Arts, Architecture and Design
Unique Experiences
Visit Cattedrale di Santa Maria Del Fiore
to appreciate Florence’s iconic cathedral
Stop by Piazzale Michelangelo
to enjoy sweeping, breathtaking views of Florence’s skyline
Indulge in Vivoli Gelato
one of Florence’s oldest and best gelato shops
Your Destination
Florence is Italy’s cultural capital, offering an inspiring environment for students of the arts, architecture, and design. The city’s Renaissance legacy, iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, world-renowned museums, artisan workshops, and vibrant creative scene provide a rich backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're sketching in historic piazzas, studying design history up close, or exploring contemporary Italian style, Florence is the perfect place to study abroad.
Program Highlights
- Academic Courses: Choose from CIEE courses, host institution courses, and online courses delivered by CIEE’s global partner, ASU, that align with your academic major.
- Optional Internship Placements: Enhance your program with an optional for-credit internship that aligns with your career aspirations.
- Immersive Experiences: Participate in activites, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Academic Projects: Enroll in an optional for-credit independent research project or service-learning project for increased professional development opportunities.
Excursions & Activities
CIEE’s excursions and cultural activities in Florence will open doors for you to explore Italy's rich diversity, language, culture, history, and timeless beauty in ways that will enhance your time abroad.
Samples of past excursions and activities:
- Enjoy excursions to Florentine locations, such as the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, and more
- Visit smaller historical Tuscan cities, such as Lucca, Siena, or Volterra
- Explore a traditional working vineyard and olive grove, with an in-depth description of wine and oil production, promotion, and distribution
Please note: Activities are based on past programs and subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when arranging activities is always to enhance your experience.
Program Blogs
The Ultimate Guide to Studying Abroad in Italy
Italy is the top destination for U.S. study abroad students, according to the latest data . You’ll get no argument from us on that. Italy is truly amazing. And the... keep reading
New CIEE Florence Center: A Florentine Renaissance Palazzo
In the cradle of the Renaissance, CIEE Florence has recently opened its doors to a new study abroad center in the breathtaking Palazzo Guadagni, a historically significant building widely renowned... keep reading
Top 5 Italian Holidays and Traditions
Ever wondered what it's like to celebrate like an Italian? Spoiler alert: It's not just about pizza and pasta. When you mix ancient traditions, mouth-watering food, and a dash of... keep reading
Housing & Meals
Housing
CIEE Florence offers housing options to ensure you're comfortable in your home away from home. All housing options are located in neighborhoods with convenient access to public transportation, shops, cafés, and eateries.
Standard Housing: Includes a double room at a shared apartment located under 40 minutes from CIEE Florence. Apartments boast kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students.
Select Housing: Includes a limited number of single rooms in shared apartments located within 30 minutes from CIEE Florence. Apartments boast kitchens, common areas, and laundry facilities shared with other students. Select housing requires an additional fee.
A note: The default criterion to assign housing is first-come, first-served; however, other factors may also be considered. If we cannot accommodate your first housing choice, we'll let you know before you arrive. Non-standard housing options require an additional fee that can be found in the program Dates and Fees.
Meals
Apartments: Meals are not included
Academics
CIEE Florence: Study in the lively square of Piazza Santo Spirito, located in Palazzo Guadagni near cafés, restaurants, and markets selling fresh vegetables and cheese. Set inside a Florentine Renaissance palace, CIEE Florence features two wings, beautiful classrooms, student lounges, a library, and a reception area.
Florence University of the Arts (FUA): The American University of Florence is an Italian Institute of Higher Education accredited and authorized by the Region of Tuscany to conduct approved formative educational courses. FUA-AUF is a free-standing, private, non-denominational institution.
Arizona State University (ASU): Brought to you by CIEE in partnership with ASU, enhance your international coursework with online classes that align with your degree requirements. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar.
Course Information
Academic Projects
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Architecture
Agriculture
Psychology
Academic Projects
Communication, Journalism, and Media
Languages and Cultural Studies
Social Sciences
Visual and Performing Arts
Architecture
Agriculture
Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing
Psychology
To see a list of possible courses, visit the FUA Academic Schedule and from the Study Abroad menu select the “15-Week Semester” option that matches the appropriate semester and year. Credits listed are U.S. credits. CIEE students in this program can only take FUA courses worth 3 U.S. semester credits.
Some FUA courses in the Visual Arts, Photography, Painting, and Drawing departments will likely incorporate a studio format, for example:
- Foundation Drawing
- Foundation Painting
- Advanced Painting
- Fresco Painting
- Florence Sketchbook
- Experiential Learning in Digital Photography
- Introduction to Digital Photography
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, online coursework that aligns with your degree requirements from anywhere you study abroad.
CIEE and ASU offer courses online per program eligibility, at no additional charge. Be sure to review online courses with your home school advisor.
Check the CIEE Program Dates and ASU start dates below to maximize course options within your program!
Search ASU Online Courses BROWSE FAQs for more INFO
Note: This course listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party. The courses, as described, may be subject to change as a result of ongoing curricular revisions, assignment of lecturers and teaching staff, and program development. Courses may be canceled due to insufficient enrollment.
