Florence
QUICK FACTS
| HOST INSTITUTION | Florence University of the Arts |
|---|---|
| LANGUAGE & ACADEMICS | Open to all Italian levels. Classes are taught in English, except for Italian language classes and some Italian literature classes. Subject areas include: Accounting, Anthropology, Art History, Art Therapy, Business, Communications, Criminology, Design, Economics, Event Management, Fashion, Fine Arts, Food Studies, History, Hospitality, International Relations, Italian Culture, Italian Language, Italian Literature, Journalism, Marketing, Media, Music, Nutrition, Philosophy, Photography, Political Science, Psychology, Public Relations, Religion, Sociology, Video Production, Web Design, Wine Studies. Service Learning and Experiential Learning courses available. |
| HOUSING | Shared Apartments |
| SAMPLE OVERNIGHT EXCURSIONS | Venice, Rome, Cinque Terre and Torino, Assisi and Perugia |
| SAMPLE DAY EXCURSIONS | Siena, Cinque Terre, Lucca |
| PROGRAM CALENDARS | Click here |
THE CITY
Full of art, history, and amazing food, Florence is one of Italy’s most exhilarating, distinctive, and beautiful cities. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is almost in the center of the Italian peninsula with rail lines running in all directions, making travel within Italy and abroad quite easy. Even a quick trip to Chianti, located between Florence and Siena, will fill your camera with photos of the breathtaking Italian countryside.
This enchanting symbol of the Renaissance has it all. Michelangelo’s David and works by Botticelli, Benvenuto, Cellini, and Donatello are at your fingertips, as is the vast collection of the Uffizi Gallery and the sculptures of the Bargello. If you prefer architecture to art, the 13th century cathedral, the Duomo, is just a short walk from your apartment and the university.
Not all of the art in Florence can be found hanging in museums. Florentine food is sometimes revered with the same intensity as its art. While you’re enjoying some of the freshest foods in the world, don’t forget to save room for some delicious Italian gelato!
COURSE OFFERINGS
SEMESTER & ACADEMIC YEAR PROGRAMS
Beginning Fall 2024 transcripts will be issued by Florence University of the Arts. Students needing a US transcript or a transcript from an AACSB accredited institution should contact us.
NEW! Semester Program + 1-week travel course: Florence University of the Arts
Semester Internship Programs: Florence University of the Arts
SUMMER PROGRAMS
Beginning Fall 2024 transcripts will be issued by Florence University of the Arts. Students needing a US transcript or a transcript from an AACSB accredited institution should contact us.
HOST INSTITUTION
Florence University of the Arts
Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is an Italian institution of higher education located in the historic city center of Florence. Modeled on a liberal arts curriculum, FUA offers a wide array of courses to ASA students, including Business, Communications, Economics, Fashion, Fine Arts, Food and Wine, History, Art History, Journalism, Marketing, Psychology, and much more. Aimed at American undergraduates and international students from Asia, Europe, South America, and Central America, FUA offers high quality, structured university courses.
The school’s location and facilities are a vital part of Florentine civic, historical, and cultural life. Housed in historic palazzi throughout Florence city center, the university is filled with visually beautiful spaces in which students can literally live and breathe the city’s history. For example, the new Palazzi Community Center and Cafaggio del Vescovo gardens welcomes everyone to their daily events including seminars, art exhibits and music performances, wellness activities, and vintage markets focused on sustainability and environmental awareness.
Florence University of the Arts is known for their International School of Hospitality, which has a range of food and wine courses. Past ASA students have had fun getting creative in the kitchen in such courses as pastry, chocolate, gelato, Italian regional cuisine, Italian cuisine and culture, Tuscan and Italian wines, and food and wine pairing.
Student Services AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The Student Life Department at Florence University of the Arts organizes a variety of free extracurricular activities throughout your program. Sports, film, music, opera, Italian cuisine, and Italian culture are just a few of the regular offerings, free of charge. You can also join the Italian Family Club, where you are paired with an Italian family for weekly conversation and cultural exchange. And, don’t forget to sign up for at least one of the free walking tours, where you’ll become a Florentine insider by discovering the hidden gems of your new city!
