Why La Spezia?
Nestled between the sparkling blue waters of the Ligurian Sea and the dramatic cliffs of the Riviera, La Spezia is your gateway to some of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Just 30 minutes by train from the postcard-perfect villages of Cinque Terre, and a scenic ride from the glamorous harbor town of Portofino, La Spezia offers the perfect blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery.
A City Steeped in Inspiration
Known as the jewel of the Gulf of Poets, La Spezia has long drawn literary legends like Lord Byron, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and D.H. Lawrence with its evocative landscapes and poetic charm. It’s a city where past and present coexist: historic streets wind through a thriving modern port, and ancient traditions meet contemporary Italian life.
Academic Excellence by the Sea
As a leading naval hub, La Spezia is home to Italy’s Naval Academy and renowned engineering and design institutions. Whether you're studying marine science, engineering, art, history, or literature, you'll be surrounded by innovation and inspiration – all with the Ligurian Sea as your backdrop.
And the Food...
Liguria is the birthplace of pesto, and you’ve never tasted it like this – fresh, aromatic, and served over handmade pasta. Indulge in warm, sea-salted focaccia, freshly caught seafood, and flavors that celebrate the bounty of the Mediterranean. Food in La Spezia isn’t just a meal – it’s an experience.
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Florence University of the Arts (FUA), an Italian institution of higher education located in Florence, is now offering a coastal location on the Italian Riviera, in the beautiful port city of La Spezia. Experience authentic Italy, combining an urban lifestyle with dazzling natural landscapes, including the Mediterranean Sea.
Modeled on a liberal arts curriculum, FUA’s Coastal Campus in La Spezia offers a wide array of courses to ASA students, including Art History, Business, Communications, Environmental Science, Italian Language & Culture, Marine Biology, Management, Marketing, Sociology and much more. See the program course offerings for complete options.
The Student Life Department at Florence University of the Arts organizes a variety of free extracurricular activities throughout your program. City walks, sports, Italian culture, and mind & body activities are just a few of the regular offerings, free of charge. Educational Field Trips to places such as Florence, Versilia marble quarries, Genova, Palmaria Island, and Nizza in the French Riviera are offered at an affordable student price.
Note: Some Florence University of the Arts (FUA) classes have course fees that cover required academic field trips and/or materials, which ARE NOT INCLUDED in the ASA program fee. Students will pay applicable course fees directly to Florence University of the Arts after arrival. All course fees are subject to change.
You MUST have DOUBLE the number of classes approved by your home institution than you actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts. When you register and enroll for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list one alternate class for each of your top choices, and all must be different. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis and sometimes fill up.
Fall or Spring: This 15-week program is made up of the Session I 3-week Session + the 11-week semester. There is a 1-week break in between the two sessions.
COURSE OFFERINGS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.
Use the filters above to search for courses or click "View All Courses" to browse available courses on this program.
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Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.
Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program’s arrival and departure date.
* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.
Semester programs include 2 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:
Day Trip
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Housing in a shared apartment with fully equipped kitchen. Meals are not included.
Tuition for the maximum number of credits or courses indicated on the program course offerings page. Enrolling in more than the maximum number of credits/courses (if permitted by the host institution) will result in an additional fee. Some classes carry Course Fees which are NOT included. Estimated Course Fees can be found on the program course offerings page.
Academic Credits: Students who receive pre-approval from their home institution can transfer the credits they earn to their home institution.
Official Transcript: Issued by Florence University of the Arts. Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution. Should you require a transcript from a US or AACSB institution, please contact us.
Excursions: Semester programs include 2 day excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Locations to be decided.
Cultural Activities in La Spezia (gelato tour, pizza tour, museum visits, walking tours, etc.)
Internet Access: Students will have free Internet access at their host institution and in their program housing.
Airport Pick-Up: Group ground transportation is provided from Pisa (PSA) airport for students who arrive on the official arrival date, by the designated time.
Site Director: Students will have an on-site director to assist them with any academic or cultural difficulties they may encounter.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive international medical insurance is included. Click here for details on benefits and coverage.
Visa Advising: Students are ultimately responsible for obtaining their visa (if required for their term), but ASA will provide detailed, helpful information upon acceptance about which visa students will need and how to go about applying for one. Please click here and scroll down to "Student Visa Information" to find out if a visa is required for your program.
Pre-Departure Handbook & On-Site Orientation.
Subscription to Safeture Safety-Enhancing Mobile App.
Subscription to Mindhamok: a 24-7 service designed to support your mental, physical, and social wellbeing throughout your program. You can find out more about Mindhamok in our Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs.
Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location.
Books, materials, course fees
Local transportation
Personal expenses
Meals
Laundry
Meals on excursions.
Student Visa and Permit of Stay, if required.
Transportation from the airport if the student does not arrive on the official arrival date by the designated time.
Transportation back to the airport at the end of the program.
For academic year students and those enrolling in more than one session, housing, medical insurance, and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students, medical insurance during winter break can be purchased for an additional fee, if it is required to get your visa.
Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes are rare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are, therefore, outside of ASA’s control. If any changes are made to your program dates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing or canceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.
Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to an ASA program and receive written notification of your program’s arrival and departure date.
Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please contact us.
Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.