Summer in Florence

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Feast on summer in Tuscany

Be dazzled by Florence this summer! Our Summer in Florence program lets you study within a variety of academic disciplines in the Cradle of the Renaissance. Spend 3-12 weeks in Florence and see why travelers never get enough of Italy. During Summer in Florence, you'll be a local in one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. Florence is an amazing location for cultural immersion. Take classes at Florence University of the Arts, a small university in the center of historic Florence that focuses on experiential learning. With so many session options, from Maymester to a full 12 weeks, you'll find a session to fit into your summer plans perfectly!

What to Expect

Language(s):

English

Average Courseload:

1-2 Courses Per Session (3-15 U.S. Credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.80

Visa Requirement:

NONE Required!

Highlights:

Option to study for 3, 6, or 12 weeks and earn up to 15 credits

Courses taught in English or in Italian for more advanced speakers

Local staff will show you the best of Florence's art, culture, and cuisine

Live like a local in one of the world's most popular tourist destinations

Learn at a small private university in the center of historic Florence

After CIS Abroad's pre-departure orientation, I felt like I was an expert on the culture of Italy, what to pack, and what to do once I got there. I really think it helped minimize my culture shock, because they informed us so well before leaving.
Stephanie Sica University of Delaware Summer in Florence

Program Details

Florence University of the Arts

Founded in 1997, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the heart of Florence. As you walk to school, you'll pass magnificent monuments, such as the Ponte Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce. You'll enjoy small class sizes of 8-20 students, which gives you individualized attention. Your Italian and European professors are experts in their fields. With the exception of your Italian language course, all courses are taught in English. As a result, you'll choose from an extensive variety of classes. In terms of academics, FUA truly has it all!

Most importantly, you'll find a learning environment that allows you to soak in as much of Florence as possible. Many classes use the city itself as a core part of the curriculum. Full-time advisors assist you academically and personally, helping you choose courses and overcome culture shock. Therefore, you'll quickly get to know the city and make the most out of your study abroad experience. Also, you can join other students for local concerts and get involved in a community service project. Turn to the friendly student services staff to jump right into campus events.

Accreditation(s): FUA is accredited by the Region of Tuscany, as delegated by the Ministry of Education and students can receive a University of South Florida transcript *FUA is also reviewed yearly for European quality certification: Certified by IMQ S.p.A. ,AiISO 9001:2008 Cert. N. 9175.FLRU

Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available

Health
Natural & Applied Sciences

Areas of study with 8 or more classes available

Art & Design
Business
Communications
Humanities
Italian
Social Sciences

Course Offerings & Program Options

CIS Abroad and Florence University of the Arts (FUA) session options are well-aligned, the only difference being that FUA uses Roman numerals (e.g. "II").

The following are course offerings arranged by term for all Summer 2024 session options:

Session 1, Maymester (3 weeks)

Session 2 (3 weeks)

Session 3 (3 weeks)

Session 4 (3 weeks)

Session A (6 weeks)

Session B (6 weeks)

Summer Semester (Sessions A+B, 12 weeks)

Not sure which session yet? Browse all courses available this summer here. The session will be listed.

Notes on Course Load

During 3-week sessions (1, 2, 3 or 4), students may enroll in 1 course for a total of 3 credits. Any student wishing to take a 2nd course for a total of 6 credits may do so for an additional fee, but please keep in mind that completing 6 credits over three weeks will entail a large amount of class time each day.

During the 6-week sessions (A or B), students may enroll in 2 courses for a total of 6 credits. Any student wishing to take a 3rd course for a total of 9 credits may do so for an additional fee, but please keep in mind that completing 9 credits over six weeks will entail a large amount of class time each day.

How to read the Florence University of the Arts course catalog

Courses are numbered 100–299 for lower-division courses, 300–399 for upper-division courses, and 400–499 for introductory courses to graduate studies. As for the letters, in “LA HS MI 280,” for example, the first pair represents the college within the University (LA=Liberal Arts); the second, the department within the college (HS=History); and the third, the course within the department (MI=Modern Italy).

