January in Florence
Unique Experiences
FIND AWE IN ICONIC MONUMENTS
Such as the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery
BREATHE IN INSPIRATION
Living alongside Florentines
IMMERSE YOURSELF IN ITALIAN CULTURE
By learning Italian phrases and enjoying authentic Italian cuisine
1929
FOUNDING OF VIVOLI GELATO (FLORENCE’S BEST GELATO SHOP)
600+
YEARS OF EXTRAORDINARY ARTISTIC ACTIVITY
1921
THE YEAR GUCCI WAS FOUNDED IN FLORENCE
Your Destination
Home to a treasure trove of artistic and architectural jewels and a rich cultural heritage, Florence is considered the cradle of the Renaissance. Its rich historic and artistic foundation makes Florence an exciting choice for study abroad students from all backgrounds. From its renowned art galleries and museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery, to its unrivaled architecture, like the impressive Duomo, Florence is a student-friendly city boasting endless opportunities to immerse oneself in the local language, food, and culture.
Florence is also a vibrant and contemporary city. Like many university towns of Northern Europe, it values diversity, integration and inclusion. It welcomes non-Italians to work and study here, proportionately more than other Italian towns and cities. There are, therefore, a plethora of eateries that celebrate “new and different” cuisine (including a surprisingly high number of establishments catering to dietary restrictions) in addition to the standard, traditional Florentine fare. All of this makes studying abroad in Florence nothing short of spectacular!
The Culture
Excursions & Activities
Activities are subject to change at CIEE's discretion to adapt to local circumstances and participant feedback. Our goal when revising itineraries is always to enhance your experience. Every activity is designed to provide you with a deep immersion in your topic, local culture and sights. Activities may include:
- Visiting significant Florence locations, such as the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio, Piazzale Michelangelo, and more
- Visiting smaller historical Tuscan cities, such as Lucca, Siena, or Volterra
- Learning to prepare a typical, seasonal Florentine dish
Program Blogs
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
Florence vs. Rome: Which is Better for Study Abroad?
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
Top 10 Italian Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
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 & 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 room in a shared apartment or homestay.
- Shared Apartment: 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.
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
Students spend three weeks in January taking coursework complemented with co-curricular activities to immerse you in the culture and facilitate intercultural learning.
CIEE Florence: Situated in the lively square of Piazza Santo Spirito, CIEE Florence is ideally located in Palazzo Guadagni, a historically significant building characterized by its stone façade, high vaulted ceilings, and remarkable frescoes. Palazzo Guadagni is renowned as one of the best examples of a Florentine Renaissance palace. The art and history the building carries will inspire students who choose to study here in the cradle of the Rennaissance.
Course Information
Visual and Performing Arts
Social Sciences
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 & 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.
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.
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 Us
Send us an email if you still have questions or need information about applying to this program.
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