Community Engagement
Fall 2026
NYU Florence
Greetings from the Office of Community Engagement
Enrico Buonincontro
Community Engagement Coordinator
Megan Metters
Academic Assistant
Mayara Pereira
Academic Assistant
We love helping others discover their abilities and potential to build a better world together.
π§ Email us at florence.ce@nyu.edu to schedule an in-person or online appointment.
Why Get Involved?
Connect & Belong
Meet new people, make lasting friendships, and become part of the Florentine community.
Grow Professionally
Build real skills, strengthen your rΓ©sumΓ©, and gain experience that sets you apart.
Practice Italian
Immerse yourself in the language and deepen your understanding of Italian culture firsthand.
Give Back
Make a meaningful impact in Florence while discovering your own potential.
Where Can I Get Involved?
Social Welfare & Inclusive Sports
Assist vulnerable community members through hands-on social support programs.
Education & Youth Mentoring
Work alongside local students in educational and inclusive settings.
Urban Nature & Green Spaces
Help maintain and beautify Florence's shared outdoor environments.
Culture, Art & Music
Explore the city's rich heritage with projects using music, art and historical collections.
What Do I Need to Know?
Volunteering is a meaningful commitment. Here's what to keep in mind before you apply.
Represent NYU Florence
You'll be an ambassador for the university in the broader Florentine community.
Manage Your Schedule
Consider your academic workload carefully before committing to a placement (we also have one day events!).
Show Up & Be On Time
Reliability and punctuality are essential β your presence matters to those you serve.
Strong Commitment Required
Volunteering demands dedication. Come ready to engage fully and consistently.
A Note on Placements
We are delighted to accommodate all NYU Florence students who are interested in volunteering their time to develop skills and give something back to the Florentine community.
For some opportunities there are a limited number of positions available. In this case, it will be a competitive process based on a review of the application form and the individual interview.
All students will be given a position that corresponds to their interests and goals, but we cannot guarantee that all students will get a placement at their first choice.
FALL 2026
Community Engagement Opportunities & Partner Organizations
Social Welfare & Inclusive Sports
Serving Meals @ the Soup Kitchen
Support meal service and hospitality for those in need.
Inclusive Soccer
Facilitate adaptive sports activities for people with disabilities.
Sewing and Embroidery Lab with Elderly People
Take part on this sewing and embroidery lab with elderly participants.
Inclusive Food Market
Promote social inclusion by supporting people with disabilities as they assist with selling organic products at a weekly market.
Food Packing for Vulnerable People
Support food gardening activities for people with disabilities.
Inclusive Horto
Arts & Crafts Thrift Shop
Inclusive Orchestra
Help make music accessible to individuals of all abilities.
Join volunteers preparing food packages and boxes for families in need.
Care for social inclusion initiatives through hands-on arts and crafts.
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
Social Welfare & Inclusive Sports: Partners
Le Curandaie
A non-profit association in Le Cure neighborhood promoting social innovation, services for local families, and initiatives supporting women returning to the workforce.
Caritas
A Catholic nonprofit that realizes projects in the spirit of social solidarity in support of economically disadvantaged and fragile members of the community.
Sezione Soci Coop Firenze
The Parish of San Marco Vecchioβs team of volunteers develop projects in the spirit of social solidarity, including the organization and distribution of food parcels to the most vulnerable.
Il Ritrovo
An association that promotes sports activities and socialization for all community members, including people with disabilities and those who are socially marginalized.
Musicability
An inclusive orchestra bringing together musicians with and without disabilities, using music as a vehicle for social inclusion and personal growth.
A non-profit association promoting the social inclusion of people with disabilities through meaningful work and community services, and wellbeing activities.
Filiderba & Il Circolino Verde
Parish of San Marco Vecchio
Members of this Cooperative organize initiatives focused on solidarity, culture, and well-being, while strengthening ties between UniCoop Firenze, its members and local organizations.
Inclusive Soccer
NYU Florence students join Il Ritrovo's Inclusive Soccer Project, which focus on providing support, companionship, and encouragement to individuals with disabilities, fostering a sense of belonging and personal growth through the shared activity of soccer. This project requires dedication, empathy, a strong sense of responsibility, and commitment to positively impact participants' lives. Students support the objectives of the trainer, actively participating in weekly practices, playing alongside individuals aged 14 to 30, primary male, with varying skill levels.
