Why You Should Study Abroad in Florence!

Milica Gradistanac, Elyse Henry, Caley Stein, Olivia Coppa

History and Art Sprinkled Through the City!

The classes at the International Student Institute took us on weekly field trips to some of Florence’s oldest and richest Palazzos. History of Fashion took us to both. Palazzo Medici where we got to see Renaissance elegance through the frescoes. On our visit to Palazzo Vecchio we got to meet the Duchess Eleonore di Toledo (an actress) and learn about the complexities of dressing during the sixteenth century. Go visit these historical beauties on the weekend or maybe your classes will already have a trip planned!

Cultural Immersion

Florence is a city rich with culture and living in it allows you to fully experience Italian culture in a way that tourism cannot replicate. Italian culture holds immense global significance, especially for art, Catholicism, and cuisine . The Italian language is ranked the fourth most studied language in the world. By studying abroad in Florence, you learn and live among the culture that is a foundational pillar in the world. You shop at local markets, navigate public transportation, and adjust to the slower pace of living. Simple daily routines like ordering a cappuccino, greeting local shop owners, and sharing authentic meals help you build connections with the culture and people. These interactions improve language and dialect skills, which opens global opportunities. Gaining a global perspective is an amazing thing; studying in Florence provides a deeper understanding and appreciation for cultural differences, food traditions, and social customs.

Mouthwatering Cuisine

Italian food is one of the world’s most favored cuisines, and experiencing it in Florence takes it to a whole other level. The city is known for its simple yet flavorful Tuscan dishes, made with fresh, local ingredients and time-honored techniques. From handmade pasta to soups and iconic meals like Bistecca alla Fiorentina, every bite reflects the region’s rich culinary tradition. Beyond the food, dining in Florence is a special cultural experience where meals and wine are intended to be shared with others, savored slowly, and enjoyed as one of the most important parts of daily life. In contrast to the fast-paced dining experience in America, having a meal is slow and full of love and laughter. Studying abroad here gives you the chance to taste authentic Italian cuisine but also to understand the culture and community that make it so special.

We have shared stories, laughs, and love at every meal together in Florence, ultimately creating a new, unique experience each time. A favorite has been at the oldest restaurant in the city, Antico Ristorante Paoli . We had delicious dishes, such as risotto with saffron (from San Gimignano and veal shin) and pasta and beans. Another authentic restaurant we adore is Trattoria Da Ginone in Santo Spirito. Here we indulged in ravioli stuffed with ricotta and pear with thyme butter, pumpkin gnudi, and sliced beef. These are just two of the dozens of exquisite restaurants we enjoyed a meal at. The food in Florence is reason enough to study in this city!

4. Personal Growth and Independence

Choosing to study abroad is a difficult choice because it pushes you away from home and out of your comfort zone. However, experiencing new people, places, and cultures is the most important part of life. You will learn to navigate a new city that will become home, adapt to a different culture, and gain confidence and independence. The four girls we knew four months ago are not who we are now. We have seen amazing views and cities, learned from supportive professors and guided tours, tried flavorful dishes, and met so many different people with stories and experiences to share. This has been a life-changing period of our lives and there is no better place to call home in those four months than Florence.