Study Abroad | Florence

Housing

Apartment

Each apartment is privately owned and is unique in atmosphere, size, design, facilities, floor plan, and number of bedrooms.

• Double rooms (some single rooms may be available)
• Kitchen supplies and furnishings
• Washing machine

Internet access is included in all AIFS housing in Florence

All program-arranged accommodations are carefully selected in central, safe and agreeable areas of the city.

Meals

10 breakfast (or lunch) vouchers and 10 dinner vouchers to use in selected local restaurants, trattorias, coffee shops and grocery stores.

City Facts

History

Florence was one of the wealthiest cities in medieval Europe and became the epicenter of trade and finance. The city is also considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and has been called “the Athens of the Middle Ages.”

Architecture

Florence’s incredible artwork and architecture caused Forbes to label the city as one of the most beautiful on earth and the reason millions of tourists a year flock to see the historic center of Florence which is registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Site Staff

AIFS in Florence Director, January Term Program

Simona Michelotti

Ciao! I have been working with AIFS since 1998. I was born in Malta, but I moved to Italy very soon afterwards. Before starting my university degree (an M.A. in Education from the University of Florence), I studied abroad, spending a memorable summer in the U.S. I love traveling and continue to enjoy comparing different cultures. Working with young people gives me energy and since I love Italy so much, my goal is to help you to learn about our culture through the courses and activities we offer.

It is important to me to share my time with you during your program in Florence and to get to know you better. I am very much looking forward to welcoming you and discovering together all aspects of this wonderful country!

The Program Director provides academic advice, introduces you to the community and handles communication with the University.

Cultural Activities

Learning does not begin or end in the classroom. To help you get a true taste of Italian culture, various activities will be organized such as:

• Italian cooking classes
• Visit to food markets
• Artisans’ workshops
• Events with the local community
• Wine tastings
• Visit to the Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia (Michelangelo’s David) and the Duomo
• Concerts
• Walking tours
• Gelato tour
• Temporary exhibition visits
• Italian soccer matches
• Welcome dinner and farewell reception
• Studio art exhibition