A view of the Arno River that runs through the historic center of Florence.

Located in the heart of Tuscany, this medieval city clearly stands out as a cultural, historical, and academic center in Italy. In this truly efficient city, you will find that you are able to walk to any major area in roughly twenty-five minutes. Florence is famous for producing leather goods, olive oil, ceramics, wine, and Florentine stationery which can be found throughout the city. The Florence Peretola airport and the Santa Maria Novella train station are both easily accessible and allow students to travel throughout Italy and Europe whenever they wish.

From the very beginning you will notice that things are different in Florence: The look and style of the streets, the way people stroll every evening, the taste and smell of food, the sounds of voices and traffic. To understand and become comfortable in your new environment, you have to start getting used to the city, the ways of your household and the habits and tastes of your new Italian friends and acquaintances. Soon you will start to see the reasons behind Italian customs, and you will come to enjoy your ability to fit in. Be prepared for a wonderful adventure that brings you towards an understanding of Italy and its people, as well as a new understanding of yourself and your American heritage.

Italy is divided into 20 regions, each with its own capital city. Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region of Italy. It's located along the Arno River surrounded by hills to the south and the foothills of the Apennine Mountains to the north.

With an urban population of roughly 380,000 people, Florence is a city vast in area but effortlessly maintains its small-town charm.

Winters in Florence are cool and wet. Summers tend to be hot and humid, due to the Arno River which runs the center of the city. The Arno River is also a cause for many bugs and mosquitoes.

Heating systems in Italy are controlled by the government and are turned on by November 15 and turned off on March 15 every year. Heat in the apartments generally operates from 6am - 9 am and then again in the evening from 6pm - 10pm.

During the summer months, remember that air conditioning is not as prevalent in Italy--while the university is air conditioned, the ISA office and most Italian homes and apartments are not!

Average monthly highs and lows (degrees Fahrenheit) and rainfall (inches) in Florence.

• UNESCO World Heritage Center
• http://www.italiantourism.com/