Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Ready to soak-up Italian Culture in the birthplace of Renaissance and Capital of Tuscany? There is no city in the world like Florence, and our study abroad program is a great fit for students looking for an immersive learning experience in Europe. Discover the experience that awaits you below! Learn more about studying abroad in Florence below.

Florence - Rick Steves

Quick Facts

  • Language of Instruction: English

  • Host University: Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

  • Semesters Available: Fall, Spring, Full Year

  • Semester Duration: 11 weeks

  • Recommended Credits: 12 - 15

  • Application Requirements: GPA 2.75

Program Highlights

Student Experience

Life in Florence

A video welcome message from Stefano, your Program Director in Italy!

Florence is breathtaking — known for its culture, architecture, monuments, and the world’s best Renaissance art. Day-to-day you’ll be surrounded by beauty as you walk to class with a friend through the historical center. Florence is a super walkable city that will feel like home in no time.

What might a typical day look like for students living abroad in Florence? In the morning on your way to class, you might stop and enjoy an Italian cappuccino. After, grab a slice of pizza with classmates before you work on some assignments over some gelato. There is an incredible variety of local bars, restaurants, markets, shops, and businesses.

It’ll be obvious in no time why Florence has gained such an international appeal, and by the end of your semester abroad, you’ll be calling Florence home.

  • STANDARD HOUSING (SHARED APARTMENT IN MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS)

    The most common housing option, you’ll share a room in a fully furnished apartment with other students at your university. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be a short walk away from campus, no further than 10-20 minutes.

    HOST FAMILY

    Looking to integrate even more with the local culture? You can also choose to live with a hand-matched host family in Florence. All families are vetted, have homes near campus, and are enthusiastic about hosting you and sharing their home, language, and culture with you. There is a maximum of 2 students per home for true immersion, and your homestay includes either breakfast or half board (breakfast+dinner) Monday to Thursday.

  • Not generic bus tours, these are documentary-worthy experiences that you’ll remember for years to come created by us especially for you, our students.  While Florence will be your home in Italy, there’s even more to discover throughout Italy! The best part - these learning excursions are included in your study abroad experience!

    Welcome to the Picturesque villages of northern Italy. Home of the Slow Food International Movement. This is where world-famous wines, truffles, and cheeses are produced. It's also where Nutella is made!

    Charming medieval towns, rolling hills covered by vineyards, and mountains, and many great meals are all part of this magical trip north.

  • The top priority while studying abroad in Florence is to help keep you happy, healthy, and safe — whether that’s finding a local English-speaking specialist or therapist, preparing to navigate a food sensitivity, or understanding any potential challenges for your identity to help you stay safe. We know each of us is unique, and for those times you may feel overwhelmed by what’s going on around you, we will be there for you.

    Click here for more information about health and safety at EdOdyssey.re for more information about health and safety at EdOdyssey.

Pre-Departure Education, On-Site Orientation and Re-Entry Support

PRE-DEPARTURE EDUCATION & PREP

Once accepted, we start working with you 1-on-1 to prepare for your arrival and help you pre-approve all your courses. You’ll have access to our study abroad student portal full of cultural resources, student handbook, important dates, and health & safety information. Plus,

  • WELCOME MEETING: Several weeks before you travel abroad, your Program Director in Italy will schedule a video call with you to review important points related to your upcoming semester in Florence. Most importantly, we’ll answer all your questions. Then, when you arrive, we’ll be waiting for you at the airport!

COMPREHENSIVE ORIENTATIONS

  • TWO-DAY, ON-SITE PROGRAM ORIENTATION + HEALTH & SAFETY: Upon arrival, we’ll review all the most important details, like Health & Safety in a gorgeous location in the Tuscany countryside just close to Florence, you could relax and reflect with us about your upcoming Study Abroad experience. In particular, we’ll review expectations and specifics about life in Italy, and share resources and tips to get you acquainted with local norms and culture.

  • ACADEMIC ORIENTATION:  In addition to your program orientation with EdOdyssey, you’ll also meet with the academic staff at Florence University of the Arts to review other important details and get acquainted with campus.

RE-ENTRY SUPPORT & CAREER DEVELOPMENT

It’s true, studying abroad can be hugely beneficial for your future. During your time abroad in Florence, we help tailor your experience to your future goals, and upon return, coach you on how to highlight your study abroad on your resume, portfolio, or application.

Study Abroad Team in Italy

When you study abroad in Florence with EdOdyssey, you’re part of a small cohort. Our team takes the time to get to know you personally. Meet some of your study abroad team for our Florence program:

 

Stefano Parenti, Senior Program Director (Italy)

Academics & Learning

Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

You’ll study at the prestigious Florence University of the Arts (FUA) — the American University of Florence, located in the heart of the city alongside its iconic Arno River. One of things students love is the diversity of classes available to you across a huge range of disciplines. Plus, experiential learning and links to the local community and businesses are available to all students.

We help you tailor your course selection and academic experience based on your goals and future aspirations. In Florence you’ll enroll in 4-5 courses for a total of 12-15 credits* during the semester.

