Learn Italian in Florence

Why learn Italian in Florence?

Renowned for its remarkable artworks and breathtaking architecture, Florence is an exceptional destination for an Italian language course.

As the cradle of the Italian Renaissance, this city holds the highest concentration of art in the world. Simply wandering its streets is a delight; you'll encounter grand palazzos, expansive piazzas, sheltered walkways, intricate archways, ancient churches, and magnificent basilicas. With its parks and green spaces, this vibrant tourist city offers both tranquillity and energy.

Florence boasts a rich cultural heritage, where you can admire world-famous artworks in its numerous museums and galleries, and savour local delicacies like ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina. Our school’s prime location allows you to fully immerse yourself in everything this city has to offer. Additionally, Florence is an ideal place to enhance your Italian language skills, as the Florentine dialect is the foundation of modern Standard Italian.

In 59 BC, Julius Caesar established Florentia (‘the flowering’), a settlement for Roman army veterans. Strategically located on one of Italy’s key trade routes, this small village quickly evolved into a significant commercial hub, featuring spas, an amphitheatre, and a forum, all fortified by massive walls. The last remnants of these walls can be seen at the portas Romana, Croce, San Giorgio, San Niccolò, and San Frediano. You can also explore artefacts from Florentia’s early history at the National Archaeological Museum.

By the Late Middle Ages, Florence had emerged as one of the most powerful cities in the world. The arts and sciences thrived between the 14th and 16th centuries, largely due to the influence of the Medici family. Originally bankers to the Pope, this illustrious family funded cultural projects to showcase their wealth, resulting in iconic artworks, innovative architecture, and groundbreaking scientific research. Many of Florence’s most famous attractions-such as the San Lorenzo Basilica, Boboli Gardens, and the masterpieces of Michelangelo, Donatello, and da Vinci-originated during this period.

Nestled in the stunning Chianti region, known for its rolling hills and sprawling vineyards, Florence offers a taste of authentic Tuscany. Here, you can enjoy charming farmhouses, lush fields, and breathtaking sunsets. Weekend winery tours provide an excellent opportunity to explore the area, learn about local wines, and practise your newly acquired language skills!

However, we understand if you choose to remain in the city, as there is an abundance of activities to enjoy. You can visit artisanal workshops, watch street performers outside the Uffizi Gallery, cruise down the Arno on a traditional barchetto, or take a leisurely stroll through the expansive Parco della Cascine. Adventurous souls can climb Giotto’s Tower for a stunning view of the city, while shopping enthusiasts can explore the boutiques along the iconic Ponte Vecchio. Whatever you choose to do during your stay, your experience in Florence is sure to be unforgettable.

About our Florence school

When you choose to learn Italian with us in Florence, you'll be situated in the city's vibrant heart, just minutes from the stunning Piazza del Duomo and the lively Piazza della Signoria. The latter features a replica of Michelangelo’s David, framed by the magnificent Palazzo Vecchio. If you wish to see the original, a leisurely 20-minute stroll will take you to the Galleria dell’Accademia.

You can also enjoy tranquil green spaces like the Boboli Gardens and Parco delle Cascine, both within a 30-minute walk from the school. For a charming spot to relax after class, visit the quaint Giardino di Valfonda. Other nearby attractions include the iconic Ponte Vecchio, the open-air sculpture gallery at Loggia dei Lanzi, and Piazza della Repubblica, known for its elegant mansions and cultural cafés, such as the renowned Giubbe Rosse.

Our Italian lessons are held in a beautiful 19th-century building located in the heart of the Centro Storico. The school features 16 spacious classrooms, a student refreshment area with vending machines, and a well-stocked art history library. Additionally, there is a private garden and free Wi-Fi throughout the premises. With convenient public transport links nearby, you can easily explore Florence and the wider region of Tuscany after your lessons.

Since 1976, our school has been dedicated to teaching Italian to international students. This extensive experience allows us to cater to learners of all ages and abilities. Our courses are accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education, University, and Research, and are also approved for CSN and Bildungsurlaub funding by the Swedish and German governments.

In addition to our ICB-Quality assurance, the school are proud members of several quality-control organisations, including Eduitalia, the Association of Schools of Italian as a Second Language (ASILS), and the International Association of Language Centres (IALC). By enrolling in an Italian course in Florence, you will learn from highly qualified teachers and immerse yourself in the rich culture of this iconic city, helping you achieve your language goals swiftly.

Location of our school in Florence

Accommodation options available in Florence

Staying with a Host Family provides the best opportunity for language immersion, as all hosts are native Italian speakers. This accommodation option allows you to practise and enhance your Italian skills beyond the classroom.

Our hosts live no more than 15 minutes from the school by public transport and offer private single or twin bedrooms. When you choose this option, you will also have access to communal areas, including the lounge and bathroom(s). If you prefer, you can request private bathroom access for an additional fee. You can select a room with breakfast included or half-board (breakfast and dinner each day). Please note that kitchen access is not available with the host family option, but you are welcome to book a shared apartment or your own accommodation if that suits you better.

