Study Abroad & Intern in Florence, Italy

Where a Masterpiece is Around Every Corner
Step into the heart of Tuscany and discover Florence, a city that stirs the soul and captivates the senses. Renowned as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence is an ancient tale come alive—where the beauty of art, architecture, food, and history surrounds you at every turn.

 

Walk in the footsteps of Michelangelo, Botticelli, and Donatello as you explore iconic landmarks like the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the majestic statue of David. These world treasures and more are within walking distance of your housing and the university. From Renaissance masterpieces to centuries-old churches and piazzas, Florence is a city where the past isn’t just preserved—it’s alive.

 

But this city offers more than legendary art. It’s a vibrant, youthful hub where café culture, local markets, and buzzing piazzas create an energy that’s irresistible. Tucked between historic buildings, you’ll find trattorias serving rich pasta dishes and rustic Florentine steaks, followed by creamy gelato that melts in the warm Tuscan sun.

 

Florence’s central location also makes it a dream base for travel—hop a quick train to Rome, Venice, or Milan; spend a weekend in the rolling hills just outside the city; or take a quick and inexpensive flight to any number of other European capitals.

 

Whether you're relaxing in a sunlit square, sipping espresso in a quiet courtyard, or exploring the cobblestone alleys that wind past centuries of history, Florence isn’t just a place you visit—it’s a place you feel. A city that will inspire your studies, feed your creativity, and become a part of you long after you leave.

 

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Florence Street
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Florence Sculpture

Academics

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.

 

 

Course Information

**APPLY EARLY for the best course selection. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis. If you're concerned about getting into a particular class, please call us at 617-327-9388 to confirm availability.

 

Language Requirement: None. Courses available in English and Italian.

 

Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (4-5 courses). Students who enroll in more than 15 credits will be charged an additional fee per credit.

 

Final Transcript: Issued by Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM). Transcripts will be issued approximately 8-10 weeks after the completion of the program.

 

You must have DOUBLE the number of courses approved than you actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts. On the Course Pre-registration Form you will complete for ASA after being accepted, you will have to list one alternate class for each of your top choices.

 

PRE-REGISTRATION

On your ASA Course Pre-registration Form, it is essential that you indicate which courses are essential/mandatory for your degree. This will be taken into account when LdM approves your selections. Course registration is on a first-come first serve basis, and all courses must meet a minimum enrollment requirement to run. 

 

COURSE/LAB FEES

Some LdM classes have course/lab fees that cover required equipment, materials, books, etc. which ARE NOT INCLUDED in the ASA program fee. Many studio arts, cuisine and wine appreciation courses require a lab fee that is paid by students upon arrival. In addition, courses may require that students pay for visits and field trips as noted in the course descriptions. Students will pay applicable course fees directly to Lorenzo de’ Medici after arrival.

 

Click here for Fall & Spring course fees. Course fees are subject to change.

 

COURSE OFFERINGS

Click here for available course offerings: Course Schedule

 

HELPFUL TIPS!
  • Choose “Florence” as a Site and the Term you are applying for to bring up the correct term course schedule.
  • You can search for specific courses by choosing a ‘department,’ or if you just want to see all the courses, don’t choose a department and you can scroll through all the offerings.
Course offerings and schedules are subject to change.
 
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

ASA is happy to email you detailed syllabi/course descriptions for all classes you are interested in taking. Simply contact us and include the Course Code and Course Title.

 

COURSE OFFERINGS AND SCHEDULES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE.

 

Internships

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.

Costs & Dates

Program pricing and important dates.

Program dates are subject to change. Although date changes arerare, they are typically changes made by the host institution and are,therefore, outside of ASA's control. If any changes are made to your programdates, ASA is not responsible for fees or losses associated with changing orcanceling your plane ticket, additional lodging and other travel costs, etc.

 

Please do not book a plane ticket until you are accepted to the program and receive written notification of your program's arrival and departure date.

 

<p style="font-weight: bold;">Cost of Attendance &amp; Budget Sheet</p>

 

* Prices subject to change. Financial aid available.

Housing

We place a high priority on safety, housing location, and proximity to school. Your exact commute will vary depending on where your accommodation is, but rest assured you will live in Florence city center. All ASA housing includes Internet and is located in safe neighborhoods within a reasonable distance from school.

 

Students will complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted to the program. ASA then places students within our housing pool while accommodating as many preferences as possible. Most of the time, we’re able to place students in their first choice housing option, but due to limited space in certain options, we can’t guarantee all preferences will be met.

 

Shared Apartment

Rooms are double occupancy. A limited number of single rooms are available for an additional fee. Bathrooms are shared. Meals are not included, but each apartment has a fully equipped kitchen/common area shared by all occupants where you can prepare your own meals. Apartments may be single gender or all gender; typically 2-8 students per apartment.