1-week TRAVEL & FIELD LEARNING COURSE: CULTURAL INTRODUCTION TO ITALY
An optional add-on to your Spring or Fall semester is FUA’s popular Field Learning course, Cultural Introduction to Italy. It consists of 1 week of travel through Italy with on-site field learning while earning 3 credits.
This course is a unique learning opportunity for students who want to experience the diversity of Italian culture first-hand. On-site learning includes lectures, visits to historic and contemporary sites, tastes of local gastronomy, expanded cultural horizons, and contact with local culture.
You’ll visit numerous different towns and sites during this course. The Spring version of Cultural Introduction to Italy includes visits to Rome, Orvieto, and Perugia. The Fall version includes visits to Rome, the Tuscan coast, and Cinque Terre.
What’s Included: 3 credits, academic coursework, accommodation, transportation starting in Rome and ending in Florence, daily breakfast + 7 meals. Click here for a sample itinerary.
Click here for complete details about the Cultural Introduction to Italy travel course!
excursions
ASA semester programs include 2 overnight excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Destinations may vary by term. Past terms have included trips to:
Venice (overnight excursion) - Venice is in northeastern Italy and situated on a group of 118 small islands, which are separated by canals and linked by over 400 bridges. You are sure to love taking a ride on the classic Venetian boat, called a gondola, and wandering the city’s winding streets! The water views, charming buildings, and the famous Bridge of Sighs are sure to capture your imagination. Explore the famous St. Mark’s Basilica as well as the rest of this ancient and historically important city.
Rome (overnight excursion) - Rome, the capital of Italy, is known as “The Eternal City” and has a history spanning an incredible 28 centuries. The city’s attractions are almost too numerous to name: the Colosseum, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps…the list goes on! Many of you will recognize the city of Rome from movies such as Lizzie McGuire, Ocean’s Twelve, Eat Pray Love, Roman Holiday, and dozens more.
Cinque Terre and Torino (overnight excursion) – Visit charming Cinque Terre on the Italian Riviera, with its beautiful terraces overlooking the rugged landscape. From there, you’ll go to Torino, considered by many to be the capital of the Alps.
Assisi and Perugia (overnight excursion) – Visit Assisi, the birthplace of St. Francis, as well as Perugia, the capital of Umbria, a city of major historical significance in the art world. Perugia is also famous for its gianduja – a rich and delicious hazelnut-chocolate blend, like Nutella but so much better!
Siena (day excursion) – Siena was founded by the Etruscans in 900-400 BC, and the historic center of this city is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the famous Piazza del Campo, public games and sport have taken place since medieval times, including jousting and horse races. The tradition of horse racing continues to this day with the bi-annual Palio di Siena. You’ll also visit the 12th century Siena Cathedral. The floors of the Cathedral are works of art in and of themselves, with elaborate inlaid marble pictorials of Biblical themes, as well as Greek and Roman mythical figures.
EXPERIENCES
Getting out and exploring on your own is one of the best parts about studying abroad. Here are just a few of the unforgettable experiences you can have abroad with ASA!
Did you go abroad with ASA and have a memorable experience we should add to this list? Email us at hello@academicstudies.com!
HOUSING
Students live in shared apartments. Rooms are double occupancy. Bathrooms are shared.
Meals are not included, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen/common area shared by all occupants. Apartments may be single gender or all gender; typically 4-6 students per apartment. All ASA student housing includes Internet access and is located in safe neighborhoods, within a reasonable distance from school.
HOUSING FAQ
+ Can I room with a friend?
Yes, in most cases we are able to accommodate you if you request to live with a same-sex friend or friends. Mixed gender roommate requests can sometimes be accommodated as well (but you will not be sharing a room). Please keep in mind that roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back! You will complete a detailed Housing Questionnaire after being accepted to the program, and on this form you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with.