π When
Tuesdays, 2:00β3:30 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian + competitive sports medical visit
Benefits
Responsibilities
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
IL RITROVO
Inclusive Food Market
Volunteers support participants with disabilities at the local food market Mercato delle Cure, where they assist customers at the farm stand, pack fresh produce, prepare pre-ordered food bags, and interact with customers and other market vendors. This initiative fosters inclusion while helping participants develop confidence, communication, and workplace skills. This project requires dedication, empathy, a strong sense of responsibility, and commitment to positively impact participants lives.
π When
Thursday, 10:00 amβ12:00 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian; empathy, patience and ability to work in inclusive environments
Benefits
Responsibilities
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
FILIDERBA & CIRCOLINO VERDE
Inclusive Horto
At Filiderba & Circolino Verde Inclusive Horto volunteers support people with disabilities through meaningful work in an organic horto. Volunteers help create an inclusive environment where participants build social, practical, and workplace skills alongside trained staff. The project also promotes healthy eating and greater independence through hands-on gardening. This project requires dedication, empathy, a strong sense of responsibility, and commitment to positively impact participants lives.
π When
Monday, 10:00 amβ12:00 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian; empathy, patience and ability to work in inclusive environments
Benefits
Responsibilities
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
FILIDERBA & CIRCOLINO VERDE
Inclusive Orchestra
NYU Florence students join the Musicability β Regional Inclusive Orchestra of Tuscany, promoted by the In-Armonia Association. The project uses orchestral music as a tool for social inclusion, personal growth, and empowerment. Students support participants with disabilities (such as autism spectrum conditions, Down syndrome and other special education needs) during collective orchestra sessions.
π When
Tuesdays & Wednesdays
Group 1: 2:30β4:30 pm
Group 2: 5:00β7:00 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Intermediate Italian; all levels of music training; cover letter and CV required; empathy, patience and ability to work in inclusive and sensitive environments
Benefits
Responsibilities
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
MUSICABILITY
β οΈ Cover letter and CV required.
Food Packing for Vulnerable People
Join volunteers at a local parish preparing food packages and boxes with essential food items for families in need. Be immersed in an Italian speaking setting and follow volunteers directions.
π¦ When
Thursday, 9:45 AM to 11:15 AM
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
PARISH OF SAN MARCO VECCHIO
Parocchia di San Marco Vecchio, Via Faentina 139
Serving Meals @ the Soup Kitchen
Caritaβs San Francesco Soup Kitchen is part of the Mense Diffuse project that Caritas Foundation manages in collaboration with the City of Florence providing meals to destitute citizens at seven locations across Florence. Students help prepare and set tables, serve meals, help with post meal clean-up, and interact with guests while respecting their particular circumstances. Watch a past volunteer's experience in this video.
π¦ When
MondayβThursday, 11:30 amβ1:30 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Intermediate Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
CARITAS
Arts & Crafts Curemake Thrift Shop
The Curemake thrift shop supports social inclusion projects by providing a space for women to train in small craft making (sewing/clothing repair and renewal), assist in running the thrift store, and provide opportunities for socialization. Our students will assist with hands-on arts and crafts projects that directly contribute to raising funds for the organizationβs social inclusion initiatives.
π When
Monday, 4:30β6:00 pm
π Where
Curemake, Via Guglielmo Pepe, 47
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
LE CURANDAIE
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
Sewing and Embroidery Lab with Elderly People
Take part on sewing and embroidery activities with this group of elderly volunteers. Students engage in conversation with participants, listening to their stories and receiving guidance and support on crafts projects from experienced volunteers.
Benefits
Responsibilities
SOCIAL WELFARE & INCLUSIVE SPORTS
SEZIONE SOCI COOP FIRENZE
π When
Thursdays, 10 am to 12 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Education & Youth Mentoring
Tutoring Students After School
Help Italian students in middle and high school with their homework.
English Conversation Lab
Lead a small-group conversation workshop for teenagers and young adults.
Teaching English or Spanish in Florentine Schools
After-School Workshops for Kids
Assist language instructors in public and private elementary, middle, and high schools across Florence.
Assist educators in helping children aged 3-10 years old develop social-emotional skills and creativity.
After-School Activities for Kids @ Community Play Center
Support educators during workshops and semi-structured play sessions for children 0-11 years old.
EDUCATION & YOUTH MENTORING
Education & Youth Mentoring: Partners
Le Curandaie
A non-profit association in Le Cure neighborhood promoting social innovation, services for local families, and initiatives supporting women returning to the workforce.
