Italy: Florence

Few cities in the world are as beautiful and fascinating as Florence. The city, whose origins go back to Roman times, experienced its height during the Renaissance, when some of the greatest artists and thinkers of the time lived and worked in Florence while creating their masterpieces. Students who choose to study in Florence will benefit from both the richness of the city’s past as well as gain firsthand knowledge of the contemporary issues facing this modern European city. The city itself becomes an extension of the classroom, where tiny medieval streets open onto majestic piazzas, and monumental museums, palaces and churches reveal their hidden treasures. Each week offers students the opportunity to study original works by masters such as Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Galileo and Dante, immortal protagonists of Western culture. Housing is provided adjacent to the elegant Boboli gardens and the Pitti Palace, allowing students to discover a different side to this magical city. Moreover, students only have to take a short ride from the city center to find themselves immersed in the typical Tuscan scenery of rolling hills, vineyards and olive groves.

The study center, housed in the 15th-century Alessandri Palace, is just a short stroll from the Duomo, the Ponte Vecchio, and the Uffizi Gallery. Classrooms, administrative offices, a well-stocked library, and computer lounge are located in this striking Renaissance palace, equipped with modern comforts and the latest technology.

Broad Curriculum Program
The broad curriculum program gives students the opportunity to earn credits in general requirements and elective courses while living abroad. Florence has the added benefit of being centrally located which allows easy travel to many other famous and historically significant cities and regions in Italy.

Internships
This program was originally created for Art History majors, and places highly motivated students in professional positions with prestigious museums and galleries. The program has been expanded to include placements in many different fields such as Dance, Graphics and Hospitality. See page 77 for more information.

First Year Abroad Program
The Florence Study Center is ideal for our First Year Abroad students. Classes offered specifically for the First Year Abroad Program have a limited enrollment which means students have extensive personal contact with their professors and the Study Center staff. Course offerings in this unparalleled freshman year abroad experience allow most majors to progress seamlessly academically during their time in Florence.

Archaeology in Tuscany
Students in the program are taught skills in archaeological excavation and processing of artifacts with instruction appropriate to the amount of experience they have had, from beginners to advanced.

Italian Studies Minor
The Italian Studies Florence Center Minor is meant to enhance and focus the student’s academic experience in Italy. The minor is built around Florence residency, but can be pursued before and after it as well. 15 credits are required, 9 of which must be earned in Florence. Students may choose from various disciplines in Italian Studies.