Housing FAQs

In most cases we can accommodate same-gender roommate requests. Mixed gender roommate requests can sometimes be accommodated as well, but you will not be sharing a room. You'll complete a Housing Request Form after being accepted, and you can give us the name(s) of those you want to live with. Roommate requests must be mutual, so be sure your friend requests you back!
ASA will notify you of your living arrangements via email approximately 2 weeks before the start of your program. You will receive a detailed description of your housing and the location, and if there is another ASA student in your housing we will include their name and email address.
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.
No, meals are not included, but either accommodation have fully equipped kitchens where you can prepare meals, and grocery stores are within walking distance.
The food is great and will be typical of your host country. Be prepared to try new things! If you have any food allergies or dietary needs, please let ASA know as soon as possible and we'll be happy to advise you on your options.
All ASA housing is located in Florence city center within a 15-30 minute commute from your classes. You will walk, take the tram or bus, or a combination depending on where your accommodation and classes are located. Please rest assured that we place a high priority on location, and all ASA students live within a reasonable distance from their classes!

Excursions

Explore the region with organized trips and cultural activities.

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

Venice

Overnight

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

Rome

Overnight

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

Assisi and Perugia

Overnight

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

Siena

Day Trip

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

Pisa

Day Trip

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.

Experiences

Unique cultural and educational experiences included in your program.

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!

 
Enjoy a Panino

Enjoy a Panino

Eat a panino from one of Florence’s many bridges - this one has a great view of the Ponte Vecchio
The David

The David

A must see - The David at the Accademia
Sant'Ambrogio Market

Sant'Ambrogio Market

Shop for fresh pasta, flowers, inexpensive clothes, and more at the Sant'Ambrogio market
Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

Salvatore Ferragamo Museum

Peruse the shoe collection of your dreams at the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum.
Tuscan Vineyards

Tuscan Vineyards

Take a vineyard tour in the Tuscan countryside
Top of the Duomo

Top of the Duomo

Climb to the tippy top of the famous Dome, then catch your breath
Palazzo Strozzi

Palazzo Strozzi

Check out the contemporary art installations at historic Palazzo Strozzi
Gelato

Gelato

The best gelato plus the best view from Piazza Michelangelo. Gelato places to try: Gelateria Santa Terinita or Gelateria La Carraia
Oblate Library

Oblate Library

Study next to Italian students at the Oblate Library – the café at the top has amazing views of the Duomo
Le Murate

Le Murate

For some peace and quiet plus fresh air, try Le Murate - a relaxing spot to read, study, or just hang out.
Cascine Park

Cascine Park

Enjoy some green space as you walk or bike along the Arno River in Cascine Park
Adventure Park

Adventure Park

For outdoors adventure like zip lining and ropes courses, try Florence’s Adventure Park
Ceramics

Ceramics

Take a ceramics class.

Program Inclusions

What's included in your program fee.

What's Included

  • Exclusive "A WORLD OF CARE" Student Support Suite
  • 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, 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 Calendar

Important dates and deadlines for this program.

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

  1. September 1, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Florence (FLR) airport on Tues, Sept. 1 between 9am-5pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. September 2-4, 2026

    ASA & LdM Orientation

  3. September 7, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. Mon, Sept. 7 - Fri, Sept. 11, 2026

    Add/Drop week

  5. Mon, Oct. 19 - Fri, Oct. 23

    Mid-term exams

  6. Mon, Oct. 26 - Fri, Oct. 30

    Fall Break - no classes or scheduled activities

  7. Mon, Nov. 2

    Classes resume

  8. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  9. Mon, Dec. 14 - Fri, Dec. 18

    Final exams

  10. Sat, Dec. 19 (Students must complete Housing Check-out by 10am)

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. January 27, 2026

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Florence (FLR) airport on Tues, Jan. 27 between 9am-5pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. January 28-30, 2026

    ASA & LdM Orientation

  3. February 2, 2026

    Classes begin

  4. Mon, Feb. 2 - Fri, Feb. 6

    Add/Drop week

  5. Mon, Mar. 16 - Fri, Mar. 20

    Mid-term exams

  6. Mon, Mar. 23 - Fri, Mar. 27

    Spring Break - no classes or scheduled activities

  7. Mon, Mar. 30

    Classes resume

  8. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  9. Mon, May 11 - Fri, May 15

    Final exams

  10. Sat, May 16 (Students must complete Housing Check-out by 10am)

    Housing move-out; students depart

  1. January 26, 2027

    Arrival and Housing Move-in

    For group airport pick-up, students should arrive at Florence (FLR) airport on Tues, Jan. 26 between 9am-5pm. We recommend arriving earlier in the day, if possible.
  2. January 27-29, 2027

    ASA & LdM Orientation

  3. February 1, 2027

    Classes begin

  4. Mon, Feb. 1 - Fri, Feb. 5

    Add/Drop week

  5. Mon, Mar. 15 - Fri, Mar. 19

    Mid-term exams

  6. Mon, Mar. 22 - Fri, Mar. 26

    Spring Break - no classes or scheduled activities

  7. Tues, Mar. 30

    Classes resume

  8. TBA

    Excursions - locations TBA

  9. Mon, May 10 - Fri, May 14

    Final exams

  10. Sat, May 15 (Students must complete Housing Check-out by 10am)

    Housing move-out; students depart

Accessibility & Inclusion

We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students.

Diversifying study abroad is a priority for ASA. Detailed information for underrepresented groups considering Florence can be found 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 contact us.

 

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.

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.

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 by clicking here. 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.

For more information, see our mental & emotional health information here.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. Click here to contact us.

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.

Ready to Apply?

Take the next step in your study abroad journey. Contact our team to learn more about our programs and start your application today.

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