ISA Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy through ISA was the experience of a lifetime. The program was in the Fall of 2023, from the end of August until Mid-December. Although I wanted to stay forever, this timeline was a perfect amount of time away from my home university at UCLA. ISA set 4 of my friends and me up with a wonderful apartment, right on the edge of the city center and the residential area. They were extremely helpful in providing us with anything we needed, from kitchen supplies to a spare key when I was once locked out! Florentines were extremely welcoming and excited to share their culture with us, making this experience more immersive and culturally enriching. The classes offered were also so fascinating and fun! I can't recommend the program enough.

Studying abroad was truly one of the most incredible experiences of my life. I had never felt so excited about my life and engaged in what I was learning. It was an experience that made me learn so much about who I am and what I wanted to do with my life. I made friends that I will have for a lifetime and found a mentor who has helped me find my path. Studying abroad opened doors for more opportunities in the US as well. After studying at FUA Apicius I was granted an incredible opportunity to do a program in New York City cooking for the James Beard foundation. The ISA blog program also gave me experience in my field of digital media. I cannot think of a more valuable incredible time of my life and I cannot wait for the day I return to Florence. I now plan to study for a whole semester in Spain to continue the incredible experiences and learn more about the world.

My semester in Florence was nothing short of amazing! Instead of staying in student housing, I chose the homestay option so that I could be fully immersed in the Italian culture. I took fashion design, leather handbag construction, clothing construction and styling classes, and what better place to learn fashion than the Home of Fashion?! I was truly in heaven with all of the fashion, food, and history. Traveling with friends and family to Rome, Pisa, Venice, Milan, and more put the cherry on top

I loved my time abroad in Florence. As someone with italian heritage, I fell in love with the culture, lifestyle, and language in Italy in a more tangible way living and studying there. My Nonno encouraged me to study in Florence, specifically, because they have incredible programs encouraging artistry and education, and the views, history and architecture surrounding you in the city are simply incredible.

Florence is more like a small town, than a big city. It feels like you're in a place you know and love, and you get to experience the everyday lifestyle of a Florentine as you stroll the streets, eat pasta, (and other regional dishes like bistecca fiorentina, lampredotto, tartufo, etc) drink one euro cappuccinos, connect with the locals, and visit the markets. It genuinely felt like a dream almost everyday.

I always felt safe walking alone to and from my apartment near Ponte Vecchio, and appreciated the easy access, and consistent business of the city around me as I ventured out on my own.

I was quick to make friends, and my only encouragement would be to branch outside of the American friends you will automatically create in your program! I connected with a friend and her friends, who were locals from Florence at a nearby restaurant, and continued to meet European students that I wouldn't otherwise have met if not for living in Italy at the same time. I opted for the Italian Language program that ISA offered, and they partnered me with an Italian student to work on my language skills and offer assistance in English as we learned together.

Florence hold a deeply special place in my heart, and I still have friends and owners in the city who I stay in contact with. I loved it so much so that I am considering going back to the University I studied at through ISA to get my masters in Visual Media!

If you're hesitating, go live 'la dolce vita'; I promise you will only grow and experience the beauty of a lifestyle entirely different than your own, and consistently find yourself beaming with the joy of living abroad and all the adventures ahead of you.

Study abroad changed my life. It not only expanded my knowledge in my studies, but allowed me to experience a new culture. I learned so much about myself that I never would've known if I didn't study abroad. I was able to meet people from other universities that became some of my closest friends. Florence was the ideal study abroad location. There was so much culture and there was an easy ability to travel to different places. I'm so thankful that I decided to study abroad. My college experience was greatly increased once I made the decision.

Florence was the best home base! The city itself is amazing and you can do so many different things in your free time. It also allows for easy travel to other amazing places. I traveled to nine different countries in the span of my four months studying abroad. I was immersed into the culture and had experiences that I would never trade. I kissed the Blarney Stone in Ireland, white water rafted in Croatia, played blackjack in Monaco, swam in the baths in Budapest. I was able to do and see so many amazing things.

Studying abroad through ISA was the greatest thing to happen to me.
Florence is a magical city. Incredible food, so much history easy access to travel around Europe- I cannot imagine a better place to have spent my four months abroad. I learned so much about other cultures and discovered so much about myself during my time there. I cannot recommend this place and program enough.
What truly made this experience unforgettable was the people I met. I arrived knowing no one, and by the time I left, I had found my best friends in the world. The professors at FUA inspired and challenged me to expand my perspective. And the staff along the way made my experience so seamless. The only downside to the experience was having to leave. Florence will always hold a special place in my heart!

I studied abroad in 2022. It was the best experience of my life and part of that is thanks to ISA! I was paired with the best roommates in a charming, modern apartment. Studying abroad will allow you to meet such unique people and truly learn more about yourself in the process of learning the culture. Florence had something for everyone, whether it be the art, food, history, or nightlife. The city is walkable, so you never have to worry about finding a taxi! If you are thinking about studying abroad, DO IT! You will not regret it!