As a study abroad...
I actually was looking at Florance as an escape from the cold heights of Perugia. The weather in Florence is beautiful as is the city of course. However, I was overwhelmed by the number of people that speak English and the number of Americans... this is not a good thing in my opinion. I wanted to be able to speak Italian and learn about Florentine culture but it seems more of an American Disney World in Italy. Great for tourists but not if you're trying to get to know Tuscan culture/people.
Insider Tip:Eat Lampredotto at a little stand in any piazza or lunch place with the green sauce or red spicy sauce. It's what true Florentines eat, some Italians in other regions haven't even heard of it.... Don't ask what it is until AFTER you've tried it.
