Florence Ponte Vecchio
Florence, Italy

January in Florence

Study Program

Dates

-

3 weeks

Credit

3 semester hours

4.5 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Your January in Florence program lasts three weeks and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in one CIEE course taught at CIEE Florence. Enhance your experience with extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Italian culture. Live and learn in Florence!

Unique Experiences

\

Discover architectural marvels

like the magnificent Duomo and the historic Uffizi Gallery

Breathe in inspiration

by living alongside Florentines

Embrace Italian language and cuisine

by learning Italian phrases and indulging in authentic, mouthwatering Italian dishes

Experience
  • florence italy aerial view

Your Destination

Florence is Italy’s Renaissance city, celebrated for its cool winter climate and rich cultural heritage. January is the perfect time to experience the city's charm with fewer crowds while exploring iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio and enjoying traditional winter festivities. Whether you are majoring in business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Florence is the perfect place to study abroad on winter break.

florence-speaker-classroom

Program Highlights

  • Academic Course: Take one CIEE course delivered in-person at the CIEE Center.
  • 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.
Florence student tour

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: 

  • Learn to prepare a typical, seasonal Florentine dish
  • Visit smaller historical Tuscan cities, such as Lucca, Siena, or Volterra
  • Head to Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo's iconic statue of David and other masterpieces of Italian art

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

From CIEE

Top 5 Italian Holidays and Traditions

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

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

From CIEE

Florence vs. Rome: Which is Better for Study Abroad?

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Picture this: You’re scrolling through TikTok, and every other video is some study abroad student living their best life in Italy. Now it’s your turn – but wait, do you... keep reading

From CIEE

Top 10 Italian Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know

By College Study Abroad at CIEE

Planning to study abroad in Italy? Beyond the iconic landmarks, endless pasta, and rich espresso, there's something essential that will help you truly blend in with the locals: Italian slang... keep reading

Housing
Academics

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.

GPA

2.5

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

Please refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Requirements

All students take one required course. 

Program Credit

Total credit: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits 

Course Credit

CIEE courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Academic Culture

The program is made up of three weeks of classes with an intensive orientation beforehand. CIEE courses are designed to follow U.S. academic culture. Class attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. 

Class Format

Courses are for CIEE students only. Courses are taught Monday through Friday. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas. 

Grading

Assessment is based on the individual’s overall performance in the course, including essays, coursework, and final examinations or papers. Students must check with their professors to find out exam and project presentation dates. Under no circumstances will CIEE alter deadlines or exam dates for study abroad students who have made conflicting travel plans. The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. 

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Language of Instruction

English

Individual courses may have additional prerequisites; for CIEE courses, these are listed in the syllabi below. Students are responsible for having their own course approval conversations with their advisors. Your study abroad advisor and CIEE staff can help you understand your course options if you don't see a recommendation that fits your course needs.

Courses

Course Information

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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.

Scholarships

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:

  • Global Access Initiative (GAIN) Grants

To be considered, submit the CIEE Scholarships & Grants application within your CIEE program application.

Learn more about scholarships

Dates & Fees

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 January 2026 3 weeks Start Date End Date

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 and MSI grants, and Gilman Go Global Grants.

See Scholarships

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

Staff

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 Steps

Get Started

Here’s what you need to do to take the next steps:

1

Start an Application

You're one step closer to an amazing study abroad experience!

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 Us

Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.

Request Info