The Office of
STUDENT LIFE & COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
The AEF Experience:
Living like a local, becoming a citizen of the world
Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to expand your horizons, to open your mind to different cultures and to grow as a human being and as a professional. We believe that this growth can happen through a deep and meaningful connection with the local environment, a cultural tapestry of the landscape, people, habits, language and much more. You will become a temporary citizen of Florence; you will live in a typical Florentine apartment, buy your own groceries, and stop by for a cappuccino at your local Italian café, all with the inspiration of the art and beauty all around you. Florence is very easy to navigate both on foot and by city bus, and AEF will encourage you to employ these sustainable methods of transport and make the most of your time to really get to know your host city.
Student Services
AEF hosts a diverse and inclusive community. Our international staff welcomes students and artists from all over the world for different learning experiences: Italian Language and Culture programs, Certificate Programs and Study Abroad programs.
AEF students from all programs share classes and co-participate in activities, and the Office of Student Life and Community Engagement is here to provide support during their stay in Florence.
Before You Arrive
The AEF staff are always available for any help or information needed throughout your time in Italy. We are happy to schedule a pre-departure Q & A session with all our incoming students to answer any questions you may have about your program experience.
Although accommodation is not included in this program, if you are having trouble finding a living arrangement, please click here for suggestions and guidance.
Upon request, we can organize transport to/from the Florence Peretola (Vespucci) airport or the Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station in Florence for an additional fee.
Upon Arrival
Once you arrive in Florence, AEF will offer an orientation at the school to show you. the facilities and other resources. We will also organize a benvenuto/welcome session where you can meet and get to know the staff staff, and a community building activity to meet and interact with students that are enrolled in other AEF programs.
During Your Program
You will be able to participate in many optional events and activities within the AEF Community, such as:- Welcome drink
- Farewell dinner
- Tickets for cinema, concerts and cultural events
- Experiential learning activities
- Museum visits
- Field trips
- Participation in sporting events
- Cooking class
- Various community engagement opportunities
Emergency Support
AEF cares about its student community and our Student Life Representatives and Directors are trained, experienced and always available to help and support their students during office hours.
To further meet students’ needs, AEF also offers a daytime emergency phone service (8:00am-8:00pm).
Please be advised that students’ personal belongings are not insured under AEF company policy, and therefore AEF can assume no responsibility for any claims for personal belongings. All students are responsible for obtaining their own personal health insurance and travel insurance.
Departure
AEF will provide a transfer service to Florence airport or to the train station upon request for an additional fee.
Before You Arrive
But even before you arrive, we are at your disposal to help you prepare for your trip and answer any questions you might have about accommodation, arrival, classes, packing and travel, daily essentials, etc.
We are also happy to schedule a pre-departure orientation session so that we can get to know you a little bit before you arrive in Florence.
A transfer service will be arranged to pick you up at the Vespucci Airport or at the Santa Maria Novella train station.
Upon Arrival
Welcome to Florence!
We will start our learning experience with an Orientation weekend, that includes the following:
- Academics and Student Life session
- Welcome lunch or dinner
- Community building activity
- Guided walking tour of the city including shopping, ATM machines, pharmacy, transportation options, etc.
- Check in and Orientation in the apartments, including instructions on heating, appliances, trash, security, mail, emergency and maintenance procedures.
- Orientation regarding security issues specific to Florence (emergency phone numbers, expectations in the community)
- Introduction to the AEF staff and their roles
- Assistance in securing the Dichiarazione di Presenza (Declaration of Presence) and any other necessary documentation (this service is outsourced at an extra cost for all the students)
During the Semester
Health & Safety
AEF cares about its student community.
Our Student Life Representatives and Directors are trained, experienced and always available to help and support their students. We know that Study Abroad is only possible in a healthy and safe environment: that is why AEF adheres to high-quality International Risk Management standards, implementing Emergency Protocol Procedures compliant with Italian laws and those of AEF’s partners in the United States, with students’ safety and wellbeing at heart.
Please be advised that students’ personal belongings are not insured under AEF company policy, and therefore AEF can assume no responsibility for any claims for personal belongings. All students are responsible for obtaining their own personal health insurance and travel insurance.
Emergency Services
AEF offers a 24/7 emergency phone service and will ensure the availability of a dedicated AEF staff member who is the point person for problems and concerns of the students and/or Faculty in Residence. During orientation, it will be explained what is considered an emergency and what is not, as the AEF staff member should only be called in case of a real emergency. Other concerns can be discussed with AEF during regular office hours.
Traveling Independently
Florence is located in the center of Italy: an ideal position to reach any other Italian city (Rome 1h 35’, Milan 1h 45’ by train) and all major European capitals.
We encourage our students to travel responsibly: walking or going by foot/bike instead of via taxi, taking trains or charter buses to international destinations as opposed to flights, and even choosing to stay in Florence a weekend every month can really reduce the carbon footprint of our program.
Departure
AEF will provide a transfer service to Florence airport or to the train station upon your departure from the program.
Arrivederci!
Community Wellness
We have recycling bins and water bottle refill stations placed on every floor of the building and have been focusing on reducing our paper usage. We have signage placed throughout the building to remind us to turn off lights and appliances (printers, heaters, air conditioners, fans, etc.), and to use only what is needed.
Another way students can actively contribute is through thoughtful travel choices: walking or going by foot/bike instead of via taxi, taking trains or charter buses to international destinations as opposed to flights, and even choosing to stay in Florence a weekend every month can really reduce the carbon footprint of our program.
For more information on reducing carbon emissions from travel, please see this article.
Community Engagement & Experiential Learning
- Language and cultural exchanges with Italian students and families
- Experiential learning excursions
- Involvement with local non-profits organizations and charities: Misericordia Firenze, Club Itaca, Caritas, Angeli del Bello
- Performing opportunities for our artists-students in music, dance, drawing & painting
- Masterclasses
- Cooking classes
