Florence: Arts, Humanities, & Culture testimonials
Studying in Florence has most certainly been the best experience of my life. I loved everything – the amazing food, my host family, my professors, my friends, all the trips around Italy and beyond. I felt like my time in Italy helped me figure out who it is I want to be in life and what I want to do, which is no small feat. As a philosophy and religion double major, I wasn't quite certain what I was getting myself into with the art history courses. It turns out that the courses offered were a great complement to my field of study. Between the great professors and on-site classes, I learned so much and actually had a blast doing it. It wouldn't have been the same without my incredible host family – every dinner was an adventure full of laughter and the occasional Italian grammar lesson. I can't wait to go back and visit my host mom as soon as possible! Not a day goes by since I've gotten back that I don't think of my time in Italy.
—Kellie Griffin, Florence, Fall 2009
One of the things I loved the most about the Florence program was the intense language classes. Learning the language helped so much with learning about the culture. I also fell in love with the city - for me, Florence is the best place to learn about art.
—Emily Ho, Florence, Fall 2007
As someone who is passionate about both architecture and Italian food, Florence was an amazing place in which to study abroad. Every day I discovered something new about the city, the history of its streets and buildings, and its food culture, thanks to both my instructors and host family, who proved to be great resources. Equipped with this local knowledge and the Italian I quickly picked up from living with my family, I was well-prepared to take advantage of all that the city has to offer. Most importantly, I got to know Florence both in class and outside of it, as there was ample free time to explore. Thanks to the ACM Florence program, I deepened my knowledge of Italy's culture and history, renewed my my passion for art and architecture, and fell in love with Italian cuisine all over again!
—Emma Boast, Florence, Fall 2007
I left for Italy and returned back to the States with a new sense of home. ACM Florence was an incredible experience for me to develop my knowledge in art, my passion for travel, and my love for Italy. The faculty in Florence make this program a unique experience that changes you as an individual. This program produced changes in me that define my identity today. Throughout my stay, I developed a great relationship with my host family and became a part of the culture. My passion for art and love for Italy continue to grow... it makes me wish I missed that flight back home.
—Trevor Thomas, Florence, Fall 2008
From the professors to the food, everything about this program was excellent. The professors know the city and culture well, having lived there for many years. In addition to being extremely helpful and organized, they adjust expectations per individual based on previous academic exposure to certain topics and by giving students ample opportunities to both learn in class and explore the city/country on their own. Staying with a host family may seem a little intimidating, but after meeting them and getting settled in, they were a fantastic resource for both culture and language; I am still in contact with mine. Anyone who loves art, wants to learn Italian, or longs to live in Italy, this is the program for you!
—Ian Darlington, Florence, Fall 2006
The obvious reason I chose to study in Florence, being an Art History major, was that it was the birthplace of the Renaissance. What I didn't realize is that Florence is also the best place to study life. No day is average, and neither is any classroom session. Learning to share the city with hundreds of other American students was a challenge, but it made those times when we had built up the courage to talk with local Italian students all the more exhilarating. You will learn to love your host family, even though your Italian mom will show affection different from your other mom. You will learn to love the food and gelato, and most likely, you already do. You will learn to love the long walks to Disegno, because it gives you a chance to walk the less traveled cobblestone streets. You will learn to love Linguaviva (especially Aula 3), as your home away from home. You will learn to love the bustling San Lorenzo Market, because it'll give you a chance to perfect your bargaining skills. You will learn to love taking day trips on the weekends, because the hill towns around Florence are breathtaking. And finally, you'll realize you fell in love with Florence the moment you saw the Duomo from the airplane window.
—Giulia Hines, Florence, Fall 2009
I had no idea what to expect when I left Wisconsin in my way to Florence. During the ACM Florence Program, Italy challenged me in ways I could never have imagined. Whether through finding out the hard way that bus number 13 is never on time, or discovering the connections between Renaissance etiquette and modern survival, living in Florence taught me to accept my own mistakes and become a more creative problem solver. Discovering these abilities changed how I view and make art, altered how I interact with people, and, I must admit, taught me to love coffee, too!
—Jennifer Halbman, Florence, Fall 2007
I chose to go on the ACM Florence program because learning how to speak Italian has always been my dream. The art history aspect was not an interest of mine going into it, but by the end of my semester in Italy, I had completely fallen in love with the subject. Over the course of the four months that I was there, I learned so much, not only about Italy and art history, but more importantly about who I am as a person and who I want to be. In the time since I have returned from Florence, not a day goes by that I do not miss it - the people, the classes, the culture, the food, and most of all, my wonderful host mother, Anna, who made the entire experience completely unforgettable!
—Amelia Sternitzky, Florence, Fall 2007