A recent expose by the Corriere Fiorentino spotlights inappropriate behaviour of foreign students in Florence, particularly Americans, raising an issue that pits the city’s numerous foreign universities and academic institutions against the city and its residents.
The image of the nearly 8,000 American students who come to Florence each year, enrolled in approximately 40 study abroad programs, has become increasingly tarnished over the last few years through incidents that involve excessive drinking and rowdy behaviour in the historic centre. The Corriere reportage also criticized local bars owners for taking advantage of foreign students’ propensity to drink and party ‘too much,’ citing special offers such as ladies’ nights, drinking contests, and pub crawls.
The article met with strong reactions in the American expat and academic community in Florence. Many believe that it is the actions of a few that tarnish the image of the group as a whole.
The Florentine would like to get to the heart of the issue. For an article in an upcoming issue, we would like our readers to help us get to the root of the problem, share their positive experiences of foreign students in Florence, share what they may know about how other European cities view and deal with such issues as ‘binge drinking’ among foreign (and national) students, and suggest constructive solutions and alternatives.
E-mail us at inbox@theflorentine.net with your comments and we may use them in the upcoming feature.
