Study Abroad in Italy: History of Art & Italian Studies in Florence – City & Daily Life

Florence, Italy

Some say central Tuscany is the most beautiful area in all of Italy. The countryside alone would merit this comment. But the architecture and artistic treasures add to the region’s dramatic beauty–the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Donatello, Leonardo, Raphael and Botticelli.

CET Florence students tell us that at first, they feel as if they are walking through a museum. Stunning art works are at your fingertips, but is it OK to touch anything?

But after spending a term practicing Italian while strolling past the Duomo, perusing the Uffizi Gallery for class lectures, lunching at the Piazza della Signoria where Michelangelo’s David originally stood, Florence becomes theirs: still spectacular, but as natural and comfortable as a home should be.

The University of Florence

CET Florence is based at the University of Florence. The University of Florence is a large, renowned university with roots that trace back to the 14th century. Over 60,000 students from all over Europe take courses in the University’s 12 colleges. CET Florence students take Italian language classes on the University’s campus in the center of the city.

CET Center in Florence

The CET center is centrally located in a restored historic building along the Arno River. This charming space houses classrooms and CET offices. The building is equipped with wi-fi access.

Many CET Florence courses use the CET center as a home base, though classes are frequently held at museums or sites around the city.

Florence Housing & Meals

CET Florence students have two housing options: apartments or homestays.

Apartments are in the historic city center, between the CET center and university classrooms. Commutes involve a short walk or bus ride. Fall and spring students share their apartments with an Italian roommate.

Apartments are fully furnished and provide internet access, a washer, cooking utensils and limited towels and linens. Cleaning service is provided twice a month. As typical Italian apartments, air conditioning is not provided.

For students who choose apartments: meals are not included in the program fee. Most students cook meals at home with their Italian roommates. They can also eat in the university’s cafeteria or at local cafés.

Homestays are a good fit for students dedicated to improving Italian language skills. Locations are throughout the city, though usually away from tourist-heavy areas. Homestays offer students a chance to live as the locals do. They also provide access to a critical aspect of Italian culture—Italian home-cooked meals!

For students who choose homestays: a housing fee, in addition to the regular program fee, is required. Breakfast and dinner are included.

Italian Roommates

Semester students who choose to live in an apartment share their apartment with an Italian roommate. This is, in the words of many program alumni, “one of the best parts of the program.”

Most Italian roommates are University of Florence students selected by CET. Many roommates attend program excursions. And some students and roommates bravely choose to make their apartment an all-Italian environment. Bravissimo!