Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Business, Hospitality, Design & Liberal Arts
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Location
Florence
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Host University
Florence University of the Arts and Apicius International School of Hospitality
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Term
Fall 1A 2021
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Program Dates
Sep 01, 2021 - Dec 16, 2021
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Program Length
Semester
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Application Deadline
May 01, 2021
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Forms and Payment Deadline
May 15, 2021
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Credit
12 - 15 Credits
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Eligibility
2.75 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$15,750
- Apply Now
Study Abroad Program Description
This is an incredible semester program for Business, Hospitality, Design, and the Liberal Arts! The Florence University of the Arts and Apicius International School of Hospitality (FUA) offers courses across a variety of subject areas including: Italian studies and culture, hospitality, marketing, management, studio art, and more. FUA places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, focusing on real-world experience and hands-on learning. Internships are available across a wide variety of subjects (language level requirements may vary).
You will enroll in 12-15 total semester credits per semester. Courses are taught in English (except for Italian language courses.) There is no Italian language experience required for this program, although if you have not taken an Italian language course yet, you are strongly encouraged to choose language as one of your courses. Courses will be taught by local and international faculty. Your classmates will be international students, the majority of whom are North American.
Please note: Some courses will require additional fees: these fees cover course-related activities and support the instructor's teaching methodologies. Textbook costs are not included in the fee. Students will be informed about the payment of these fees by their instructors on the first day of class. Students will need to pay the course fees in cash during the second week of class. Course fees are not refundable.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
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You must be at least 18 years old by the program start date.
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You must submit a self-disclosure conduct information form and a School of Record transcript request form. Additional details will be provided after gaining access to the ISA Student Portal.
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If you have a cumulative GPA below 2.75, you may still be considered for acceptance. You will have to submit one letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Bridging Cultures Program

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities
Academics
Credits
Credits
12 - 15
Contact Hours
180 - 225
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
12 - 15
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
18 - 22
Academic Information
***Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Course registration is first-come-first-serve.***
***Courses listed below only reflect offered coursework during the Fall semester. For September Intensive Month coursework, please refer to the following link:
- PROGRAM STRUCTURE
- This program is comprised of pre-semester September intensive session + Fall semester. You will take a total of 12-15 semester credits during this program: one course (3 credits) during September Intensive Month and 3-4 courses (9-12 credits) during the Fall semester.
- COURSE SELECTION
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
- Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
- Course availability is based on enrollment numbers.
- All students should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of class cancelations.
- COURSE CREDIT
- Credits earned vary according to the policies of the students' home institutions.
- According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, students must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by their home and host institutions, for the duration of the program.
- Credit transfer is ultimately determined by the student's home university.
- COURSE LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the Florence University of the Arts subject difficulty levels and course codes. Course numbers generally adhere to the following guidelines:
- 100 - 299 Lower division courses
- 300 - 399 Upper division courses
- These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisers and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.
- ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the Florence University of the Arts subject difficulty levels and course codes. Course numbers generally adhere to the following guidelines:
- SYLLABI
- Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Italy Program Manager.
- LANGUAGE RECOMMENDATION
- Students who have not completed a college semester of Italian language or the equivalent are strongly encouraged to take an Italian language course while on this program.
- Italian courses are offered from the Beginner to Advanced level.
- COURSE FEES
- Some courses may require additional fees for materials and field trips which are to be paid directly to the host university. Fees typically range from €20 to €150.
- TRANSCRIPTS
- Upon program completion, students will receive a transcript issued directly from the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). Students requiring a U.S. transcript will have the option to request a supplemental transcript from the University of South Florida (USF), who serves as the U.S. School of Record for ISA programs held at the FUA. Please speak with your program manager for information regarding this option or rush transcripts.
- LANGUAGE PLACEMENT
- Enrollment in Italian courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you've already completed at your home university.
- We strongly suggest that students who are trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework.
- Please Note: The courses below reflect the most current list of courses released by the host university. Please refer to this list when completing your pre-registration form. Also note that courses are always subject to change.
Courses
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Course Disclaimer
- Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
FLORENCE TEAM

