One of my best semesters in college was to spend a semester in Florence, Italy. It was amazing to have lectures on site at the various churches, and to live with Italian families, speak Italian with them. It was wonderful just to experience a different culture and live the way they live.
A summer in Florence sounds delightful. Italian is a lovely language..My friends in Rome speak English, so there was little incentive to learn. Someday, maybe.....
I'm going to enjoy your art threads!