Italy

Living Conditions & Daily Life 

Students follow a varied academic schedule, with classes and field activities typically from 9 AM to 5 PM. Evenings and most weekends are free, offering time for rest, local exploration, or participation in optional group activities. 

Students live in shared apartment-style housing and are responsible for preparing their own meals, supported by a weekly grocery stipend. Some group meals are provided during field excursions. A daily curfew is enforced throughout the program, including for students who remain in Greve during weekends. 

Physical Readiness 

Fieldwork includes visits to farms, biodiversity observation, and engagement with local communities. Terrain may be muddy, steep, and uneven, with many streets paved in cobblestones. Elevators are uncommon—student housing does not have one, and all participants must be able to navigate stairs daily. 

Field days may include long walks or standing for extended periods in varied environments. Access for students with mobility impairments is limited. 

Travel & Transitions 

Students are based in Greve in Chianti, about 45 minutes from Florence by bus, and frequently travel to field sites throughout Tuscany. Travel includes winding rural roads and occasional overnight stays in different regions. The schedule blends classroom time and fieldwork, requiring flexibility and adaptability to weather and logistical changes. 

Program Location & Natural Environment 

Greve is a quaint town in Tuscany, surrounded by vineyards, olive groves, and scenic countryside. Students experience a blend of historic sites, bustling town life, and peaceful natural areas. Restaurants, grocery stores, pharmacies, and cafes are centrally located within walking distance of student housing. 

In summer, temperatures may exceed 100°F (40°C) and air conditioning is not available in student housing. Humidity, wind, and rain vary by season, and mosquitoes are common, especially in warmer months. 

Cultural & Linguistic Differences 

Italian culture is rich in regional customs, with conservative dress norms in many public settings. Athletic wear is typically reserved for recreational activities. 

Italian is the primary language, and while many locals speak English in tourist areas, using Italian is preferred in Greve. Students are not required to know the language, but basic Italian phrases are taught and encouraged to enhance cultural immersion and everyday communication. All coursework is conducted in English. 

Allergies & Dietary Preferences 

Italian cuisine features gluten, dairy, red meat, and seafood as staples. Dishes such as pasta, risotto, and pizza are common. Students must prepare most of their own meals but will occasionally dine at local establishments or participate in group meals during travel. 

Those with food allergies must communicate clearly with staff and roommates, especially in shared kitchen spaces. Cross-contamination risks may exist, particularly when eating out, and students with severe allergies should consult studentlife@fieldstudies.org before applying. 

Required Vaccinations & Health Care 

SFS does not require specific vaccinations, but all students should meet with a travel medicine professional prior to departure. 

Basic medical care is located five minutes from student housing, while advanced care is approximately 30 minutes away. Ambulance services are readily available, but students may be 2+ hours from care while traveling. Psychiatric and advanced mental health services may require advance planning. 

Routine medical and counseling services are not available during the program. Students must bring a full supply of any prescription medications, including psychotropic drugs, for the entire duration of the program, as local refills are typically not feasible without prior arrangements.