Studying Abroad for a Year in Florence: Must-Know Info

If you're planning to study abroad in Florence, or even still deciding if it's the right choice for you, there are so many things to do to prepare!

Florence is a very popular destination for international students thanks to its rich Renaissance heritage, stunning architecture, and choice of academic programs. Plus, the amazing Italian food helps 😎

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing to study abroad for a year in Florence.

Andiamo! (Let’s go!)

🇺🇸 Please note: the advice in this guide is specifically geared towards US citizens looking to study abroad in Florence.

How to study abroad in Florence, Italy

To study abroad in Florence (or anywhere in Italy for that matter), it's helpful to understand what the process will be like from start to finish. When planning your trip and preparing for your move abroad, there will be quite a few administrative tasks that you need to do.

• Make sure you meet the visa requirements.
  Americans studying abroad for a year in Florence must apply for a long stay visa for Italy. There are a few qualifications that applicants need to meet, which we will go over later in this guide.
• Find a course/educational program.
  It's important to search for a program or university in Florence that matches both your academic needs and your interests. Like Italian visas, the university or educational institution that you're applying for will also have its own entry requirements, such as minimum GPAs or language requirements.
• Apply for a school in Florence.
  Once you’ve chosen a program, you'll be able to submit your application for admission. This needs to happen before you apply for your visa. For exchange programs, your home institution may assist with this process.
• Apply for your long stay visa.
  After you have an acceptance letter (congratulations! 🦉) it will be time to prepare and submit your visa application. This will require a few steps, which we'll cover in a couple of minutes.
• Prepare to Move to Florence!
  And get ready to have the time of your life!

Italy long stay visa requirements

While anyone can apply for a study visa for Italy, generally speaking, there are some requirements that you will need to prove when you apply. One hurdle that many students face is the financial requirement.

In order to apply for a long stay visa in Italy, you will need to prove that you can sustain yourself (financially) for the entire duration of your stay, whether that's a few months or a year.

There are other requirements you will need to meet as well. We've written a guide all about Italy study abroad visas that you can find here.

Finding a university in Florence

Florence offers several different academic programs for international students, depending on the duration of your stay and your area of study.

It's common for international students to study abroad with the help of their current university (as an undergrad, for example) or a third-party service that specializes in programs. These resources can be invaluable but may also come at an additional fee. They will typically already have relationships with local services and universities. Additionally, they sometimes offer assistance with housing, the visa process, etc.

If that's not an option for you, it's still possible to study in Florence by finding a school that accepts international students! As long as you get an acceptance letter and a visa, you're good to go.

Apply for admission

Like mentioned above, you need to have proof of enrollment before you apply for your visa.

Why? When you apply for your long stay visa, you'll have to show proof of admission. It's a mandatory part of the visa application process for students traveling to Italy.

Once you’ve received your acceptance letter and confirmed that you meet the visa requirements, you’re ready to move forward with your visa application!

Apply for your long stay visa for Italy

The final step to the enrollment and visa journey is applying for your Italian study abroad visa.

More detailed information can be found here, but the process is generally as follows:

• Apply for a university or program in Florence.
• Receive your admission letter.
• Begin collecting documents for your Italy long stay visa. These documents include a valid passport, proof of financial means, your admission letter, and more. All of the requirements can be found at the link above or through the Italian Embassy's official site.
• Book a visa appointment. All long-stay visas for Italy must be applied for in person in your country of residence. It's important to know that you may need to travel to another city (or even another state) to attend this mandatory appointment.
• Go to your visa appointment. Bring all of the required documents with you (originals and any copies requested). At this appointment, a visa attendant will go through your documents to make sure that you have included everything necessary. At this appointment you will also submit your biometrics (fingerprints), pay applicable visa/service fees, and then submit your file for processing!

While a lot of tiny things happen in that timeline, that gives you a general sense of the process and what to expect.

Tips for studying abroad in Florence

Beyond the logistical processes, there are a lot of things that can be helpful to know before you land on Italian soil.

• Your living quarters might be small. Expect a different style of living compared to what you might be used to. Many Florentine apartments are older and much smaller than American apartments.
• They might also be hot. Air conditioning is far less common in Europe than it is in the States, and the warm seasons can get hot in Italy. Consider this when you're packing your loungewear and setting your expectations.
• Expect (and embrace) differences.
  Italian customs might differ from what you’re accustomed to. Pay attention to local etiquette and be open to learning new ways of doing things.
• Invest in comfy sneakers.
  Florence is a very walkable city with narrow streets and beautiful alleys to explore. Although public transportation (like buses and trams) is available, many students find that walking is the best way to truly absorb the feel of Florence. In general, Europeans walk much more than Americans do - so expect to be on your feet a lot!
• Only order milk on purpose.
  In Italian, “latte” means milk. So, if you’re looking for a coffee, order a “caffè latte” instead - unless you were intending to order milk, of course. Also, be prepared for a later dining schedule. Florentine dinners are typically enjoyed much later in the evening, at 8:30, 9:00, or even later.

FAQs: Studying abroad in Florence