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.

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.

This question arises from a personal experience during my first time in Florence, in January 2024. When I arrived in this city, I was amazed: every corner shows you art and beauty at its fullest splendor. But it wasn’t just the Duomo or the Ponte Vecchio that captivated me. It was a small, almost magical gesture that made me feel like Florence and I had a secret agreement.