A message from the Mayor – July 2010
July, 2010
Thousands of students from all over the world live and study in Florence. We have the largest number of American universities of any city in Italy, but many young people also come from China, Russia, the Middle East and South America to attend classes at our university or institutions of higher learning thanks to programs such as Erasmus. And many fall in love with Florence, experiencing it to the full during their study period and then decide to come back or move here for a while –sometimes even forever.
Our government is thinking about how we can make the time spent in Florence more profitable, more pleasing and unforgettable. Among the many programs we have in mind is the “Casa della Creatività” located in the heart of the city – a new space where foreign students will find an active, real reference point to learn about and participate in the city’s life, to meet young Florentines and relate to our university. We also have plans to establish a new university center for foreigners (and I am thinking primarily of young people from emerging countries such as China, India and Brazil) in the courthouse in Piazza San Firenze once the judiciary offices have moved to the new Palazzo di Giustizia in the Novoli district.
However, we must thank these young people: just by being here they enrich the city and its residents because it is through ongoing exchange and dialogue with them and their teachers that Florence can continue to maintain the welcoming, curious and tolerant spirit that distinguishes it and makes it open its arms to the world.
It is for this reason that I gladly welcome this effort by Associazione Partners Palazzo Strozzi: “Flo’n the go” is not just a one-way newsletter, a simple website, it will soon work with and enjoy the active participation of its student readers. It will be something between a blog and a social network, with all the information you need to experience the city, to have fun, to take advantage of the cultural offerings. It is a new, fresh, fast and international tool that will bring students closer to the city and the city closer to the students.
Matteo Renzi – Mayor of Florence
