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

Dates

-

16 weeks

Costs

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

37 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

Apply Now

Request Information

Dates

-

15 weeks

Credit

12 - 16 semester hours

18 - 24 quarter hours

Eligibility

Application Deadline

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

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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.  

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.

Requirements

  • All students take four or five courses per semester, for a total of 12-16 U.S. credits  
  • These courses are a combination of CIEE and host institution (FUA) courses   
  • All students will need to take two courses at FUA, to include:  
    • One 3-week intensive course 
    • One 11-week long course 
    • Courses available are visible online by choosing the 15-week semester option for the appropriate spring or fall semester and year 

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 
  • FUA Courses: Typically 3-6 U.S. semester/4.5-9 quarter credits; 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 syllabi when choosing courses. 

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.

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.

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.

Courses

Course Information

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

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. 

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:

  • Ping Scholarships for Academic Excellence
  • CIEE Gilman Go Global Grant
  • MSI Grant
  • Trailblazer 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 2024 15 weeks Application Due Deadline Passed Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Fall 2024 16 weeks Start Date End Date Fees & Housing $19,950
Program Academic year 2024-2025 37 weeks Start Date End Date
Program Spring 2025 15 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.

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:

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

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

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:

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

**direct cost of education charged uniformly to all students

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

^first-come, first serve, based on availability

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.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

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.

Estimated Costs

Students are responsible and manage costs related to travel, meals, books, and personal expenses. Below are estimates for consideration.

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

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.

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