Dear Students,
You are about to embark on what will be an unforgettable experience. Experience tells us that this year will change you in wonderful ways: you will grow, and become more confident, more open-minded, more resourceful, more mature. And more chic and sophisticated, whatever your style.
Be aware that a lot of adjustment needs to happen before you can become comfortable in a different culture. Be curious: ask questions, talk to people, try the food you've never had before. Be active: explore your new environment; observe the people and situations around you.
This experience will be successful if you are determined to get the most out of it. If you look for all that is positive, and not dwell on finding what is negative, you will be a great deal happier. What you must not do is expect everything to be just as it is on your home school campus. Those who won't leave behind the familiar environment they have grown to take for granted end up frustrated. Learn, grow, have fun, and become the best you can be!
Join your predecessors, whose love for Florence and Italy endures for the rest of their lives. Buon Viaggio!
Set in the golden hills of Tuscany, Florence is an exciting place to live and study. On an afternoon stroll, you can admire the architecture of Giotto and Baroque sculptures adorning the city's fountains. Linger at the Uffizi Gallery with its vast collection. View the tombs of Galileo, Michelangelo, and Machiavelli at Santa Croce.
The Ponte Vecchio, a 14th-century bridge spanning the Arno, remains one of the most breathtaking spots in the city. Nearly every piazza preserves the spirit of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance.
Florence is also a contemporary city alive with Italian vitality — cafes, shops, cinema, and student life very much in evidence. You can learn to make pasta from scratch, explore the chic stores of Via de Tornabuoni, or browse the flea market at Via Petrapiana, pausing for a delicious gelato, of course.
Pack light. You need less than you think. You must be able to carry all your luggage yourself — up stairs, on cobblestones, without an elevator. Check your airline's baggage restrictions and fees before leaving. Label all luggage inside and out with the Florence School address.
Once you arrive at the airport, expect a wait for baggage and passport checks. After clearing customs, exit the building, turn right, and walk to the taxi stand. Take a taxi to the school to pick up keys for your housing. Have euros ready for the taxi.
If the airline misplaces your luggage, don't worry — most bags arrive within a day or two. Complete all lost baggage forms before leaving the airport and give the airport permission to deliver to the school, otherwise you must retrieve it yourself.
Use this address for all mail. Do not use your apartment address for mail.
All students are required to have a working cell phone number reachable while abroad. Phone numbers accessible only via Wi-Fi do not meet FSFA requirements.
You will live in pre-arranged apartments in the historic center of Florence — a rare privilege. Apartments are situated throughout the city within walking distance of the school. You will live with fellow FSFA students. Housing arrangements cannot be changed after arrival under any circumstances. Apartments are assigned by lottery.
Americans keep lights on and heat running all day. Italians keep lights off even when home and heat the apartment only a few hours daily to minimize bills. Follow Italian norms.
Americans shower daily but rarely clean their space. Italian students may shower less frequently but clean apartments meticulously every day and after each meal. Cleanliness of common areas is mandatory.
Americans tend to entertain, play loud music, and drink at home. Italian students prefer a quiet apartment for studying. Be respectful of your roommates' cultures and habits at all times.
You are required to carry US-based primary health insurance. European healthcare providers generally do not directly bill US insurance — you must pay at the time of service and seek reimbursement upon return. The school maintains a list of English-speaking doctors, dentists, and psychotherapists.
The Italian government considers certain drugs illegal, including Ritalin, Cylert, Adderall, Wellbutrin, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. Contact the Italian Consulate for guidance. Any prescription must remain in original container with a physician's written description including dose and generic name.
US "Priority/Overnight" mail does not mean overnight in Italy — it enters the Italian regular mail system. Use FedEx/UPS for urgent documents. Students will be charged €5–10 for calls needed to unblock packages from customs.
The Florence School is located at Borgo Santa Croce 8, occupying two floors of the historical palazzo of Giorgio Vasari — administrative offices, drawing studio, library, printmaking, digital media center, painting, photography studio and classrooms. Students work in one of the most important Renaissance palaces in Florence.
Around the corner from the school — a copyright library since 1870, one of five Italian national libraries with over five million books. Bring your passport on your first visit and whenever accessing pre-1900 materials.
Business hours in Italy differ significantly from the US. Planning around them is essential.
Things in Italy rarely happen the way you expect. Practical matters take longer and require extra steps. Be flexible and patient — this is a feature, not a bug, of Italian culture.
Follow social cues around you. In quiet spaces, speak quietly. In produce shops, don't handle food yourself — ask the assistant. Italians are gracious to visitors who respect their customs.
Cultural rules around dating differ. Americans smiling at strangers is politeness; in Europe it can signal invitation. Learn cultural norms before entering relationships. Always prioritize your personal safety.
