An excellent way to really live the culture of Italy and experience the art and history as an insider is to study in the country itself. What better place than in Florence - the renaissance art and Italian language heartbeat of the world? You will be spoilt for choice with the number of excellent schools offering long and short term courses and covering a range of subjects sure to entice those visiting the city and wishing to learn more about the Italian language, as well as cooking, drawing or even wine! Read on for our selection of the best schools and what they have to offer you.

British Institute Language Centre - www.britishinstitute.it
Founded in 1917, the prestigious British Institute offers courses in the Italian language with the aim of full immersion from day one. Strongly inclined toward cultural exchange, the British Institute also offers excellent Art History courses through lectures and onsite visits and fine arts courses with a focus on life and cast drawing.

Scuola Leonardo da Vinci - www.scuolaleonardo.com
In addition to Italian language courses of various durations, the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci has a wide range of cultural courses including drawing, painting, Italian design, Italian fashion, History of Art, Italian wines and for the adventurous amongst you a professional Italian cooking class.

ABC Centro di Lingua e Cultura - www.abcschool.com
The ABC Centro is one of the oldest and most historical schools in Florence and offers language courses at all levels as well as preparatory exams for the University of Florence. You can combine the Italian language course with business Italian or other art and cultural courses.

Centro Linguistico Italiano Dante Alighieri - www.clidante.com
As well as various levels of Italian language courses and courses on opera and literature, art history, music, cooking and wine tasting to name just a few, this school offers an all-inclusive Italian course package including a mix of the courses above as well as the opportunity to stay with an Italian family.

L’Istituto per L’Arte e il Restauro - www.spinelli.it
The leading art restoration school in Italy. Courses range in length from one month to three years. Fresco, book and paper, painting and furniture restoration are just some of the restoration courses on offer.

Eternal City Education - www.eternalcityeducation.com
This English and American company offers Study Abroad Courses and Programs in Italy that teach the development of Western Civilization and apply the lessons learned to our own tumultuous times.