Your host(s) will provide bed linens and towels, which will be changed regularly, and they will do your laundry once a week. Most hosts offer Wi-Fi access, but please inform us at the time of booking if this is essential for you. You will receive your own key, allowing you to come and go as you wish, but it is important to respect house rules and schedules. A €100 security deposit is required upon arrival and will be refunded at departure, provided your room is left in good condition. Please note that students under 18 must book half-board homestay accommodation.

If you prefer a bit more independence, consider our Shared Apartment option, where you will share with other international students. This choice provides you with a private bedroom on a self-catering basis, while you share the kitchen, bathroom, and living areas with your flatmates. It’s an excellent option for those seeking a social living experience and is budget-friendly for travellers.

Apartments are located throughout the city, most within walking distance of the school and all within 20 minutes by public transport. Placement depends on availability at the time of booking. Bed linens, towels, and all utilities are included, with Wi-Fi and a washing machine available in every apartment. Shared rooms are available for two students travelling together, and air-conditioning can be requested, though it is not guaranteed. A €100 security deposit is required upon arrival and will be refunded at departure if the apartment is left in good condition.

*Twin rooms are only available to students travelling together. If you select a shared room but are travelling alone, you will be swapped to a single room.

Available activities in Florence

To enhance your Italian studies, our school offers a range of social and cultural activities in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. These experiences will deepen your understanding of Italian history and culture while providing you with practical insights into life in Florence. As all activities are conducted in Italian, they also help you maintain language immersion and apply your newly acquired skills in real-life situations.

Many activities are free, although some may require a small fee for entrance or transportation. The schedule varies throughout the year and may include:

- Tours around the city
- Visits to popular attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery, the Duomo, and Ponte Vecchio
- Italian film screenings
- An evening aperitivo with the class
- Visits to local music events and/or bars
- Lectures/seminars on Italian society and culture
- Half- and full-day excursions to local points of interest such as Pisa, Lucca, San Gimignano, and Chianti
- Plus seasonal activities available in the city

How to get to our school in Florence

Florence Peretola Airport is just a 20-minute drive from the city centre. As a key international airport, it offers convenient access from various global destinations.

Upon arrival, you can either make your own way to your accommodation or book an airport transfer service. If you choose the transfer option, a driver will greet you at the airport and take you directly to your lodging. You can also arrange for a return transfer, where you will be picked up from your accommodation and taken back to the airport in time for your flight.

We recommend arriving in Florence on the Sunday before your course begins and departing on the Saturday after it concludes. If you require additional nights for your stay, we may be able to assist with arrangements.

Student stories on our blog

Missing Florence…

I really enjoyed the course. There was a small group of just 6 us in class for two weeks, then 3 or 4 in the group for the following 2 weeks. With this small class size, we had plenty of opportunities to speak Italian individually. The teacher, Enrica, was very skilful at drawing us out and was very nice. We all liked her a lot. The course was a mixture of discussion, speaking, using grammar, verbs, etc. We also had quite a lot of homework, which was good for reinforcement. Read more...

 

Fantastical Florence!

Florence is a very special city- pretty and stylish, romantic and arty. Studying Italian here couldn’t have been dreamier! I found so much to do and see whether walking around the city, marveling at the art, learning how to cook Tuscan specialties, or simply just relaxing by the picturesque Arno River- I truly enjoyed myself! The school is fantastic; it is actually a beautiful 17th century palace! It is situated right in the historic centre of Florence, which makes the most famous bridge in Italy – the Ponte Vecchio, its backdrop. While sitting in class, the bridge was in clear view from my window, which was perfect for taking impressive photographs! All of the staff in the school welcomed me in straight away, and it was obvious that the teachers loved their job. Each Italian class was more fun than the next! Read more...

 

Italian and culture in Florence!

Florence is totally, utterly, completely… incredible! Wow. It is THE city of renaissance. Which, (unless you are a super history buff) might not mean much until you arrive… but then you arrive, and... Wow!! As you can tell, when I arrived in Florence, I was lost for words. You might start your time, like I did, by going for a stroll across the famous Ponte Vecchio. And as you wander along this centuries-old bridge, which is lined with centuries-old shops, and feels like a street, apart from when the shops part for a view of the River Arno either side of you, you start to think; my god, this is amazing, I have never seen anything like this in my life! You can then stop to take in the view down the Arno from the bridge, and you’ll be thinking; wow, this view of the city is awesome, and look, I can even see the dome of that massive duomo church thing from here! (Ha ha, which I later discovered is more accurately known as Bruneschelli’s dome). So then, you get to the other side of the bridge, all the time soaking up the lively, bustling atmosphere. Sightseers mixing with Florentines, mixed in with the buzzing of little mopeds zipping along the cobbled roads. Read more...