An Original College Town
Florence has been drawing students to its universities for centuries, thanks to the numerous well-known natives who paved the way for future artists, architects, scientists, thinkers and writers. Long ago, students flocked to the city to learn alongside and about people like the 'non-Ninja Turtles' above, as well as scientist Galileo, architect Filippo Brunelleschi and many more.

Today's students find these Florentine innovators and the city just as fascinating and relevant:

• Study abroad programs in Florence are popular in part because education in Italy is so well-respected
• Florence is home to the European University Institute, the premier student research organization in the world
• The United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) estimates that 60 percent of the world's greatest artwork is located in Florence

It's no secret that Florence is best known for its dominance in the arts. Florence study abroad programs in the arts abound and students are keeping the artistic legacy alive with their own contemporary works. Sure, it's Paris that's got the Louvre, but art students shouldn't overlook all Florence has to offer:

• Florence was the birthplace of the Renaissance, and the Oltrarno section will expose you to the city's newest generation of artisans and craftspeople
• A visit to the Uffizi Gallery, with its collection that includes works by Cimabue, da Vinci and Botticelli, cannot be missed
• Check out the Accademia Gallery at the Duomo and get a look at Michelangelo's David

The National Museum 'Il Bargello,' which was established in 1255, offers art students the chance to see the works of Michelangelo and Donatello, as well as Brunelleschi. Architecture students who study abroad in Florence will be especially interested in Brunelleschi, as his architecture is seen by many as just as much works of art as Michelangelo's David or the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. In particular, students of architecture will not want to miss:

• Brunelleschi's 15th century Gallery of the 'Hospital of the Innocents,' which features frescoes depicting the famous Medici family
• Micelozzo's 14th century Piazza di San Marco, the Piazza della SS. Annunziata and the Convento di San Marco
• Arnolfo di Cambrio's Palazzo Vecchio, a center of Florentine politics, which was begun in 1299.

Never heard of Di Cambrio? He was the architect of the famous Italian Gothic Cathedral, the Duomo, dedicated to Santa Maria del Fiore, that now houses many well-known sculptures. But even if art and architecture aren't your things, there's tons of fields to study abroad in Florence. Take the romantic Italian language, for example. The friendly Florentine natives will be more than happy to patiently help you with your skills. In addition, humanities students may want to study in Florence, since it's known as the city where the field was born.

More Than Just Studying
When you enroll in a Florence study abroad program you'll receive an excellent education, but you'll also gain a unique perspective on a culture much different from your own. Florence is considered by many to be a world cultural center, so it's hard not to trip over culture nearly everywhere you go in the small city.

And because it's a small city, bring your walking shoes when you study abroad in Florence-there's really no need for automatic transportation unless:

• You decide to travel to one of many other famous Italian cities, such as Rome, Milan or Venice
• You take advantage of being in Europe and take some side trips to other countries (the Euro Rail is your best bet)
• You and your buddies decide to sign up for a tour of the famous Chianti vineyards

You'll probably want to walk around a bit to work off all of the tasty Italian food you're bound to binge on. Food, of course, that you'll wash down with a little Chianti (settle down, Hannibal-Italy doesn't serve brains with the wine). Italy is famous for its food in general, but in Florence you'll find Italian food at its most basic and pure. Florentines love their olive oil, meat, bread and cheese, and it's reflected in their dishes.

After eating Stracotto (braised beef), Pollo alla fiorentina (Florentine chicken) and cenci (sweet fritters), you'll be ready to hit the night scene. Florence at night will keep you busy:

• Cruise the bars, restaurants and clubs around the Duomo and the Piazza S. Spirito (a major meeting place)
• Check out the gorgeous night view of the city from the Piazzale Michelangleo
• Catch a show at the Teatro della Pergola, well-known for great theater

Nightlife in Florence varies from section to section. If the bohemian thing is your scene, hang out in the Oltrarno section. If you want to mingle with the 'beautiful people,' get over to the stylish Piazza della Signoria. Regardless, ask around and you'll find out what's going on every night-there's always something in this exciting, adventurous mini-metropolis!

Whether you study the art of Botticelli, the literature of Dante, the Italian language or really any other field, a study abroad program in Florence will be an unforgettable experience. Of all the Italian cities, Florence is the home of the most cultural diversity.