Alessia Foianesi
Resident Director, Italy

Ola (Aleksandra) Smolen
Senior Academic Coordinator, Italy

Lorenzo Pozzolini
Housing Services, Italy

Perla Signori
Italy Custom Program Director, Italy

Stefano Casati
Cultural Activities & Custom Program Coordinator, Italy

Sabrina Landini
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator & Custom Programs, Italy
Funding Your ISA Program
As an ISA participant, you have the opportunity to apply for scholarships and grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad programs. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, you may visit the Scholarships and Grants page. Please note that some programs, including remote learning opportunities, are not eligible for scholarships.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
ISA housing offers several ways for you to immerse yourself in Florence during your study abroad experience. Since Florence is a small city, you’ll likely walk from all of these housing options to class, though some options are more centrally located than others. Whether you want an immersive Italian experience in a homestay or a more independent international student apartment, you’ll be within walking distance to your courses!
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations. However, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.

Homestay
For a fully-immersive experience during your time abroad, we recommend you choose to live with an Italian family. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays provide breakfast seven days a week, dinner five days a week and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student (roommates are of the same gender).

Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Rent and utilities are included in the program price and each apartment is fully furnished. The apartments are located throughout the city of Florence rather than all in one building. Apartments typically house two to six ISA students, with shared room occupancy. Meals and laundry service are not included. You will pay a $250 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.

Student Residence
The Student Hotel is offered at an additional price and is the best choice if you would like to live in a more student-centered environment similar to US university dorms. The Student Hotel is a renovated 19th-Century palazzo, combining traditional architecture with modern amenities and interiors. Rooms are double-occupancy and availability is limited. The dorms have private bathrooms, coin-operated laundry facilities, monthly cleaning service, and a common kitchen area on the bottom floor. There are also common spaces like a study room and a game room. You will also have the option to add amenities such as weekly cleaning service and a meal plan for an additional cost payable directly to The Student Hotel. You will pay an extra cost in addition to the $250 refundable security deposit if you choose this housing option.

Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA

Assisi
Located between Florence and Rome in the region of Umbria, Assisi is an ancient, central Italian town with medieval towers and castles. Here, you’ll see a more relaxed pace of life and a reverence for St. Francis, who was born and died there. You’ll also be able to tour the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, one of the most iconic sites for the Catholic religion. This Basilica is split into an upper level and a lower level and is full of ancient frescos, ornate architecture, and even a crypt.

Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, “The 5 Lands”, is a picturesque view of the Italian Riviera with colorful houses carefully hugging the cliff sides. Part of its charm is the lack of visible modern development, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking trail connects the five villages. The road from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore ("Lovers Lane") and is the easiest walk. The rest of the trails vary in difficulty from an easy stroll to a rough and physically challenging hike. Enjoy a ferry ride along the coastline and explore Italy’s Liguria region on this excellent excursion!

Hilltowns of Central Italy
Spend the day soaking up the classic rolling hills of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. While exploring the well-preserved medieval towns and surrounding vineyards that dot the hillsides, you’ll experience the essence of Italy and gain a glimpse into local life and culture. Here the landscape is defined by giant sunflowers and hay bales, and the towns produce some of the world’s best wine. Possible destinations include Vinci, Val'Dorcia, Ninfa, Sermoneta, Arezzo, Lucca, and Montepulciano.

Rome
Get an introduction to Italy via the Eternal City, a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends historical landmarks with modern Italian style. During this trip, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Coliseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, and finish the excursion by tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to this truly enchanting city. Rome can be overwhelming because of its size, but with ISA as a guide, you’ll be set!

Siena & Tuscan Towns
Another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena has a laid-back lifestyle that allows you to leisurely stroll the winding cobblestone streets, explore the Renaissance cathedral, and relax in the beautiful town square, Piazza del Campo. Each neighborhood (contrada) is represented by an animal or mascot. Ward rivalries are most rampant during the traditional medieval horse race (Palio) held on July 2 and August 16 in Piazza del Campo each year. Then, you’ll tour neighboring Tuscan towns that produce some of the world’s greatest wines, cheeses, and other iconic Italian products. Possible locations include San Gimignano or Monteriggioni.

Cultural Activities in Florence
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Florence. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Florence special.
These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included a tour of the leather district (Florence is famous for its leather), a pizza making class, and a tour of a gelato factory!