Academics
- Program type:
- Take classes in English with other American students at a study center in the center of Florence. Satisfy your requirements and gain professional experience through an internship with a Florentine company.
- Level:
- Term:
- Fall semester
- Spring semester
- Prerequisites:
- 2.5 GPA
- Sophomores and above
- Courseload:
Your courses will challenge you to explore historical and contemporary Italian issues. Enroll in courses such as:
- Art History
- Business
- Cross-Cultural Psychology
- Italian Language (beginning through advanced)
- Literature
- Retail Merchandising
- Sociology of Crime
- Studio Art (Drawing, Photography, Bookmaking)
Faculty
On-site support is offered by a local learning abroad center, which provides housing, classrooms, study areas, on-site orientation, program excursions, and social and cultural events. Italian and international faculty from universities in and around Florence provide all course instruction.
How to Apply
Click the button below to visit this program's web page for more information about the application process for this program.
About This Program
Experience Italian life and culture, past and present, in the beautiful and lively city of Florence. Famous for its Renaissance legacy, Florence is a thriving city with a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary culture. Buses, taxis, and mopeds drive within feet of the Duomo, Florence's magnificent cathedral; chic shops and elegant restaurants line the charming avenues; historic piazzas, ringed with outdoor cafes, host performance artists and flea markets. Enjoy the region's mild climate and world-famous cuisine in one of the most beautiful cities in Europe.
Attend class in the Oltrarno neighborhood, on the south side of the Arno river, in the Piazza Santo Spirito, which is home to one of Florence’s best-known basilicas—Santa Maria del Santo Spirito. This neighborhood is within easy walking distance of major monuments and museums. The area around Piazza Santo Spirito is still very much inhabited by Florentines and full of artisans, artists, galleries, trattorie, and antique shops, all of which provide a unique atmosphere. Join sports teams or student groups, volunteer, or take part in a language exchange.
HOUSING
You can choose to live with a host family or in a shared apartment. All students will have the opportunity to experience Italian host families through a hosted evening dinner with an Italian family.
- Homestays: Live with a host family to experience home Italian life. You will have a furnished bedroom in an Italian home, with some meals included. This is a smart opportunity to improve your Italian language ability and live and learn with Florentines.
- Apartments: If you choose an apartment, you will live with other study abroad students on the program. The student apartments are furnished and include two to four bedrooms. You will be responsible for your own meals.
EXCURSIONS
In addition to exploring Florence, all students participate in a five-day study tour to Sicily. This study tour includes intensive language study, historical tours, guest lectures, and a visit to Mount Etna.
About the Learning Abroad Center
The Learning Abroad Center in the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance is the University of Minnesota's comprehensive resource for study, intern, community engagement, research, and volunteer experiences worldwide.
The Learning Abroad Center is a leader in providing innovative international learning experiences that expand and redefine the world for a diverse population of students, colleagues, and staff. The Learning Abroad Center staff and University of Minnesota faculty and staff participate in numerous leadership opportunities and serve on the advisory boards of organizations who provide and/or support education abroad programs. Through collaboration and individual attention, the Learning Abroad Center continues to promote empowerment, development, understanding, and responsibility in the global community.
A variety of program options—more than 180 programs in 50 countries—have been developed to address the diverse needs of students. Programs vary in length, level, academic focus, teaching format, language requirements, cost, and degree of independence demanded of the participant.
