Business + Culture
Unique Experiences
Explore the legacy of Salvatore Ferragamo
to understand how a family-owned business grew into a global luxury brand
Tour sustainable businesses like Funghi Espresso
and learn how circular economy principles are applied in real-world companies
Discover Florence’s historic center from the Duomo to Piazza della Signoria
on a walking tour and learn about the legends and hidden stories of the city
Your Destination
Florence is Italy’s historic and artistic heart, celebrated for its rich cultural heritage and emerging business opportunities. As a hub for fashion, design, and arts-related industries, Florence offers exceptional opportunities for students studying business and culture. The city’s mix of Renaissance architecture, world-class museums like the Uffizi Gallery, iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, and thriving creative enterprises make Florence an inspiring and unforgettable 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 activities, excursions, study tours, and more that showcase your host city's culture, values, and local art, film, music, cuisine, and sports scenes.
- Community Impact Initiative: Get involved with local organizations through service opportunities that address real community needs while building cross-cultural connections and hands-on experience.
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 excursions and activities:
- Enjoy a day trip to Chianti vineyards to explore family-owned wineries, sustainable viticulture, and wine export strategies
- Discover Siena, a medieval gem located just an hour away from Florence, to learn about its history, the Palio (historical horse race), visit the Cathedral, and taste local cuisine
- Visit the Ferrari Museum to learn about brand strategy, innovation, and luxury automotive business operations
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
What Subjects Can You Study Abroad: Top 10 [2026]
While you excitedly explore CIEE Study Abroad locations and specific program options, don’t forget to look for study abroad courses in specific areas of study, too! Being in the classroom... keep reading
Volunteering at the Festival dei Popoli: Our Commitment to Global Dialogue
CIEE Florence Program Coordinator Diana Biagini fulfilled her annual volunteer commitment at the Festival dei Popoli, Europe's oldest documentary film festival, which showcased impactful films on contemporary issues like global conflicts and the climate crisis, reinforcing CIEE's mission of promoting intercultural exchange and global understanding.
EAT, DRINK, EXPLORE: FLORENCE
BEST FOOD TO EAT IN FLORENCE It's not autumn in Florence if you don't snack on schiacciata all'uva (Italian sweet bread with smashed grapes) during the city's annual grape harvest... 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 at CIEE Florence, located at The Social Hub on Viale Belfiore just outside the historic Porta al Prato gate and well connected to the city center by tram. The modern facility features fully equipped classrooms, co-working spaces, cafés, and a rooftop terrace, all within a vibrant community of local students and young professionals.
Florence University of the Arts (FUA-AUF): 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
Florence University of the Arts
Sample list of business-related courses:
Accounting and Finance
- Principles of Accounting
- Corporate Finance
Arts, Entertainment, and Media
- Marketing Strategies for the Arts
- Introduction to Arts Management
Economics
- Global Economy: History and Evolution
- Microeconomics
Real Estate
- Real Estate Management
Entrepreneurship Resources
- Introduction to Business Strategies
- Entrepreneurial Marketing
Management
- International Brand Management and Strategies
- New Product Development and Management
Marketing
- Introduction to Fashion Marketing
- Wine Communications and Marketing
CIEE proudly partners with ASU to deliver asynchronous, 100% 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
Browse the range of internship opportunities available and find the experience that aligns with your academic and career goals 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.
Consumer Goods and Retail
Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.
Education and Training
Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.
Finance
Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.
Hospitality and Tourism
Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.
Manufacturing
Study global supply chains, production technologies, and international business strategies in England, Singapore, and more.
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.
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 Spring 2027 17 weeks | Start Date * | End Date * | ||
| Program Fall 2027 16 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.
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 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 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...
Diana Biagini
Program Coordinator
With over a decade of experience in teaching Italian and Culture in both Italy and the United States Diana Biagini is passionate about fostering connections between Italian and American cultures through higher education.
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!
You might also like
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Milan, Italy
- Study Program
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!
- Rome, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
...for 1, 2, or 3 term blocks!