High School Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Find your muse in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Delve into the art of drawing, a foundational skill for any young artist, in the open-air museum of Florence. Tap into your imagination as you pick up cross-hatching, blending, scribbling, and more from professional artists and experts. You may even pick up a paintbrush and try ancient mediums like mosaics and frescoes—seen all over Florence. Make sketches during interactive workshops at world-famous museums and cathedrals, like Palazzo Vecchio and the Duomo di Firenze. Immerse yourself in the world of artists who sparked the Italian Renaissance, like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. In the end, you’ll have your portfolio of artwork showing off your talent and progress! Roam the cobblestone streets and draw inspiration from the masterpieces across the city. Meet local teens who share your passion for art. During excursions, visit other parts of the stunning Tuscany region, with its rolling hills and villas. Your time in Florence will give you a fresh outlook on art and let you soak in the culture of central Italy.

Adventure through Europe with us and get a real backpacking experience as we navigate from Italy through Switzerland to Paris! Our approach is rooted in the classic backpacker strategy—get a rail pass, explore cities with various daily choices, and leave ourselves open to the spontaneous possibilities that every day brings. Our Older Teens trips are specially designed with older teens in mind. They are all about a hands-on approach to travel where we go beyond the casual tourist experience, take public transportation, and learn how life is in each place we visit. They provide a unique and carefully crafted itinerary that allows for more challenges and independence. We encourage teens on these trips to learn how to use a Eurail pass along with other handy travel skills so that they become confident and able to take on even more of the world in the future! This is one of our most popular Older Teens trips and combines a great mixture of classic European cities, mountain adventure, and Mediterranean beaches. Those looking to discover a nice mix of European cultures will love experiencing the best Italy, Switzerland, and France has to offer.

World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Our summer program is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds who are excited about immersing themselves in Italian culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program offers various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Photography, Architecture, Italian language, and Tuscan Cuisine. Students can choose a major course for daily focus (Monday to Friday) in the mornings for three hours. Then, they attend elective classes, each lasting two hours, three times a week in the afternoons. On weekends, they go on day trips around Italy to explore cultural differences from city to city. Locations vary yearly; previous participants have visited Cinque Terre, Siena, Pisa, and Venice!

Study abroad in Florence, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. Filled with incredible art, world-class restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder the city is a preeminent student travel destination. The Italy Pre-College Program is designed to prepare high school students for the academic and personal challenges of the transition to college while experiencing an unforgettable summer discovering beautiful places. Moreover, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and create lasting friendships in a tight-knit group environment. This summer program provides an authentic taste of college life with a unique balance of independence and structure for high school students, where learning happens in the classroom and beyond! Participants can join us for 14, 21, or 28 days. Teens on the 28-day program enjoy a grand finale week on the Amalfi Coast and Rome or The Greek Islands.

Earn college credit and immerse in Italian culture on this summer program abroad. The High School Summer program is open to students from 15-18 years old and currently enrolled in high school or have recently graduated. SAI Programs and Florence University of the Arts are pleased to offer high school students from all academic backgrounds the possibility of earning college credit and living for four weeks in one of the most treasured centers of art, culture and history in the world. Students will experience the Italian culture hands-on while participating in a variety of classes in the arts and humanities in this summer enrichment program. Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the historic center of Florence, just steps away from the splendid Piazza Santa Croce.

AEF’s high school program is ideal for young teenagers who desire to explore the world but need the context and guidance to make it happen. For students on their first-ever experience abroad, Florence’s size and relaxed pace of life teamed with AEF’s supervision, is enough to ease the culture shock. Nevertheless, there is certainly enough history, art, food, and culture to create an all-inclusive, enriching, and educational experience that students will never forget. Founded in 2005, AEF started as an Italian language school for foreigners, later adding humanistic studies, music, liberal arts, and performing arts. AEF delivers high-quality education and individualized attention, addressing diverse training and educational needs. Situated in the very heart of Florence, halfway between the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the church of San Marco, AEF’s students have the grandeur and beauty of the city’s historical center on their doorstep. Our location is a Renaissance palace, perfectly restructured and equipped with the most modern technologies to make it an ideal site for uniting study beauty, learning, and culture.

Savor the tastes, traditions, and culture of Italy on a journey that blends food, family, and history. Begin in Rome, exploring ancient landmarks like the Fori Imperiali while receiving introductory Italian language and culinary training. Travel north to Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, to admire world-famous art and architecture. Continue to Cosenza to discover medieval towns and authentic southern cuisine. Immerse yourself in local life during a 10-day homestay, where you'll share meals and experience the rhythms of daily Italian living. In Asti, refine your culinary skills at the Agenzia di Formazione Professionale delle Colline Astigiane, a prestigious cooking school. Learn to craft Italian classics such as risotto, focaccia, tiramisu, and regional specialties from Piedmont. Through hands-on lessons, tastings, and visits to farms and culinary institutions, you’ll explore how food, culture, and sustainability intertwine—ending your journey with reflection in Asti before departing from Milan.