When I stepped off the plane in Florence, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Moving to a new city is always a mixture of excitement and nerves, but from the moment I arrived, Florence and AEF made me feel at home. At my apartment on Borgo la Croce, someone was already waiting to let me in. No delays, no stress, just a warm welcome to a city that I would soon fall in love with.
A Warm Welcome at School
The first day of school began with orientation. Walking into the building, I was greeted with smiles and a sense of genuine care. The staff took time to explain the essentials: how the school works, how to settle into life in Florence, and how to make the most of the experience. It wasn’t just information; it was reassurance that I wasn’t alone in this journey.
Our first lessons were a mix of grammar and conversation. We were given materials to guide us, but what stood out most was how interactive the classes were. Instead of sitting silently, we were encouraged to speak from the very beginning. It was intimidating at first, but being surrounded by students from all over the world from South America, Africa, Europe, and beyond turned it into something exciting. Every accent, every mistake, every laugh became part of the learning process.
That evening, the school organised an aperitivo, a beloved Italian tradition of drinks and light food before dinner. Around fifteen of us gathered in a local bar, sharing Aperol spritz and stories from our different backgrounds. The atmosphere was lively and warm, and before long we were making plans to explore the city together. Later, a group of us headed to a pizzeria recommended by the staff, where laughter and pizza stretched late into the night. It was only the first day, but already it felt like I had found my people.
Life in Florence
Living in Sant’Ambrogio, I quickly realised I was in one of the city’s most authentic neighbourhoods. The streets are full of markets, cafés, and hidden gems where locals gather. Just around the corner, I found a small bar where I could practice my Italian with Florentines, something far more valuable than anything in a textbook. AEF’s choice of housing placed me right in the heart of Florence, and within days, the neighbourhood already felt like mine.
One of the things I admire most about AEF is how learning doesn’t stop at the classroom door. In just my first week, I joined a wine tasting evening organised by the school. We started in Piazza della Signoria, where we were given a short history of Florence and its great artists. Then we walked together to a small wine bar tucked away in the city centre. Glass by glass, we learned not only about Tuscan wines but also about the traditions that make them so special. Paired with local meats and cheeses, the night was as educational as it was delicious.
By the end of the first week, I was struck by how quickly Florence felt like home. The lessons at AEF were engaging, the teachers approachable, and the atmosphere motivating. Every day passed quickly, proof of how much I was enjoying the process. Outside of class, the extracurricular activities created constant opportunities to connect. Whether it was aperitivo, a night out dancing, or a quiet dinner with new friends, I never once felt like an outsider.
It’s hard to believe how much happened in just one week. I came to Florence hoping to improve my Italian, but already I see that AEF offers so much more: a community, a cultural experience, and a chance to feel truly connected to this beautiful city. If the first few days are anything to go by, the months ahead will be life-changing.
