January in Florence - Florence University of the Arts

Skip the crowds for a winter in Florence

Get your fill of Italy (the views, the culture, the food) during January in Florence. Spend two weeks studying at Florence University of the Arts, choosing from a variety of courses offered in English and Italian. You'll get a better feel for the local culture and easier access to all the great sights by going abroad during the low tourist season when the crowds of spring and summer are long gone.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English

Average Courseload:

1 Course (3 U.S. Credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.80

Visa Requirement:

NONE Required!

Highlights:

Winter break program allows you to get ahead academically

Great support services with English-speaking staff

Busy social programming schedule—pick and choose what you want to do

Two to three day trips included

Exceptional campus facilities, including a gym, wireless internet, library, and restaurant on campus

I met so many amazing people on this journey in Italy. I traveled to six different cities in three weeks with people in the CIS Abroad group. We came from all types of backgrounds but had one thing in common, which was to see places that change our perspective on life. This experience changed my outlook on life and gave me the chance to experience another culture.

Brooke Logan

Program Details

January in Florence - Florence University of the Arts

Florence University of the Arts

Founded in 1997, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the heart of Florence. As you walk to school, you'll pass magnificent monuments, such as the Ponte Vecchio and the Basilica of Santa Croce. You'll enjoy small class sizes of 8-20 students, which gives you individualized attention. Your Italian and European professors are experts in their fields. With the exception of your Italian language course, all courses are taught in English. As a result, you'll choose from an extensive variety of classes. In terms of academics, FUA truly has it all!

Most importantly, you'll find a learning environment that allows you to soak in as much of Florence as possible. Many classes use the city itself as a core part of the curriculum. Full-time advisors assist you academically and personally, helping you choose courses and overcome culture shock. Therefore, you'll quickly get to know the city and make the most out of your study abroad experience. Also, you can join other students for local concerts and get involved in a community service project. Turn to the friendly student services staff to jump right into campus events.

Accreditation(s): FUA is accredited by the Region of Tuscany, as delegated by the Ministry of Education and students can receive a University of South Florida transcript *FUA is also reviewed yearly for European quality certification: Certified by IMQ S.p.A. ,AiISO 9001:2008 Cert. N. 9175.FLRU

Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available

Communications
Italian

Areas of study with 8 or more classes available

Art & Design
Business

Course descriptions

Take 3 credits during this January term! See the full list of course options and descriptions by choosing "Spring 2024 January 2-Week Session" here.

How to read the Florence University of the Arts course catalog

In the catalog, courses are numbered 100–299 for lower-division courses, 300–399 for upper-division courses, and 400–499 for introductory courses to graduate studies. An example of a full course number is “LA HS MI 280.” The first abbreviation represents the college within the University (LA=Liberal Arts); the second, the department within the college (HS=History); and the third, the course within the department (MI=Modern Italy).

Looking for practical experience with your academics? Consider a Special Project Experiential Learning (SPEL) course.

Similar to a practicum, students are placed within a local organization, while also attending weekly classes. Students learn by doing and observing the assigned tasks while receiving academic supervision. Please note these courses allow for one-on-one interaction with your faculty member with independent assignments, though there may be 1-5 students in your cohort. If your program spans multiple sessions, you may want to consider this in later sessions versus your first session to allow you to acclimate and socialize upon arrival.

Course Fees

Students should be advised that some courses offered by FUA require additional fees ranging from approximately $50 – $320 for various supplies, texts, and lab use. These fees apply to some courses in the School of Fine Arts, Squola, School of Sciences and Mathematics, and the School of Liberal Arts. This charge will need to be paid directly to FUA upon arrival to the university.

Course Credit

Transcripts from your program will be issued by the University of South Florida. Please note that transcripts will be sent directly to your home university 8-12 weeks after the close of the full Spring semester at the Florence University of the Arts (i.e., late July-mid August).

Life in Florence

Florence (Firenze in Italian) is a culturally vibrant city located in the heart of Italy’s Tuscany region. Around every corner you’ll encounter jaw-dropping architecture, like the terra-cotta-domed Florence Cathedral. The mild weather makes it ideal for exploring the city on foot—we recommend getting lost so you can meander the streets and interact with the friendly locals.

Thanks to the city's small size, you'll feel like a local in no time. You can explore the historic city center and beyond in less than 30 minutes. Florence is also an art lover’s dream! Must dos: visit the Galleria dell’Accademia—home to Michelangelo’s David, the world-renowned Galleria degli Uffizi, and the iconic Duomo. Explore the lesser-known Boboli Gardens and Palazzo Pitti. Art is a great way to soak in the culture and history of this wonderful city. The views from the Ponte Vecchio and Piazzale Michelangelo will steal your heart, but the food, culture, and people will make you want to stay forever.

To explore outside the city, you can easily hop on a bus and head up to the hillside town of Fiesole. You'll catch a full panoramic view of Florence and enjoy the peaceful Etruscan ruins. Siena, San Gimignano, and other Tuscan villages are also a short bus ride away. If you have the travel bug, trains and nearby airports make it easy and affordable to travel to Milan, Venice, Rome, and beyond in Europe.

