Summer in Italy - Florence & Cinque Terre Riviera

Experience the best of both worlds on a summer program that combines living and studying in two cities.

Study in two unforgettable locations: La Spezia, a picturesque seaside city on the Cinque Terre Riviera, and Florence, the vibrant capital of Tuscany. Explore Italy’s rich traditions, stunning landscapes, and delicious cuisine while earning credit at Florence University of the Arts, known for its hands-on, experiential approach.

Start in La Spezia, where modern comforts meet coastal charm. It’s the perfect home base to explore the colorful villages of the Cinque Terre, hike scenic seaside trails, and unwind in sun-soaked cafés by the Mediterranean. Then you'll move to Florence, where you'll live and study surrounded by world-class art, historic landmarks, and lively piazzas.

Whether you’re diving into art history, business, culinary studies, or cultural exploration, this program offers the best of city life and coastal living, all in one unforgettable summer.

What to Expect

Language(s):

English, Italian

Average Courseload:

2-3 courses (6-9 U.S. credits)

GPA Requirement:

2.75

Visa Requirement:

NONE required!

Highlights:

Spend 6 weeks studying in two amazing Italian cities

Enjoy a perfect blend of seaside relaxation and city sophistication

Take hands-on courses through Florence University of the Arts in both locations

Hike the famous cliffside trails, relax on scenic beaches, and soak in the laid-back Italian Riviera lifestyle

Explore world-class art, fashion, and food surrounded by centuries of culture and architecture

This experience has been unreal. I've enhanced my skill set, built self-confidence, and made lasting connections both personally and professionally!

Emma Hardy

University of North Carolina

Summer in Florence

My life is forever changed after studying abroad. I'm leaving Italy more experienced, independent and happy then I have ever been before. Study abroad showed me that I can do anything! I thank the experience for bringing me new life long friends, and opportunities that I would have never received without it. Classes taught me to respect and be excited to learn about new cultures and see things from new perspectives. With every excursion I went on, it taught me to show gratitude towards everything I was ABLE to do while studying. I now strive to make the most of everything I do.

Dakota Lynch

Indiana University - Bloomington

Semester in Florence - Florence University of the Arts

CIS Abroad turned me into a world traveler! I would tell others to not be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone!

Rachel Berkowsky

Eastern Connecticut State University

Summer in Florence

After CIS Abroad's pre-departure orientation, I felt like I was an expert on the culture of Italy, what to pack, and what to do once I got there. I really think it helped minimize my culture shock, because they informed us so well before leaving.

Stephanie Sica

University of Delaware

Summer in Florence

Studying abroad helped me to realize that I am capable of so much more than I had ever imagined. I was also further awakened to my role in the global community and the responsibilities that come with that. It was an irreplaceable experience.

Grace Gibson

Elizabethtown College

Semester in Florence - Florence University of the Arts

Program Details

Florence University of the Arts - Two City Program

Founded in 1997, the main campus of Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the heart of Florence. This program is located at the main Florence location as well as FUA's coastal location in the city of La Spezia, the gateway to the Cinque Terre towns. At FUA, 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.

Most importantly, you'll find a learning environment that allows you to soak in as much of Italy as possible. Many classes will use the city of Florence and La Spezia as part of the curriculum. Staff members will assist you academically and personally, helping you to 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!

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

Course Information

Browse Courses

Use the filters when looking for courses offered in a specific term or session. Course listings are for exploratory purposes, final course availability is determined during the enrollment process.

Filters

Life in Florence & La Spezia

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.

La Spezia, nestled in the Liguria region between the Tuscan Alps and the shimmering Mediterranean Sea, offers a uniquely captivating Italian Riviera experience. In this region, remnants of ancient civilizations are evident in the monuments, buildings, and streets of La Spezia and the enchanting Cinque Terre villages. The Gulf of Poets, officially the Gulf of La Spezia, stretching between Portovenere and Lerici, has served as a muse for renowned figures like David Herbert Lawrence, Percy Bysshe Shelley, and Lord Byron. Anchored by the regional capital, La Spezia, this picturesque bay embodies the region's allure. Liguria's charm lies in its striking contrasts: rugged coastlines juxtaposed with sun-drenched beaches, and vibrant towns steeped in the history of pirates and poets.

La Spezia, a prominent port city, is home to the Italian Naval Academy, renowned for its naval and mechanical engineering programs. It also boasts a thriving shipping industry and world-class naval design studios. Beyond its historical significance, La Spezia is the birthplace of the Italian Futurist movement. Conveniently located within easy reach are the town of Sarzana, the renowned marble quarries and Apuan Alps of Tuscany, the historic city of Lucca, and the vibrant Tuscan Riviera towns of Versilia, including Forte dei Marmi and Viareggio.

