aerial view of florence
Florence, Italy

Semester in Florence

Study Program Part-Time Internship

Dates

-

15 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Tentative Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

37 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

The application deadline has passed.

Apply Now

Request Information

Overview

Spend your semester living and learning in the birthplace of the Renaissance! Designed for students from all academic backgrounds, the Semester in Florence program is the perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Italian culture.

When class is in session, you'll choose from a unique mix of flexible and diverse courses (in English or Italian) at CIEE Florence and CIEE's renowned partner institution, Florence University of the Arts (FUA). You may also enroll in courses with a local flavor, like language, photography, cuisine, or sustainability initiatives.  

Outside the classroom, you'll have every opportunity to participate actively in the Italian community. Immerse yourself in the local culture with optional credit-bearing internships, volunteering opportunities, or language programs. Don't stop there; round out your study abroad adventure by participating in co-curricular and extracurricular activities and off-the-beaten-path trips organized by CIEE to appreciate Florence’s impressive cultural attractions and landmarks. 

Unique Experiences

Test Your Gastronomic Skills

in a cooking or wine-tasting class

Go On Guided Tours

of Florence’s iconic monuments, like the Duomo or the Palazzo Vecchio

Revisit the Renaissance

at Florence’s Uffizi Gallery or Accademia Gallery

709 K

Population of Florence

7

Unesco World Heritage Sites

140

Years To Build the Duomo Di Firenze

Experience
  • Florence Duomo overlooking the city
  • Florence Piazza Signoria

Your Destination

Home to a treasure trove of Renaissance jewels and a rich cultural heritage, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is rooted in artistic tradition. The city’s historic and artistic richness makes Florence an appealing 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 Duomo, Florence is a student-friendly city boasting endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the local language and culture.  

When you study abroad in Florence, you’ll call central Italy home. Here, in the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, you’ll enjoy views of stunning rolling hills, explore farms and vineyards, appreciate timeless art by the likes of Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and enjoy the local rustic Tuscan cuisine. With mesmerizing views at every turn, your time studying abroad in Florence will be nothing short of spectacular!

CIEE wants all our students to feel welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed while studying abroad. Local CIEE staff have provided details about conditions and cultural attitudes that students with specific identities might encounter in Florence. 

The Culture

Florence vineyard in Chianti hills

Excursions & Activities

  • Enjoy excursions to significant Florence locations, such as the Duomo Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, Ponte Vecchio and many more 
  • Visit smaller historical cities in Tuscany such as Lucca, Siena or Volterra 
  • Learn to prepare typical, seasonal Florentine dishes 
  • Visit a traditional working vineyard and olive grove, with an in-depth description of wine and oil production, promotion, and distribution
Florence student tour

Projects

Internship: A for-credit internship in English or Italian allows students the opportunity to gain practical real-world work experience in a company within a variety of industry sectors. In addition to the on-site business experience, students participating in an internship program receive academic support in a weekly classroom component. Placements in English are limited, and Italian language skills may be necessary for some placements.  

Directed Independent Research: Qualified students who have demonstrated academic rigor and curiosity toward a particular research topic can take on a Directed Independent Research project. Independent research topics will be approved by the CIEE Florence Director and home institution and must reflect a topic that is relevant to Florence or Italy. To be accepted into this course, students must submit a structured proposal with the topic of exploration and the significance of the research topic as it relates to Florence/Italy, methodology, a literature review, and a schedule of research milestones. Upon research completion, students will present their findings to a panel of academics. 

Program Blogs

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

From CIEE

When You Open Your Heart and Mind, Study Abroad Fills Them

By CIEE Florence at CIEE

"From taking classes in the beautiful historic Palazzo Guadagni building in Piazza Santo Spirito, visits to learn about the local Feminist Library - Fiesolana2b, to weekend trips to the Vatican Museums, Ravenna, Chiantiland, and Fiesole the moments that I will cherish from this experience are endless." Ziona King, Summer 2024, CIEE Florence

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

Housing
Academics

Academics

The ‘Semester in’ Florence program offers a full range of courses at Florence University of the Arts (FUA) in English or Italian with international students, and courses with CIEE. Courses at CIEE and at FUA will include lectures, discussions, case studies, and field trips, and require active participation from students. 

Students can also enroll in a for-credit internship in English and/or Italian and gain hands-on work experience in a local organization or propose a direct independent research project to explore topics about Florence/Italy abroad.  