+ When will I find out where I’ll be living?
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 1-2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a detailed description of your apartment and the location, as well as your roommates' names and email addresses.
+ Will I have a roommate?
Yes, you will have a roommate, as well as several housemates/flatmates.
+ What should I bring with me?
A detailed list of what to bring (and what not to bring) will be included in your ASA pre-departure handbook, which will be emailed to you about a month before your program begins.
+ Are meals included?
No, meals are not included, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, and grocery stores are within walking distance.
+ How far will I live from school?
Most apartments are within a 15-25 minute walk from your classes. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!
Accessibility & Inclusion
Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Detailed information for underrepresented groups considering Florence is below. You should also check out Diversity Abroad’s Italy Travel Guide.
If you have questions or concerns about how any of your identities may impact your study abroad experience, please call us at 617-327-9388 or email hello@academicstudies.com.
+ Culture & Ethnicity
Italy has a majority population of ethnic Italians. However, there are minority groups such as ethnic Albanians and Romanians, and around 1.5% of the population is of African heritage. See also the Diversity Abroad Travel Guide for Italy.
Here are some Black haircare products and hairstyling resources in Florence:
- For women, Black Beauty Firenze has a selection of haircare products, as well as services like box-braids, dread-locking, sew-ins, extensions, haircuts, and wig styling. Some great tips from a past study abroad student in Florence can be found here.
- For men in need of hairstyling, there’s Pyfany barbershop/salon which serves both men and women. In addition, there’s a barbershop called Jouvial (click here and here).
- On the same street where Jouvial is located (Via Palazzuolo), together with Via Panicale, there are shops that sell haircare products.
- Hairstylist and influencer, Reina Gomez, has her own salon in Florence and her own line of haircare products. She is of Dominican & Venezuelan descent and has a passion for caring for curly hair. Check out her TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook.
You should probably bring your favorite haircare products with you and enough to last your entire stay, because you won’t find the same brands/variety/accessibility of products that you’re used in the US. Here are some helpful tips on Black haircare products and tools to bring with you. You can also check out the Diversity Abroad guide to managing Black hair abroad.
+ Disability Accommodation
Italy’s ‘Stanca Act’ and ‘Disposizioni per favorire l’accesso dei soggetti disabili agli strumenti informatici’ have helped to ensure that the accessibility requirements needed by disabled persons are met including integration into schools, work, and society, as well as trying to aid autonomy and participation in social life.
However, Italy can present a challenge for disabled travelers due to cobbled streets, hilly cities, and historic buildings with stairs. Venice has many humpback bridges across the canals, only a handful of which have ramps. Cinque Terre and parts of Tuscany have narrow, uneven pathways and winding cobbled streets, so travelers with reduced mobility may not get the most out of their trip in these destinations. This can be overcome with research and planning.
Many public transportation systems, including much of the national rail network and the vaporetto boats in Venice, have been adapted for accessibility. Assistance can be provided, especially if requested in advance. Many attractions can be accessed free of charge or at a reduced rate by people with disabilities. Travelers who book official tours of landmarks will receive assistance from guides. Additional information can be found here.
We encourage you to open a dialogue with us so we can assess accessibility in housing and academic spaces.
The U.S. State Department has advice for international travelers with disabilities at this link.
+ Food
Housing is in shared apartments, where you can prepare your own meals. Did you know Italy is widely considered the #1 best country for gluten free travelers? It’s true, just google it!
Resources for dietary needs for allergies, religious beliefs, or other preferences below. We strongly encourage you to order food/allergy translation cards to help communicate your needs while abroad.
+ Financial Aid & Money Matters
ASA allows payment deferral until your institution releases your Financial Aid, and we offer payment plans upon request to students who need it. More information on billing and payment can be found here.
ASA also has several scholarships you can apply for within our program application. Students who receive a Pell Grant as part of their Financial Aid package are eligible to apply for the Gilman Scholarship.