The best way to experience Florence is simply to wander through its wonders. This is how you'll find the hidden gems not mentioned in any guidebook.

Live the Local Life

Florentine Fridays

On no-class Fridays, we meet for breakfast and explore Florence! Discover markets, museums, art galleries, churches, beautiful gardens, and many of the city's hidden treasures!

Sports Events

Florence is the home of the Fiorentina soccer club. Attend a game and cheer "Forza Viola!" from the stands with the locals.

Cooking Class

Attend a cooking or pizza-making class and learn how to cook like a local! Fresh pasta is always on the menu, along with fresh, seasonal produce!

Opera

Where better to enjoy a glittery evening performance of La BohÃ Â¨me or Madam Butterfly than in the birthplace of Italian opera? Join us for an evening at Florence's stunning new opera house!

Theatre

Florence is well-known for its many ornate theaters and theater productions. Spend an evening at Teatro Verdi, founded in 1854 at the site of an old prison and listen to a performance by the Orchestra della Toscana. Or attend a Medici Dynasty Show, set in a stunning Baroque church and learn about the cultural heritage left to the city of Florence by 300 years of Medici family rule.

Florence - January in Florence

Location

Student will be staying in student accommodation at The Student Hotel in Florence. All rooms are fully furnished with double rooms and private bathrooms. Students will have access to study areas, a games and entertainment room, a shared kitchen, a restaurant, and a gym. There are also onsite laundry facilities and 24-hour security. Room amenities include desks for studying, flat-screen TV and high-speed Wi-Fi.

Meals

The meal plan at The Social Hub (TSH) consists of 18 meals including 9 buffet breakfasts and 9 dinners (dinners include 1 dish from the Meal Plan menu + 1 water).

Inclusions and Amenities

24-Hour Security Bathroom - Ensuite Fitness Center Kitchen Equipment Laundry Meal Plan - Partial Study Areas Television Wi-Fi

Florence - Housing Overview

Location

Please note: CIS Abroad guarantees housing on a first come, first served basis dependent on deposit/invoice payments. We source housing from The Social Hub (TSH), apartments and student residences throughout Florence. Depending on enrollment, we may offer one or all of these options in any given term.

In cases of requested roommates, all parties must have been placed in the same housing option, and must have requested each other. We will do our best to honor these requests but they are not guaranteed.

Single rooms are based on availability and not guaranteed.

What's Included

Inclusions

Program fees are in U.S. dollars and include the following:

Two day trips
Weekly visits to sites around Florence and optional excursions
University of South Florida official transcript for up to 6 credits
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Full-time tuition and fees
Shared room at the Student Hotel
Pre-departure and on-site orientation
Airport pickup
Medical and Accident Insurance
Free use of gym and gym classes
The Local Life cultural program

Welcome & Orientation

Once you've arrived and settled into your apartment in Florence, you'll attend two comprehensive orientation sessions. The first will be led by staff from your academic institution in Florence and may cover topics, such as academics, student life, housing, and health and safety. You'll then participate in a second session, presented by your CIS Abroad onsite staff. We'll introduce you to Florence, help you become familiar with many practical matters relating to your stay in the city, equip you with tips and suggestions for a safe, healthy, successful, fun term abroad as well as answer any questions you may have. Specific topics covered during orientation may include housing, health and safety, emergency response and the Italian Permit to Stay process. After orientation, students and onsite staff attend a fabulous (and plentiful!) Welcome Dinner at a well-known Florentine restaurant.

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Towards the end of your study abroad term, you may feel a little nervous, or perhaps anxious, at the thought of leaving your new home and returning to your old. If you asked around, you'd find that a lot of study abroad participants share your apprehension. It's not uncommon to wonder what re-entering your home culture will be like after having spent time in a new – and different – culture. To make things a little bit easier, we'll come together for a Farewell Event (it includes amazing Italian food, of course!) and talk through some of the things to expect as you return, positive things to focus on as you leave your host country, and essential tools for how best to share your important experience with people back home.

Program Excursions

While participating on a CIS Abroad program, you'll be able to take part in built-in day trips at no additional cost. These trips are subject to change from term to term; listed below are excursions that have run in the past.

Chianti

Discover quaint towns and villages set in the rolling hills of Chianti and learn about the olive and grape production that makes this region famous. Visit during the harvest season to see the changing colors of fall and sample products at small, family run wineries, and oil producers.

Lucca

Strategically located on the Serchio river, Lucca is a famous Tuscan town primarily known for the Renaissance walls that still encircle the historic city center. Strolling or biking along the tops of the wide, tree-lined ramparts remains a favorite pastime for tourists and locals alike. Lucca is also the birthplace of famous Italian composer Giacomo Puccini (La Bohème and Madama Butterfly) and Pope Lucius III.

