Outside the Classroom

We encourage you to take full advantage of your experience abroad by participating in learning experiences outside the classroom. Volunteer work, language tandems, and cultural activities provide you with opportunities to deepen your social immersion in Italian culture, enhance your language skills, and gain a better understanding of present-day Italy. Immersion is not passive, but an active process you should strive to engage in beginning your first day. In order to immerse yourself, you should check what your host city has to offer; pick an activity that you would like to engage in, and get involved! Start right away to get in touch with native speakers who are interested in the same things you are. Time spent alone in your room, chatting with English speakers via the internet or surfing non-local websites is time taken away from your successful immersion in the language and culture you came to study. Don’t hesitate: if you plunge in right away and disregard shyness, hesitancy, and self-consciousness about your language skills, you will reap the benefits faster than you expected!

Volunteer Work

Volunteer work is not easy to find, but is available to students staying in Italy.  You may have to take a short course before beginning any volunteer work. You should think hard before taking a volunteer job because it is necessary to maintain it for the time you are in Italy, and often the initial enthusiasm wanes after the first few weeks. Talk with the staff at the Sede for more information.

Museum Entrance Fees

The School in Italy will pay for museum visits taken as a group and field trips in conjunction with course work at the Sede during the academic year. You are responsible for these expenses when visiting museums independently. Museums in Italy cost between €4-€25. Churches are often free, but those with important works of art may charge €5-€10. Students enrolled in art history courses at the University of Florence may be eligible for a special card that allows free entrance to state-run museums.

Language Tandem

A language tandem is an excellent way to better your speaking abilities. The program will put students in touch with an Italian language partner for an Italian-English conversation exchange and organize a first meeting. Future meetings are arranged and organized independently by the students. Having a language partner is a good way of meeting Italians and getting to know the Italian culture.

Cultural Activities

Other options that can facilitate your immersion include sports, cultural, and outdoor activities.  The School in Italy staff are available to advise you on the wide range of possibilities Italy has to offer.