- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $17,395
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Programs to love in Florence
- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $17,395
- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $7,295
- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $6,195
- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $17,395
- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $5,395
- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $6,795
- ST
- SU
- SE
- YR
- Starting at $17,695
Frequently Asked Questions
Studying abroad in Florence – Firenze – is a life-changing event for many students. When you study abroad or intern abroad in Italy, you experience learning outside the traditional classroom setting, gain global experience, and expand your sense of cultural awareness. Plus, there is a large international student community to connect with in Florence.
Florence is among the more expensive other Italian cities but more affordable than the nation’s capital city, Rome. Reach out to your financial advisor to come up with a financial plan for your experience abroad!
Florence is a flourishing tourist city, so petty crimes like pickpocketing and theft may occur in crowded areas. The average crime rate in Florence is low, making it a favorable city to study or intern abroad in.
CEA offers many housing options while you’re studying abroad in Florence. Standard CEA housing is included in your overall program price. You may also have the option of arranging your own independent housing, but we recommend letting us do the work for you! For more information on housing, connect with your site specialist.
Florence study abroad programs offer several housing options for students depending on their preferences. Most of CEA Florence’s housing options are located close to campus or in the city center, about a 5- to 25-minute walk away from the CEA Florence Center and Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA).
Florence housing options include:
- Apartments
- Apartments with an Italian Roommate
- Homestays
- Independent Living
- Palazzo Dello Studente
Florence is the central Italian city that sparks creativity for every visitor. You can learn about art history while gazing at Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, build your artistic portfolio, and satisfy every foodie craving as you slip into your Florentine life.
Florence is the capital city of the Tuscany region of Italy, located about 145 miles northwest of Rome.
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.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our inclusions make studying abroad easy!- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Official Transcript(s)
Florence Housing
*Housing options may change term over term 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.
Apartment
Apartment - Italian Roommate
Homestay
Palazzo dello Studente
Independent Living
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Generally located in the city’s historic center, shared student apartments are suited to students who want to experience Florence independently. 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.
Typical Commute
- CEA Florence Center: 5-20 minutes walking
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 5-20 minutes walking
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1-2 students per room
- 2-6 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
- Semester or Summer (Shared Room): No Additional Fee
- Semester (Single Room): $1,600 - $2,200
- Summer (Single Room): $400 - $1,000
Available:
Semester
Choose to live in a CEA apartment along 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 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 students.
Apartments are generally located in Florence’s historical center and are perfect for a student who wants to experience Florence as a local, making Italian culture and language a part of their daily life. Who better to learn from than your Italian roommate about: how to make an espresso, where to eat the best pizza, practice Italian, or how to make authentic lasagna? Fantastico!
*Note: There is one Italian university student per apartment, shared with 2-4 CEA students. This housing option has limited availability.
Typical Commute
- CEA Florence Center: 5-20 minutes walking
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 5-20 minutes walking
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1-2 students per room
- 3-5 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
- $1,100 - $2,200
Available:
Semester
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. While public transportation may offer a quicker way to school, you will still be within walking distance of the CEA Florence Center and the partner university.
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 do 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 housing will pay separately for groceries and eating out (minus the fuss!).
Typical Commute
- CEA Florence Center: 20-25 minutes (including public transport, if necessary)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 20-25 minutes (including public transport, if necessary)
Meals Included
- Breakfast and dinner, 7 days per week
Roommates
- 1-2 students per room
- 1-2 students per Homestay
Unit Amenities
- Limited kitchen
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Towels included
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans available
Additional Fees
- $1,400 - $2,800
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Inaugurated in 2018 in a newly renovated building of historical significance, the Palazzo dello Studente (locally known as TSH—The Social Hub) is an upgraded alternative to standard student housing. Students will become part of a lively and hip community of international students, locals and travelers. Only single rooms are available, each with a private bathroom. A small fridge is in each room and students have access to a communal kitchen and laundry space, as well as a rooftop pool (seasonal) and gym. The ground floor hosts a café and restaurant, and there is a 24-hour front desk. The Palazzo is located along a tram line and is within easy walking distance of the CEA Florence Center.
Typical Commute
- CEA Florence Center: 25 minutes walking
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 10-15 minutes walking
Meals Included
- Upon arrival, students can sign up for discounted meal plans directly with the administration of TSH (Summer program)
- For semester students, some meals are included at TSH establishments; you can add more with TSH administration (at an additional price)
Roommates
- 1 student per room. Other CEA CAPA students may be housed at TSH, but not necessarily on the same floor/wing.
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Private bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Shared laundry facilities
- Heating & AC
Additional Fees
- Summer: $900 - $1,900
- Semester: $2,000 - $2,800
While CEA highly recommends that you choose one of our Florence housing options provided, you also have the option to arrange independent housing. If your ideal housing scenario includes living in a particular neighborhood, having specific amenities or living with a specific person as your roommate, then independent housing could be just the ticket for you.
Use the online housing application form to request permission for this option no later than the application closure date. If your request is approved, you will receive a rebate for your housing payment, however CEA will not provide you with any assistance setting up independent housing. Keep in mind, rebates are not granted to students who move out of their CEA housing or choose to pursue independent living arrangements after the application closure date.
Typical Commute
- N/A
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- N/A
Unit Amenities
- N/A
Institutions
CEA Florence Center
Founded in 2007, the CEA Florence Center provides instruction in the disciplines of liberal arts, business, and social sciences. Courses turn the city of Florence into a living classroom. Here, you’ll choose from a wide array of courses offered in English, actively improving your language skills while settling into daily life in a city rich in culture and history.