Looking for practical experience with your academics? Consider a Special Project Experiential Learning (SPEL) course

Similar to a practicum, students are placed within a local organization, while also attending weekly classes. Students learn by doing and observing the assigned tasks while receiving academic supervision. Please note these courses allow for one-on-one interaction with your faculty member with independent assignments, though there may be 1-5 students in your cohort. If your program spans multiple sessions, you may want to consider this in later sessions versus your first session to allow you to acclimate and socialize upon arrival.

Course Fees

Some courses require additional fees ranging from approximately $50 – $320 for various supplies, texts, and lab use. These fees apply to some courses in the School of Fine Arts, Squola, School of Sciences and Mathematics, and the School of Liberal Arts. This charge will need to be paid directly to FUA upon arrival to the university.

Life in Florence

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is a culturally vibrant city located in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany region. Around every corner you’ll encounter jaw-dropping architecture, like the terra-cotta-domed Florence Cathedral. The mild weather makes it ideal for exploring the city on foot—we recommend getting lost so you can meander the streets and interact with the friendly locals.

Thanks to the city's small size, you'll feel like a local in no time. You can explore the historic city center and beyond in less than 30 minutes. Florence is also an art lover’s dream! Must dos: visit the Galleria dell’Accademia—home to Michelangelo’s David, the world-renowned Galleria degli Uffizi, and the iconic Duomo. Explore the lesser-known Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti. Art is a great way to soak in the culture and history of this wonderful city. The views from the Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo will steal your heart, but the food, culture, and people will make you want to stay forever.

To explore outside the city, you can easily hop on a bus and head up to the hillside town of Fiesole. You'll catch a full panoramic view of Florence and enjoy the peaceful Etruscan ruins. Siena, San Gimignano, and other Tuscan villages are also a short bus ride away. If you have the travel bug, trains and nearby airports make it easy and affordable to travel to Milan, Venice, Rome, and beyond in Europe.

The best way to experience Florence is simply to wander through its wonders. This is how you'll find the hidden gems not mentioned in any guidebook.

Live the Local Life

Florentine Fridays

On no-class Fridays, we meet for breakfast and explore Florence! Discover markets, museums, art galleries, churches, beautiful gardens, and many of the city's hidden treasures!

Sports Events

Florence is the home of the Fiorentina soccer club. Attend a game and cheer "Forza Viola!" from the stands with the locals.

Cooking Class

Attend a cooking or pizza-making class and learn how to cook like a local! Fresh pasta is always on the menu, along with fresh, seasonal produce!

Opera

Where better to enjoy a glittery evening performance of La BohÃ Â¨me or Madam Butterfly than in the birthplace of Italian opera? Join us for an evening at Florence's stunning new opera house!

Theatre

Florence is well-known for its many ornate theaters and theater productions. Spend an evening at Teatro Verdi, founded in 1854 at the site of an old prison and listen to a performance by the Orchestra della Toscana. Or attend a Medici Dynasty Show, set in a stunning Baroque church and learn about the cultural heritage left to the city of Florence by 300 years of Medici family rule.

The Social Hub (TSH)

Location

Students are housed at The Social Hub (previously known as The Student Hotel) in Florence. All rooms are fully furnished with double rooms and private bathrooms. Students will have access to study areas, a games and entertainment room, a shared kitchen, a restaurant, and a gym. There are also onsite laundry facilities and 24-hour security. Room amenities include desks for studying, flat-screen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Meals

The meal plan at The Social Hub (TSH) consists of 20 meals (10 breakfast and 10 dinners) per three-week session

Inclusions and Amenities

24-Hour Security Bathroom Bed Linens Cleaning Service Desk Fitness Center Kitchen Equipment Laundry - Onsite Meal Plan - Partial Study Areas Television Wi-Fi

Option 2: Apartments in Florence

Location

Living in an apartment in Florence, you'll truly live like a local surrounded by Italian neighbors. Apartments are located in the historic center of Florence and house from 4 to 20 students total, depending on the size of the apartment. Campus facilities are located 15-30 minutes away, depending on the location of the apartment.