+ First Generation
ASA provides hands-on support throughout the entire process. This includes housing, course registration, flight and arrival logistics, and student visa guidance. While you're abroad, our on-site staff is available to support you 24/7. They coordinate social and cultural activities and offer guidance on the local culture, to give you and your support system peace of mind throughout your program. We also have an online orientation for parents/families/support systems at this link.
+ Gender Identity & Sexuality
We welcome students with any gender identity and sexuality on all of our programs. Florence is one of the most welcoming locations in Italy for people of differing gender or sexuality. LGBTQ discrimination is illegal in Tuscany, however, non-binary genders are not legally recognized in Italy. Homosexuality and gender changes are legal.
Check out the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association Guide here.
+ Mental Health
Students with a range of mental health conditions can successfully study abroad. If you take any medications, please review the U.S. State Department recommendations for traveling abroad with medications.
ASA is happy to talk to you about what resources are available for any mental or physical health needs you have. Please reach out to us at 617-327-9388 or hello@academicstudies.com. Having advance notice of what your needs are will allow us to identify resources to support you, such as therapy or ongoing medical care to allow you to be successful. Any ASA team member is a safe person to share things with!
With your ASA program, you'll also have a paid subscription to mindhamok, a 24-7 service designed to support study abroad students’ mental, physical and social wellbeing. mindhamok's curated online and live resources give you tools to help you succeed. You can use mindhamok to: Request an appointment with a coach/therapist; Live chat with a coach/therapist about concerns such as roommate issues, relationships, etc.; Discuss homesickness, culture shock, or adjustment concerns; and much more.
Prior to departure, there's a mandatory mindhamok online orientation, where you can ask questions about health and safety, culture, or anything on your mind. mindhamok, coupled with ASA's on-site staff, give you the tools and support you need to succeed.
+ Non-Traditional Students
ASA welcomes all degree-seeking undergraduate students on any of our programs. We are happy to talk through any component of your identity (e.g. age, marital status, parental/caregiver status, military affiliation, et al.) that may affect your ability to participate on a program. You can reach ASA at 617-327-9388 or hello@academicstudies.com.
+ Religion
Italy is a majority Roman Catholic country with smaller numbers of Muslim, Protestant, Jewish, and other religious minorities. Freedom of worship is upheld in Italy. ASA is happy to help you find a place of worship in Florence - just ask us.
ELIGIBILITY
Florence University of the Arts
Summer/Semester/Academic Year
Requirements:
Minimum GPA 2.75 (Applicants with GPA below 2.75 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Italian
At least 17 years of age
Must have graduated from high school. Open to all undergraduate students (freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors)
Official transcript from most recent institution attended. If you have attended more than one institution, please submit a transcript from each institution. Official Transcript from current institution should show courses currently in progress.
ASA Application. To start a new application or continue an existing application, click here.
Scan of your valid passport that does not expire sooner than 6 months after the day you plan to return home from abroad. If you don’t have a valid passport, confirmation of an expedited passport application is required before you can be accepted into this program. Please submit your passport application by expedited service if you do not have a valid passport.
For Application Deadlines, please click the Cost & Dates tab.
INTERNSHIP & EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Students at Florence University of the Arts have the option of completing a 3-credit Internship or Experiential Learning Project (ELP) in place of one of their classes, at no additional cost. Both an internship and an ELP give students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience at an Italian company or organization or in one of Florence University of the Arts’ in-house departments. It is also a great way to meet Italian people!
The main difference between an internship and an ELP is that internships usually take place at outside companies or organizations, and, consequently, have an Italian language requirement, while ELPs generally take place inside Florence University of the Art and do not have an Italian language requirement. Opportunities are available in Athletics, Business, Communications, Culinary Arts, Event Planning, Fashion, Hospitality, Journalism, Marketing, Tourism, and more. For detailed information on semester and summer internship opportunities, click here.
COST & DATES
Billing Information and Cancellation Policy
Price Breakdowns / Estimated Costs of Attendance
Please wait to book a flight until you receive arrival instructions from ASA.