Live the Local Life

Immerse yourself in local history and heritage

In La Spezia, dive into Italy’s maritime past at the Naval Technical Museum, while in Florence, experience the city's cultural legacy through performances at historic venues like Teatro Verdi or the Medici Dynasty Show.

Savor regional cuisine and culinary traditions

Sample Ligurian specialties like pesto, focaccia, and fresh seafood in La Spezia, or roll up your sleeves in Florence for a hands-on cooking class featuring fresh pasta and seasonal Tuscan dishes.

Enjoy cultural experiences that bring the city to life

Attend a glittering opera at Florence’s modern opera house, or discover La Spezia’s hidden gems like the Santa Maria Assunta church and the Amedeo Lia Civic Museum.

Engage with the arts through museums and architecture

Florence offers a vibrant arts scene rooted in its Renaissance heritage, while La Spezia delights with sites like Castello di San Giorgio and scenic city gardens overlooking the Gulf of La Spezia.

Stay active with sports and outdoor adventures

Cheer on Fiorentina at a soccer match in Florence, or take advantage of La Spezia’s coastal location to hike the Cinque Terre trails and relax on nearby beaches.

Shared Apartments - La Spezia

Overview

Living in a shared apartment in La Spezia, you'll experience daily life like a local, surrounded by an authentic Italian community. Apartments are located throughout the city and generally accommodate between 4 to 12 students, depending on their size.

Most bedrooms are shared occupancy, and apartments include a kitchen and common living areas. Please note that each apartment is unique in layout and style. Singles are available on a first-come first-served basis, with priority going to students with a documented medical need.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom Desk Meal Plan - Partial Wi-Fi

Florence Housing

Overview

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. Housing placement in any category is based on availability and students are not guaranteed to be placed in their first preference.

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.

Shared Apartments in Florence: Overview

Overview

Living in an apartment in Florence, you'll truly live like a local surrounded by Italian neighbors. Apartments are located in the historic center of Florence and house from 4 to 12 students total, depending on the size of the apartment. Campus facilities are located 15-30 minutes away, depending on the location of the apartment. Most bedrooms are shared occupancy and apartments are fully-furnished and have a kitchen and living areas. Sample apartment pics will give you an idea of the types of apartments available.

Inclusions and Amenities

Bathroom - Shared Bed Linens Commute - Walking Kitchen Equipment Towels Wi-Fi Cleaning Service

The Social Hub - Florence Belfiore

Overview

Live in one of the newest buildings in this historic city! This option still includes all the signature TSH features such as a gym, 24/7 security, social activities and more! Enjoy a fun, social environment while still having the privacy of your own room with private ensuite bathroom.

Inclusions and Amenities

24-Hour Security Air Conditioning Bathroom - Ensuite Fitness Center Kitchen Equipment Laundry Laundry - Onsite Study Areas Television Wi-Fi

Residence Hall in Florence

Overview

Communal living is at its finest in a residence hall! This excellently located residence hall (11 minutes to the center of historic Florence!) houses approximately 25 students in single, double, and triple rooms, each with its own ensuite bathroom! The bedrooms and bathrooms are single gender; however, please note that the entire unit may be mixed gender sharing communal spaces. This newly renovated property features a large industrial kitchen equipped to host community dinners with your new friends! To account for the amount of people, cleaning staff will visit weekly to spruce up communal areas and bi-weekly to change linens. This residence hall also comes with a dryer (a luxury in Italy!)

Inclusions and Amenities

Air Conditioning Bathroom - Ensuite Bed Linens Cleaning Service Commute - Walking Desk Kitchen Equipment Laundry - Onsite Private Room Single Room Television Towels Wi-Fi

What's Included

Inclusions

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

Excursions outside of Florence & La Spezia
Frequent social and cultural activities (The Local Life cultural program)
University of South Florida official transcript
CIS Abroad support services before, during, and after the program
Academic advising
Financial aid counseling
Assistance with travel arrangements
Full-time tuition and fees
Housing in La Spezia & Florence
Meal vouchers for local eateries (covering a few meals/week)
Use of gym and gym classes
Pre-departure and on-site orientation at each location
Airport pickup
Medical and Accident Insurance
CIS Abroad Micro-credential

Welcome & Orientation

Once you've arrived and settled into your housing in each city, you'll attend comprehensive orientation sessions. These sessions will be led by staff from Florence University of the Arts and CIS Abroad. Orientation will cover essential topics such as academics, student life, housing, health and safety, and practical matters related to living in Florence & La Spezia. You'll learn about navigating the city you're in, receive tips for a successful time abroad, and have the opportunity to ask any questions you may have. Specific topics will include housing, health and safety, and emergency procedures. A welcome dinner will also be included!

