Your complete guide to preparing for your study abroad experience at FSFA
Minimize valuables and never carry everything in one place. Lock passports, extra cash, and cards in hotel safes when possible. When carrying them, distribute across multiple secure interior pockets—avoid handbags and exterior pockets that attract pickpockets. Wear bags cross-body and backpacks on your chest in crowded areas.
Create multiple copies of essential documents:
Make 3 copies: one for family, two for yourself (keep separate)
Copy both sides. Give one set to family, keep one with you
Share with family and email to [email protected]
Prescriptions, insurance cards, and emergency contacts
Contact your bank and credit card companies before departure to:
You're responsible for arranging your own travel to Florence. While flying directly into Florence Airport offers maximum convenience, major hubs like Rome, Milan, Bologna, and Pisa provide more flight options—just factor in additional ground transportation and potential overnight stays when comparing costs.
Emirates • Turkish Airlines • Lufthansa • KLM • Air France
Italy uses the Euro (€). Exchange rates fluctuate daily—check current rates at xe.com before departure.
Before leaving home, verify your bank card works internationally and ensure you have an international PIN. Add cards to your phone's digital wallet for contactless payments.
Keep in mind: Most Italian ATMs (Bancomat) limit withdrawals to around €300 and charge transaction fees. Research which international banks partner with yours to minimize costs. Nearly all payment terminals accept contactless payment.
Credit cards work throughout Italy and provide emergency cash advances through ATMs (expect a $10 advance fee plus 2-4% foreign transaction charges). Contact your card company before departure to obtain a PIN for ATM use and notify them of your travel dates to prevent security holds.
While Italy provides socialized healthcare, all FSFA participants need comprehensive health insurance throughout their program. Understanding your coverage before departure helps avoid stress and unexpected costs.
Connect with your current provider to understand European coverage. Most students benefit from supplemental travel insurance that addresses:
Emergency services, hospital visits, and prescriptions
Counseling and psychiatric support during your stay
Coverage for lost or stolen belongings
Cancellations, delays, and emergency evacuation
These companies receive consistently positive feedback from students and local healthcare providers:
Semester students need Italian health coverage for their Permit of StayRequired legal document for stays longer than 90 days in Italy application. Check if your current plan includes international coverage, or consider these options:
Local plans cover emergency room visits (pronto soccorso) and minor medical issues, though they typically don't extend to private practices.
Can't bring enough medication for your entire stay? Bring your written prescription to a Florence doctor immediately upon arrival to obtain a local prescription for refills.
Florence offers 24-hour pharmacies in every neighborhood and tourist clinics with English-speaking physicians. Typical consultation fees range from €50-75.
Taxis wait outside arrivals. Fixed rates to FSFA: €28-32 depending on time, plus €1.20 per bag. Budget travelers can take the tram for €1.70.
Taxis are available outside the station, or walk if traveling light.
Borgo Santa Croce 8
Phone: 331 1020023
Regular Office Hours: Monday-Saturday, 9 AM-5 PM
Staff will accompany you to your apartment after check-in.
Take the airport train (runs every 20 minutes) to Roma Termini station—about 35 minutes. Some trains stop at Roma Trastevere, but stay on until the final stop at Termini. Transfer there to a train for Florence SMN station. Purchase tickets at the airport or Termini station.
Take the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale station, then transfer to a Florence-bound train.
Flixbus serves Rome and Milan—slower but significantly cheaper than trains.
Purchase tickets online or at stations through ticket machines or information booths (most staff speak English). Always buy tickets to "Firenze SMN" (Santa Maria Novella), Florence's main station.
Check the "PARTENZE" (departures) board near the tracks to find your platform (binario) and departure time. Match the train number on the board with your ticket carefully.
Most major train stations offer secure luggage storage (Deposito Bagagli). Keep valuables like cameras and wallets with you.
Find official taxi stands at airports, train stations, and major public spaces. Call taxis using dispatch services (operators speak English)—provide your location and receive your taxi's name and estimated arrival time. Download appTaxi for convenient booking.
Autolinee Toscana operates urban buses and trams throughout Florence and Tuscany. Download their app or use contactless payment for tickets.
Flixbus (from Rome and Milan) and Sky Bus Lines Corona (from Pisa) offer budget-friendly alternatives to trains, though travel times are longer.
We're here to help you prepare for an incredible experience in Florence.