Cultural Calendar

Yesterday during orientation, the students were given the first half of their Cultural Calendar for the semester. Take a look at all of the fantastic things that AIFS has lined up for them. And the good news, for me, is that faculty are welcome to participate too. I can’t wait! (Don’t worry – I’ll also check to see if husbands, moms, dads, and friends are welcome too!) Also keep in mind that this is just the first half; soon students will receive the calendar for the second half, which I’ll share with you as soon as I receive it. By the way, here are the wonderful AIFS folks who make this all possible: Jed, Sophie, and Kirsty. Thanks, all!

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Thursday, February 8: Welcome Reception
--A chance to relax with fellow students, staff, and faculty to toast the start of the program. (Free)

Friday, February 9: A Stroll Through Florence
--A relaxing stroll with the AIFS staff over the Arno River, through the pretty neighborhood of San Niccolo, and up to Piazza Michelangelo—a beautiful piazza set high above the city offering the most spectacular views over Florence. (Free)

Monday, February 12: Cooking Class A (repeated Thursday, February 13, Monday, February 19, and Wednesday, February 21)
--Italian cooking is world famous. While you are here, come and learn a few dishes of your own to cook and amaze friends back home. Our first menus is “Crostini Campagnoli,” “Penne alla Carrettiera,” “Roast Beef con Piselli,” followed by that great Italian dessert, “Tiramisu.” (25 euros)

Tuesday, February 13: Language Exchange/Pizza Night
--A chance to meet real Italians! We will have a pizza evening with our friends from the American Institute next door—loads of Italians dying to test out their English on you as long as you test out your Italian! (8 Euros)

Friday, February 16: Insight Into Carnevale
--Everything you need to know before you go! Find out about the history of Carnival and more specifically what you should expect to see at this year’s carnival. (Free)

Sunday, February 18: Day Trip to Carnevale, Viareggio
--One of the more famous and elaborate Carnivals is right on your doorstep—you’ve arrived just in time to join in the celebrations! (15 euro)

Monday, February 19: Wine Tasting—Chianti Wine (repeated Tuesday, February 20, and Wednesday, February 21)
--In this first wine tasting session, our expert Todd will teach you all about the famous local red wine, including the processes, the regions, and of course some tasting! (5 euro)

Tuesday February 20: Carnival Classic Music Concert at Teatro Verdi
--“Voci di primavera,” at one of Florence’s most important theatres, a one off special concert to celebrate carnival with music from Strauss, Lanner, and Offenbach, and more. (7 euro)

Wednesday, February 21: Insights Into Calcio
--Everything you ever wanted to know about Italian soccer by our resident expert Fabrizio and Ged. Get clued up before this weekend’s game. (Free)

Friday, February 23: Day Trip to Siena and San Gimignano
--Beautiful Siena, home of the Palio, and San Gimignano with its towers. (5 euros)

Sunday, February 25: Soccer Match—Florentina v. Empoli
--Come and see the Italians’ favorite pastime—soccer—or “calico” as they say! The local team is in “Seria A” (the premier league), so you should see some serious soccer. Even if you’re not a soccer fan, come along as nothing beats the atmosphere of an Italian soccer match—we guarantee you’ve not seen anything like it! (12 euros)

Monday, February 26: Film Night
--A first chance to see some classic Italian film or Italian-related film. The title will be announced nearer the time! (Free)

Monday, February 26: Cooking Class B (repeated Wednesday, February 29, Monday, March 5, and Wednesday, March 7)
--This is your second change to learn how to cook some typical Italian food! Pappa al pomodoro, spaghetti al Ragu, Arista con patate al forno, and Biscotti di Prato. (25 euros)

Tuesday, February 27: Aperitivo With Italians
--A second chance to meet some local Italians who are studying English. (10 euros)

Friday, March 2-Sunday, March 4: A Weekend in Rome!
--A chance to see the Italian capital—one of the most beautiful cities in the world! The weekend will include two nights accommodations, round-trip transport, entrances, and tours of the Colosseum, Roman Forum, and the Vatican Museums. (275 euros)

Monday, March 5: Wine Tasting—White Wines (repeated Tuesday, March 6, and Wednesday, March 7)
--New lecture by Todd on different wines. You have covered the local red wine; not let’s look at some white wines! (5 euros)

Monday, March 12: Oil Tasting (repeated Wednesday, March 14)
--This time Todd will tell you everything you need to know, from production to tasting, about olive oil—the most important ingredient in the Mediterranean diet and one of Italy’s most exported products! (5 euros)