An Intensive Language in Florence program brings you to the capital city of Tuscany, Italy. Known for being both the historical center of medieval trade and one of the wealthiest cities of all time, Florence is also a large and metropolitan city[i]. If you have always wanted to study Italian, what better way to immerse yourself in the language that through a language immersion program nestled in the beautiful Tuscan Hills?

Why Consider an Intensive Language in Florence Program?

Part of choosing an Italian immersion program is finding a location that will enhance your in-class studies. Often there are field trips and excursions or activities that are meant to give you a cultural immersion and add to your experience of the language as opposed to just teaching you words. In an Intensive Language in Florence, Italy program, you are basically in the region that is considered the “cradle of the Renaissance”, and one of the most popular areas for tourists; why not see it through the eyes of a student, earning valuable credit while you build your language skills!

FUN FACT: Do you want to say “good idea” in Italian? Just say ‘buona idea’ (web)[ii]

What Makes Florence Unique?

Whether you are studying Italian and other courses or there primarily for an Italian Immersion program, Florence is truly a unique setting. What makes this so? Here are a few things about Florence that make it such an attractive setting for an Intensive Language program.[iii]

  • The center of Florence is contained in medieval walls that were built in the 14th century
  • The present city of Florence was established by Julius Caesar in 59 BC as a settlement for his veteran soldiers
  • Florence is a world heritage site
  • Some of the most famous artwork is held in galleries such as Uffizi Gallery, the Accademia and the Bargello museums.
  • Opera was invented in Florence in the late 16th century
  • The Florentines are credited with the being one of the forces of the Age of Discovery
  • Florence has a history of fine fashion
  • Florence is a city full of monuments, major squares and elegant gardens like the Boboli Gardens

Language in Florence

One of the interesting things about studying Italian in Florence is that the inhabitants of Florence actually speak Florentine (fiorentino) which is a Tuscan dialect and actually the parent language to modern Italian.[iv]

Food for Thought

Florentine cuisine is also distinct; said to grow from the tradition of peasant eating, it is based on hearty food and local ingredients (e.g. olive oil). Plus, the Chianti region is located just south of the city; Tuscany is home to some full-bodied wine, and a trip to a local vineyard might have to be on your menu.

To Home Stay or Not to Home Stay

Some programs place you with a vetted family so you get the opportunity to live like a local, and learn Italian through interaction and practice at the same time as you attend an accredited foreign school. Or you may choose an apartment share or studio apartment.  If “intensive” language program sounds too much for you, consider it as an “immersion” program where you are there to soak up the feel and context of the language but you could also plan it so you have some space to think in your native toungue.

How to Find an Intensive Language in Florence, Italy Program

Bascially, all you need to do to find an Intensive Language Program in Florence is figure out how long you want to go for, and whether you want courses in English or a full Italian Immersion program. Then, browse the sponsored listings. When you find a provider that interests you, click the ‘learn more’ button. Compare and contrast their offerings to see what feels like the right fit.


sources: [i] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence |[ii] .google.com/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=how+do+you+say+good+idea+in+italian |[iii] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florence |[iv] en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Florentine_dialect