Bedrooms are shared occupancy and apartments are fully-furnished and have a kitchen and living areas.

Sample apartment pics will give you an idea of the types of apartments available.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Shared Bed Linens Commute - Public Transportation Commute - Walking Desk Kitchen Equipment Laundry Laundry - Onsite Maintenance Service Study Areas Towels Wi-Fi

Florence - Housing Overview

Location

Please note: CIS Abroad guarantees housing on a first come, first served basis dependent on deposit/invoice payments. We source housing from The Social Hub (TSH), apartments and student residences throughout Florence. Depending on enrollment, we may offer one or all of these options in any given term.

In cases of requested roommates, all parties must have been placed in the same housing option, and must have requested each other. We will do our best to honor these requests but they are not guaranteed.

Single rooms are based on availability and not guaranteed.

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Weekly visits to sites around Florence and optional excursions
University of South Florida official transcript
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Full-time tuition and fees
Housing (shared bedroom in apartment or student hotel, single supplement fee)
Pre-departure and on-site orientation
Airport pickup
Medical and Accident Insurance
Free use of gym and gym classes
Local Life cultural program
The Educational Field Learning department of FUA organizes Field Learning activities in Italian destinations as a part of the educational experience. Field learning itineraries may feature daylong or multiple-day durations.

Welcome & Orientation

Once you've arrived and settled into your housing in Florence, you'll attend two comprehensive orientation sessions. The first will be led by staff from your academic institution in Florence and may cover topics such as academics, student life, housing, and health and safety. You'll then participate in a second session, presented by your CIS Abroad onsite staff. We’ll introduce you to Florence, help you become familiar with many practical matters relating to your stay in the city, equip you with tips and suggestions for a safe, healthy, successful, fun term abroad as well as answer any questions you may have. Specific topics covered during orientation may include housing, health and safety, emergency response and the Italian Permit to Stay process. After orientation, students and onsite staff attend a fabulous (and plentiful!) Welcome Dinner at a well-known Florentine restaurant.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Towards the end of your study abroad term, you may feel a little nervous, or perhaps anxious, at the thought of leaving your new home and returning to your old. If you asked around, you’d find that a lot of study abroad participants share your apprehension. It's not uncommon to wonder what re-entering your home culture will be like after having spent time in a new – and different – culture. To make things a little bit easier, we'll come together for a Farewell Event (it includes amazing Italian food, of course!) and talk through some of the things to expect as you return, positive things to focus on as you leave your host country, and essential tools for how best to share your important experience with people back home.

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Chianti

Discover quaint towns and villages set in the rolling hills of Chianti and learn about the olive and grape production that makes this region famous. Visit during the harvest season to see the changing colors of fall and sample products at small, family run wineries, and oil producers.

Lucca

Strategically located on the Serchio river, Lucca is a famous Tuscan town primarily known for the Renaissance walls that still encircle the historic city center. Strolling or biking along the tops of the wide, tree-lined ramparts remains a favorite pastime for tourists and locals alike. Lucca is also the birthplace of famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (La Bohème and Madama Butterfly) and Pope Lucius III.

Site Director

Romina Marchionne

Site Director in Italy

About:

Romina is a native Roman with degrees in International Communications (2005) and International Relations (2007) at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Shortly after graduating, she moved back to Rome and began her study abroad career working for IES. In Rome, she began pursing her M.A. in International Affairs at the SIOI. After completing an internship at the Italian Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome, her career took a turn as Romina was offered a position to work as a Communication and Public Information Officer within the civilian component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Herat for the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Between 2008-09, Romina completed two missions in Afghanistan. In 2009, she began working for the Italian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, which then led her to cover the same position at the Italian Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen. In Spring 2011, the Italian government ordered embassy staff to return home due to the uncertain situation of the Arab Spring. Ever since, Romina has enjoyed her return to the eternal city, and to her career in study abroad through CIS Abroad.

Travel Tip:

If while traveling there's no internet, embrace it. Play a card game with someone in the hostel common room, read a book, lie on the beach, go for a walk, talk to a stranger, think about life. Some of my favourite travel memories are from times when I didn't have an Internet connection.

