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Experiential Learning Opportunities
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Get up to $1,500 in flight credits or grants toward study or internship programs abroad when you apply by May 15, 2025. See our Official Rules for full details.
Liberal Arts & Italian Culture
Florence, Italy
About the Program
Explore the richness of Italian culture as you choose from Liberal Arts courses that emphasize its significance across a range of disciplines. Engage with locals and learn in the classroom, but especially beyond—galleries, museums, wine and cheese tastings, local businesses, historic tours, and other visits and activities bring lessons learned in class to life. The CEA Florence Center’s central location in one of Florence’s major piazzas promotes community interaction—a key component of the curriculum. Study within a dynamic environment where social interaction and collaborative learning drive the curriculum. As a host city, Florence makes it easy to bring classroom learning into your personal life, as unstructured experiential learning opportunities present themselves daily.
Requirements
Overview
Florence
8/29/23 - 4/25/24
$33,795
26 - 32
Deadlines
Closed
6/14/23
Requirements
Eligibility
High School Graduate
2.5
All Levels
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
13-16
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Enroll in 1 Italian language course, 1-3 core courses, and 0-3 optional elective courses. Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits, and core and elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. You may earn up to 16 credits (up to 240 contact hours). If you choose to stay for the full academic year, you may earn up to 32 credits (up to 480 contact hours).
Language courses meet 4 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Elective and core 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 will select your preferred courses and indicate your estimated Italian language level. After you arrive in Florence, you'll take a language placement exam to determine final placement. 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 availabilities. 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.
Language courses meet 4 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Elective and core 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 will select your preferred courses and indicate your estimated Italian language level. After you arrive in Florence, you'll take a language placement exam to determine final placement. 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 availabilities. 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
View Term
Available Levels
Courses
The following courses have been confirmed for this term. Please note, the host institution reserves the right to cancel or change courses without prior notification.
*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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Masterpieces in Italian Art from the Middle Ages to the 18th Century | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black American Grand Tour: Black Women in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Food & Culture in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photography in Florence | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication & Global Competence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Policies of Organized Crime: Mafia and anti-Mafia in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Viticulture & Wine Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Psychology of Gender | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Business of Food * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Policies of Organized Crime: Mafia and anti-Mafia in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*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.
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Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
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.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Center: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation, where necessary
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation, where necessary
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1-3 students per room
- 2-12 students per apartment (usually 2-10 with rare exceptions)
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided (Summer months only)
Additional Fees
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.
- Private room: Supplemental fee
- Shared room: No supplemental fee
Apartment - Italian Roommate
Available:
Semester
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.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Centers: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation, where necessary
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation, where necessary
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1-3 Students per Room
- 3-8 Students per Apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided (Summer months only)
Additional Fees
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.
Homestay
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.
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).
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Centers: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation, where necessary
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation, where necessary
Meals Included
- Breakfast and dinner, 5 days per week
Roommates
- 1-2 Students per Room
- 1-4 Students per Homestay (usually 1-2 with rare exceptions)
Unit Amenities
- Limited kitchen
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Towels included
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans available (Summer months only)
Additional Fees
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
Available:
Semester
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.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Centers: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: Max. 50 minutes commute, including public transportation
Meals Included
Limited meal plan included
Roommates
- 1 Student per Room
Unit Amenities
- Private bathroom
- Shared kitchen
- Bed linens and towels included
- Internet access
- A/C included
- Shared washer & dryer
- Shared gym, seasonal rooftop pool
- Cafe/Restaurants
Additional Fees
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.
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.
- 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)
Sample Calendar
Below is a tentative itinerary for your program. Please note, dates and events below may change without prior notification. Contact CEA CAPA before purchasing airline tickets.
You will receive a finalized itinerary once you arrive onsite.
Note: Additional cultural activities/excursions or required course-related activities may be incorporated into your final itinerary. You are advised not to make personal travel arrangements until you have the final dates.
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
|
August 29
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Official Program Start Date. Students must arrive at the Florence (FLR) airport on this date in order to be eligible for airport pickup. Students will then be transferred to their assigned housing. |
|
August 30 - September 01
|
Orientation
Mandatory CEA Orientation will be held. |
|
September 04
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at CEA on this day. |
|
September 08
|
Excursion
CEA Excursion to Cinque Terre. |
|
October 13 - 15
|
Excursion
CEA overnight excursion to Sorrento & Pompeii - option A. |
|
October 20 - 22
|
Excursion
CEA overnight excursion to Sorrento & Pompeii - option B. |
|
October 30 - November 05
|
School Break
Fall Break. No classes will be held. |
|
December 14
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at CEA. |
|
December 16
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Fall Program End Date. |
|
January 09
|
Arrival/Program Begins
Spring Program Start/Arrival Date. |
|
January 15
|
Classes Begin
Classes begin at CEA CAPA on this day. |
|
March 01 - 10
|
School Break
CEA CAPA Center is closed for Spring Break. No classes will be held. |
|
April 01
|
Holiday
Easter Holiday. No classes will be held. |
|
April 24
|
Classes End
This is the last day of classes at CEA CAPA Florence. |
|
April 25
|
Program Ends/Move-Out
Official Program End Date. Students must move out of housing no later than this day. |
Sample Budget
This budget contains costs that you can take to your financial aid office. Please note that amounts may fluctuate; we've included a range of costs.
Federal law allows the use of financial aid to cover "reasonable" costs of study abroad including round-trip transportation, tuition and fees for the program, living costs, passport and visa fees, health insurance, and more.
Please note that all costs and charges listed below are subject to change without notice. With the exception of Program Price, all costs are estimates and may vary.