Stonehill College in 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!

Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici

Istituto Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) Florence is situated right at the heart of the birthplace of the Renaissance, where art, architecture, philosophy, and civic liberalism changed the Medieval world and still influence life today. LdM’s main campus has its head office on Via Faenza, a street dating back to 13th-century Florence. The main building was once a convent connected to the now deconsecrated church of San Jacopo in Campo Corbolini, which belonged to the Knights Templar.

In a city with such a rich historical importance, LdM Florence is primed to be the ideal choice for students interested in studying architecture, fine arts, fashion design, anthropology, and Italian language and culture. With over 400 courses to chose from, LdM’s students challenge their thinking and expand their perspective on a global level while learning both inside and outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to explore and utilize the resources of the city – including its art, architecture, and cultural history – as part of their educational development.

Student Services & Extracurricular Activities

Lorenzo de’ Medici provides all students guidance and support by experienced Student Advisors to make sure their study abroad adventure is a success. LdM Florence students have the chance to explore the many Renaissance landmarks of Florence, which capture the imagination like nowhere else in the world. All students are invited to attend art and cultural events, visit local markets, and experience a life rich in tradition, art, and history. Besides the many cultural activities offered, students have the possibility to join clubs and volunteer for community art projects to enrich their academic experience. 

LdM also offers the opportunity to explore by organizing tours to historical towns and many seasonal activities, which help to develop new perspectives on the history and diversity of modern Italian life. Students discover the hidden intricacies of Italian culture through hands-on learning experiences that provide an academic perspective of Florence’s centuries-old traditions. 

LdM has also cultivated relationships with various charities and organizations around Florence for those who are interested in volunteer work, such as working for food banks, distributing clothing to the needy, collaborating with community clean-ups or teaching English at local schools.

ASA semester programs in Florence include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. 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.

LORENZO DE’ MEDICI
SEMESTER/ACADEMIC YEAR

• Requirements:
  • Minimum GPA 2.8 (Applicants with GPA below 2.8 will be considered on a case-by-case basis)
  • Language requirement: None. Open to students with any level of Italian
  • At least 18 years of age
  • Must have completed at least 2 semesters at a U.S. or Canadian college/university by the start of the program.
  • 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 “Dates & Deadlines” tab.

LdM offers credit-bearing internships that you can take alongside your classes! Learn about the different aspects of working in Italy, a country known for its artisan and small business structure. Students get to know the characteristics and structure of the Italian workplace. Participating in an internship during your study abroad program in Florence, is a fantastic way to gain work experience, meet Italian people, and add a unique bullet point to your résumé! You will have the opportunity to experience Italian culture in a much deeper and more hands-on way than your classmates who aren’t doing internships!

Students attending LdM for a semester or academic year can earn 3 credits for an internship alongside their other classes. Internships are NOT stand-alone, but take the place of one of your classes at LDM. Internship credits will count toward the total number of credits a student is allowed to take during their academic term. There is no additional fee for credit-bearing Internships.

LdM arranges internships in subject areas such as Communications, Public Relations and Event Planning, Art History, Sport and Web Marketing, Journalism, International Business, Advertising, Education, Fashion Design and Merchandising, Museum Studies, and Graphic Design.

Students taking an internship must maintain a minimum of 15 credits per semester. Concurrent enrollment in a course in the same field is required. The application for an LdM internship is due by the application deadline, along with the required supporting documentation. Placement in internships is not guaranteed and choosing an alternate course is mandatory.

HOW TO APPLY

•Résumé/CV
•Formal letter of intent - student should discuss their reason for applying, expectations about the internship, and a detailed description of the duties in which the student would like to partake
•Two recommendation letters
•Portfolio
•Writing sample

Please check the Internship descriptions in the Course Schedules for further details!

All Internships are for-credit and unpaid.

Internships entail up to 150 work hours, outside of your class hours. Work hours typically take place on weekdays (Monday through Friday), but some internships may require a few weekend hours as well. Your assigned internship hours will not conflict with your classes.

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: Final transcript is issued by Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM). Upon completion of the program, ASA will provide one free shipment of your final transcript to your U.S. institution.
• EXCURSIONS: Semester programs include 1 overnight excursion and 2 day excursions. 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 apply for one. Please click the "Pre-Departure Guide" button at left for visa guides.
• PRE-DEPARTURE HANDBOOK & ON-SITE ORIENTATION: For handbook, click the button at left "Pre-Departure Guide"
• 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 by clicking the button at left "Pre-Departure Guide"

NOT INCLUDED

• Round trip airfare and travel expenses to and from the program location
• Books, materials, course/lab 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.

ASA has lots of helpful information available to help you prepare for your semester abroad!

• ASA Pre-Departure Guide for All Programs
• Florence LdM Site-Specific Guide
• ASA Parent & Family Guidebook
• Student Visa Instructions
• Student Visa FAQs
• Flight Booking Tips
• Health & Safety
• Parent & Family Checklist