Meeting Point Firenze
The Meeting Point Firenze Studenti association helps italian students in middle and high school with their homework.
Local Schools
Spazio Cure is a community center in the Le Cure neighborhood that hosts cultural, educational and social activities for young people.
Spazio Cure
NYU Florence partners with public and private schools citywide, placing students as language assistants in English and Spanish classrooms to support linguistic and cultural exchange.
Ludoteca Marcondirondero
A municipal childrenβs play centre that offers activities for children aged 0 to 11, open to all families.
EDUCATION & YOUTH MENTORING
LOCAL SCHOOLS
Teaching English or Spanish in Florentine Schools
NYU Florence students are placed in local Florentine schools - elementary, middle and high school - to work as assistants to language instructors - in English or Spanish classrooms. Our students work closely with the teacher they are assigned to to develop lesson plans and activities for their session, providing opportunities for Italian students to improve their language and intercultural competence.
π When
Depends on school's timetable
π Location
Different schools across town or remotely
π£ Requirements
Elementary Italian, be a native speaker of the language chosen
Benefits
Responsibilities
EDUCATION & YOUTH MENTORING
MEETING POINT FIRENZE
Tutoring Students After School
The Meeting Point Firenze Studenti association supports Italian students in middle and high school with their homework. Volunteers work individually or in small groups of 2-3 students to help them with their homework in specific subjects, but most often with English language. Watch a past volunteer's experience in this video.
π When
Monday or Wednesday, 3:30β6:15 PM
π Location
π£ Requirements
Advanced Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
EDUCATION & YOUTH MENTORING
SPAZIO CURE
English Conversation Lab
Lead a small English conversation lab for a group of Italian students aged 16 to 30 years old. The meetings happen at Spazio Cure, an old country house inside a public park that has been transformed in a community center that hosts cultural, social and educational events for young people.
π When
Wednesdays, 5:00 to 7:00 pm
π Location
Spazio Cure, Via Faentina 145
π£ Requirements
Benefits
Responsibilities
Elementary Italian
EDUCATION & YOUTH MENTORING
LE CURANDAIE
After-School Workshops for Kids, PomeRidiamo
Join the Le Curandaie after-school program PomeRidiamo that helps 3β6 years old children cultivate social skills, emotional awareness, and body expression. Students support Italian speaking staff during the workshops, helping children settling in and occasionally ideating and conducting activities during the sessions. Watch a past volunteer's experience in this video.
π Reading & Theater
Children express themselves through improvised gesture, movement, words and sounds, taking inspiration from stories in Italian and English.
When? Tuesdays 5:00-6:00 pm
π Location
Le Curandaie, Via Cirillo, 2L
π£ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
Group singing and movement exercises, use of sign language alongside music to foster communication through music and physical expression. Children are encouraged to express themselves through voice, sign and movement.
When? Thursdays 5:00-6:00 pm
π΅ Manincoro
EDUCATION & YOUTH MENTORING
LUDOTECA MARCONDIRONDERO
After-School Activities for Kids @ Community Play Center
Ludoteca Marcondirondero is a municipal childrenβs play center where kids aged 0 to 11 years old can play, do creative activities, and socialize in a supervised environment. Students support educators during workshops and semi-organized play sessions organized around different areas of interest.
π When
Monday or Tuesday, 5:30β7 PM
π Location
Ludoteca Marcondirondero, Via delle Carra, 4
π£ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
Urban Nature & Green Spaces
Gardening & Park Cleanup @ Giardino dellβOrticultura
Assist volunteers of this busy park with light gardening and cleaning up tasks.
Gardening @ Le Cure dellβHorto
Engage in light gardening, planting and maintenance of this community garden.
Gardening & Park Upkeep @ Stibbert Park
Help maintain the garden that hosts also a museum by doing light gardening tasks and picking up trash.
URBAN NATURE & GREEN SPACES
Urban Nature & Green Spaces: Partners
Le Curandaie, Le Cure dell'Horto
Le Curandaie association founded the Le Cure dell'Horto accessible community garden as a motor of urban regeneration and integration of Le Cure's population, promoting awareness of the importance of green spaces to community building.
Angelli del Bello
Angelli del Bello is an urban volunteer program for the care and decorum of the city of Florence. Volunteers care for the green areas of the city, clean graffiti off of walls, and support those who take care of our public spaces.
