Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy
Droves of international students flood Florence each semester for its abundance of art, ease of transport, historic impact on the world, and distinctly charming culture. Italy’s food, language and beauty have long captivated visitors, but students thrive in Florence specifically as a result of its livability and unmatched artistic relevance. Nothing transforms a destination into a home like exploring the entire city on foot. Discovering the array of native art forms while learning in one of over 25 university campuses will invaluably enhance an undergraduate (or even graduate) education. These opportunities, plus uniquely Florentine dining, shopping, and attractions, make attachment inevitable in the inspiring capital of Italy's Tuscany region!
Once you are rightfully determined to study in Florence, consider what you would like to study, which programs offer this interest, and whether you prefer to be affiliated with a particular university or an independent program. Evaluate the pricing, housing, and curriculum of each program, and make sure that your credits will be transferable. Then start early on the paperwork to have your passport, student visa, tuition, and accreditation taken care of. Many companies assist with this process and make it as easy as possible. Many resources are available that will help you to choose the right study abroad program.
Language
There’s nothing Italians respect more than visitors learning their language, and it certainly helps you get around. Italiano is one of the world’s most enchanting languages and well worth a course both before going and while you are in Italy. After all, there is no better place to practice!
Students can include a course in their program credits or study individually whether in a study group, with a local tutor, or at a language school. Popular institutions are Lorenzo De’Medici and Societa Dante Alighieri. If you haven’t fallen in love with Italian language and culture yet, read Dianne Hales’ La Bella Lingua and you’ll be ready to leave tomorrow.
Academics
Whether you’re majoring in art or need one gen-ed course, discovering the original material completely surrounding you is an incomparable experience. Students can’t help but develop a personal appreciation for the people and history behind the sculptures, paintings and architecture at the very site of the Renaissance.
Other offerings generally include anything in the arts and humanities, some social courses, design and fashion, and even marketing. Many American universities send their professors abroad each semester, but local professors are a great resource as much for advice and experience as they are for language practice. Professors can have any level of English skills and working to understand each other is a great way to help boost your Italian language skills.
Class schedules are important to consider when choosing your courses. Often, classes are long and intense in the summers so students can have Friday’s off and long breaks in between. Fall and spring schedules can also be condensed to optimize your time in the city and any weekends spent traveling. Tip: If traveling with a group, it helps to coordinate these schedules before registering.
Housing
Most programs can provide housing arrangements, whether in home-stays, permanent dorms, villas in the country, or apartments in town. Pricing is usually in coordination with the total program fee when applicable, but it pays to shop around and compare if possible. Florence has tons of student apartments already furnished with weekly or monthly rates. The Florence Institute currently suggests budgeting 500-750 Euros ($650-1000) a month, but be sure to check with your program contacts.
Students need to take time to adjust to all the ways energy is limited in Italy ranging from laundry and appliances, to air conditioning and elevators. Anyone who has been to Florence in the summer can tell you that you're going to be hot no matter what. However, good travel should have you too immersed in the experience to worry about how you look!
All those bottomless bowls of pasta are going to add up! Don't let the cost of study abroad get you down. Scholarships are a great means for lessening the financial burden of a semester abroad. Here's just the beginning!
- The API/JCU Diversity Abroad Scholarship provides one full tuition scholarship per session abroad (Fall, Spring, Summer 1, Summer 2) to an outstanding minority student to encourage diversity at the John Cabot University campus in Rome, Italy.
- The Order Sons of Italy in America helps sponsor US citizens of Italian descents' study abroad programs in Italy.
- IES Abroad offers a variety of scholarships for those participating in their programs - including a few great options around Italy!
- More Study Abroad Grants and Scholarships
