Making the Most of Florence: Studying Abroad in Italy
LOCATION
Florence is the capital city of Tuscany, nestled within the rolling hills, orchards, vineyards, and historic towns and villages of this part of central Italy. It’s crossed by the Arno River and a few other smaller rivers. Day trips to places like Fiesole, Rome, Siena, Pisa, and Milan are popular from Florence, and it has an international airport for those who wish to venture further afield.
STUDYING ABROAD IN FLORENCE
When you study abroad in Florence with ASA, you’ll attend Florence University of the Arts (FUA), which is housed in historic palazzi throughout the city center. In an academic year, FUA sees about 3,500 students pass through their doors with 35-40 different countries represented each year. Classes are taught in English.
You can study fine arts and arts history, but also subjects as varied as fashion, marketing, psychology, and more. FUA is especially known for its International School of Hospitality which has a range of food and wine courses that let ASA students enjoy getting creative in the kitchen making pastries, gelato and Italian regional cuisine, and experiencing local wine tasting.
If you study abroad during spring or fall semesters, you have an option to add on the popular field learning course “Cultural Introduction to Italy” which involves a week of travel through Italy with on-site field learning for three academic credits.
You’ll live in a shared apartment with about 3-5 other students in a safe neighborhood within a reasonable distance from school.
WHAT’S FLORENCE LIKE?
Florence is a compact and culturally-rich city that’s easy to get around on foot. Everywhere you look in the “Cradle of the Renaissance”, you’ll spot stunning architectural landmarks. You’ll have world-class visual art at your fingertips that takes you into the depths of history, and you’ll also find that craftsmanship is alive and well in areas like Oltrarno—a hot spot for artisan workshops. The food is fresh and delicious and central to local life. And if you’re a coffee enthusiast, you’ll feel right at home here.
Lonely Planet calls Florence “romantic, enchanting, and utterly irresistible.” You can dive in with all of your senses. This means it does draw a lot of tourists. This adds buzz (as well as a bit of chaos) to the city’s streets – something to consider when you decide which time of year to go abroad. But if you hook into the local way of life, you’ll learn pretty quickly how to slow down and take life a moment at a time.
HOW CAN I SPEND MY FREE TIME?
Florence is on the smaller side for a city, but it is absolutely packed with things to see and do. Spend some time on the beaten trail and see the tourists highlights, but then be sure to discover the local and lesser-known side of Firenze too.
HISTORY & ARCHITECTURE. Of course, you have to climb the 463 steps to the top of the Duomo to take in the skyline. Put the Palazzio Vecchio—the town hall—on your list for another great view, and wander across one of the city’s most recognizable sites – Ponte Vecchio. For something a bit different, head to the outskirts of Florence and take in the collection of treasures at the Museo Stibbert, including Napoleon’s cloak.
ART. The most well-known gallery here, which is home to works by Botticelli, for example, is the Uffizi. You’ll likely want to head to Galleria dell’Accademia for a glimpse to the famous David. Pitti Palace is a stunning place to visit too. For contemporary art, try Eduardo Secci Contemporary, Aria Art Gallery, or VEDA. Look out for the work of street artist Clet who cleverly alters the city’s street signs. Blub, Carla Bruttini, Exit/Enter, and Hopnn Yuri are a few other street artists who have left their mark on the city.
WALKS. Florence is such a walkable city, you can carve out different routes to see something new every day. Walk along the river. Enjoy the Boboli Gardens. If you’re there in April, don’t miss a walk under the blooming wisteria arch at Giordino Bardini. You can also find lots of guided walks – paid and free, self-guided and guided – around the city that match up to a theme of interest.
MARKETS. Markets are part of the Italian way of life. You can buy local cheeses, fresh fruits and veggies, and flowers, but also souvenirs, scarves, or leather bags made by local artisans. A few frequently held markets not to miss are Mercato Centrale, San Lorenzo, and Sant’Ambrosio. And check the schedules for the Fiesole Vintage Market, Santo Spirito Artisan Market, and Santo Spirito Flea Market. If you go to Mercato Nuovo, rub the snout of the wild boar sculpture and pop a coin into its mouth for good luck.
VIEWS. For a view you’ll never forget, head up to Piazzale Michelangelo and look down over the city. For a different perspective of Florence, get out on the Arno River with a paddleboard or a kayak and pass under the famous Ponte Vecchio.
COOKING. Food is central to Italian culture. It’s fresh with a focus on ingredients, but also, eating is about connection and experience. A cooking class will give you some hands-on skills to take home, but also connect you with the people you’re cooking with, and later eating with, for hours of delicious food, long conversations and relaxing fun.
WHAT (AND WHERE) SHOULD I EAT?
Food, food, and more food. Florence is a wonderful place to be a foodie. With more than 800 restaurants in downtown Florence alone, there are so many great places to eat here that it’s always worth asking any local you meet for their favorites! Be sure to try some of the trattorias for regional dishes and a more authentically rustic atmosphere.
CAFES. Step back in time at Caffé Gilli, which has been around since 1733, and sip an espresso at the counter. Biblioteca delle Oblate is a lovely place to work while enjoying a coffee. Le Vespe Café has some quick healthy food options, and yoyu can grab a lunch of bagels or crepes at La Milkeria. If you’re looking for specialty coffee, including cold brews, head to Ditta Artigianale. The hot chocolate at Il Bottegone is also worth a visit.
FOOD. There are lots of places to get your hands on a panini, but Pinos is a favorite. Gusta Pizza is excellent. Dante’s tends to be well-loved by American students, and so does Tratoria Zà Zà. If you’re missing Mexican food from home, check out Tijuana 2 on Via Il Prato. A few others to try are Trattoria Anita, Osteria Santo Spirito, and Trattoria Mario.
MUST TRY. Gelato is definitely a must. Try Gelateria dei Neri (and as many others as you can!). Also: Eat a big juicy Florentine steak (if you’re a meat eater), lampredotto (if you dare), a traditionally ribolita stew, schiacciata all’uva, pizza, anything with truffles, and ALL OF THE PASTA.
ANY OTHER TIPS?
A few other things to keep in mind to make the most of a study abroad experience in Florence…
SLOW DOWN. Life in Italy is a bit slower than most of us fast-paced Americans are used to. Take this as an opportunity to join in, breath a bit, and notice the new world opening up around you. Meals often go on for hours!
GO WITH AN OPEN MIND. Things are different in Italy. Usually, houses are smaller. Clothing dryers are a rarity. You might not find the same products you’re used to or the same types of food.
BE VIGILENT. Florence is generally very safe and has a low crime rate, but Americans can stand out here as easy targets and pickpocketing does happen, so it’s worth taking some precautions. Know where you’re going and stand tall with confidence. Use the buddy system. Don’t walk alone at night. Keep your belongings with you and your phone in your bag. Backpacks are easy targets on public transportation.
LANGUAGE. Dive in and start learning Italian before you go, even if it’s just the basic greetings or how to order a coffee. You’ll be glad you did and, though many locals will speak English, they will appreciate your efforts.