Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Hospitality, Culinary Arts & Publishing Certification Programs
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Location
Florence
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Host University
Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence
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Term
Academic Year 2 2022
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Program Dates
Early Sep, 2022 - Mid May, 2023
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Program Length
Academic Year
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Application Deadline
May 01, 2022
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Forms and Payment Deadline
May 15, 2022
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Credit
36 - 37 Credits
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Eligibility
2.75 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$27,450
- This session is closed and is no longer accepting applications.
Study Abroad Program Description
This one-year certificate program offers you the chance to develop new skills and knowledge while building a body of work and professional experience in an international learning environment. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a designated professional certificate. You can enroll in one of the certificate programs listed below. Each program offers a predetermined set of courses though you may also take additional optional seminars or language classes for an additional fee.
Year-long certificate programs are available in the following fields: baking and pastry, culinary arts, hospitality management, wine studies and oenology, publishing , photography, visual communication, fashion design and technology, accessory design and technology, eco-sustainable design, and luxury design.
Courses are taught in English by local and international faculty. Your classmates will be international students, the majority of whom are North American.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*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 resume and a personal statement with your application.
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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 Orientation

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
36 - 37
Contact Hours
540 - 555
Recommended U.S. Semester Credits
36 - 37
Recommended U.S. Quarter Units
54 - 55
Academic Information
- PROGRAM STRUCTURE
- Students will follow a pre-determined set of courses as part of their specific certificate program.
- Optional courses may be added on-site for an extra fee to be paid directly to the host university.
- 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.
- COURSE FEES
- The Hospitality Management, Culinary Arts, Wine Studies and Enology, and Baking and Pastry certificate programs require a mandatory lab fee of €600.
- TRANSCRIPTS
- Upon program completion, you will receive a transcript issued directly from the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). If you require a U.S. transcript, you have the option to request a School of Record transcript from the University of South Florida (USF) at no additional cost. The University of South Florida serves as the U.S. School of Record for the FUA and this benefit is also extended to ISA students. Please speak with your program manager for information regarding this transcript option. Additional information regarding the School of Record partnership between the FUA and USF may be found on the USF Education Abroad and FUA Accreditation sites.
- 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

Perla Signori
Italy Custom Program Director, Italy

Stefano Casati
Cultural Activities & Custom Program Coordinator, Italy

Sabrina Landini
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator & Custom Programs, Italy

Valentina Lastrucci
Student Care Coordinator, Italy

Lorenzo Pozzolini
Housing Coordinator, Italy
Funding Your ISA Program
Wondering how you’ll fund your program? ISA’s got you covered! If you receive financial aid for your home university, you will likely be able to use those funds for study abroad too. The first step is usually speaking with your home university. Check out the steps for using financial aid here.
Need to know how much to budget for a term abroad? Take a look at the additional expenses you might expect, depending on your 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. We offer over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, visit the scholarships and grants page.
View all Funding OptionsHousing
ISA housing offers the opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Florence during your study abroad experience. With Florence being a small city, no matter your housing preference, you’ll be able to walk or take public transportation to your classes! With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations. However, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.

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.

Homestay
Host families are best for if you're seeking a fully-immersive experience during your time abroad. 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). There is an extra cost for the homestay housing option; please contact your ISA Florence Program Manager for more information.

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.
Housing is not included during the winter break and/or the break between the fall and spring semesters for those students completing the full academic year. Housing is also not included between intensive month sessions and the academic semesters. Please contact your ISA Program Manager if you would like to add ISA housing for an additional cost during these periods.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of Italy that you may not be able to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on 2-3 excursions. The destinations shown below are a sample of some of the possibilities, which are finalized at the time leading up to the start of your program.

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!