"(GI)" denotes courses that originated at CIEE's Global Institutes and that are offered at multiple CIEE sites.
Discover Internship Opportunities
We're excited you're considering this program! Next, explore the types of internships you can choose from for an epic internship abroad with CIEE Study Abroad.
Explore Industry Options
While often seen as an art hub, Florence's work scene is grounded in manufacturing SMEs and small hospitality, food, fashion, and tourism businesses. This diverse economy supports a dynamic environment where creativity and craftsmanship thrive, showcasing the city's unique blend of tradition and modern industry.
Architecture and Construction
Develop hands-on technical skills and responsible building planning while working for global architecture firms abroad.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Browse Internship Opportunities
Explore internship placements available through this program to find the right fit for your academic and professional goals.
Disclaimer: Internship placements are subject to availability and host employer hiring discretion. Application and payment of CIEE fees does not guarantee specific placement. This internship listing is for informational purposes only and does not constitute a contract between CIEE and any applicant, student, institution, or other party.
Scholarships & Grants
CIEE offers scholarships and grants annually to help students like you make your study abroad dream a reality.
Students who apply to this program are eligible for the following scholarships and grants:
- Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
- Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants
- CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
- MSI Grant
To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.
Dates & Fees
You get more for every dollar when you study abroad with CIEE, because our high-quality programs include everything from excursions to insurance. There are no hidden charges, and no disappointing surprises when you arrive.
Program |
Application Due |
Start Date |
End Date |
Fees & Housing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Program Fall 2025 16 weeks | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date | End Date | Fees & Housing $19,950 |
| Program Academic year 2025-2026 | Application Due Deadline Passed | Start Date * | End Date TBD* | |
| Program Spring 2026 15 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * |
*Dates for this program are provided as tentative dates. Please consult with your study abroad advisor to confirm dates before purchasing your flights.
To help you budget, keep in mind that students are responsible for the cost of international airfare, local transportation, books and supplies, visas, and personal expenses. In addition, your college or university may charge additional fees for study abroad, or may require you to receive a transcript via CIEE's School of Record, which carries an additional fee of $500.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
| Participation Confirmation | $300 * |
| Educational Costs | $12,956 ** |
| Housing | $6,500 *** |
| Insurance | $194 |
| Total Fees | $19,950 |
Optional Housing
CIEE accommodation options are detailed in the Housing section. Based on availability, Select or Select Plus Housing can be chosen during the application process for an additional fee. Housing is assigned on a first-come, first-served basis; however, other factors may also be considered.
| Select Housing Fee | $1,500 |
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
| Meals not included in program fee | $1,160 † |
| International Airfare | $1,250 †† |
| Local Transportation | $240 |
| Books & Supplies | $150 |
| Visa Fees | $60 ††† |
| Potential travel to consulate for visa | $500 †††† |
| Personal expenses | $300 ††††† |
| Total Costs | $3,660 |
*non-refundable fee
**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students
***Housing fees listed are for financial aid purposes only and should not be considered a basis for calculation of refunds.
†For groceries if you plan on making your own meals, budget more money if you plan on eating out regularly.
††round-trip based on U.S. East Coast departure
†††Full-semester students only. To be paid at Italian consulate in US
††††If no consulate in your home area
†††††$100 emergency fund + cell phone expense + toiletries
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
Program Fees
CIEE offers the most student support of any provider in its program fee, including an airport greeting, full-time leadership and support, orientation, cultural activities, local excursions, pre-departure advising, and CIEE iNext travel protection with benefits.
Financial Aid
CIEE offers the most grants and scholarships of any study abroad organization, including $8 million/year in travel grants, merit-based scholarships, institutional and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.
Estimated Costs
Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.
What's Included
Tuition
Housing
Pre-departure Advising
Advising before you depart to set goals and answer questions
Optional on-site airport meet-and-greet
Orientation
Introduction to your program plus practical information about living in your host city
On-site Staff
Full-time program leadership and support in your city
Cultural and/or Co-curricular Activities
Excursions and/or Study Tours
Travel Protection
CIEE iNext travel protection
24/7 emergency on-site support
Our Staff
Tina Marisa Rocchio
Center Director
Tina grew up between the mountains of Vermont and the coastline of Rhode Island and has spent her adult life between Tuscany and Rome. Mastering Italian in high school, she...
Carla Fronteddu
Academic Director
Carla has a decade of experience in American study abroad programs and universities in Florence.
Francesca Cellini
Student Life Manager
Francesca is pursuing her passion to assist international students who have decided to embark on this life-changing experience of studying abroad.
Daniele Bini
Program Manager
Daniele was born and raised in Florence and grew up in the Chianti countryside of Florence. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Languages from the University of Florence, where...
Get Started
1
2
Connect With Your Campus Study Abroad Office
Share your plans and confirm you're on track to meet all required steps to go abroad.
3
Contact CIEE
We're here to help! Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
4
Interested in an optional internship?
After being accepted to this program and submitting the required internship documents, work with CIEE staff on your internship goals and select which positions to interview for. CIEE will reach out to companies that would be a good fit for you, your interests, and your qualifications. Finalize your internship placement upon arrival!
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