Every day in Florence feels like stepping into a painting that’s constantly moving, filled with sound, colour, and the scent of espresso drifting through the air. I came to Italy to study at the Accademia Europea di Firenze (AEF), hoping to improve my Italian and immerse myself in a new culture. What I didn’t expect was how quickly Florence would start to feel like home.
The Accademia Europea di Firenze (AEF) is proud to announce a new step in its commitment to global education and cultural exchange through a dynamic partnership with Pistoia Basket 2000 and Elon University (North Carolina, USA). This collaboration builds upon AEF’s established relationship with Elon University, as its Centre Abroad in Italy, further expanding opportunities for international students to experience the intersection of sport, culture, and academic learning in Florence.
From 17 to 20 September 2025, the Accademia Europea di Firenze (AEF) had the honour of participating as a special guest in the 2nd Ordinary Assembly of DI-Integra, the National Association of Industrial Design Institutions and Schools in Mexico. The event was hosted by the Tecnológico de Monterrey, Querétaro Campus, through the School of Architecture, Art and Design (EAAD).
Living and studying in Florence is already an unforgettable experience, but this semester at AEF became even more meaningful during Sustainability Week, a week dedicated to green living, cultural awareness, and the everyday choices that shape our future. From cleaning city parks to debating the ethics of fashion, the week showed me how Florence is not just a city of history, but also a city searching for a sustainable tomorrow.
When people think of Florence, they picture Renaissance art, cobbled streets, and breathtaking architecture. Living here as a student truly feels like stepping into history. But what often goes unnoticed is how deeply sustainability is woven into both the past and present of this city. Studying at AEF has opened my eyes not only to Italian language and culture, but also to Florence’s long-standing tradition of living in harmony with the environment.
