Ready to learn what it’s really like to study abroad in Italy? We recently caught up with AIFS Abroad participant Lizzie from the University of Texas at Austin, who spent her spring semester studying abroad in the Renaissance city of Florence.
Discover how Lizzie’s study abroad experience in Florence helped shape her personal and professional future!
Choosing a Study Abroad Destination & Term
Deciding where and when to study abroad isn’t always easy (we can help with that!)—there are so many amazing program destinations around the world with AIFS Abroad, so choosing just one can be hard. Hear why Lizzie decided to study abroad in Florence:
“I chose Florence because I wanted to live somewhere rich in history, art, and culture while still having a strong sense of community. It’s a city where you can learn just by walking through the streets, and the pace of life makes it easy to soak everything in. I’d recommend this program to students who are curious, open to new experiences, and ready to embrace a different way of life.”
As Lizzie said, a few factors went into her choosing a spring semester program:
“I chose the spring term because it fit well with my academic schedule and offered the perfect mix of mild weather, local holidays, and fewer tourists. This made it easier to explore, experience seasonal traditions, and connect with the community in a more authentic way.”
Academics Abroad
Lizzie attended one of AIFS Abroad’s four Global Education Centers (GECs) that are located throughout Europe. Studying abroad at an AIFS Abroad GEC provides students with hands-on courses that incorporate local perspectives and culture, offering a unique learning experience. Below, Lizzie describes what her experience was like at our GEC in Florence:
“I attended the AIFS Global Education Center in Florence. The experience was immersive and supportive, with classes that connected directly to the city’s history and culture. What stood out most was how the program revolved around Florence itself. Making my classes more engaging and meaningful.
Classes had about 20-30 students, all of whom were AIFS students. The small size made it easy to participate and build connections, and the instructors encouraged engaging discussions that related to our experience living in Florence.”
As Lizzie explained, she enjoyed how her courses in Florence took her out into the city for field trips related to the subject matter:
“Classes abroad were smaller and more interactive than at my home university. The focus was on experiential learning, with lots of field trips and projects tied directly to the city… I really enjoyed classes that combined lectures with hands-on projects, like exploring Florence’s art and history firsthand. Field trips to historic sites, food markets, pasta factories, and wine shops brought the material to life and made learning more engaging.”
Budgeting Abroad
Cost is a significant concern for many students who want to study abroad. Fortunately, AIFS Abroad offers scholarships and grants, and we accept financial aid, which can help reduce costs. Hear how Lizzie stuck to a budget during her semester abroad:
“I set a clear budget before leaving, factoring in housing, food, travel, and emergencies. While abroad, I tracked expenses weekly, prioritized free or low-cost activities, and cooked meals instead of eating out all the time. My biggest advice is to plan for extra costs. I felt I tended to spend more money on experiences, so it was nice to have extra money to be able to do those things and not worry.”
Housing
Housing is always included in AIFS Abroad programs. Below, Lizzie explains her experience in a shared apartment with other AIFS Abroad participants:
“I lived with seven other people in a small apartment, but it was right in the center of the city, which made the experience unforgettable. Sharing space had its challenges, but living so close to everything and building friendships made it worth it.”
Language Learning
Language barriers are a common concern for students who want to study abroad. Fortunately, knowing a second language is not required to study abroad with AIFS Abroad. Plus, many programs, like Lizzie’s, don’t require you to take a language course. Hear Lizzie describe her experience navigating the Italian language during her semester in Florence:
“There were no language barriers since classes were in English, and everyone I met was super nice and helpful… I didn’t know any Italian beforehand, nor was it required for the program. Over time, I picked up common phrases, which helped me navigate daily life and connect with locals. My advice is to learn a few basics before you go because it makes immersion easier and shows respect for the culture.”
Career Readiness
Many college students report that studying abroad has helped them develop professional skills and gain a better understanding of where they want to take their careers. Hear Lizzie describe how studying abroad helped shape her professional future:
“My abroad experience boosted my confidence and adaptability. It improved my communication and problem-solving skills while working with diverse people. Now, I’m motivated to pursue careers with a global focus and feel ready for new challenges.”
Interested in pursuing a more career-focused abroad program? AIFS Abroad offers international internships along with unique Study + Internship programs, which allow you to take classes abroad while you gain professional experience with a part-time internship.
Personal Growth
As Lizzie says, studying abroad helped her grow in more ways than one:
“This experience helped me grow personally, not just academically or professionally. Living abroad pushed me to become more independent and open-minded in ways I hadn’t expected. It’s a journey that goes beyond the classroom and truly shapes who you are.”
Trips & Excursions
AIFS Abroad study abroad programs include trips and excursions led by our expert on-site staff. These trips and excursions take you around your host city or country (and sometimes beyond)—helping you deepen your cultural and historical understanding of the local culture, all while you bond with other AIFS Abroad participants. Below, Lizzie describes her experience:
“I attended the AIFS-sponsored trips to Rome and Venice. Both were unforgettable; the history and beauty of each city made the excursions truly special, and traveling with fellow students made the experiences even more memorable.”
In addition to going on trips and excursions with AIFS Abroad, you’re more than welcome to travel on the weekends and holidays during your program, like Lizzie did:
“I took weekend trips to London, Prague, Copenhagen, and the Amalfi Coast. Each place offered a different experience, from the city life in London to the historic sites in Prague and the beautiful landscapes along the Amalfi Coast.”
Why AIFS Abroad?
From our valuable trips and excursions to our wide-ranging program options, there are many reasons to choose AIFS Abroad. If you’re like Lizzie (and many others), knowing you’ll be supported throughout your program by our on-site staff may be the reason you click that “Apply Now” button and join us on an international experience of a lifetime:
“I chose AIFS because I’d heard it offered a really supportive and well-rounded study abroad experience. Friends and past participants told me about the great excursions, on-site staff, and how easy it was to feel connected to the local community, which made it an easy choice for me.”
Are you ready to take the leap and study abroad as a college student like Lizzie did in Florence with AIFS Abroad? We’d love to help you start your journey!
Here at AIFS Abroad, we know a thing or two about helping college students study abroad. All our programs come with many beneficial inclusions, which takes a lot of the stress out of planning. From coordinating your housing to providing things like cultural and social activities, excursions, comprehensive insurance, 24/7 emergency support, on-site staff, and more, you’ll take comfort in knowing you’ll have support throughout your entire experience abroad.
