Florence

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!

ASA semester programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day 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.
• 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.
• Pisa (day excursion) - The town of Pisa is renowned worldwide for its iconic Leaning Tower. The city sits along the banks of the Arno River, its historic center a testament to its rich past as a maritime republic and a major trading power during the Middle Ages. With its riverside promenades, bustling markets, and delightful cafes, Pisa has a perfect blend of history, art, and Italian charm.

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.

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.

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: 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 1 overnight excursion and 2 day 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 it is required to get your visa.

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.