About the 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 of 500,000 people and a fascinating mix of old and new. 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.
See pictures and hear student's stories
Take classes in art, language, business, psychology and culture in a 15th Century palazzo adorned with murals and statues. Just steps from Santa Croce and a short walk to the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and Ponte Vecchio, the resources of the city enrich your studies. The warm and friendly Florentines are happy to encourage your language acquisition, and Florence's central location makes it easy to explore the rest of Italy, as well as other European countries.
The semester program is divided into two academic tracks. The Internship Track, is designed for students with advanced language skills (at least four semesters) and places students in an Italian business for internship experience.
The Language and Culture Track, is designed for students with little or no previous study of the Italian language. Student participating on the 3 week May term* program must have completed four semesters of Italian as this program is specifically teaching Italian 3015 (5th semester Italian).
About the Program Sponsor: Learning Abroad Center
Learning Abroad Center sponsored programs are:
- Affordable: our programs are cost effective.
- Academically strong: many programs have strong University of Minnesota departmental support and offer pre-approved courses for many majors.
- Culturally rich: regardless of the program you choose, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture.
- Expertly managed: our staff in Minnesota and abroad are trained professionals and are always available to answer your questions from extensive pre-departure advising, online orientations, to reentry programming. Your safety and well-being are paramount, and we work hard to ensure you have a rewarding, and safe, experience abroad.
Faculty & Staff
On-site support is provided by a local learning abroad center. Students have access to a computer lab and classroom space. On-site staff provide information to students regarding cultural activities as well as ensuring 24-hour emergency support.
provides students housing, program classrooms,
study areas, and arranges on-site orientation, program excursions,
and social and cultural events. Italian faculty from universities
in and around Florence provide all course instruction.
Housing & Meals
*Homestays: Students choosing to live with a host family will experience true Florentine life. Students have a furnished bedroom in an Italian home and some meals are also included. This is a great opportunity for students to excel with their Italian language ability and also to live and learn with Floretines who can give you glimpse into true Italian life!
Apartments: Students choosing an apartment will be housed with other American students on the program. Students live in furnished student apartments and each apartment has two to four bedrooms.
*Internship students are required to live with a host family and homestays are not available for May term students.
Excursions
& Social Activities
Cultural field trips within Florence and a trip to Sienna
and San Gimignano are included in the semester program fee. Entrances
for the group to the Uffizi and Academia are also included.
Additionally, each student has access to the Harold
Acton Library of the British Institute.
May term students visit Bologna, Ravenna, and Rome as well as famous sites in Florence.
Contact a Past Participant
Below is a list of students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact these participants anytime during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.
- Malorie B—Art major, art history minor, spring semester 2008, apartment, beginner language level
- Lisa H—Art and art history majors, Italian minor, spring semester 2008, apartment, intermediate language level
- Maddy M—Journalism major, leadership minor, may session 2008, apartment, intermediate language level
- Alison P—Applied economics major, management minor, spring semester 2008, apartment, beginner language level
- Emily S—Speech pathology major, fine arts minor, spring semester 2008, apartment, beginner language level
- Angelea K—Cultural studies major, comparative literature minor, spring semester 2007, apartment, intermediate language level
- John L—Art and family social science majors, spring semester 2007, apartment, intermediate language level
- Rebecca B—Art history and French major, psychology minor, fall semester 2007, apartment
- Holly G—Human resources and industrial relations major, fall semester 2007, apartment
- JP H—Mathematics major, fall semester 2007, homestay
- Seth H—Political science major, fall semester 2007, apartment
- Leah J—Chemical engineering major, Italian minor, fall semester 2007, apartment
Access Abroad
Persons with disabilities or special needs are encouraged to explore opportunities abroad. The Learning Abroad Center and Disability Services are collaborating to enhance access to study abroad for students with disabilities. Go to the Access Abroad web page for more information.
Last modified on October 29, 2009 |
Last modified on October 29, 2009 |