Did you know that according to recent studies taking a gap year abroad helps you perform better in your future studies and career?

Many young and not so young people decide to spend an academic year in Italy.

Many do it before starting university, but it seems that more and more people decide to undertake this experience even during their university career, before entering the world of work or during their working career. And we, here at the italianme school in Florence, are witness to the fact that by now spending a sabbatical year in Italy is a widespread habit not only among young people but also among adults. I am talking about people in their thirties, forties and even fifties who, for various reasons, felt that taking a gap year had become a necessity.

The reasons for choosing to spend an academic year abroad are varied: to take a break from the routine and stress of work, to acquire new skills in order to aim for a change in one’s career, to enrich oneself culturally and then spend the new skills once back home, to take time for oneself and reconnect with one’s roots or with a new world to discover, to regain mental balance after difficult years, to invest in one’s passions and interests, to take time to take stock and redefine one’s goals.

The activities one undertakes during the sabbatical year are varied, but if one chooses to spend an academic year in Florence, then the main objectives will be twofold: to learn the Italian language and to study and get to know Italian culture.
Often, voluntary activities, sports, art, and trips to discover the area go hand in hand with the experience of studying the Italian language and culture.

Florence offers the opportunity to easily undertake voluntary work during the academic year through the numerous local and international associations. This is a way to become part of the city’s community and take care of people and the territory. These are extremely rewarding experiences that foster personal growth, allow you to reconsider your role in society and leave indelible memories.

For lovers of Italy and Italian art, the choice of Florence as a destination for a gap year is undoubtedly a good one. The city offers the opportunity to see the masterpieces of Italian art live and to come into contact with an environment favourable to the development of the arts. In addition, the most picturesque locations in Tuscany or cities such as Rome, Venice and Assisi can be easily visited from here.

Here is the italianme school’s proposal for spending an academic year in Florence!
32-week study stay in Florence (starting in January and May) including:
Italian language course for 24 weeks (520 lessons)
Italian culture and civilisation course for 4 weeks (40 lessons)
Cils certification preparation course for 4 weeks (40 lessons)
Cils certification exam

The Italian language course is an intensive general Italian language course, allowing you to progress to an intermediate or advanced level, depending on your starting level. Lessons focus on useful communication skills, to enable you to familiarise yourself with the language right from the start in a pleasant and natural way.
The Italian culture and civilisation course is tailored to the interests and needs of the participants and can be developed in private or group lessons. This can be done thanks to our approach and collaboration with experts in various fields: history, art, literature, current affairs, cinema, fashion, design.
The Cils certification preparation course allows you to prepare specifically for the examination papers and to face the Cils exam with greater confidence.

On request, the school offers a free service to help you find accommodation in Florence during your gap year. We recommend accommodation with an Italian family to give you an all-round Italian experience. You can opt to live with an Italian family in Florence for the whole period or to live with the family for part of the period and then move to independent accommodation if you prefer to spend part of your stay in complete freedom.

For more information contact us at info@italianme.it