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Global Business Consulting
Florence, Italy
About the Program
The Global Business Consulting program offers you the opportunity to strengthen essential career readiness competencies, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork, through hands-on, project-based learning. Working in a small consulting team, you will collaborate with peers and get guidance from your instructor throughout the process to design solutions for a real-world business challenge that a local host organization in your destination is facing. This practical experience will not only prepare you to stand out in the global job market, but also equip you with the skills to succeed in a variety of professional environments well beyond your program.
Learn more about past consulting projects here.
Requirements
Overview
Florence
early Sep 2027 - mid Dec 2027
$21,295
12 - 16
Deadlines
5/15/27
6/15/27
Requirements
Eligibility
All Levels
Students enrolled in an institution in Canada or Mexico are eligible if the home institution accepts a US transcript and credits.
1 year as a registered college student by the time of application
2.5
Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at their home institution.
Students must be at least 18 years of age by start of program.
Some courses may have prerequisites.
Where You'll Study
CEA CAPA Florence Center
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&...
CEA CAPA Florence Center
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.
Transcript Information
Courses at the CEA CAPA Florence Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Accreditation
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
Grading
Professors at the CEA CAPA Florence Center carefully evaluate students' work and progress throughout their academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance.
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. |
Classroom and Information
- Classes are taught by international faculty, and hired by CEA CAPA according to UNH standards.
- 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 CAPA 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
Travel Books & Resources
Computers
Printing Facilities
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Learning Services
Language Exchange with Local Students
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
12-16
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
The required Business Consulting course is comprised of both an academic course and a locally based business consulting project that will require you to meet with clients and conduct group work outside of class. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about your assigned company through in-person or virtual meetings and by visiting their facilities/operations, conducting market research, creating relationships, ideating proposals and solutions, all of which will culminate in a consulting proposal.
In addition to your 3-credit business consulting course and project, you will choose 1 CEA CAPA core course and 2-3 CEA CAPA courses to take from the catalog of course options available to you. This provides you with the opportunity to gain professional experience while also making progress toward your degree requirements and engaging in classes that afford a richer cultural experience.
Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits and elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. Overall, you may earn 12-16 credits. Courses generally meet 2 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you'll select your preferred courses. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availability. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Italy. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
In addition to your 3-credit business consulting course and project, you will choose 1 CEA CAPA core course and 2-3 CEA CAPA courses to take from the catalog of course options available to you. This provides you with the opportunity to gain professional experience while also making progress toward your degree requirements and engaging in classes that afford a richer cultural experience.
Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits and elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. Overall, you may earn 12-16 credits. Courses generally meet 2 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you'll select your preferred courses. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availability. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Italy. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Consulting | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Society & Culture * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Artistry: Timeless Creations from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Business and Entrepreneurship | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Value of Art: Art Management and Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19th Century Black American Women in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Overtourism & Cultural Heritage in Italy: Florence as a Case Study * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence and the Florentines in Dante's Comedy and Boccaccio's Decameron | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Identities in Modern Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Cultural History of Florence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Italian | 300 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian I | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian II | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian I | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian II | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photographic Storytelling: Italy Past & Present | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Society & Culture * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Interculture and Migration: Identity, Borders, and Belonging | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Society & Culture * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Blood: Rivalries in the History of Art | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Italian Artistry: Timeless Creations from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Italian Renaissance Architecture | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Museology: The Art of Collecting Objects | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Renaissance Art History | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Secrets, Signs & Symbols in Italian Art: Exercises in Iconography | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Great Masters: Leonardo, Michelangelo & Raphael | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Women, Art & Culture in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Business and Entrepreneurship | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Business of Food * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Value of Art: Art Management and Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Communication | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19th Century Black American Women in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Analyzing & Exploring the Global City: Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Cinema & the City: Cinematic Representations of Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Contemporary Italian Cinema * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Food & Culture in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Overtourism & Cultural Heritage in Italy: Florence as a Case Study * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Composition Drawing * | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Economics | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence and the Florentines in Dante's Comedy and Boccaccio's Decameron | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Understanding the Fashion Consumer * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema & the City: Cinematic Representations of Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Contemporary Italian Cinema * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Finance | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Identities in Modern Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Cultural History of Florence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Policies of Organized Crime: Mafia and anti-Mafia in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Italian | 300 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian I | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian II | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian I | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian II | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Workforce Management | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Understanding the Fashion Consumer * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Viticulture & Wine Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Oil Painting * | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Beginning Watercolor * | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photographic Storytelling: Italy Past & Present | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Photography in Florence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cross Cultural Psychology | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Psychology of Gender | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyzing & Exploring the Global City: Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Society & Culture * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Gender, Culture & Society in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Interculture and Migration: Identity, Borders, and Belonging | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Business of Food * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Policies of Organized Crime: Mafia and anti-Mafia in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Figurative Sculpture | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
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.
Global Housing Standards
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Learn more about what's included with CEA CAPA housing.
Read More
Read More
Global Housing Standards
Your housing abroad is more than a place to sleep, it's a place to feel at home.
Health & Safety
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.
Cleaning Services
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Students Per Bedroom
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Commute Time
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Temperature Control
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
Kitchen Access
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Laundry
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
Study Space
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Storage Space
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Linens
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.
Apartment Shared Room
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.
Additional Options
To elevate your study abroad experience, apartments within Florence's main ring roads are available for a supplemental fee. Supplemental fees may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Apartment Private Room
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.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Additional Options
To elevate your study abroad experience, apartments within Florence's main ring roads are available for a supplemental fee.
Homestay
Semester Only
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.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Additional Options
To further elevate your study abroad experience, you may select a private room in a homestay on your housing application for a supplemental fee.
The Florence Signature: Apartment with Italian Flatmate
Semester Only
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.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Excursions
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.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Florence. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Airport Welcome
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- 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)
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.