Site Director

Romina Marchionne

Site Director in Italy

About:

Romina is a native Roman with degrees in International Communications (2005) and International Relations (2007) at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Shortly after graduating, she moved back to Rome and began her study abroad career working for IES. In Rome, she began pursing her M.A. in International Affairs at the SIOI. After completing an internship at the Italian Development Cooperation Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Rome, her career took a turn as Romina was offered a position to work as a Communication and Public Information Officer within the civilian component of the Provincial Reconstruction Team in Herat for the NATO mission in Afghanistan. Between 2008-09, Romina completed two missions in Afghanistan. In 2009, she began working for the Italian Embassy in Beirut, Lebanon, which then led her to cover the same position at the Italian Embassy in Sana'a, Yemen. In Spring 2011, the Italian government ordered embassy staff to return home due to the uncertain situation of the Arab Spring. Ever since, Romina has enjoyed her return to the eternal city, and to her career in study abroad through CIS Abroad.

Travel Tip:

If while traveling there's no internet, embrace it. Play a card game with someone in the hostel common room, read a book, lie on the beach, go for a walk, talk to a stranger, think about life. Some of my favourite travel memories are from times when I didn't have an Internet connection.

Martina Rosa

Assistant Site Director - Florence

About:

When I was 16, I lived in Brazil for a year and that experience completely changed my life. I fell in love with the world of abroad experiences and discovered my ikigai: getting in touch with different cultures and passing this passion on to other young people. I graduated in International Studies at the University of Trento. I also worked one year in the UK as an au-pair and one year in Spain as an educator and site manager for pre-med American students. My desire to work in the world of international education is my life mission. I want to give to the world what the world has given to me, I want more people to respect cultural diversity and I would like young people to develop their empathy during their period abroad.

Travel Tip:

When you start an experience abroad you have to give yourself TIME. We are so used to rushing frantically through daily life that we forget to give ourselves time to learn, to adapt, to wonder. Never set your goals too high for the first period abroad; you are starting a new chapter of your life in another world. Remember that when you were born no one rushed you to learn how to walk, you simply found your own balance one day.

Your Support Staff

Aimée Devitto

Program Enrollment Coordinator - Florence, Italy

Travel Tip:

Studying abroad can seem slightly intimidating, especially if you're unfamiliar with the language. However, force yourself to meet new people, take part in cultural activities, and practice the language regardless of the many errors you may end up making. You'll find that you've discovered new things about yourself and others.

Tiffany Ho

International Operations Assistant Director

Travel Tip:

If there are free walking tours at your destination, take advantage on your first day! It helps to acclimate you to your new surroundings, gives you ideas on what to check out further, starts you making new friends, and beats the jetlag! Don't forget to tip your guide well!

Kaylee Klinger

Communications & Alumni Relations Coordinator

Travel Tip:

The best travel tip I always share is, if possible try to catch a redeye flight. That has helped me tremendously fight jet-lag and it allows you more time to explore the extraordinary unfamiliar place!

Serenah Quiroga

Advising & Communications Coordinator

Travel Tip:

Always find a reason to talk to a local or someone you may not know. Whether it's a simple hello, compliment, or question, there is always something to learn from every person you meet. Some of my best experiences and favorite memories were formed because of these interactions.

Alumni Ambassadors

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit
There is a non-refundable program confirmation deposit of $500. This deposit will be deducted from the total cost of the program. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program.

As with all study abroad programs, you should count on a few additional expenses.

CIS Abroad reserves the right to alter fees at any time due to currency fluctuations and/or fee changes made by our partner universities.

ADVISOR TIP:

Please WAIT to book flights until you have received confirmed dates in your acceptance paperwork. Dates posted here are subject to change.

I knew I wanted to study abroad, particularly in Japan, because it was on my bucket list. Thanks to CIS, I was able to go to Tokyo! Even now, it is surreal to me that I got to go! I can't put it into words how much fun I had in Tokyo. I enjoyed every second of my time there, from walking around the bustling streets of Shibuya and Shinjuku, to going to class, eating delicious Japanese cuisine, and even going to the convenience store. Even the simplest things were incredibly fun to me. I was initially anxious about being homesick, my Japanese skills and traveling alone, but I'm happy to say that I very quickly made lovely, lifelong friends and was met with nothing but kindness from the locals. I learned not to let my worries get in the way of an opportunity of a lifetime. Thank you, CIS Abroad. I am eternally grateful for the opportunity I had to go to Tokyo.

January in Florence - Florence University of the Arts

Skip the crowds for a winter in Florence

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Brooke Logan

Program Details

Florence University of the Arts

Areas of study with 3 to 7 classes available

Areas of study with 8 or more classes available

Choose your courses

Course descriptions

How to read the Florence University of the Arts course catalog

Course Fees

Course Credit

Life in Florence

Live the Local Life

Florentine Fridays

Sports Events

Cooking Class

Opera

Theatre

Florence - January in Florence

Location

Meals

Inclusions and Amenities

Florence - Housing Overview

Location

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Program Excursions

Chianti

Lucca

Site Director

Romina Marchionne

About:

Travel Tip:

Martina Rosa

About:

Travel Tip:

Your Support Staff

Aimée Devitto

Travel Tip:

Tiffany Ho

Travel Tip:

Kaylee Klinger

Travel Tip:

Serenah Quiroga

Travel Tip:

Alumni Ambassadors

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP:

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January in Florence -
Florence University of the Arts