Exploring Hospitality & Entrepreneurship
Florence, Italy | Spring Break
Explore the hospitality industry in Florence from the perspective of entrepreneurs. Learn through immersive experiences that will take you to hotels, B&Bs, and restaurants — giving you a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day work of professionals in the industry. Gain a unique perspective as you compare these establishments to those of the US. The coursework comes alive through conversations with international experts and through an excursion to a vineyard and organic farm-to-table restaurant. Hands-on learning in the FSU Florence culinary kitchen furthers your understanding of the industry. Travel to Florence over spring break to study as part of a spring semester course in Tallahassee.
Eligibility
This program is open to all interested graduate students as well as upper-division undergraduate students in the Jim Moran College of Entrepreneurship and/or the Dedman College of Hospitality.
Pursuant to Italian legal requirements, students must be at least 18 years of age by the start of the program. Contact IP-Info@fsu.edu for more information.
Other Considerations & Requirements
Priority is given to students in good conduct standing with a GPA of 2.5 or higher; exceptions may be granted upon appeal. You must enroll in the IP section of ENT4934/5930 Special Topics in Entrepreneurship: What Makes Italy So Special: Fashion, Food, & Hospitality on the Tallahassee campus (virtual & in-person meetings) during the spring semester and will go abroad as a component of the course during the specified dates.
Note: Do not purchase airline tickets until advised to do so in the IP portal.
FSU Florence Study Center
Located in the heart of the city, the study center is housed in a renovated 16th century Renaissance palazzo. Learn in classrooms, the culinary kitchen, fashion lab, and library. With lounge areas, outdoor patios, and a cafe, there's plenty of space to relax in between classes. The central location makes the study center the perfect hub for immersing yourself in the rich culture and history of the city.
Housing
You'll stay in shared hotel accommodations in Florence. You'll also have secure access to the FSU Florence study center building.
Note: Overnight guests are not allowed in program housing.
Academics
On this program, you'll study a focused curriculum with an FSU faculty member. Take classes before and after the program and go abroad during spring break as part of the course. You’ll have the opportunity to use the city as your classroom through immersive academic experiences.
Excursions & Activities
You'll receive a program calendar before you leave; here are some examples taken from past programs of potential excursions & activities you may do:
Day trip: Verrazzano organic winery visit
Local experiences: Walking tour, journal making, and/or Museo degli Argenti at Pitti Palace
Class visits: Visits to local restaurants, cooking classes (gelato and pasta), wine tasting, Sant'Ambrogio Market tour and tasting, and/or hotel visits with guest speakers (Hotel Palazzo Lucchesi and Antica Torre Tornabuoni Hotel)
Included in the Fee
Academic Credit
3 credits
Housing Abroad
Shared hotel
Excursions & Activities
Some Meals
International Health Insurance
On-Site Pastoral Support
Admin & Academic Support
And More!
