At Florence University of the Arts (FUA), language learning is more than getting a passing grade in class— it’s an invitation to experience the city of Florence from the inside out. Designed for beginners, FUA’s introductory “Communicating in Italian” course provides students with the skills and confidence they need to engage in daily conversations and deepen their connection to Italian culture and local life.

This dynamic course prioritizes real-world communication in the form of practical, out-of-the-classroom study opportunities. Students gain grammar, vocabulary, and conversation skills that empower them to make Italy feel more like home in the short time they are here. For example, during the class I was in attendance for to gather information for this piece, the day began with a recap of the previous week’s topics and a review of verbs, subjects, objects, and sentence prepositions.

“I didn’t speak a lick [of Italian] before study abroad,” said Luke Rice, a junior from Endicott College. “Giada does a great job getting us out into the city as much as she can. It’s not just about memorizing vocabulary — we’ve been able to use what we learn at the market and in cafés, which makes the experience feel so real.”

Giada Cerchiari is the course’s instructor, whose academic background in Linguistic Sciences and Intercultural Communication, paired with her passion for language, shapes the class’s supportive and welcoming atmosphere.

“I think I can do nothing else,” Cerchiari said. “I love teaching Italian, and I also teach English, and I love and study languages.” Cerchiari’s passion for teaching shows up in her students’ participation in class and is a testament to her skill at getting students excited about course material and eager to learn more. I, although only reporting on the class, was encouraged to participate in the class activities. Cerchiari designs each lesson to balance theoretical understanding with hands-on practice, encouraging students to learn by doing.

“I always start with theory, but I believe language is best learned through practice,” said Cerchiari. “It’s so rewarding to watch students go from knowing nothing to confidently speaking and understanding Italian during their time here.”

Cerchiari believes the streets of Florence are where students are immersed in their study abroad experience most. They are encouraged to apply their growing language skills in real-life situations — a unique feature that sets this course apart from traditional language study. Visits to local cafés, markets, and shops provide students with authentic opportunities to interact with native speakers and experience Florentine culture first-hand.

For many students, the course enhances not only their language skills but also their entire study abroad experience. “The café across from my apartment is really local. They almost always seem happier when I come in and at least attempt to speak Italian, so this class has been really helpful with that,” said Ellison Skinner, a sophomore from the University of South Carolina. “This class has helped me feel more comfortable and more connected to Florence.”

By the end of the course, students are prepared to navigate everyday interactions with confidence and ease. “I’ll be one of the only people who knows Italian when I go back to school, so it’ll be nice to come home and use that skill in front of others. It’s cool to be able to talk to some locals,” said Rice.

“I don’t know how to explain the satisfaction I get from seeing the progress in the students,” Cerchiari said. For many, this course becomes one of the most memorable and rewarding aspects of their time abroad. More than just a language requirement, it opens the door to authentic experiences and meaningful connections, transforming Florence from a ‘Dolce Vita’ destination into a real second home.