Martina Rosa

Assistant Site Director - Florence

About:

When I was 16, I lived in Brazil for a year and that experience completely changed my life. I fell in love with the world of abroad experiences and discovered my ikigai: getting in touch with different cultures and passing this passion on to other young people. I graduated in International Studies at the University of Trento. I also worked one year in the UK as an au-pair and one year in Spain as an educator and site manager for pre-med American students. My desire to work in the world of international education is my life mission. I want to give to the world what the world has given to me, I want more people to respect cultural diversity and I would like young people to develop their empathy during their period abroad.

Travel Tip:

When you start an experience abroad you have to give yourself TIME. We are so used to rushing frantically through daily life that we forget to give ourselves time to learn, to adapt, to wonder. Never set your goals too high for the first period abroad; you are starting a new chapter of your life in another world. Remember that when you were born no one rushed you to learn how to walk, you simply found your own balance one day.

Diletta Mantovani

Student Life & Housing Assistant (Florence)

About:

I tried studying Medicine first, then switched to Physical Therapy, but the Italian University system just wasn't meant for me. I did one year of study abroad in Madrid, and loved literally everything. Right there and then I set the goal of my life, which is leaving Italy, because there's so much beauty to see in the world. I want to see as many places as possible, to travel all around the world, and international education kinda lets me do that, since I get to know so many people from different parts of the world. I love learning languages (fluent in Italian, English, Spanish, improving my German) as well as doing sports. I do Crossfit, and sometimes I also compete. But I think what mostly makes me ME is my love for food. I'm always keen to try something new, even more if it's some traditional home made recipe. Food is the best vessel for culture.

Travel Tip:

When exploring a new country, resist the urge to seek out familiar food; instead, dive in its culture by tasting local dishes. Remember to seek recommendations from locals for the most authentic (and cheapest!) dining places. Embracing the local cuisine is a great opportunity to connect with the community and it's tradition.

Your Support Staff

Aimée Devitto

Program Enrollment Coordinator - Florence, Italy

Travel Tip:

Studying abroad can seem slightly intimidating, especially if you're unfamiliar with the language. However, force yourself to meet new people, take part in cultural activities, and practice the language regardless of the many errors you may end up making. You'll find that you've discovered new things about yourself and others.

Tiffany Ho

International Operations Assistant Director

Travel Tip:

If there are free walking tours at your destination, take advantage on your first day! It helps to acclimate you to your new surroundings, gives you ideas on what to check out further, starts you making new friends, and beats the jetlag! Don't forget to tip your guide well!

Kaylee Klinger

Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Travel Tip:

The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

Travel Tip:

Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit
There is a non-refundable program deposit of $500. This deposit will be deducted from the total cost of the program. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program.

Price Range

Housing

Lower price: Apartment housing
Higher price: The Social Hub (TSH) housing

Supplemental Fees

List prices include a double occupancy room + three credits per each three weeks; additional fees apply to those wishing to enroll in additional course(s) and/or for a single occupancy room (when available).

As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

Summer in Florence

Feast on summer in Tuscany

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Program Details

Florence University of the Arts

Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available

Areas of study with 8 or more classes available

Choose your courses

Course Offerings & Program Options

Notes on Course Load

How to read the Florence University of the Arts course catalog

Looking for practical experience with your academics? Consider a Special Project Experiential Learning (SPEL) course

Course Fees

Life in Florence

Live the Local Life

Florentine Fridays

Sports Events

Cooking Class

Opera

Theatre

The Social Hub (TSH)

Location

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

Option 2: Apartments in Florence

Location

Inclusions and Amenities

Florence - Housing Overview

Location

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Program Excursions

Chianti

Lucca

Site Director

Romina Marchionne

About:

Travel Tip:

Martina Rosa

About:

Travel Tip:

Diletta Mantovani

About:

Travel Tip:

Your Support Staff

Aimée Devitto

Travel Tip:

Tiffany Ho

Travel Tip:

Kaylee Klinger

Travel Tip:

Serenah Quiroga

Travel Tip:

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

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