Designed to exploit the educational opportunities that make Florence and Italy remarkable, programs feature courses in art history, anthropology, business, history, gender studies, Italian language, management, marketing, political science, and sociology. Lessons incorporate activities that take you out of the classroom and into the city and community to visit museums, local businesses, food markets, artisans’ workshops, and immigration centers. CEA Florence Center faculty are committed to fostering intellectual and cultural growth, encouraging you to apply classroom learning to daily life experiences and draw connections between formal and informal lessons. Active study allows you to gain a historical, social, and commercial understanding of Florence and Italy, while developing an international cultural fluency that can help you succeed in our increasingly globalized world.
CEA Florence Center courses will urge you to critically reflect upon and articulate your own national, cultural, and social identities. Active class participation provides the opportunity for interaction and collaboration—both critical factors in academic and professional success.
Accreditation
Courses taught at the CEA 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 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 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 Florence Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. Learn more about UNH's service as the School of Record for CEA
Grading
Professors at the CEA Florence Center will carefully evaluate your work and progress throughout the academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance.
The CEA Florence Center uses the following grading system:
|
CEA Grading Scale (Effective Spring 2017) |
||||
|
Letter Grade |
Numerical Grade Low Range |
Numerical Grade High Range |
Percentage Range |
Quality Points |
|
A+ |
9.70 |
10.00 |
97.0 - 100% |
4.00 |
|
A |
9.40 |
9.69 |
94.0 - 96.9% |
4.00 |
|
A- |
9.00 |
9.39 |
90.0 – 93.9% |
3.70 |
|
B+ |
8.70 |
8.99 |
87.0 – 89.9% |
3.30 |
|
B |
8.40 |
8.69 |
84.0 – 86.9% |
3.00 |
|
B- |
8.00 |
8.39 |
80.0 – 83.9% |
2.70 |
|
C+ |
7.70 |
7.99 |
77.0 – 79.9% |
2.30 |
|
C |
7.40 |
7.69 |
74.0 – 76.9% |
2.00 |
|
C- |
7.00 |
7.39 |
70.0- 73.9% |
1.70 |
|
D |
6.00 |
6.99 |
60.0 – 69.9% |
1.00 |
|
F |
0.00 |
5.99 |
0 - 59.9% |
0.00 |
|
W |
Withdrawal |
|
|
0.00 |
|
INC |
Incomplete |
|
|
0.00 |
Completion of a course is defined as a receipt of a letter grade (A+ to F) as opposed to Withdrawal or Incomplete.
In order to determine a quality point ratio, each letter grade from a completed course is assigned a quality point value. The quality point value for each grade earned during a semester is multiplied by the number of semester hours assigned to that course. The sum of these points is the total number of quality points earned during the semester. It is divided by the number of semester hours completed to obtain the quality point ratio (QPR).
Classroom and Information
- Classes are taught by international faculty, selected by CEA, and approved by the University of New Haven.
- Faculty are (at least) bilingual in English/Italian and represent diverse backgrounds.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams are administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- You’ll attend class with other CEA students, not with native Italian students.
- Teaching styles in Italy may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Language and elective course sizes range from eight to 25 students. Small class sizes mean greater individual attention from instructors.
Amenities
- Student Lounge
- Study Area
- Counseling Services
- Student Health Services
- CEA Academic Resources
- Travel Books & Resources
- Digital Resources from UNH Library
- Computers
- Printing Facilities
- Internet Access & Wi-Fi
- Academic Advising
- Language Learning Services
- Language Exchange with Local Students
- Cultural Engagement
- Dining Facilities
Santa Reparata International School of Art
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 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.
SRISA professors hail from various countries, though the school’s curricula and class schedules follow a U.S. university model. 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 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.
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 |
Accreditation
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.
Grading
SRISA instructors carefully evaluate your work and progress throughout the academic session. When calculating final grades for non-studio courses, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance. Students to fail to attend at least 70% of their classes will receive an F for the semester.
SRISA grades are based on a grade point scale with a corresponding letter grade, similar to the U.S. system:
SRISA grades are based on a grade point scale with a corresponding letter grade, similar to the U.S. system:
|
Letter Grade |
Grade Points |
Verbal Grade |
|
A |
4.0 |
Outstanding |
|
A- |
3.7 |
|
|
B+ |
3.3 |
|
|
B |
3.0 |
Above Average |
|
B- |
2.7 |
|
|
C+ |
2.3 |
Average |
|
C |
2.0 |
|
|
C- |
1.7 |
|
|
D |
1.0 |
Below Average |
|
F |
0.0 |
Failure |
|
IN |
0.0 |
“Incomplete” is given at the discretion of the instructor. Incompletes must be made up by the end of the successive semester |
|
CR |
0.0 |
Successful completion of all course work under the credit/no credit option |
|
W |
0.0 |
”Withdrawal” indicates that the student was passing at the time of withdrawal. |
|
EX |
|
Expelled |
Classroom and Information
- International SRISA faculty teach your studio, language and elective classes.
- Assessment is based on participation, exams, and individual and group projects.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor. Students missing more than 20% in a course will receive an automatic “F”, failing grade for that course on their transcript.
- Teaching styles in Italy may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Class size ranges between 10 and 20 students.
- You will attend class with fellow CEA students and other North American students.
Amenities
- Student Lounge
- Study Area
- University Library
- Computers
- Printing Facilities
- Internet Access & Wi-Fi
- Cultural Engagement
- Dining Facilities
- Museum & Art Galleries