Gardening & Park Upkeep @ Stibbert Park
One of the largest parks near campus, Stibbert Park connects the hills above Florence with the city center. It features a lake, shady tree-lined paths, and houses a museum with a private art collection. NYU Florence students work closely with a team of volunteers to help maintain the garden by picking up trash and doing light gardening tasks.
π When
Mon 3β5 pm Β· Thu 9β11 am Β· Sat 10 amβ12 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
URBAN NATURE & GREEN SPACES
ANGELI DEL BELLO
Gardening & Park Cleanup @ Giardino dell'Orticoltura
Located at the base of Via Bolognese, the Giardino dellβOrticultura features a beautiful greenhouse used for cultural events. A central neighborhood hub, it welcomes residents of all ages with a playground, dog-walking areas, lawns for studying or picnicking, and even a library. NYU Florence students coordinate with the team of volunteers to help pick up trash to clean up the park and engage in light gardening tasks to help with park upkeep.
π When
Wednesday 2:30β4:30 pm
π Where
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
URBAN NATURE & GREEN SPACES
ANGELI DEL BELLO
Gardening @ Le Cure dell'Horto
Le Cure dell'Horto is an accessible community garden in the Pettini Burresi Park. Run by the Le Curandaie association, this project fosters urban regeneration in the Le Cure neighborhood, raising community awareness and encouraging participation in the care and respect of the environment. Students work in a team with other volunteers to take care of the community garden spaces, engaging in light gardening, planting and maintenance of the garden facilities.
π When
Wednesdays 4:00β5:30 pm (from April: 4:30β6:00 pm)
π Where
Pettini Burresi Park, Via Faentina 145
π£οΈ Requirements
Elementary Italian
Benefits
Responsibilities
URBAN NATURE & GREEN SPACES
LE CURANDAIE
Culture, Art & Music
Guided Tours @ the Church of Santa Maria Novella
Students are trained to serve as guides at the Church of Santa Maria Novella and offer free tours in various languages.
Singing @ the Choir of the University of Florence
Creative Painting and Drawing Sessions
Be part of this nationally recognized mixed-voices choir of about 40 students, faculty and staff of the University of Florence.
Volunteers support a local artist during free painting and drawing lessons at this art foundation.
CULTURE, ART & MUSIC
Culture, Art & Music: Partners
Ars et Fides
Ars et Fides is an association of volunteer guides offering free guided tours in the main churches of Florence to Florentines and tourists alike. Volunteers are placed in some of the most important churches of Florence.
University of Florence
The University of Florence is the main University in Florence with many different departments distributed throughout the city. It has approximately 50,000 students enrolled each year.
Art with Love Foundation
The art with Love Foundation runs free art classes every week open to everyone regardless of age or ability. The foundation was created to teach and promote the Renaissance style of painting.
CULTURE, ART & MUSIC
UNIVERSITY OF FLORENCE
Singing @ the Choir of the University of Florence
The Choir of the University of Florence is a mixed-voice ensemble of approximately 40 students, faculty, and staff, performing mostly a cappella pieces from the European classical tradition. Nationally recognized for its excellence, the choir performs at concerts, festivals, and competitions throughout the year. Watch a past volunteer's experience in this video.
π When
Thursdays, 8:15β11:15 PM
π Where
Aula Battilani, Via Santa Reparata 25R
π£ Requirements
Elementary Italian; cover letter and cv; weekly choir rehearsals
Volunteers participate in weekly rehearsals and perform throughout the semester, including the final concert β attendance is essential. This is a unique opportunity to connect with local and European students, develop your Italian listening and speaking skills, and experience Italian musical culture from the inside.
β οΈ Cover letter and CV required. Weekly choir rehearsals are mandatory.
CULTURE, ART & MUSIC
ARS ET FIDES
Guided Tours @ the Church of Santa Maria Novella
The Church of Santa Maria Novella houses one of the city's most important collections of religious art, featuring masterpieces that illustrate the evolution of painting from the early to late Renaissance. Through Ars et Fides, students have the opportunity to contribute to the preservation and appreciation of this extraordinary cultural heritage. Tours can be offered in multiple languages. Learn more about a past studentβs experience here.
π When
MondayβSaturday, mornings or afternoons
π Where
π£ Requirements
Elementary Italian; cover letter and cv
Volunteers welcome visitors and offer guided tours of the Church of Santa Maria Novella after completing training on the art collection and its historical significance. This is a unique opportunity to deepen your knowledge of Florence's history and culture, develop your public speaking skills in an intimate art setting, and connect with volunteers from other universities in Florence.
