Bridging Cultures: FUA’s Gateway to Authentic Italian Connections

At FUA, students immerse themselves in Florence, forging lasting connections and embracing Italian life beyond the classroom.

written by Charlotte Cicero for SPEL: Journalism

“More than a language exchange,”:  

FUA’s ‘ChatPal’ club bridges the gap between students and locals.

Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers a unique opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the local culture through its ChatPal program. It fosters real connections between students and Florentine locals, creating relationships that extend beyond the classroom.

FUA advisor Francesca Giovannini stated in an interview, “ChatPal is not only a simple language exchange, it’s really the opportunity to meet a Florentine local.” The flexible program allows students and their ChatPal partners to choose when and where they meet for 1 hour each week. During these meetings, the FUA student will talk to the Florentine local in Italian, and the local will talk in English, offering both participants the opportunity to practice a language that is not as familiar to them.

One of ChatPal’s benefits is the potential for students to create long-term connections with Florentine locals.“If you are planning to come back to Florence after your semester, you’ll know someone who lives here,” Giovannini adds. “You have an important contact if you want to come back for holidays or for your studies, and some of the relationships formed have led to great friendships.” 

The recruitment process for ChatPal ensures a personalized experience for students. The university reaches out to individuals studying at public universities in Florence, particularly those in linguistic programs. This careful selection process ensures that students are paired with engaged and enthusiastic partners, and vice versa. 

“All of our activities are meant to get in touch with more and more people, and if you have the chance to get to know more Florentine people, it’ll be good for everyone,” says Giovannini. 

ChatPal is an invaluable resource for students looking to deepen their connection with Florence, offering them not just language practice, but a true Italian friendship.

Home Away From Home: 

FUA’s standout involvement opportunity invites students to join local families for the semester

A standout involvement opportunity here at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is the Italian Family Club. For students that are thousands of miles away from their parents and siblings, some for the first time, this opportunity allows students to feel as though they have their own family here in Florence. This eye-opening experience immerses students in Italian family traditions, values, and everyday experiences beyond what they might find in a typical study abroad experience.

“The most special part is the first and last meeting,” FUA Senior Advisor Francesca Fornari explains. “At the beginning, students are shy, scared, and don’t know how to interact. But by the last meeting, they are really part of the family, with inside jokes and deep connections. It’s beautiful to see the bond they create in just three months.” The families involved in the program have been welcoming students into their homes for over a decade, Fornari notes. 

The Italian Family Club application asks students about their experience babysitting or serving as camp counselors, as well as any hobbies or sports, to better match the student with the family. Vivian Johns, a senior at Virginia Commonwealth University who is studying abroad at FUA, said at the first informational meeting, “I want to fully immerse myself - engaging with younger generations, as I'm used to volunteering with children back at home. I'm really excited to connect with them in a new place.” 

As these Florentine families are volunteering their time and opening up their homes to students they’ve never met, Fornari describes this opportunity as a great privilege. “You have to be present and committed to do this,” says Fornari. Students explore Florence from a local perspective, venturing beyond tourist paths and sightseeing, and gaining a deeper appreciation for their surroundings. Students learn to adapt to different social settings, broadening their understanding of both their host culture and their own.

For those looking to experience Italy in its most authentic form, the Italian Family Club is a gateway to lifelong connections and cultural enrichment.