*Credits: Your EdOdyssey study abroad advisor will work with you and your University to select and pre-approve your courses for easy transfer to your curriculum. If applicable, we’ll even help you “petition” if this program is not yet pre-approved.

Courses

Core Courses (3 credits): 

  • “Italian Language & Culture” (3 credits)

Experiential Learning Option (3-4 credits):

  • Internship / Service Learning / Experiential Course (3-4 credits) - Hands-on learning experience in just about anything you can think of including: video production, baking/pastry, hospitality/hotel/tourism, marketing, management/business, advanced art therapy, social media, visual communication & graphic design, “The Italian Chef’s Table”, and more. Students love being immersed, and this is a fantastic, resume-boosting experience.

Other Coursework (6-9 credits): 

  • Other Course (2-3 courses for 6-9 credits) - You’ll have countless options across a wide range of fields. Some student favorites includes: “Cultural Perspectives: Awareness, Exposure & Engagement” (includes a field-learning trip to Sicily), “Food, Culture & Society in Italy” (includes cooking labs, tastings and learning visits), “Florentine Art Walks”, and “History of the Italian Renaissance”.

Popular Majors & Concentrations:

BUSINESS • COMMUNICATIONS • HUMANITIES • ARTS • FASHION • HOSPITALITY • ITALIAN STUDIES • VISUAL ARTS • ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Looking for courses in a particular area? Email us at info@edodyssey.com.

Personal Project

Florence

As an optional component of your semester abroad in Florence, many students chose to also complete a Personal Project. The purpose is to serve as a fun, interactive portfolio piece that pushes you to pursue your passions and interests abroad. If you’re not sure what this project might look like, that’s okay! Your local Program Director and academic advisors will help you define the details and scope of your project and check in with you monthly. This is a great way to showcase your experience for job and graduate school applications.

Dates, Costs & Apply

Upcoming Semesters & Dates

Here are important dates and costs for our study abroad program in Florence, Italy.

FALL 2025

  • Application Deadline: April 15, 2025.

  • Start Date: September 28, 2025.

  • End Date: December 13, 2025.

SPRING 2026

  • Application Deadline: November 15, 2025

  • Start Date: February 22, 2026.

  • End Date: May 9, 2026.

Program Costs

  • Program Fee: $13,610.00

  • Housing: $4,380 (shared, student apartments).

  • Total EdOdyssey Program Fee: $17,990.00

Once accepted, a $500 deposit is due to reserve your spot in our Lima study abroad program.

 

  • TUITION

    • 12-15 Academic Credits at Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

    • A FUA Dedicated Student Abroad Adviser

    • Personal Project Development

    • FUA Academic Transcript & Credit Transfer Support. (School of Record Transcript $ 530.00, only upon request)

    • All Pre-Departure Preparation & Materials

    • Comprehensive Orientation including a two-day retreat in a gorgeous location in the Tuscany countryside before the program starts

    • Coursework, Local Meetups & Activities

    • A Long Weekend Excursion through Northern Italy

    • FUA Team & EdOdyssey Support

    • 24/7 Health & Emergency Assistance

    • International Emergency Medical Insurance

    • FUA Credit-Bearing Experiential learning, Service Learning or Internship

    • Multiple extracurricular activities, including community outreach, through our connecting Cultures Program

    • International Airport Pick Up & Drop Off

    HOUSING

    • Multiple occupancy rooms in shared apartments

    • Fully furnishings with linens and towels provided

    • Located in a central historic city center, walking distance to the academic center

    • Check-In Service

    • Air Conditioning

    • WiFi/Internet

    • Fully furnished living/dining room

    • Fully equipped kitchen

    • Utilities Included: Gas/Electricity & Water

    EXTRA HOUSING AMENITIES

    Additional Costs, Each Upon Request

    • A double or single room in a shared apartment

    • Meal Plans

    • Homestay available

  • Learn more about Scholarships, Financial Aid, and more on our Money Matters page.

  • These are estimates and students should budget based on their lifestyle and spending habits.

    • Airfare: $900

    • Visa: $0 - not required!

    • Emergency Travel Insurance: Included!

    • Book & Lab Fees: $400 (estimate, depends on course selections and may be less)

    • Meals: $1,250 (note: 55 meal plan units included at university)

    • Personal Expenses: $1,000

    • Housing Security Deposit: $300 (returned at the end of the semester)

    TOTAL ESTIMATED PERSONAL SEMESTER EXPENSES: $3,850 USD

 

READY TO APPLY TO OUR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN FLORENCE, ITALY?

“I was very nervous and did not know what to expect. Fortunately enough, the EdOdyssey program helped me transition smoothly and have a great experience in a foreign country. From the moment of arrival in Lima with a warm welcome from the program coordinator, I knew that I had made the right decision. The staff members are very supportive throughout the journey and ensure that all of the participant’s needs are met.”
— Nury A., EdOdyssey Alumni / Holy Cross ‘20