College First Year Abroad in Florence

GPA

2.7 minimum high school GPA.

Language Requirements

There are no specific language requirements for this program.

Additional Requirements

• Applicants are encouraged to complete their College First Year Abroad application during their high school senior year or as a recent high school graduate
• You must be 18 years or older at the time of program departure
• You must be a recent high school graduate (no more than 18 months post-high school graduation) at the time of program departure
• If you are already enrolled in your first year of college, you cannot have completed more than one semester of college post-high school graduation at the time of program departure

For more information, refer to the detailed Program Essential Eligibility Criteria.

Requirements

All students are required to enroll in four courses (two per block) per 12-week program. Students can take a maximum of two ASU Online courses (for a maximum of 8 total credits) and a minimum of two CIEE in-person courses. CIEE block courses are worth 3 or 4 U.S. credits, contain requisite contact hours and content, and count for the same amount of credit as a traditional semester. This allows for more intense study of fewer subjects at once. Students cannot enroll in more than 7 credits per block.

• CIEE courses  
  • Fall = Blocks II & III  
  • Spring = Blocks I & II  
• ASU online courses  
  • Fall = ASU Session B only  
  • Spring = ASU Session A only

Program Credit

12-14 U.S. semester/18-21 quarter credits

Course Credit

CIEE Courses: 3-4 U.S. semester credits; 45-60 contact hours  

ASU Online Courses: Typically, 3-4 U.S. semester credits; 45-60 contact hours

Academic Culture

CIEE College First Year Abroad students are assisted by a comprehensive academic support system that helps develop the skills necessary for a successful experience while abroad and after the completion of the program. These academic support services may include one-on-one, group, or online advising and tutoring.  

CIEE academic staff support students with resources and guidance on academic norms, study habits, and success strategies for first year students studying abroad. Tutors are trained and experienced educators with expertise in their subject areas. They provide assistance with core course concepts, study strategies, academic writing, research, and time management.  

Together, academic support staff and tutoring provide the resources and guidance needed to achieve academic success and make the most of your study abroad experience.

Class Format

CIEE Block Courses: Courses taught by CIEE are typically for CIEE students only. Classes are scheduled Monday through Friday and meet either two, three, or four times per week, and attendance is strictly enforced both for classes and required co-curricular excursions. Students should expect an average of two hours of preparation required for each hour in class. Instruction is supported and augmented online by our learning management system, Canvas.  

ASU Online Courses: Meet in sessions that are 7.5-weeks long in the semester, and all work must be completed within the session dates regardless of when your other CIEE courses begin or end.  

Embedded Intercultural Components: Courses have built-in co-curricular and other academic content tailored to your study abroad location. Museums, galleries, visits to local monuments, guest speakers by local experts, and other academic activities bring your studies and the local culture together in exciting ways.  

Experiential Learning: Highly trained local instructors guide you to discovery in small classes that emphasize active learning. Short lectures are enhanced with activities that foster inquiry, like creative projects, collaborative problem-solving, case study analyses, panel discussions, visits to local sites, conversations with peers, and reflecting on these experiences. Activities are built to impart knowledge and gain critical skills: academic, social, and emotional.  

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Our academics include a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusions, including in course design, instructor training, and course content. Emphasis is placed on hearing and considering diverse perspectives on important issues. This also includes comparing how local and home cultures approach key topics. All students are equal partners in creating a community of inquiry and all learning styles are accommodated. Support is offered to those who learn at different rates. 

Grading

The U.S. grading scale of A-F is used. Students are graded on the basis of attendance, class engagement, homework, project work, presentations, and mid-term and final examinations. Learning outcomes assessment is continuous through personal reflections, evaluation feedback, self-assessment, and requirements as set out in course syllabi.  

ASU grading follows the same format and standards as ASU courses taught in-person. “Pass/fail” or “Audit” is not allowed for CIEE students.

Language of Instruction

English