Culinary Arts & Italian Culture
A Summer for Fun, Friends, and Your Future
Explore
Have fun discovering Florence's art, monuments, and ristorantes.
Network
Meet new friends and chefs. Build your own community.
Get Inspired
Launch your future today! Cook using traditional and modern Italian culinary techniques. Build confidence as a future chef.
The Destination
Welcome to Florence, where iconic art, rich history, and mouthwatering eats are around every corner.
Florence feels like a masterpiece you can walk through. As the birthplace of the Renaissance, the city is home to world-famous landmarks like the Duomo’s soaring dome, Botticelli’s “The Birth of Venus,” and the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge. Its compact, walkable streets are packed with architectural wonders, delicious street food, and statue-filled piazzas.
Florence is a perfect place to taste your way through the best of Italian cuisine. Grab a schiacciata (crispy Tuscan flatbread filled with meats and cheeses). Savor pappardelle al ragù di cinghiale (wild boar) and eggplant parmigiana. Treat yourself to an espresso with a maritozzi (sweet cream-filled buns) for an afternoon pick-me-up.
If you’re passionate about cooking, there’s no better place to explore your craft than Florence. This is a city where rich experiences await you around every corner. Every day will expand your palette and gift inspiration that will stick with you long after the trip ends.
Cultural Awareness
CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. No matter where you choose to study abroad with CIEE, our staff will be on hand throughout your program to provide advice, resources, and support.
Social feed above may feature posts from all CIEE Study Abroad programs, including college programs.
Sample Itinerary
Sample Activities
Livorno: Canals, Local Flavors, and the Tuscan Sea
Discover a different side of Tuscany with a day in Livorno, a lively port city where canals, local traditions, and the Mediterranean come together.
You'll start your adventure from the water with a boat tour through Livorno’s historic canals, exploring the colorful Venezia Nuova district and discovering the city’s fascinating connection to the sea. Then, it’s time to experience Livorno through its flavors at the famous Mercato delle Vettovaglie, one of Italy’s largest and most vibrant historic indoor markets. Wander among the stalls, soak up the local atmosphere, and enjoy a taste of authentic Livornese cuisine.
After a morning of exploring and eating, the afternoon is all about summer! Head to the coast with your CIEE friends for some well-deserved beach time and a refreshing dip in the Livorno sea. History, food, sunshine, and the Mediterranean—what better way to spend a Tuscan summer day?
From Bean to Cappuccino: Discover Italian Coffee at Mokaflor
Coffee in Italy is more than a drink—it’s a ritual, a tradition, and an essential part of everyday life.
During this hands-on experience at Mokaflor, you'll step into the world of Italian coffee and discover the journey from bean to cup. Learn about different coffee varieties, how beans are selected and roasted, and what goes into creating the perfect Italian espresso.
Then, it’s your turn to become the barista! Get behind the coffee machine, learn the basics of preparing and frothing milk, and put your new skills to the test by creating your very own cappuccino. Whether your foam art is a masterpiece or a work in progress, you'll leave with a new appreciation for one of Italy’s most beloved traditions—and the skills to make your next coffee molto italiano!
8 Reasons to Study Art in High School on a Summer Abroad Program
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How to Capture the Best Group Photos with Friends in Florence
This blog was written by a student intern on one of CIEE's high school summer abroad programs in 2025. Photos are hands down, the best souvenir. They’re free, they don’t... keep reading
How Can I Help My Teen Pick a Study Abroad Program?
Is your teen thinking about studying abroad? That’s super exciting! Choosing the right program, however, can feel overwhelming—especially if your teen is having a hard time deciding where they want... keep reading
Eligibility
- Participants must be 14 years old and above.
- Program open to current high school students—Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors, and Seniors. Students must have completed Freshman year of high school before traveling on program.
- For scholarship eligibility requirements, please check our scholarship page.
- Dietary restrictions of participants with celiac disease will likely reduce a student’s ability to engage in the full content of the program courses.
- Due to the local cuisine and available food options, this program cannot accommodate a fully Kosher or Halal diet. We are also unable to support combinations of multiple dietary restrictions (for example: gluten-free and lactose intolerant while also following a Halal diet).
For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.
Dates & Fees
Application Fee
$25
Program scholarships and tuition include iNext Travel Insurance, but do not cover the cost of flights. Find additional details about what’s included with your tuition.
More questions? Find answers, get application support, sign up for virtual presentations, or contact us!
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $7,500 |
| Total Fees | $7,500 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Program Balance | $7,500 |
| Total Fees | $7,500 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Ready to change your life?
What's Included
Interactive Classes
Housing
3 Meals/Day
(Dietary Needs Accommodated)
All Ground Transportation
(Once In-country)
Optional Group Flight
(Flight Cost Not Included)
Pre-departure Advice and Orientation
Access to WIFI
(No international data plan or SIM card included)
All Cultural Activities and Excursions
Comprehensive Medical and Travel Protection
24/7 Emergency On-site Support
Our Staff
Tina Marisa Rocchio
Center Director
Program Leaders guide and support our High School Summer Abroad participants through every step of their program.
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