Language: Italian
Climate: Mediterranean
Currency: Euro
What better place to find inspiration than the birthplace of the Renaissance as its past meets the present? In its history, Florence stirred the ideas and inventions of visionaries like Galileo, Leonardo, and Machiavelli. It cultivated talents such as Brunelleschi, Dante, and Donatello. More recently, fashion houses like Cavalli, Gucci, Pucci and Ferragamo call Florence home… but that’s not all. There's something in the air of this central Italian city that continues to spark creativity. Discover your muse when you study abroad in Florence, where you can learn about art history while examining Botticelli’s “Birth of Venus,” build your fine art portfolio as you admire Michelangelo’s skill, analyze how small family businesses succeed internationally, and navigate tram timetables and medieval streets alike on your commute to class. Satisfy your curious palate while you consider how the city today balances tourism with locals’ needs, slipping into your own Florentine life.
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $6,295
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $8,295
CEA CAPA Florence Center, Santa Reparata International School of Art
Starting at $6,495
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $7,995
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $19,995
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $19,995
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $19,995
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $20,195
In the heart of the city’s historical center, CEA CAPA’s two centrally-located study facilities—Palazzo Galli Tassi and Palazzo Levi—hosts students steps away from Florence’s iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Mercato Centrale.
The Florence Study Center provides instruction across a wide array of disciplines, including liberal arts, business, and social sciences. Courses are designed to leverage the city as an educational hub, incorporating activities that will take you beyond traditional learning environments. Whether it’s a class in front of Giotto’s belltower, a field trip to a coffee roaster, or your own commute into class, you will have many ways to explore the city center and Florence’s modern neighborhoods.
The CEA CAPA onsite team provides comprehensive support, guiding you through academics, internships, and personal growth while curating field studies, cultural activities, and excursions. These experiences foster collaboration among you and your fellow students, helping you create meaningful connections and lasting memories.
By blending enriching academics with experiential learning, the CEA CAPA Florence Center will equip you with global cultural fluency and skills essential for thriving in an interconnected world.
Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Florence Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Florence Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH.
Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a student-focused, comprehensive university that’s fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The agreement between CEA CAPA and UNH follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and satisfies the rigorous requirements of the University's institutional accreditor, making credits earned at the CEA CAPA Florence Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. Learn more about UNH's service as the School of Record for CEA CAPA
The following grading scale is in use for CEA CAPA center-delivered syllabi:
| DESCRIPTOR | ALPHA | NUMERIC | GPA | REQUIREMENT/EXPECTATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding (High Distinction) |
A | 93+ | 4.0 | Maximum grade: In addition to description for grade "A-", the participant shows detailed understanding of materials about which he or she can show independent analytical ability. This means the ability to question an issue from different perspectives and evaluate responses in an objective manner. |
| Excellent (Distinction) |
A- | 90 - 92.99 | 3.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook/class hand-outs/class notes, and the work shows a high level of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion, and demonstrates a well-developed capacity for evaluation. |
| Very good (High Credit) |
B+ | 87 - 89.99 | 3.3 | Shows evidence of a capacity to generalize from the taught content, or the material in literature, or from class lectures in an informed manner. Also, the work demonstrates a capacity to integrate personal reflection into the discussion and an appreciation of a range of different perspectives. |
| Good (Credit) |
B | 83 - 86.99 | 3.0 | The work is well-organized and contains coherent or logical argumentation and presentation. |
| Good (Credit) |
B- | 80 - 82.99 | 2.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook and/or notes, and there is evidence of additional reading. |
| Average (Good Pass) |
C+ | 77 - 79.99 | 2.3 | The work demonstrates a capacity to integrate research into the discussion and a critical appreciation of a range of theoretical perspectives. Also, the work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and its theoretical implications and demonstrates evidence of additional reading. |
| Adequate (Pass) |
C | 73 - 76.99 | 2.0 | Shows clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond. A deficiency in understanding the material may be compensated by evidence of independent thought and effort related to the subject matter. |
| Below Average (Borderline Pass) |
C- | 70 - 72.99 | 1.7 | Shows some understanding of the material in the textbook and notes. A deficiency in any of the above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought related to the subject matter. |
| Inadequate (Borderline Fail) |
D+ | 67 - 69.99 | 1.3 | Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes. |
| Poor (Fail) |
D | 60 - 66.99 | 1.0 | Besides the above for D+, participant has not shown interest or engagement in the class work or study. |
| Poor (Fail) |
F | <60 | 0 | Shows little or no understanding of any of the material. |
Courses at the CEA CAPA Florence Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) is an independent, non-profit institution established in 1970. SRISA upholds a strong reputation in studio art and liberal arts instruction, and is comprised of two campuses near the historic convent of San Marco.
SRISA’s hands-on studio art and lecture courses provide an enriching study abroad experience in the city where the Renaissance began. Your classes will expose you to Florence’s rich cultural heritage and encourage you to use Florentine artistic tradition to inform your own work. In addition to the fine arts, SRISA has also created a department dedicated to the study of design.
As a CEA CAPA student at SRISA, you’ll have access to drawing, painting, fashion, and photography studios, as well as printing presses after classroom hours. Computers are available for design courses, as is an extensive library.