Once in Florence, your instructors will provide an art supply list detailing what is required for your courses. You may want to bring any special art tools you use. In general, however, art supply stores are very well furnished — linen and artist's papers are truly bargains. Bring your College/University ID card which will entitle you to discounts at many art stores. A more detailed list of supplies will be sent to you via email.
Bring supplies if you have a specific brand preference, but comparable products are available at good prices in Italy (except some less traditional items like oil sticks). Cotton canvas is readily available; good quality linen is surprisingly affordable. Take advantage of Italian paints — avoid lugging your own.
Excellent inks and papers are available in Florence. You will find everything you need locally at the recommended stores. Student discounts are offered at most shops — always ask.
Ensure your camera is in good working order with new batteries before departure — repair work may be costly here. If the camera hasn't been used for several years, have it professionally cleaned by a qualified dealer.
Food shopping in Italy is a social experience and an adventure. You may visit several shops in one expedition — the panificio for bread, the latteria for milk and cheese. One rule: don't touch the food — it's against health law and Italian vendors will get upset. Ask first. Compare prices from store to store.
A weekly expedition for many students. An enormous two-story Liberty-style art nouveau building: lower floor for meat, cheeses, and dry goods; upper floor for vegetables and fruits. Best prices for highest quality. Excellent cheap lunch spots inside.
Florence's oldest market, very close to the school near Santa Croce. Fresh fruit, vegetables, household goods, meat, fish, flowers, great used clothing. Kosher meats available inside at Bruno Falsettini's macelleria.
Coffee and biscotti (cookies) or una pasta (a pastry). Quick and standing at the bar. Sit-down breakfast is a tourist habit.
1pm–3pm. Primo piatto (soup or pasta) and secondo piatto (meats). Some Italians opt for a quick panino and make dinner the main meal.
Around 8pm. First and/or second course, followed by fruit, dessert, and coffee. Florentine specialties: Pecorino, Bistecca alla Fiorentina, Chianti wines. Restaurants will not rush you — the bill comes only when you ask.
Coffee in Italy is one of the most common daily experiences. Most Italians drink standing at the bar — tables are for tourists and cost more, especially in major piazze. Pay at the cash register first, then hand your receipt to the barista.
Florence's center is dense and closely packed with fascinating things. The Duomo is your orientation landmark — it's enormous, easily recognizable, and everyone can tell you how to get there. "Dov'è il Duomo?" Florence has two street numbering systems: black numbers for hotels/residences, red numbers for businesses (denoted by "r" following the number, e.g., 28/r).
Fitness "Italian-style" is different from the States. Runners jog along the Arno or in the Cascine Park. Gyms and workout centers exist but may not be the high-tech facilities you're used to. Florence has plenty to suit your sporting style: gyms, yoga, dance studios. Ask the school for specific recommendations. In summer, buy a "Vape" (small plug-in mosquito-repellent device) at any supermarket or hardware store — zanzare (mosquitoes) love Italian summer.
| Women's Blouses (US → Italian) | |
|---|---|
| US 32 / 34 / 36 / 38 / 40 / 42 / 44 | IT 40 / 42 / 44 / 46 / 48 / 50 / 52 |
| Women's Other Clothing | |
|---|---|
| US 8 / 10 / 12 / 14 / 16 / 18 | IT 36 / 38 / 40 / 42 / 44 / 46 |
| Women's Shoes | |
|---|---|
| US 5 / 6 / 6½ / 7 / 7½ / 8 / 8½ / 9 | IT 35 / 36 / 37 / 38 / 38 / 38 / 39 / 40 |
| Men's Shirts (neck) | |
|---|---|
| US 14 / 14½ / 15 / 15½ / 16 / 16½ / 17 / 17½ | IT 36 / 37 / 38 / 39 / 40 / 41 / 42 / 43 |
| Men's Other Clothing | |
|---|---|
| US 34 / 36 / 38 / 40 / 42 / 44 / 46 / 48 | IT 44 / 46 / 48 / 50 / 52 / 54 / 56 / 58 |
| Men's Shoes | |
|---|---|
| US 7 / 7½ / 8 / 8½ / 9 / 9½ / 10 / 10½ / 11 | IT 39 / 40 / 41 / 42 / 43 / 43 / 44 / 44 / 45 |
| Lengths | Conversion |
|---|---|
| 1 inch | 2.54 cm |
| 1 foot | 30.5 cm |
| 1 yard | 91.44 cm (~1 meter) |
| 1 statute mile | 1.61 km |
| 1 nautical mile | 1.85 km |
Don't wait too long to book your return flight — seats fill quickly, especially in Spring. Book as early as possible.
If carrying your artwork home through customs, ask FSFA for an official letter stating the work is your own. Without it you may be stopped at customs.
Shipping can be expensive but sometimes worth it. If mailing through the Italian post office, pack correctly — it is strict about wrapping. Buying boxes from the post office directly avoids weight/size restriction issues.