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Florence

What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

A team of helpful ISA staff members guides students through the entire study abroad process. The U.S. staff helps prospective students with program selection and completion of the ISA application. Pre-departure orientations are also available to enrolled students over the telephone and through our comprehensive online orientation. The U.S. staff is in constant contact with our resident staff abroad, who provide support to students during their program. ISA's staff members also provide assistance to students upon their return to the U.S. Contact us at 1-800-580-8826 or by email.

Visa Support

Our U.S.-based staff is trained to handle visa issues for Italy and their corresponding U.S.-based consulates.

Tuition at Host University

Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Some classes have additional fees which are not included in the program price

Official Transcript Issued by Host University with ISA Cover Letter

Upon the successful completion of an ISA program, the student's host university will issue an official transcript that lists all coursework. ISA will send this transcript to the appropriate office at the student's home university. Additionally, ISA will provide a cover letter explaining the host university's grading system and a translation of the transcript, as necessary.

Full-Time Resident Staff

ISA's full-time resident staff assists students with all aspects of their experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience. Each site has a maximum of 20:1 student to staff ratio. Please click here to read more about the Florence staff.

On-Site ISA Office

The on-site office offers students a source of security while abroad by serving as a common meeting place and resource center. Please click here to read more about the Florence office.

On-Site Cultural and Academic Orientation

Upon arrival students are given an on-site orientation where they are informed of academic schedules, safety information, detailed information on excursions and information on cell phones. These orientations are conducted by our resident directors, allowing students a chance to familiarize themselves with our directors even before they take their placement exams.

Computer and Internet Access

ISA students enjoy free computer and internet access at the ISA Florence on-site office. Students also have access to computer labs and WiFi at the Florence University of the Arts.

Tutoring

All students enrolled in Italian language courses may receive language tutoring at our on-site offices at no additional cost. This service is arranged by the on-site directors and should be scheduled in advance.

Airport Reception

Beginning Fall of 2013 students are to arrive directly to Florence. Ground transportation is provided from the Florence Peretola airport (FLR) for students who arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time.

Airport reception is not included for Intensive Month or J-term programs.

Students participating in Summer 2013 programs who arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time will be provided ground transportation from Rome Fiumicino airport (FCO). Transportation TO FCO at the end of the program is included for summer programs only.

Housing

Apartments: included in the price of the Florence program. A $750 refundable security deposit will be charged to students living in ISA arranged housing. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the case of damage to property, or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.

Homestays: available for year, semester and summer students for an additional fee. Not availble during the J-Term or Intensive Month programs.

Please click here to read more about the housing options in Florence.

Meals and Laundry Service (Homestay option ONLY)

Meals and laundry service are NOT included in the program price.

Students who choose the homestay option will have breakfast is included seven days a week and dinner five days a week, as well as laundry service once a week.

*Lunch and dinner are not provided on ISA excursions.

Excursions*

Excursions are included in the price of all ISA programs. Excursions are designed to complement the academic component of the student's study abroad experience. Transportation and guided tours are included. During multi-day excursions, hotel accommodations and breakfast are also included. Additional optional excursions may be offered but are not included in the ISA program price. Students may sign up and pay for these excursions after they arrive at their program site.Click here for a list of excursions (may vary according to session).

*Excursions are included in the price of all ISA programs, except Intensive Month and J-Term programs.

Cultural Activities in Florence

In order to maximize cultural immersion, the ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities. These custom-designed activities invite students to experience the local color of their host city, while learning about the history and culture of their new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are just a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of Florence.

Medical Insurance

Comprehensive medical insurance is provided during the official period of the program. Extensions of medical coverage can be made for an additional fee if students plan to be abroad before or after the program period. A full description of coverage can be found here.

24-Hour Emergency Assistance

ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time. For students or parents who need assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 1-800-580-8826 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week.