Study-abroad life in Florence offers more than lectures and gallery visits. One standout example of extracurricular programming through the FUA Student Life & Development Department is the “Stir the Pot” Diversity, Ecquity & Inclusion cooking class held at the Palazzi Community Center. Designed and led by culinary students from Florence University of the Arts (FUA) in collaboration with the Apicius School of Hospitality at The American University of Florence (AUF), the event gives participants a practical introduction to Italian-inspired cuisine.

Seventeen students took part in the spring semester’s session, which began with an orientation on kitchen safety and an overview of the evening’s menu: steak with Guinness sauce, spiced shrimp, sautéed Swiss chard, fresh bread, and a creamy rice pudding. Divided into four small groups across two adjacent rooms, students rotated through each station. At the steak station, guidance included timing the grill—about three to four minutes per side depending on thickness—before finishing with a reduction sauce. Other groups focused on preparing bread dough, seasoning and cooking shrimp, and assembling the rice pudding dessert.

FUA & AUF culinary students supervised every step, demonstrating knife skills, explaining flavor pairings, and offering tips on presentation. The event provided all necessary equipment and ingredients, as well as refreshments throughout the evening. After preparation, the entire group reconvened at a single, long table to enjoy the dishes they had prepared together.

Beyond cooking techniques, the activity offers a social component that helps international students feel at home. Participants came from various U.S. states—from New York to California to Texas—and the shared activity encouraged conversation and collaboration. For many, it was an opportunity to connect with peers outside the classroom, exchange cultural perspectives, and build informal support networks.

“Stir the Pot” is one of several extracurricular options available to FUA students each semester. Alongside art workshops, language exchanges, and city-wide walking tours, this cooking event highlights the university’s commitment to blending academic study with practical, real-world experiences. It also underscores Florence’s rich culinary heritage and gives students hands-on exposure to local ingredients and cooking styles.

By the end of the evening, attendees not only tasted a full-course meal but also walked away with new kitchen skills, recipe ideas, and friendships that extend beyond the classroom walls. For any student seeking to make the most of their time abroad in Florence, signing up for “Stir the Pot” provides both practical learning and a chance to engage fully with the local community.