ISI Florence - International Studies Institute — Attraction in Florence

I have truly enjoyed my study abroad experience through ISI Florence. The program offers so much more than just academics — it provides access to supportive staff, thoughtfully arranged housing, and neat spaces to study. From day one, I felt encouraged to immerse myself fully in both the city and the program. The staff and professors were not only approachable and engaging, but also offered insight into how to make the most of my time in Italy. Living and learning in a new country helped me grow in several ways. I developed important soft skills such as adaptability, cultural awareness, and communication even with a difference in language — all of which came from navigating daily life in a different cultural environmen from my own. Living independently and building relationships with people from various backgrounds has been one of the best experiences I have received. These opportunities have deepened my appreciation and broadened my perspective both personally and professionally. The courses I took — Social Media, Social Food, and Oil Painting — were unique, hands-on, and inspiring. The variety of field trips and places I was exposed to through these classes broadened my perspective and experience. While not directly related to my field of study, these classes equipped me with transferable skills — such as communication, cultural analysis, and creative thinking — that I can apply to my future career. Overall, ISI Florence provided both an enriching experience as a student and an opportunity to grow as...

Through my nineteen years of living, my parents instilled the idea that traveling should always be a priority, as seeing the world is valuable to learning about other cultures and facing different situations. I rejected the immediate idea of studying abroad, not wanting to miss out on the State College lifestyle. I didn’t know what to do with my summer, let alone my career. After my Italian grandma recently passed away, it just felt right to apply for the trip. With one week left, I can confidently say that studying abroad with ISI Florence was the most rewarding experience of my education and maybe life.

Not only was I able to grow my independence, but I was forced to quickly adapt to a new language and city. Soon, I found myself collecting dreams I never thought would come true - visiting Paris, going to Vienna, seeing all of Italy. Coming from an Italian family, seeing Italy excited both me and every family member, thrilled for me to see my roots. Being thrown into completely new social norms, I gained a genuine appreciation of my surroundings and was able to open my lens to how much of the world I’ve yet to see.

I encourage future ISI students to make the most of their time. Six weeks flew by faster than I could’ve imagined. This trip helped me meet some of my best friends, chase surreal experiences, and changed me for the better. I fly back to Pittsburgh in eight days, but will keep pieces of Italy...

Studying at ISI Florence during the summer session was an unforgettable experience. I took Cross-Cultural Psychology and Communication, Social Media, and Social Food, and both classes were engaging, hands-on, and taught by incredibly supportive professors. The small class sizes made it easy to connect with both peers and faculty, and I truly felt seen and valued as a student.

Even though it was a shorter summer term, the professors were very helpful and made the fast-paced schedule manageable. What made this experience even more special was the location—every morning, I walked past the Duomo and through Piazza della Signoria on my way to class. It felt surreal to be surrounded by so much history and beauty daily.

I would highly recommend ISI Florence to any student looking to step out of their comfort zone, explore a new culture, and gain a more global perspective. Studying here pushes you to be more independent and open-minded in the best way.

If I had to mention one challenge, it would be the long class sessions—some were 3.5 hours—which can be a little tiring, especially in the summer heat. But overall, the quality of the courses and the support from the ISI Florence staff more than made up for it.

Whether you're looking for personal growth, academic enrichment, or a chance to live in one of the most iconic cities in the world, ISI Florence is a...