My name’s George and I’m a Modern Languages student at the University of Bath, but for my third year of studies I’m doing a year abroad, immersing myself in the Italian language and culture. After only three weeks in Florence, I’m confident that there would have been no better place to start.
Moving anywhere new as a student can be a daunting prospect, let alone if it’s across an entire continent, but it’s also a tantalising opportunity to explore a world completely different to your home. Through a mix of study and work at the Accademia Europea di Firenze, alongside exploring what local Florence has to offer, I feel as though I’ve begun to capture the authentic Italian experience. The base of my student life has been transformed, but my personal life and experiences have also grown as a result. So, what has these three weeks included, in the rest of this blog I’ll recount what I’ve explored and my studies so far.
It was a roasting hot day when I got to Florence just over three Sundays ago. I arrived late in the afternoon, pulling my luggage through the iconic Italian streets until I got to my flat, located in San Marco, a neighbourhood of Central Florence. I had little time to waste though as I knew Fiorentina were playing that evening, so I dropped my stuff and quickly marched to the stadium. On the walk over, I can only describe it as a sea of the famous Florentine ‘viola’ whizzing down the streets atop mopeds on the way to the game. It was a special sight and showed just how much the Football team means to the city. A passion that they showed even after the game finished in a 0-0 result, but the ultras of Curva Fiesole remained for another 20 minutes singing at full whack for their team.
The morning after was my first day at the Accademia, and after an induction and a welcome coffee with my fellow students, we got straight into classes. My Italian learning is split into two parts daily. The first, a discussion section where we get to improve our spoken Italian and comprehensively test our language abilities. The second half is a grammar focused session based on improving our accuracy and ability in the language. From my experience, I’ve felt this together creates a conclusive approach to learning the language, tied together by a holistic range of topics and a relaxed class environment. An environment very reflective of the laid-back Italian culture itself.
The consistency of these classes over the last weeks has not only improved my level but also confidence in the language, compounded by the real-life opportunities the Accademia provides. Such as the welcome aperitivo shared on one of the first nights. I’ve also found myself exploring the city for the best study locations, including the Odeon bookstore/cinema or the Vintage Cafe, as to surround myself with the language as much as possible.
After a few days settling into my new routine, I got straight into exploring the city. Every walk in the centre, the sights of the Duomo, and the various Piazza’s left me in awe. It’s hardly surprising Florence gained the name ‘the cradle of the Renaissance’ when both the architecture and statues create a city full of art in every direction you look. Some of my favourite spots soon emerged though. The gelateria and famous All’Antico Vinaio on Via Dei Neri have been perfect spots to get some lunch or a snack to enjoy in the stunning Piazza Santa Croce. However, across the river the city can become a little more peaceful, without losing its beauty and charm. All the way from the Santo Spirito Sunday market, where I picked up a few really cool items, to Piazzale Michelangelo which offers an incredible sunset view over the city.
What I’ve loved so far though has been leaving the city centre to go and explore what the periferia has to offer. I started in Scandicci, right on the edge of Florence, it had much more of a local vibe. There I went to the city’s main climbing gym, a really cool alternative activity away from the tourist trail and easy to get to using the tram, which is a perfect way to see large parts of the city itself. On that side of the city, the Manifattura Tabacchi also offers a much more modern Italian feel, with a mix of contemporary shops, art and eateries. A little further down the river I’ve also discovered a cultural hub of modern Florence. Venues such as Atollo host events from clothes and food markets to Italian dance music nights, and artistic hubs like Lumen, who recently ran their Copula Mundiali festival are perfect places to explore what Modern Florence offers.
What I’ve really enjoyed having in Florence though is my bike. It’s allowed me to explore out into the countryside, starting into the historic Etruscan town of Fiesole, where you can view the entire valley Florence lies in. Beyond the valley, past Piazzale Michelangelo you can also explore the Chianti regions, where vineyard after vineyard spreads out across the hills. Down the river, you can also ride right out of the city and down the valley, quickly going from somewhere densely populated to mystical countryside with hills rising up alongside you. Cycling has also allowed me to meet more Italians, even being invited out to an organised ride on the Strada Bianche of the Tuscan countryside where we explored the likes of Vicchio and Mugello, all followed by a big Italian lunch together.
If anything, I’d highly recommend sport or art/music as a perfect way to meet locals, as it was through cycling and climbing in Scandicci, as well as exploring the artistic spaces of Lumen, Atollo and more where I’ve had the most authentic local experience.
Overall, these past weeks have flown by, I’ve tried to pack as much as possible into them, and develop routines, but mainly I’ve just been enjoying how much of an incredible experience it is. By studying a language in its birthplace, with culture, history and sport surrounding me, my student life has found itself transported from a campus in the UK to a higher level. I’m sure that the rest of my trip will feature many more incredible experiences, but from these three weeks of exploring I feel as though it’ll be hard to ever leave.
