OCSW Turing - Ciao Bella! Our Italian Adventure in Florence..

Our beginner Italian learners embarked on a two week language placement at Europass Italian Language school, staying with local families to help them embed their language learning and have an authentic Italian experience. Learners commented that hosts went to “great lengths to include them in conversations” and that these interactions made the homestays meaningful - that and the authentic Italian food!

At first glance, Florence might seem like a compact city, but don't let its charm fool you! Our learners out stepped our Paris adventurers with an average daily count of over 20,000 steps! The Tuscan capital is well known for its renaissance art, architecture and monuments and it didn’t disappoint. Learners spent time in the Uffizi gallery admiring masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci and Botticelli, whilst others visited Michaelangelo’s ‘David’ at the Academia.

As the days passed some learners were craving some respite from the bustle of the city, retreating to the beautiful town of Fiesole for the afternoon. Here they spent time sampling Italian specialties such as ravioli, lasagne and cannolis, walking off their lunch at the breathtaking Area Archeologica. Boboli Gardens and Pitti Palace were an added attraction that many of the group explored and became one of the highlights of the trip.

During the placement the group took the opportunity to visit the beautiful hilltop town of San Gimignano and world renowned Sienna. Some students opted for the not so well known Torture museum in San Gimignano, with others choosing coffee, cake and views of the countryside. Whilst visiting Siena the group also witnessed the Palio decorations and festivities. 

In week 2 some ventured further again, visiting the Ancient city of Rome by train. Utilising the hop on bus they visited Colosseum, St Peter's Square, Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. Rome proved very interesting with its annual pilgrimage festivities with processions and floats in various locations around the capital.  

The trip has been described by learners as a “life changing experience”, with supporting staff commenting that they were “blown away by the improved confidence of learners using their new language skills throughout the placement”. 

Trip lead Sam Welsford commented “Turing trips can truly be life changing and barriers can be overcome which is an amazing experience for both the individual, the group and the staff”.

Upon returning a learner said: “ I feel so much more positive about my life in general.  It has increased my self confidence and helped greatly with my mental health.”  

It was a pleasure to spend time in wonderful Florence and we hope that this isn’t the end of our Italian journey.

For more information on our Turing Scheme please click here.

Photographs - credit to one of our learners Jessie Hingston-Cook