The Italian Language Experience

Immersing yourself in the Italian language is essential to a meaningful study-abroad experience. Students in the Florence Program are expected, whenever possible, to speak Italian with their peers, with Program staff and instructors, during Stanford course excursions, at group meals, and in their daily interactions around the city. This collective commitment is fundamental to achieving genuine cultural immersion and to making significant progress in Italian language proficiency while overseas.

“Well, I went from one sentence in Italian to operating in an Italian-speaking city! I learned SO much!” - Student, Autumn '25, First-Year Italian, First Quarter

"Learning the Italian language was such an enjoyable and rewarding experience. The instructor’s teaching style was so engaging, and she really cared about making sure everyone felt supported and encouraged. I appreciated how cultural elements were tied in alongside the language lessons—it made the class feel much more immersive and meaningful. Overall, this course helped me not only improve my Italian but also gain a deeper appreciation for Italian culture." - Student, Spring '25, First-Year Italian, Third Quarter