Hi, this is Mina, a South Korean national. I lived and studied in Italy for many years, and in this article, I want to share why I believe Tuscany is the perfect place to experience Italy at its finest! Whether you’re looking to learn Italian in Tuscany or explore the region’s incredible culture and cuisine, this area offers a unique and authentic experience that combines language learning with the beauty and richness of Italian life.

When I first thought about Tuscany, images of rolling hills, vineyards, and cypress trees instantly came to mind. I imagined it as a postcard-perfect region, but my time in Florence and Siena taught me that Tuscany is so much more than just picturesque landscapes. It’s a place where history, art, food, and tradition come together in ways that can only be experienced in person.

Tuscany opened my eyes to a whole new side of the country, I quickly realized that Tuscany has a soul of its own. The richness of the culture made me feel like I was living inside an Italian dream.

With Go! Go! Italia, you too can live and study in Tuscany, immersing yourself in everything this incredible region has to offer. Here are the 2 cities we recommend to study Italian in Tuscany.

Florence – The cradle of the Renaissance

Florence is one of the most iconic cities in Italy, known as the birthplace of the Renaissance. Walking through the city feels like stepping back in time, with its world-famous museums (there are 72 of them!), churches, and monuments, like the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery. 

Our partner school in Florence is located in the heart of the city, a short walk from these incredible sights. Here, you’ll not only learn Italian in Tuscany, but you’ll also have the chance to dive into Tuscany’s rich art and history.

Florence is home to several prestigious universities and institutions of higher learning, some of which are internationally recognized such as Polimoda and Università degli Studi di Firenze (University of Florence). This makes the city a vibrant hub for learning, offering a culturally rich environment and fostering a diverse and international academic community. 

Siena – Medieval beauty and charm

Siena is another gem in Tuscany, a city that has preserved its medieval charm and traditions. The city’s main square, Piazza del Campo, is famous for hosting the Palio, a traditional horse race that dates back centuries. The winding streets and stunning medieval architecture make Siena one of the most beautiful cities in Italy.

The Palio communities in Siena, known as contrade, play a crucial role in the city’s culture and can offer a unique benefit to international students. The contrade are neighborhood-based groups that compete in the historic Palio di Siena, a centuries-old horse race held twice a year. These communities are deeply rooted in Siena’s social fabric, fostering a sense of identity, tradition, and belonging among their members.

For international students, engaging with these contrade offers more than just an educational experience—it’s an opportunity to immerse themselves in local traditions, make meaningful connections, and gain insight into the collaborative spirit that defines life in Siena. This sort of events makes Siena a perfect place to learn Italian in Tuscany.

Additionally, the strong sense of community that the contrade promote creates a welcoming environment for international students, helping them feel integrated into the life of the city.

Our partner school in Siena offers a serene and inspiring environment to learn Italian, surrounded by the beauty of the Tuscan countryside. 

Must-try Tuscan dishes

Tuscan cuisine is known for its simplicity and focus on fresh, local ingredients. Here are some of the must-try dishes that truly capture the essence of this region:

• Pappa al Pomodoro: A thick, comforting soup made from stale bread, ripe tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and basil. It’s a dish that reflects the Tuscan ethos of making something amazing from the simplest ingredients. Perfect vegan option. 
• Ribollita: Another classic bread-based soup, this one is packed with vegetables like kale, carrots, and beans, and is often considered a symbol of Tuscan peasant food. “Ribollita” means “reboiled,” as it’s traditionally reheated the day after it’s made, and the flavors only improve.
• Bistecca alla Fiorentina: A must for meat lovers, this is a thick-cut T-bone steak cooked rare, traditionally from the Chianina breed of cattle. Served simply with olive oil and salt, it’s one of Tuscany’s most famous dishes.
• Pici: A hand-rolled, thick pasta that’s typical of Siena. It’s usually served with rich, hearty sauces, like ragu or aglione (a garlic and tomato sauce). Simple yet incredibly flavorful, it’s a dish you won’t forget.
• Cantucci with Vin Santo: These almond biscuits are typically enjoyed at the end of a meal, dipped in a glass of sweet Vin Santo wine. It’s the perfect way to end a Tuscan feast.

In both Florence and Siena, our partner schools offer special cooking classes that teach you how to prepare authentic Tuscan dishes.

Explore the Tuscan countryside

Tuscany’s beauty isn’t limited to its cities. The rolling hills, vineyards, and olive groves that define the region’s landscape are some of the most picturesque in the world. Our school partners arrange day trips to the surrounding countryside, visit local wineries, or just enjoy the breathtaking views of the Tuscan hills.

Want to learn Italian in Tuscany? Study in Siena or Florence with Go! Go! Italia

If Tuscany’s culture and cuisine captivate you, we got you covered with our partner schools in Siena and Florence.

Study in Siena: Dante Alighieri Siena

Located in the heart of Siena’s medieval center, Dante Alighieri Siena offers unique programs combining Italian language with cooking and cultural courses. Learn to cook authentic Tuscan dishes like Pappa al Pomodoro while improving your Italian. They also offer a mindfulness program to enrich your learning experience​

Study in Florence: Linguaviva

In Florence, Linguaviva focuses on university preparation courses, perfect for students planning to attend Italian universities. But not only, the school offers cooking classes and food programs, wine tasting, arts, tattoo fundamentals, you name it. All combined with Italian language classes, to make sure you achieve fluency while exploring Italian culture.

Why learn Italian in Tuscany?

Tuscany’s slower pace, rich traditions, and welcoming people make it the perfect place to study. Want to learn Italian in Tuscany? Contact us!