Your gap year in Florence strikes the ideal balance of structure and independence, giving you the freedom to grow, discover yourself, and prepare for college.
Imagine standing before Michelangelo’s David, savoring gelato in the city where it was invented, and taking in panoramic views from the top of the Duomo—the city’s breathtaking 15th-century cathedral crowned with the largest masonry dome ever built. The capital of Tuscany, Florence is not only renowned for its Renaissance art and architecture but also celebrated for its culinary delights, including Bistecca alla Fiorentina (a thick, grilled T-bone steak) and Panzanella (a refreshing bread and tomato salad).
Spend 12-15 hours each week immersed in engaging language classes with native instructors and like-minded peers who are sure to become treasured friends. Afternoons and weekends offer opportunities to marvel at world-famous art, wander through streets featuring historic architecture, and enjoy peaceful moments in picturesque Tuscany.
Living with a welcoming host family, you’ll practice Italian daily, share authentic home-cooked meals, and experience the rhythms of life in Italy firsthand.
All CIEE Gap Year Abroad programs offer the option to take college-level coursework online through Arizona State University (ASU). You can earn credit at a discounted rate and complete your courses on your own schedule without needing to attend live classes while you're abroad. If you're interested in this option, visit the College Credit page on our website to learn more.
Interested in starting college abroad with a CIEE First Year Abroad program instead? Learn more here! Or check out our summer, semester, or academic year programs for high schoolers.