Thanks to the Belong project, dedicated to supporting temporary residents in Florence, on November 6th, we had the opportunity to organize a special initiative for students from LABA Florence and ISI Florence. This unique experience took them on a trip to explore the opportunities that the areas surrounding Florence offer, which are often overshadowed by the grandeur of the city center.

We accompanied 14 students—7 Italian and 7 international students — to Circolo Culturale Agricolo Osteria Bucolica in Lastra a Signa, just a 15-minute ride from the city. Nestled in a peaceful, green setting, the students participated in a hands-on workshop on preparing kimchi, a traditional Korean dish made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This collective cooking activity provided an opportunity to learn new culinary techniques while highlighting the importance of supporting local produce.

Beyond making kimchi, students had the chance to explore the club’s garden, learn about local organic farming, and take part in a tasting activity. For those interested, there was also the option to purchase fresh products directly from the venue, making the experience even more authentic and engaging.

The goals of this initiative were multifaceted:

• Promote cultural exchange between Italian and international students.
• Let American students (but also those living in Florence!) discover that just a few minutes from the city centre, using public transport, they can reach unexpected places where they can have a real local experience.

A special thanks to our partner Baspi Bus for accompanying us on this beautiful initiative.

This event is just the beginning of a series of activities designed to promote cultural integration and authentic, sustainable exploration of the Florence area. Stay tuned for more exciting experiences ahead!