SPRING SEMESTER
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring I 2024 Arrive Jan. 23 - Depart May 9 Semester | $17,095 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, '23 | FIS24 | Yes |
| Spring II 2024 Arrive Jan. 23 - Depart May 9 CII + Semester | $17,895 | Oct. 1, '23 | Oct. 30, '23 | FISCII24 | Yes |
| Spring I 2025 Arrive Jan. 22 - Depart May 10 Semester | TBA | Oct. 1, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | FIS25 | Yes |
| Spring II 2025 Arrive Jan. 22 - Depart May 10 CII + Semester | TBA | Oct. 1, '24 | Oct. 30, '24 | FISCII25 | Yes |
SUMMER
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer I 2024 Arrive May 12 - Depart May 31 3 weeks, 3 credits | $4,995 | Extended to Mar. 5, '24 | Mar. 8, '24 | FISU13-24 | No |
| Summer I 2024 Arrive May 12 - Depart May 31 3 weeks, 6 credits | $6,795 | Extended to Mar. 5, '24 | Mar. 8, '24 | FISU16-24 | No |
| Summer II 2024 Arrive June 2 - Depart June 21 3 weeks, 3 credits | $4,995 | Extended to Mar. 15, '24 | Extended to Mar. 25, '24 | FISU23-24 | No |
| Summer II 2024 Arrive June 2 - Depart June 21 3 weeks, 6 credits | $6,795 | Extended to Mar. 15, '24 | Extended to Mar. 25, '24 | FISU26-24 | No |
| Summer A 2024 Arrive May 12 - Depart June 21 6 weeks, 3 credits | $6,395 | Extended to Mar. 5, '24 | Mar. 8, '24 | FISUA3-24 | No |
| Summer A 2024 Arrive May 12 - Depart June 21 6 weeks, 6 credits | $7,895 | Extended to Mar. 5, '24 | Mar. 8, '24 | FISUA6-24 | No |
fall semester
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall I 2024 Arrive Aug. 29 - Depart Dec. 14 Semester | $17,645 | Apr. 15, '24 | May 15, '24 | FIF24 | Yes |
| Fall II 2024 Arrive Aug. 29 - Depart Dec. 14 CII + Semester | $18,445 | Apr. 15, '24 | May 15, '24 | FIFCII24 | Yes |
ACADEMIC YEAR
| DATES | PRICE | APPLICATION DEADLINE | PAYMENT DEADLINE | PROGRAM CODE | VISA NEEDED FOR US PASSPORT HOLDERS? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year 2023-2024 Arrive Aug. 30, 2023 - Depart May 9, 2024 Semester | $32,890 | Mar. 15, '23 | May 15, '23 | FIAY | Yes |
| Academic Year 2023-2024 Arrive Aug. 30, 2023 - Depart May 9, 2024 CII + Semester | $34,490 | Mar. 15, '23 | May 15, '23 | FIAYCII | Yes |
| Academic Year 2024-2025 Arrive Aug. 29, 2024 - Depart May 10, 2025 Semester | $33,790 | Apr. 15, '24 | May 15, '24 | FIAY | Yes |
| Academic Year 2024-2025 Arrive Aug. 29, 2024 - Depart May 10, 2025 CII + Semester | $35,390 | Apr. 15, '24 | May 15, '24 | FIAYCII | Yes |
Academic Year price includes a $1,000 discount, applied during the second semester of participation.
WHAT’S INCLUDED
INCLUDED
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: Beginning Fall 2024, the final transcript will be 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 overnight excursions. Summer programs include 1 day excursion. Locations to be decided.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES in Florence (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 Florence (FLR) 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
Not Included
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 and other ASA services and benefits are not provided during the break between sessions. For academic year students only, medical insurance during winter break is included.
If you need a budget or Costs of Attendance for your financial aid office, or if you simply want an estimate of the not-included costs listed above, please click here.