There are places you visit, and places that become a part of you. For me, Accademia Europea di Firenze (AEF) very quickly became the latter. When I arrived in Florence, I expected to learn Italian, experience the city, and maybe meet a few new people. What I didn’t expect was to find myself woven into a constantly changing, intergenerational community that felt more like a family than a school.
One of the most unique aspects of AEF is the rhythm of life created by its monthly course cycle. Every month, people come and go, and with them arrives a new blend of cultures, languages, ages, and life experiences. During some months, the school is filled with university students on summer programs; during others, it’s a lively mix of young professionals, artists, retirees, and everyone in between.
This month, my group was predominantly made up of people of working age and older, students from Mexico, Holland, Russia, France, and even further afield. And honestly, it turned out to be one of my favourite months so far. What struck me most was how naturally friendships developed despite our different backgrounds and ages. Many afternoons ended with the same familiar message in our WhatsApp group: “Aperitivo tonight?” Inevitably, a handful of us would meet in a little bar tucked into a side street near Santa Croce, where the spritzes were strong and the conversations even stronger. At least once a week, we found ourselves at dinner together laughing, sharing stories, and tasting our way through Tuscan specialties that no Italian textbook could ever do justice.
The people I met at AEF were unbelievably supportive, open, and warm. Some were taking a break from demanding careers; others were retired and finally pursuing passions they never had time for. AEF became the meeting point where our different journeys aligned, even if only for a month. And somehow, in that short time, we formed bonds that felt far deeper than their duration.
Beyond the social side, my AEF experience was enriched by the artistic and cultural activities woven into the life of the school. We attended concerts in breathtaking Florentine venues, visited student exhibitions, and explored the city through the lens of its art, language, and traditions. I remember standing with new friends in a quiet gallery during an AEF art show, each of us captivated by the talent within our own community. It was a reminder of how much creativity, courage, and curiosity had been gathered under one roof. These experiences taught me more than just Italian grammar or art history. They taught me life skills, how to listen across cultures, how to be present, how to welcome people into my life even if our time together is temporary. I’ve learned the beauty of intergenerational connection, something that feels increasingly rare in everyday life but thrives so naturally at AEF.
I know now that the most beautiful part of AEF is not just the culture, the courses, or the city itself, it’s the people you share it with. And I can say, with complete sincerity, that I’ve made friends for life here. If you’re considering studying at AEF, prepare to learn a language but also prepare to learn so much more.