Maryville University & SRISA Course Numbering System
Maryville University and SRISA have a slightly different system for numbering courses. In general, lower division courses correspond to 1st and 2nd year courses at the U.S. university level. Most of these courses do not require pre-requisites. Upper division courses correspond to 3rd and 4th year courses at the U.S. university level. These courses require either a pre-requisite or a placement exam.
|
Maryville University Course Numbering System |
SRISA Course Numbering System |
|
100-299: Lower Division Courses |
1000: Lower level, Freshman |
SRISA is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education as an educational institution. SRISA is affiliated with a School of Record, Maryville University in St. Louis, which is fully accredited through The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
SRISA curricula and class schedules follow a U.S. university model. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
As SRISA alone is not an accredited institution, SRISA has a School of Record relationship with Maryville University in St. Louis (accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), which grants credit for courses successfully completed at SRISA during the semester and summer academic programs. In addition to the SRISA transcript, you’ll receive a Maryville University transcript representing the work completed at SRISA. While CEA CAPA recommends using the Maryville University course code designations and transcript for credit transfer purposes, it is at the discretion of your home institution to determine the transfer of credit for SRISA courses. Please check with an academic advisor at your home institution for transferability of SRISA/Maryville University credit.
CEA CAPA Alum Natasha Machera writes about her study abroad internship in Florence, Italy where she learned the chemistry of winemaking.
CEA CAPA Alum Ethan Shahbazian writes about his top 5 academic excursions while studying abroad in Florence, Italy.
CEA CAPA Sustainable Content Creator, Vanessa Linke, writes about sustainable practices while studying abroad in Florence, Italy. Learn more.
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Located throughout Florence, our standard apartments are each unique. Cook scrumptious Italian meals with your roommates in your kitchen, explore the character of the neighborhood that surrounds you, and make your new apartment into a home.
This housing option may carry a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Choose to live in a CEA CAPA Co-Ed apartment with an Italian university student as one of your roommates. Your Italian roommate will be a true part of your Florentine experience and household, giving you the opportunity to engage more easily with the local community. By choosing to live with an Italian student, you will have a resource and local friend to help you make the most out of your time abroad, experiencing Florence and Italy through their eyes, too. The Italian roommate will live in an apartment shared with you and other CEA CAPA students.
*Note: There is one Italian university student per apartment, shared with up to 7 CEA CAPA participants. Bathrooms are same-sex and are shared by no more than 4 students.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Living with a local family allows you to learn so much about the Florentine lifestyle —and Italian family life in general —that you wouldn’t otherwise experience. A homestay will likely mean built-in friends, and will definitely mean that you won’t have to worry about what to make for dinner, how much you’re spending on food, or how you’re going to make your next meal both balanced and delicious! A homestay experience enhances your study abroad experience. Homestays are located in apartments either inside or outside Florence’s historical city center.
Don’t worry about needing to speak perfect Italian before moving in with an Italian family: our host families are chosen for their interest in learning about you and your culture, and many have a working knowledge of English, too. While some families are empty-nesters, we privilege younger families: both offer you an important connection with the Florentine community.
The homestay option will not hinder your freedom with a curfew, and you can even choose to live with a friend of your choice.
The additional fee covers the cost of your meals with your host family, and is nearly the equivalent of what students in standard CEA CAPA housing will pay separately for groceries and eating out (minus the fuss).
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Palazzo dello Studente houses CEA CAPA participants, international students and travellers in two structures in Florence. All rooms are single bedrooms with private bathrooms. Shared facilities include 24/7 reception desk, a communal kitchen, laundry room, gym and seasonal rooftop pool. AC and heating controls are available in each room, and the AC use in the Summer months is included. A limited meal plan is included at the cafe/restaurant.
Limited meal plan included
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
Florence is a bustling city, and petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft may occur, particularly in touristic areas. The average crime rate in Florence is low, making it a favorable city to study or intern abroad in.
Florence’s historical concentration of successes in art, economics, and commerce make it particularly unique. So do the remaining artifacts of this history that are still in place: especially architecture, painting and sculpture. In 1982 the city center of Florence was named a UNESCO World Heritage site and it’s still consistently considered one of the world’s most beautiful cities. While Florence today extends well beyond the city’s old walls (now ring roads), it is easy to navigate on foot and with public transportation.
Florence is the capital city of the region of Tuscany, which is known for its breathtaking countryside landscapes of Chianti and beyond. Attractive to tourists around the world, Tuscany is an area rich in agricultural and industrial production, nestled between the Apennine mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea. About 145 miles northwest of Rome (less than 1.5 hours on a fast train), Florence is located centrally along the boot-shaped peninsula. It is close to and well-connected to other Tuscan cites of interest and beauty, such as Pisa, Lucca, Siena, Empoli, Prato, Pistoia, Viareggio, Arezzo and more—each with their own history, style and flavor.
The birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence, became known as a haven for artists by advocating for the arts and cultivating the ideas of visionaries like Dante, Donatello, Galileo, Leonardo, and Michelangelo. More recently, designers like Cavalli, Gucci, and Ferragamo call Florence home. It’s a shopper’s paradise and only a 45-minute train ride from the beach. The iconic Duomo, Pitti Palace, and Uffizi Museum are just a few of the famous museums and landmarks in Florence.