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. 

FUA-AUF is organized along the lines of a US-style higher education institution with instruction in English and Italian. It is comprised of multiple colleges or schools of study as typically implemented in the United States. FUA’s colleges are located in important historic palaces throughout Florence’s city center.  

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.

Arizona State University: Enhance your international academic coursework with optional online courses that best align with your degree requirements and interests. ASU offers thousands of online courses in asynchronous 7.5-week sessions that fit within the CIEE academic calendar, so you can study abroad with CIEE while continuing to meet all your academic goals.

GPA

2.75

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 a combination of four or five FUA and CIEE courses per semester, for a total of 12-16 U.S. credits. CIEE strongly recommends students maintain a full course load of 15 or 16 credits.    
  • Through Spring 2025, this combination must include:
    • 2 courses taken at FUA 
      • One 3-week intensive course 
      • One 11-week semester course 
  • As of Fall 2025, this combination must include: 
  • One 3-week intensive course from CIEE or FUA 
  • 2 FUA courses 
    • Either one 3-week intensive course fulfilling the requirement above and one 11-week semester course or two 11-week semester courses 
  • Courses available at FUA are visible online by choosing the 15-week semester option for the appropriate spring or fall semester and year. 
  • Online Course Options: substitute up to 4 credits online through ASU (after required minimum 12 credits in-person courses)

Program Credit

Total credit: 12-16 U.S. semester/ 18-24 quarter credits

Course Credit

  • CIEE Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours   
    • CIEE Language Courses: 3 – 4 U.S. semester/4.5 – 6 quarter credits; 45 – 60 contact hours 
  • CIEE Internship: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100 internship placement hours  
  • CIEE Directed Independent Research: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 seminar hours, 100 research hours 
  • CIEE Service-Learning Project: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 15 contact hours, 90 service hours 
  • FUA Courses: 3 U.S. semester/4.5 quarter credits; 45 contact hours, unless otherwise indicated 

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

Host institution classes can be scheduled Monday through Friday. CIEE classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday. Students should expect to have daily homework assignments.    

Class Format

Courses at CIEE and at FUA include lectures, discussions, critical analysis of readings, case studies, audio-visual documents, field trips, and require active participation from the students. Some courses include compulsory field trips, such as a cooking class, a photography marathon, a visit to a museum, or a market.   

Grading

Grades are based on elements such as class participation, research papers, oral presentations, and midterm and final exams. Attendance is mandatory and absences affect final grades.   

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 and/or Italian

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

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Architecture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Psychology

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Academic Projects

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Business, Economics, Management, and Marketing

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Communication, Journalism, and Media

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Languages and Cultural Studies

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Social Sciences

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Visual and Performing Arts

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Architecture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

Agriculture

Course
Language
Semester Credit

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. FUA courses are typically 3-6 U.S. semester credits and 45 contact hours, unless otherwise indicated. 6 U.S. credit courses, experiential/field learning courses, and/or lab courses typically require additional student work hours and close attention should be paid to the online course description when choosing courses. 

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

 

Program Options
Program Options

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.

Internships

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. 

An intern watches a clothing designer work on a garmet

Consumer Goods and Retail

Explore consumer behaviors, business strategies, international retail trends, and more in the global commerce marketplace.

A intern teacher works with her students in the classroom

Education and Training

Experience international teaching methodologies and curriculum development in classrooms around Jordan, Spain, and more.

Female finance intern presenting to coworkers at a whiteboard in a conference room

Finance

Study global markets, financial systems, and cross-border investment strategies in international firms, banks, and companies.

A restaurant manager reviews information on a table with a chef

Hospitality and Tourism

Polish your hospitality management skills by studying global tourism practices, customer service excellence, and more.

A female intern listens to instructions from her teacher

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.

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:

  • 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.

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 Spring 2025 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Fall 2025 16 weeks Start Date * End Date * Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $38,900

*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

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 = $1,088

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 = $3,588

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 = $750

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

*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.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $12,956**

Housing = $6,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

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

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

*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.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $12,956**

Housing = $6,500***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $19,950

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

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 = $750

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

*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.

Participation Confirmation = $300*

Educational Costs = $25,406**

Housing = $13,000***

Insurance = $194

Total Fees = $38,900

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

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 = $750

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

*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

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 in 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 internship 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 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!

Request Info