Get up to $1,250 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by June 30, 2026. See our Official Rules for full details.
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 $6,595
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $8,595
CEA CAPA Florence Center, Santa Reparata International School of Art
Starting at $6,795
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $8,295
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $21,095
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $21,095
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $21,095
CEA CAPA Florence Center
Starting at $21,295
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.
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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.
We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. 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.
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
Live in an apartment located outside the Florence city center, with convenient access to public transportation for easy travel to all destinations. You'll share your bedroom with up to two fellow CEA CAPA students. You'll also share the apartment and kitchen with other CEA CAPA students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. Limited storage space available.
This housing option is included in the program price.
Live in an apartment located outside the Florence city center, with convenient access to public transportation ensuring easy travel to all destinations. You'll enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom. You'll share the apartment and kitchen with fellow CEA CAPA students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. Limited storage space available.
Live with a Florentine family to surround yourself with Italian culture. You will share your bedroom with another CEA CAPA student, and may share the homestay with other students, fostering an instant community within a local setting. This homestay includes breakfast and dinner 5 days per week. Limited storage space available.
Live in an apartment within the city center with a local Italian flatmate who will help you make the most of your experience in Florence. Enjoy vibrant shopping and local leisure areas within walking distance. You'll share your bedroom with your Italian roommate or up to two fellow CEA CAPA students. You'll also share the apartment and kitchen with other CEA CAPA students of all genders. Limited storage space available.
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.
