From volunteering to educational campaigns about responsible drinking and preventing sexually transmitted diseases, the initiatives are aimed at the 35,000-plus international students who come to Florence every year. From May 30 to June 2, Florence was the only city in Italy to present such a broad and integrated program at Uni-Italia’s Study in Italy pavilion at the 75th edition of NAFSA, the leading trade fair for international education, which was held in Washington, D.C. On May 30, on the occasion of NAFSA, the City of Florence and Destination Florence Convention & Visitors Bureau were invited to attend an exclusive event at the residence of the Ambassador of Italy to the United States, Mariangela Zappia, which is called none other than Villa Firenze!
“Be.Long grows year after year, providing assistance to the many international and non-Florentine students as well as professionals who move here due to the high-quality educational opportunities,”
explains Titta Meucci, city councillor for universities and research.
“The innovative formula, which focuses on services and integration between residents and temporary citizens, reinforces Florence’s vocation as a city of knowledge and learning. Participating in the world’s leading trade fair for international education is extremely important in communicating the Be.Long project to a wider audience.”
“Florence hosts one of the largest concentrations of American study abroad programs in the world, with more than 50 US schools that welcome thousands of American students every year,”
remarks Ragini Gupta, US Consul General in Florence.
“In 2022, the number of students enrolled at US university programs here exceeded pre-pandemic figures; our estimate is at least 16,000 students. The Consulate welcomes the city’s efforts to make it easier for students to benefit from cultural offerings through Be.Long, which provides the necessary information to become fully integrated and active members of the Florentine community, such as connecting students with important volunteering opportunities. The spirit of giving back is part of the American national character and our students regularly take part in activities with the Misericordia, Red Cross, Angeli del Bello and many more. Cultural and academic exchange is one of the cornerstones of US-Italian bilateral relations and the Consulate is proud to support Be.Long because it improves the quality of our students’ time here and helps them to become ambassadors in the US-Italy relationship, encouraging others to follow in their footsteps.”
This year marks the 50th anniversary of two leading study-abroad programs in Florence: Kent State University and Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici. In 1972, 10 Kent State architecture students accompanied by faculty members traveled to Florence to study for a few weeks. Now, KSU offers over 90 courses in Florence. In celebration of the 50th anniversary, the Kent State University Florence program is hosting a speaker series with Hollywood legend Don Reo, creator of Netflix’s The Ranch, Two and a Half Men, Everybody Hates Chris, M*A*S*H and The Golden Girls. During these eight seminars, attendees will learn about the craft of storytelling, screenwriting for TV, working with actors, showbusiness, and how to pitch ideas for American TV streaming services. Several guests will be joining Reo, including Mayim Bialik, host of Jeopardy and Big Bang Theory star. These free seminars are open to all every Monday and Wednesday through June 21 (6-7:30 pm) in the main lecture hall at Palazzo Vettori (via Cavour 26). On June 21 at 6pm, Don Reo will receive a lifetime achievement merit award from Fondazione Franco Zeffirelli.
The values of learning through lived experience of knowledge, curiosity, exchange and the importance of global perspectives are exemplified by the partnership between Marist College (New York) and Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (Florence). This year’s commencement ceremony for Marist Italy graduates held at Palazzo Budini Gattai included a special recognition for the founder of Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici, Fabrizio Guarducci, who was awarded with an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters. Guarducci began the Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici in 1973 and was recognized by Marist College in honor of “50 years of exceptional education and learning experiences provided by Lorenzo de Medici. For his visionary leadership in creating and growing the institution, the commitment to students and helping them develop their creativity and realize their own potential, and for the valued partnership between Lorenzo de’Medici and Marist College.” So noted Dr. Kevin Weinman, president of Marist College.
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