helpful

Questions & Answers

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Lorenzo Ciccarelli

Program
Study Sustainability & Project-based Learning in Florence, Italy
Job Title
Program Director for Italy
With over 25 years of experience in international education and study abroad programs, combined with a solid background in the hospitality industry across multiple countries and roles, Lorenzo brings a strong focus on logistics, operations, academics, and student services.

His expertise spans program development, internships, and faculty-led initiatives, always ensuring meaningful and enriching experiences for American students abroad. He is passionate about cultural exchange, sustainability, and human empowerment through connections. Lorenzo thrives on creating impactful opportunities aligned with regional expertise and transformational learning. Fluent in five languages, he enjoys building global connections and delivering exceptional service with enthusiasm and dedication.
Lorenzo smiles happily beside his dog in the countryside

Staff Spotlight: Lorenzo

What is your favorite travel memory?

One of my favorite travel memories is a road trip I took as a child with my family through Morocco. We set off with just a tent and an open itinerary, stopping wherever the journey led us. We spent nights in remarkable places, surrounded by breathtaking landscapes, and embraced the country’s rich culture. Without the constraints of a fixed plan, we were free to immerse ourselves fully—meeting kind people, discovering hidden gems, and experiencing Morocco with a spirit of curiosity and adventure. It’s a trip that shaped the way I think about travel to this day.
 

How have you changed/grown since working for your current company?

Joining Authentica has allowed me to bring my personal commitment to sustainability into my professional work. I’ve deepened my understanding of the mission and developed the skills to contribute meaningfully, becoming more adaptable, proactive, and thoughtful in addressing the challenges educators face.
 

What is the best story you've heard from a return student?

One of the most inspiring stories I’ve heard from a returned student is about their semester in Florence. Immersed in the city’s culture and sustainability initiatives, they returned to the U.S. with a genuine commitment to active sustainability—changing daily habits, advocating for environmental responsibility, and inspiring their community. Today, they are working for an NGO in Costa Rica, turning their passion into meaningful work. It’s truly rewarding to see how travel and cultural immersion can transform awareness into real-world impact.
 

If you could go on any program that your company offers, which one would you choose and why?

As a student many years ago, I didn’t have the same opportunities available today. If I could choose any Authentica program, I’d be tempted to explore Southeast Asia—volunteering and immersing myself in the local culture. Choosing the right program is tough; it’s important to align it with personal passions, beliefs, and interests.
 

What makes your company unique? When were you especially proud of your team?

Authentica is unique because it combines immersive travel with meaningful impact. Its semester programs in Barcelona and Florence, along with other offerings, let students fully engage with new cultures while contributing positively, fostering personal growth, global awareness, and a lasting commitment to sustainability. Although I’m relatively new to the team, what makes me proud is seeing the passion each member brings to their work. Everyone genuinely believes in what we do and is fully committed—not just to delivering great programs, but to promoting sustainability. Each team member brings an incredible addition to our shared values, making the impact we create even stronger.
 

What do you believe to be the biggest factor in being a successful company?

I believe the biggest factor in being a successful company is a clear mission, passionate and committed people, and the ability to adapt while staying true to core values. Success comes from aligning purpose with action, fostering collaboration, and creating meaningful impact. At Authentica, we are moving at a fast pace, and I truly believe we are on the right path. Especially at this time, it’s crucial to be both impactful and agile in driving transformation.
 
Gina poses for a professional headshot
Gina Mahfood
VP of Institutional Relations and Student Experience

Location

Location:
Florence
Currency:
Euro
Weather:
Jan-Mar
61 F / 36 F
Apr-Jun
82 F / 45 F
Jul-Sep
90 F / 57 F
Oct-Dec
70 F / 37 F
Airports:
Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola
( FLR )

Gelato festival is April should be enough to get your attention, but this won't be the only thing that keeps you coming back for more. Florence sits in the Tuscany region and is regarded for its artistic history and worldly views.

About Authentica Study Abroad

Authentica is a mission-driven organization dedicated to advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) through place-based learning. Our career-focused study abroad programs integrate academic excellence, global exposure, and real-world impact, ensuring students gain the skills needed to succeed in an interconnected world. By...

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