Welcome Home to Florence: Florence, Italy, the birthplace of the Renaissance, is a city steeped in art, history, and culture, offering students a living classroom where every street and building tells a story. Its vibrant academic environment, rich with opportunities for artistic and intellectual growth, makes it an ideal destination for those eager to immerse themselves in a transformative educational experience.
Beatrice’s homestay is conveniently close to some of Florence’s most famous landmarks—a mere ten-minute walk from the iconic Duomo, five minutes from Santa Croce Church, and fifteen minutes from the Ponte Vecchio. Despite its central location, Sant’ Ambrogio maintains its traditional charm and remains untouched by mass tourism, making it a true gem within the city.
Each morning, the neighborhood comes alive with a bustling local market where vendors sell fresh fruits, vegetables, and clothing, capturing the essence of everyday Florentine life. Unlike the tourist-heavy areas, the shops here are independent, offering unique and authentic items.
The restaurants around serve traditional local cuisine and feature Italian menus, providing an authentic dining experience that plunges visitors deep into the heart of Florence’s vibrant local culture. Staying at Beatrice’s Homestay is not just about visiting Florence; it’s about living it.
Beatrice’s Accommodations in Florence
Unlike other homestays on the Studentessa Matta site, your accommodations during your stay with Beatrice will not be in her home, but rather in a separate apartment conveniently located just a short stroll from her residence where you will take lessons. Upon expressing interest in a stay in Florence with Beatrice, information will be provided regarding available B&Bs, apartments, and small hotels in Beatrice’s neighborhood. We include the cost in your price quote and make the reservation, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Beatrice has teamed up with local women entrepreneurs to enhance your Italian immersion experience with cultural and hands-on activities. After your morning Italian lessons with Beatrice, you can engage in various workshops all conveniently located within a 15-minute walk from Beatrice’s home. These experiences include:
- Cooking Class with Elisabetta (3 hours): Start by shopping together at the supermarket, then head to her home to cook one of the 12 dishes (6 savory, 6 sweet). Enjoy the fruits of your labor afterward.
- Guided City Tour with Veronica (2 hours): Explore Florence with Veronica on a leisurely walk, learning about the historic flood of 1966, neighborhood curiosities, Florentine cenacles, or medieval aspects of the city.
- Knitting and Sewing Course with Elena (4 hours): Join Elena in her cozy studio for a relaxing session of knitting or embroidery, complete with tea or coffee. All materials are provided.
- Ceramics with Eva (2 hours): Venture to Oltrarno and step into a studio reminiscent of an ancient workshop where you can mold clay or paint pottery, taking home whatever you create.
- Hata Yoga with Sara (1 hour): Unwind in a yoga session in Sara’s studio, located right in Beatrice’s neighborhood. Afterward, enjoy a chat with Sara about your experience.
What to Expect from Beatrice’s Homestay Language Course
What to Expect from Beatrice’s Language Course: Beatrice’s language course is designed to offer students an authentic and high-quality learning experience in Florence.
The program runs Monday through Friday and includes 2 or 3 hours of daily Italian language lessons with Beatrice, where students do more than study the language—they actively practice and apply it in real-world contexts.
Beyond the classroom, you won’t just read about Italian culture; you’ll live it, interacting with locals and experiencing daily life in Florence as true Italians do.
Booking Your Homestay with Beatrice: Beatrice offers a special rate for her Homestay experience in Florence to readers of the Matta Blog.