ISI Activities & Events

January 13

Italian Culture 101

In this workshop we will talk about some basic aspects of Italian culture and what you have observed so far. This will be an open space for conversation, reflection, and laughter.

FREE – Min. 8, max 40 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by January 13

January 14

Preparing & Adjusting to Living Abroad

Whether you have previously travelled or lived abroad, studying abroad can still call for some adjustments. In this workshop we will talk about how you can prepare and adjust to life in Florence, as well as address issues that can arise during this time. It will also be an opportunity to ask questions and discuss concerns relating to the study abroad experience.

Free – Min. 8, max 40 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services January 14

January 15

Traveling Ins & Outs: Florence and Aroad

Learn about the ins and outs of traveling in Florence, Italy, and around Europe. From information on buses, trains, low cost airlines and city recommendations, this workshop will prepare you well to travel independently this semester.

Free – Min. 8, max 40 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services January 14

January 17

ISI Sponsored: A Day in Chianti

All students are invited to take part in the Chianti day trip: students will visit a Tuscan winery, take a tour of the property, learn about wine, feast on a typical Italian lunch, and take a walk on countryside paths. Check your emails: we will send a reminder!

No Sign Up Required

January 18

Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano

The trip includes a guided tour by an ISI art history professor, entrance tickets, and private bus. Enjoy Siena, a surprisingly well-kept medieval town, and get ready to be struck by the beauty of San Gimignano, a small gem surrounded by the soft Tuscan hills.

SIGN UP for the following day trips during ORIENTATION on FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

January 18

Day Trip to Pisa & Lucca

The trip includes a guided tour by an ISI art history professor, entrance tickets, and private bus. Discover that Pisa has more to it that its Leaning Tower and treat yourself to a bike ride around Lucca’s old walls.

SIGN UP for the following day trips during ORIENTATION on FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

January 21

The Aperitivo Experience

The quintessential Italian “aperitivo” is an enormously popular Italian activity focused on socializing, and enjoying snacks and a drink before dinner. It’s a perfect way to experience the local culture, meet new people, and unwind after a long day. Join us for an aperitivo in a typical Florentine café and enjoy an evening as the Florentines do!

Euros 10,00 – Min. 8, max 20 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by January 20

January 25

Day Trip to Siena & San Gimignano

The trip includes a guided tour by an ISI art history professor, entrance tickets, and private bus. Enjoy Siena, a surprisingly well-kept medieval town, and get ready to be struck by the beauty of San Gimignano, a small gem surrounded by the soft Tuscan hills.

SIGN UP for the following day trips during ORIENTATION on FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

January 25

Day Trip to Pisa & Lucca

The trip includes a guided tour by an ISI art history professor, entrance tickets, and private bus. Discover that Pisa has more to it that its Leaning Tower and treat yourself to a bike ride around Lucca’s old walls.

SIGN UP for the following day trips during ORIENTATION on FRIDAY, JANUARY 10

January 29

Leather Workshop

Want to learn how to handle and create leather goods? With guidance of a local artisan, during this workshop you will create customizable leather accessories. At the end of the workshop you will take home the objects you have made.

Euros 25,00 – Min. 5, max 20 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by January 24

February 3

Pizza & Gelato Making

Ever wanted to make pizza from scratch? What about gelato? This class will teach you how. You will learn how to make pizza dough, roll it out, add toppings, cook it, and finally, eat it! To close out your meal, you’ll learn how to make gelato to then enjoy as dessert!

Euros 30,00 – Min. 10, max 15 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by January 30

February 9

Carnevale di Viareggio Parade

February is Carnival month! Come and enjoy this day trip to the beautiful coastal town of Viareggio. Take in the views of the Tyrrhenian Sea while witnessing one of the largest carnival celebrations in Italy. It includes a 2-mile-long parade, with gigantic paper-maché floats on the seaside avenue known as La Passeggiata.

Meeting at 12:30pm at Florence train station, return around 6/7:00pm

Euros 40,00 (includes train ticket and entrance) – Min. 10, max 20 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by February 6

February 9

Quirky Tour

Join us for an unusual city tour: an evening walk where you’ll discover truths, legends, and customs of Renaissance Florence.

FREE  – Min. 5, max 20 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by February 6

February 13

Pizza & Gelato Making

Ever wanted to make pizza from scratch? What about gelato? This class will teach you how. You will learn how to make pizza dough, roll it out, add toppings, cook it, and finally, eat it! To close out your meal, you’ll learn how to make gelato to then enjoy as dessert!

Euros 30,00 – Min. 10, max 12 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by February 6

February 18

Cenci Tasting

The month of February marks the peak of carnevale celebrations around Italy. This winter period of parades, masquerade balls, entertainment and music, is a time for everyone, young and old, to come out and celebrate. During this period traditional sweet desserts start popping up in markets and home kitchens; one of the best being cenci. These desserts, meaning “rags” due to their rustic shape, are crispy, fried dough covered in powdered sugar. Stop by and enjoy these tasty, traditional desserts, and get into the carnival spirit!

FREE  – No sign up required

ALL DAY at Palazzo Bargagli (vending machines)

March 18

COOKING CLASS: Chef for a day!

Want to learn how to create traditional Italian dishes so you can impress your friends and family back home? Come take a cooking class: you’ll learn how to make eggplant and ricotta flan, hand-made pasta with meat and veggie sauce, and tiramisù. At the end, sit down and enjoy your masterpieces!

Euros 30,00 – Min. 10, max 30 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by March 12

March 31

COOKING CLASS: Chef for a Day!

Want to learn how to create traditional Italian dishes so you can impress your friends and family back home? Come take a cooking class: you’ll learn how to make eggplant and ricotta flan, hand-made pasta with meat and veggie sauce, and tiramisù. At the end, sit down and enjoy your masterpieces!

Euros 30,00 – Min. 10, max 30 participants

SIGN UP at Student Services by March 26