Lorenzo de' Medici

I’m sharing this to warn future students about serious issues I experienced with Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) regarding housing fees, lack of transparency, and transcript withholding.

When I applied for housing, I requested an apartment. Instead, I was placed in the S4 Hotel without consultation. While LdM’s documents vaguely referenced the possibility of a “supplemental housing fee,” they never disclosed the actual amount—$1,030—or that the S4 Hotel carried such a charge.

What’s worse: LdM’s own policy states that any supplemental fee must be communicated and paid within two days of assignment. I was never billed. Not once.
No invoice. No breakdown. No email. Nothing—not during my entire semester abroad.

Seven months after the program ended, LdM emailed me out of the blue claiming I owed $1,030. And now, they are refusing to release my academic transcript because I’m disputing this charge. I’m back in the U.S., trying to finish my degree, and this is putting my graduation at risk. All over a charge that was never disclosed or invoiced when it was supposed to be.

LdM has shown no willingness to resolve this reasonably, despite the fact that this situation has a clear and simple solution. I’ve had to begin involving a legal team to challenge what feels like financial coercion.

Please be cautious if you’re considering studying here.

Charges can appear months later with no warning.

You may be denied your transcript over hidden or improperly handled fees.

Administrative communication is slow, unclear, and unsupportive.

I truly hope no one else has to go through this. LdM needs to change how it treats its students and uphold its own policies before accepting more international applicants.

— Ava V.

Studying at Lorenzo de' Medici Institute in Florence with ASA (American Studies Abroad) was an unforgettable experience that blended rigorous academics with the vibrant culture of Italy. The location itself, in the heart of Florence, is an incredible asset. Every day felt like I was living in a museum, surrounded by Renaissance art and architecture. The courses at LdM are diverse and cater to a wide range of interests. I took mostly business and history classes, and both were taught by passionate instructors who were experts in their fields. The professors genuinely cared about our learning and were always available for extra help. The small class sizes allowed for a lot of interaction, and the discussions were always engaging. One of the best aspects of studying at LdM was the cultural immersion. The school organizes various excursions and activities that allow us to explore Florence and the surrounding areas. These experiences were not just fun but also educational, helping me understand and appreciate Italian culture on a deeper level. The student community at LdM is diverse, with people from all over the world. I made friends from different backgrounds, and the international environment was enriching. The school does a great job of fostering a sense of community through various social events and clubs. Studying at Lorenzo de' Medici Institute was a transformative experience. It not only enhanced my academic knowledge but also gave me a new perspective on the world. If you're looking for an educational experience that goes beyond the classroom, LdM in Florence is the place to be. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in studying abroad in Italy.

Lorenzo De Medici provided an amazing experience that will forever be in my heart. I have endless amounts of memories that will never fade. My favorite memories are sitting on the Piazza de Michelangelo drinking wine and eating cheese listening a women playing the guitar. I also love when the two guys play on the Ponte Vecchi at night while everyone stands around enjoying the view and the music. It's always a relaxing scene that puts all the stress away.

Studying abroad in the heart of Florence was the chance of a lifetime and was one of the best experiences of my life thus far. Everything from the cuisine, to the social scene were amazing and something that I had never imagined. One of the best parts of my study abroad experience was my teacher and the class I took regarding archaeology and Florence. I was able to learn so much about the history of Florence, Fiesole and what remains hidden underneath both of these historic sites. There is so much history and it is difficult to capture it all in a short time, but my teacher at Lorenzo De'Medici made it easy.

Studying at Lorenzo de' Medici gives you the unique opportunity to live and study in the heart of Firenze. Firenze is truly a walking town, which makes it easy to get lost, and thus get to know the old city as you take courses in different buildings throughout the city. Learning Italian is not necessary; however, will open up your experience to that many more incredible opportunities. Their is a large emphasis on relating whatever courses you take to the Italian culture: Italian food and wine, sociology of the mafia, all the arts and fashion. A great school that makes sure you get the most out of the experience as you'd like to.