AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester

I chose AIFS Abroad because of its reputation for strong student support and the unique opportunity to study in Florence, a city full of history, art, and culture. From the very beginning, the staff made the process smooth by guiding me through applications, pre-departure steps, and any questions I had. In Florence, AIFS provided housing in a great location, along with excursions and cultural activities that made the experience so much richer. Exploring Tuscany and other parts of Italy with the group helped me connect with the culture in ways I never could have on my own. The community was one of my favorite parts, I made lifelong friends and always felt supported by the onsite staff, who were approachable and eager to help with academics or everyday life abroad. Studying abroad with AIFS in Florence gave me more confidence, independence, and appreciation for different perspectives. It shaped me personally and professionally, and I know the skills I gained will stay with me. I would recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone who wants a supportive, immersive, and life-changing experience in Florence.

My study abroad experience in Florence, Italy, with AIFS was nothing short of fantastic! I am immensely grateful for everything the program offered—from the incredible staff to the weekly events that ensured there was never a dull moment. The entire experience felt surreal, thanks to the extraordinary offerings of the program. The flexible meal plan was a highlight, allowing us to dine at local restaurants with friends daily after classes and partake in pasta and pizza making sessions. Engaging activities like wine tastings and dinners with local Italians enriched our understanding of their vibrant culture. I cannot praise the staff enough for their dedication and the seamless execution of this transformative program. Every day brought new excitement and learning opportunities, making my classes thoroughly enjoyable. Those four months flew by, but the memories I made are cherished treasures that I'll hold onto for a lifetime.

The biggest reason why I chose AIFS instead of other programs is because of the amount of culturally immersive activities that they had planned out for the students when compared to other programs. Things like weekend trips to Rome and Venice really grabbed my attention along with the other huge list of smaller optional activities locally, or just a day trip away. I'm truly so thankful for the experiences provided by AIFS, as they helped create a welcoming atmosphere. Things like cooking classes, pizza making classes, painting, day trips to vineyards, Cinque Terre and one of Italy's most notable celebrations: Carnevale. I may have went alone to study abroad, but it was all of these fun activities where I made some of my closest friends to date. Going in by myself was definitely nerve-racking, but because of these culturally immersive activities I was able to bond with plenty of other similar-minded students also abroad.