Explore Florence, Italy with World Class Programs

My two daughters went on the program to Italy. From start to finish, it was an incredible experience. Not only did they see and experience so so much, but they really benefited from the outstanding leadership from Derek, and the community he cultivates among the students and his staff. He really knows how to connect with this age group. To be honest, my kids were sadder to leave their group that to leave Italy itself. That, to me, is the sign of excellent staff. While their days were packed with one amazing experience after the next, Derek was also always available to the parents. One example--my daughter's asthma acted up while she had a cold, and she didn't have her inhalers. So, even through the group was returning from a packed trip from Venice to Florence, Derek coordinated to get my daughter's prescription inhaler from a pharmacy...despite it being a Sunday and not actually having her prescription! He plied her with chicken soup, orange juice, etc--basically a parent's dream come true when so far away from your kids. Thank you Derek and the whole staff at World Class Programs!

I loved being a part of this program so so much. I took art history and was able to learn so much as well as also having an incredible time in Florence. We were able to go around the city both as a larger group and in smaller ones and experience the city. In addition to Florence, we took several amazing day trips to places such as Cinque Terre and Lucca that were just as unforgettable as the time we spent in Florence. I am truly so appreciative of all the staff members and all my fellow students for making this trip so wonderful!

When I came here it I thought it would be boring. But once I met all the kids and amazing staff i knew it was going to be an amazing 3 weeks.
We ate amazing food and tried all kids of gelato. They had amazing classes and some amazing staff who helped me and had good conversations with!
This was one of my favorite classes of all and one of the best trips I ever took! I would love to come again and experience a new place with everyone and have a great time!
I hope the next people who come will have as much fun as I did!

i can’t say enough about world class programs. All the staff were so supportive and i didn’t have a vacation in italy, I went on an adventure in italy, I lived there. My apartment in Florence was so nice and I enjoyed all my roommates. My classes were interactive, different everyday, and very enjoyable. No matter what the class no one was upset with their time. But bring good shoes there are some long walks but it is part of the trip! Its part of living in Italy not just being a tourist. The day trips were the best part of the adventure, going to luca and biking around the city, in sienna walking around the horse tracks and so much more. One of the most valuable thing i gained from this trip was my own independence, you have no choice but to find yourself while you’re here and as a 16 year old that is something i’ll remember for the rest of my life. I’ll miss Italia so much and I had the time of my life.

I really enjoyed this trip. I made fantastic connections with the students and staff combined. I loved swimming in Cinque Terre, and bike riding in Luca. I found it fun learning my way around Florence, and I am so excited to come back!! I liked going out to dinner and learning how to order in Italian in language class. This trip made me become super active and I’ve gotten used to walking every where now. Loved this trip and would highly recommend to anyone looking to have a taste of what it’s like living abroad!

This trip has given me lifetime friends, supportive staff, and so much meaningful experience that will continue to help me in college and beyond. From living in apartments with 13 girls, I have learned the importance of communication, cleaning, and going with the flow. I majored in art history and went to every church in Florence and learned the most interesting stories and facts. Derek is amazing and led the class wonderfully. Along with art history, I minored in Italian Language with my amazing teacher Michaela. This was the most entertaining language class I have taken, Michaela is so relatable and made the class super exciting to be a part of. We learned how to order coffee in Italian, how to shop in Italian, how to write an Italian postcard, and went out to lunch as a class. She made it very clear to us that we could text her whenever we wanted to ask any questions we have. All the staff is so available and ready to help in any situation. I was a little under the weather for a few days and the staff let me rest and provided me with a lifetime supply of water. They have become a second family to me. We went on amazing excursions including Cinque Terre where we went on the most sweaty hike ever, Lucca where we rode bikes around the city boarder, Venice where we took a peaceful gondola ride along the canals, and ended off the trip in Rome seeing the Trevi Fountain and all the other amazing historical landmarks. I’m so glad I took part on this adventure and I’m grateful for the lifelong connections I now have.

My daughter attended the Florence classes with World class program in the summer of 2023. The staff made us feel very comfortable as parents and were always available for any questions we had. There was an emphasis on safety and precautions taken through out the program, which was very welcome. Communication was excellent while our daughter participated in the program. My daughter was in the art history class which she loved. The instructor was extremely knowledgable and she enjoyed exploring Florence and learning about the rich history of art. She especially loved the art history class and enjoyed here tuscan cuisine class as well.
As a future Senior in high school, this two week experience was valuable in many ways. The independence and free time they had was a perfect amount of time. Sharing a room, shopping on their own, cooperating with a group of peers and enjoying the experience in a beautiful environment was a wonderful opportunity for a high school aged student. My daughter has recommended this program to her younger sister who will be in high school in a couple of years. I would definitely have her attend this program or another program/European city through World Class programs.

My experience during World Class Program’s Florence, Italy trip was unlike any other! I was able to explore one of the most beautiful cities in the world, all while making new friendships that will undoubtedly continue beyond the trip itself. During my Art History class, we explored churches and museums in Florence, and learned fascinating information that integrated into everyday life in Florence. Among the many fun classes and activities, we also enjoyed weekend excursions, such as swimming with the group in Cinque Terre and riding bikes around Lucca, which were unforgettable highlights of the trip. I could not have asked for a better experience!