β οΈ Cover letter and CV required. Initial training session is obligatory.
CULTURE, ART & MUSIC
ART WITH LOVE FOUNDATION
Creative Painting & Drawing Sessions
Art With Love Foundation creates a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can explore their creativity through free weekly art classes. Based in Florence, the foundation promotes the practice of painting and drawing while fostering an inclusive artistic community.
π When
Wednesdays, 5 - 8:30 PM
π Where
π£ Requirements
Elementary Italian; cover letter and cv; artistic background
Volunteers with an artistic background assist artist and studio facilitator Anastasiia in the day-to-day management of the studio. They help prepare and organize materials, support participants as they settle into the space, ensure the studio remains welcoming and well organized, and, when appropriate, offer general assistance to artists during painting and drawing sessions. This is a unique opportunity to experience Florence's creative community from the inside while developing communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills in an inclusive artistic environment.
β οΈ Cover letter and CV required.
One Day Volunteer Events
EVENT 1 Β· MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 21
Take Care of Our Piazza
Join us in caring for Piazza Indipendenza, one of Florence's most vibrant public spaces. Working alongside our community partners Angeli del Bello, Associazione Insieme per San Lorenzo, ESN Florentia, and Global Shapers Florence, you'll help keep the square clean and welcoming by collecting litter and caring for the shared environment. It's a great opportunity to meet local residents, fellow international students, and young changemakers while making a visible impact on the neighborhood.
π When
Monday, September 21
5:30β7:00 PM
π Where
π€ Partners
Angeli del Bello, Associazione Insieme per San Lorenzo, ESN Florentia & Global Shapers Florence
EVENT 2 Β· SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
Corri La Vita
Corri La Vita β "Run for Life" β is an annual 6K walk and 11K run through the stunning historic center of Florence, raising funds for breast cancer research and support. Join nearly 40,000 participants for a remarkable morning of community, purpose, and the beauty of Florence at its finest. Whether you run or walk, your presence makes a difference.
π When
Sunday, September 27, 2026
β° Time
9:15 AM β 12:00 PM
π Distance
6K Walk or 11K Run
CORRI LA VITA Β· EVENT DETAILS
Why Corri La Vita Matters
Impact by the Numbers
Over the years, Corri La Vita has grown into one of Italy's most impactful charity events β and your participation adds to that legacy.
How to Participate
A donation of just β¬10 secures your spot and earns you a stylish Corri La Vita t-shirt designed by event sponsor Salvatore Ferragamo.
π NYU Florence Perk: The first 20 students to register with NYU events receive a free limited-edition Ferragamo t-shirt β pick it up at Villa Ulivi reception, then complete your registration on the Corri La Vita website.
EVENT 3 Β· WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 7
Plogging @ Le Cure
Together with Le Curandaie, the European University Institute, and the Le Cure Natural Shopping District (local shopkeepers' association), you'll help care for the streets of Le Cure neighborhood, connect with local residents, and contribute to a cleaner, more welcoming community. It's a unique way to experience Florence beyond the classroom while making a positive impact on the neighborhood.
π Date & Time
Wednesday, October 7 Β· 5:30β7:00 PM
π€ Partners
European University Institute, Le Curandaie, Le Cure Natural Shopping District
How to Apply for Community Engagement
01
Submit the Google Form
Complete the application form by Tuesday, September 15, 2026 at 3:00 PM CET. This is your first step to getting started with Community Engagement.
02
Book Your Interview
After submitting the form, select an individual interview time on the Community Engagement Interviews Bookable Appointment Schedule.
03
Check Your Calendar Settings
Make sure your calendar is set to Central European Time (CET) so you don't miss your appointment!
04
Receive Confirmation
Once booked, you will receive an automated confirmation email generated by Bookable Appointment Schedule with a Google Calendar invitation. You're all set!
Grazie!
Thank you for your interest in connecting with the Florence community! Through our long-term projects and One Day events, you will have the opportunity to experience the city beyond the classroom, build meaningful relationships with local partners, and contribute to the local community.
For more info, don't hesitate to check in with the Office of Community Engagement at:
π§ Email Us
florence.ce@nyu.edu
π Website
π Find Us
Office of Community Engagement, Villa Ulivi first floor