We believe in lifelong learning and welcome students of all ages and backgrounds - our youngest students begin learning English with us from the age of 5 while our oldest student can be over 80. In addition to our comprehensive English language programme, we offer courses in Italian language, history of art, life drawing and a number of university study abroad programmes as well as a Summer School in Massa Marittima. We are the principal centre in Tuscany for the Cambridge ESOL (English for Speakers of other Languages) exams.
The Harold Acton Library, containing the largest lending collection of English books in mainland Europe, is host to many cultural and educational events throughout the year and provides a lively point of contact between Italian and English-speaking people, whether long term residents, students or visitors. We have close links with many local organisations and institutions and our archives are recognised as a source of valuable material regarding relations between the Anglophone and Tuscan communities, as well as the history of the Institute itself, and can be consulted by appointment.
We operate from two historic buildings in the centre of Florence; our language centre is in the Palazzo Strozzino and our library and cultural centre is located on the south banks of the river Arno in the Palazzo Lanfredini. We are within easy walking distance of all the main museums, galleries and churches.