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

As your study abroad experience comes to a close, it’s completely natural to feel a mix of emotions, nervousness, excitement, even a bit of anxiety about leaving your new home and returning to the familiar. Many students feel the same way, wondering what it will be like to re-adjust to life back home after living in a different culture. To help you navigate this transition, we’ll gather for a special Farewell Event, complete with incredible Italian food, of course! Together, we’ll reflect on your journey, discuss what to expect during re-entry, and share strategies for making the most of your return. You'll also gain tools for talking about your experience and carrying it forward in meaningful ways. You'll have a farewell event in La Spezia and in Florence!

Site Directors

Romina Marchionne

Site Director in Italy

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

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.

Tommy Ranucci

Assistant Site Director - Florence

I'm a UMass Amherst graduate who loves to cook, travel, and explore destinations through their local food and traditions. I was inspired to work in international education after my own study abroad experience with CIS Abroad in Rome while I was in college. Outside of work you can find me cooking, going for a run, and hanging out with my family.

Travel Tip! Whenever I arrive in a new city or place, I always go for a run to acclimate myself to my new surroundings. It's a great way to see a city!

Your Support Staff

Aimée Devitto

Senior Program Enrollment Coordinator - Florence and Cinque Terre

As a child, Aimée had two goals in mind to travel and learn as many languages as possible. These two goals went hand and hand and eventually lead her to International Education. She received a BA in French, Italian, and Spanish; an MA in Italian Linguistics; an MA in International Education Management and Language Program Administration; and she is now working on her doctoral degree in Human Resource Development and International Education. The studying never ends for her! Aimée currently has four languages under her belt and is working on two more! She has spent most of her life outside of the US and now calls the world her home. When Aimée is not traveling, learning languages, and studying, she appreciates a nice bowl of warm Cocoa Pebbles and a good movie! To keep her sugar highs low, she runs, plays soccer and tennis, hikes, and rollerblades.

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 Director - Italy

I'm a first-generation Asian-American with mixed ethnicity from China, Cambodia and Vietnam. I feel incredibly lucky to have the higher education my parents were unable to have, of which my favorite part is when I studied abroad as an undergrad. To date, I've worked ten years in the field of international higher education, five of those years living and working in Qatar. Besides travel, I love to dance (ballet, tap, jazz, salsa and tango) and am currently fixing up my recently purchased condo in my home city of Chicago!

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

Advising & Alumni Relations Manager

I am a first-generation college graduate from Ohio University where I had the privilege to study abroad twice with CIS Abroad; in Paris, France, and Stirling, Scotland. My passion for international education was born and I've had the pleasure to work in the field for nearly 4 years. I've traveled to over 14 countries and counting! In my free time, you can find me long-distance running, hiking across the United States or finding all the best allergy-friendly restaurants, but most importantly, spending time with my kitty Mumford.

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

As a multicultural individual and daughter of an Argentine immigrant, Serenah has spent her life embracing the richness and navigating the challenges of living between cultures. With parents who met while studying abroad, working in international education feels like a full-circle moment. A Lake Forest College graduate and alum of CIS Abroad’s Summer on the Italian Coast program, her study abroad experience sparked a lifelong passion for global travel and learning. She’s visited 21 countries and hopes to keep exploring new corners of the world. Based in Chicago, Serenah loves spending time with her cat, Cleo, getting lost in a good book, staying active, dancing at concerts with friends, and discovering all the city has to offer.

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.

Dates & Prices

Additional Information:

Program Deposit
There is a non-refundable program deposit for all CIS Abroad programs. Paying the deposit secures your spot on the program! The deposit deadline and amount can be seen above in the Dates & Prices section.

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.

Summer in Italy -
Florence & Cinque Terre Riviera

Experience the best of both worlds on a summer program that combines living and studying in two cities.

What to Expect

Highlights:

Learn More About This and Other Programs

Program Details

Florence University of the Arts - Two City Program

Course Information

Available Terms

Life in Florence & La Spezia

Live the Local Life

Immerse yourself in local history and heritage

Savor regional cuisine and culinary traditions

Enjoy cultural experiences that bring the city to life

Engage with the arts through museums and architecture

Stay active with sports and outdoor adventures

Shared Apartments - La Spezia

Overview

Inclusions and Amenities

Florence Housing

Overview

Shared Apartments in Florence: Overview

Overview

Inclusions and Amenities

The Social Hub - Florence Belfiore

Overview

Inclusions and Amenities

Residence Hall in Florence

Overview

Inclusions and Amenities

What's Included

Inclusions

Welcome & Orientation

Farewell & Re-Entry Program

Dates & Prices

ADVISOR TIP: