Studying abroad in Florence is about way more than snapping photos of the Duomo. It’s about seeing, tasting, hearing, touching, and smelling, and fully living the city. That’s exactly what SAI Viva Experiences are all about! 

We’re going beyond the typical Florence study abroad checklist by avoiding tourist traps and activating all five senses to show you how to make the city your home away from home. 

Included in your program at no extra cost, these curated cultural activities help you explore Florence, travel around Italy, and connect with other students all semester long. Think of them as your built-in way to: making friends fast, trying new things and creating core memories. 

Making a souvenir of a leather wallet is a student favorite event!

👀 See Florence Like a Local: Beyond the Postcards

Yes, Florence is stunning, but our SAI local cultural experts will help you see it beyond the amazing instagram worthy spots. We’ll show you the Florence that locals know and love. You can join our fun scavenger hunts and street art tours to explore both iconic spots and hidden corners. Perhaps you could also venture with us on Tuscan Adventures like biking or hiking through the Tuscan countryside for breathtaking views. If that’s not your thing, you can also join us on must-do Italian day trips to places like Venice, San Gimignano, and more so you can experience Italy far beyond Florence.

Some of our students with their wallets they made!

👂 Hear the City Come Alive: Mastering the Soundtrack of Florence

Soon, you’ll recognize Florence by its sounds: the rhythm of conversations in Italian, laughter with new friends, and the powerful live music in the piazze. When you first arrive, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up for a survival Italian class to gain helpful tips to adjust to everyday life, including how to order your coffee in the morning! Throughout the semester you’ll be able to enjoy a typical Opera night in a beautiful church and join many workshops with local artisans where you’ll get to practice some of your newly gained language skills! 

Wellness classes are always an appreciated VIVA experience from students.

👃 Smell Your Way Through Italy: The Scents of Adventure

If you’ve ever followed the smell of espresso or fresh pizza down a street, you get it. Florence smells amazing (unless it’s raining!). As soon as you start your adventure you’ll be able to dive into the local culture through market tours and coffee workshops. You’ll also get plenty of opportunities to master the art of making the perfect pizza or cooking a full Italian meal. If cooking is not your thing, how about creating your own perfume and leaving with a signature Italian scent that’s uniquely yours? 

Students participated in a pasta making class!

✋ Learn by Doing (and Creating): Getting Hands-On in Italy 

Some of the best memories come from flexing those creative muscles. Like a true renaissance artisan, you could try your hand at crafting ceramics, binding a book, or Florentine gold leafing. However, we understand that even the best need time to unwind and what better way than to join our yoga and wellness classes, or a fitness workout? Here at SAI we believe it’s all about balance, exploring, creating, and feeling good while abroad.

Our Pizza Making Class is a favorite amongst students!

👅 Taste Everything (Yes, Everything!!!): Florence Food Tours

Let’s be real, if you’ve chosen to study abroad in Italy, you’re already expecting to have some amazing food. But not all that shines is gold, so join us to avoid any tourist traps and make sure you’re getting the best of the best. From street food tours and wine tastings, to gelato stops and cookie decorating you’ll taste the best food ever while making friends along the way. 

For some insight into some local favorite restaurants from one of our students, check it out on our blog!

From our welcome to our farewell event, you can trust that we have carefully curated the best experiences to help you meet people, try new things and feel at home abroad. Are you ready for your new adventure? Because Florence is ready to welcome you! 

Learn more about what SAI On-Site Support looks like Here.

Written by: Elizabeth, SAI Florence Assistant Program Director