Business, Hospitality, Design & Liberal Arts

Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence
Florence, Italy
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Program Overview

Program Overview

  • Popular Subject Areas

    Business, Hospitality, Design & Liberal Arts

  • Location

    Florence

  • Host University

    Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence

    Located between the historic Palazzo Doni and Palazzo Guicciardini-Strozzi, the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is housed in a combination of historic palaces converted to modern academic buildings. With free access to internet, research labs, recording and art studio spaces, demo kitchens, fashion media labs, and numerous other facilities, you will enjoy a fusion of Florentine tradition and modernity. With the ISA Office located a few minutes' walk along the Arno River and right around the corner from the famed Ponte Vecchio, you can easily go from campus to the ISA Office for support with academics, housing, travel, or any other aspect of the program. You can come here to receive tutoring, meet with other ISA students, check the ISA bulletin board for upcoming cultural events, use the internet, or mingle with the resident staff.

    FUA is accredited by the Region of Tuscany, as delegated by the Ministry of Education.

  • Term

    Academic Year 1 2025

  • Program Dates

    Late Aug, 2025 - Early May, 2026

  • Program Length

    Academic Year

  • Application Deadline

    May 01, 2025

  • Forms and Payment Deadline

    May 15, 2025

  • Credit

    12 - 15 Credits

  • Eligibility

    2.75 Minimum GPA*

  • Cost

    $33,850

  • Apply Now

Study Abroad Program Description

This is an incredible semester program for Business, Hospitality, Design, and the Liberal Arts! The Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence (FUA) offers courses across a variety of subject areas including Italian studies and culture, hospitality, marketing, management, studio art, and more. FUA places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, focusing on real-world experience and hands-on learning. Internships are available across a wide variety of subjects (language level requirements may vary).

Courses are taught in English (except for Italian language courses.) There is no Italian language experience required for this program, although if you have not taken an Italian language course yet, you are strongly encouraged to choose language as one of your courses. Courses will be taught by local and international faculty. Your classmates will be international students, the majority of whom are North American.

Please note: Some courses will require additional fees: these fees cover course-related activities and support the instructor's teaching methodologies. Textbook costs are not included in the fee. Students will be informed about the payment of these fees by their instructors on the first day of class. Students will need to pay the course fees in cash during the second week of class. Course fees are not refundable.

Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex

We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.

*Eligibility

MINIMUM GPA

Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75.

MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES

There is no language prerequisite for this program.

  • You must be at least 18 years old by the program start date.

  • You must submit a self-disclosure conduct information form and a School of Record transcript request form. Additional details will be provided after gaining access to the ISA Student Portal.

  • If you have a cumulative GPA below 2.75, you may still be considered for acceptance. You will have to submit one letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose.

What's Included

Comprehensive Advising and Support

24-Hour Emergency

Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support

Airport Reception*

Visa Support

Tuition at the Host University

Housing

Bridging Cultures Orientation

Full-Time Resident Staff

On-Site ISA Offices

Internet Access

ISA Discovery Model

Excursions*

Cultural Activities

Insurance

Official Transcript from the Host University

Professional Development Toolbox

Scholarship Opportunities

Academics

Credits

Credits

12 - 15

Contact Hours

180 - 225

Recommended U.S. Semester Credits

12 - 15

Recommended U.S. Quarter Units

16 - 20

Academic Information

***Applications accepted on a rolling basis. Course registration is first-come-first-serve.***

***Courses listed below only reflect offered coursework during the Fall semester.

For September Intensive Month coursework, please refer to the following link:

September Course List ***


PROGRAM STRUCTURE

  • This program is comprised of two semesters: pre-semester September intensive session + 11-week Fall semester and pre-semester February intensive session + 11-week Spring semester. You will take a total of 12-15 semester credits during the Fall: one course (3 credits) during September Intensive Month, and 3-4 courses (9-12 credits) during the Fall semester. In the Spring, you will also take a total of 12-15 semester credits: one course (3 credits) during February Intensive Month, and 3-4 courses (9-12 credits) during the Spring semester.

COURSE SELECTION

  • Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.
  • Eligibility for courses may be subject to a placement exam and/or prerequisites.
  • Course availability is based on enrollment numbers.
  • You should seek pre-approval for alternate courses in the event of class cancellations.

COURSE CREDIT

  • Credits earned vary according to the policies of your home institution.
  • According to ISA policy and possible visa requirements, you must maintain full-time enrollment status, as determined by your home and host institutions, for the duration of the program.
  • Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university.

COURSE LEVEL RECOMMENDATIONS

  • ISA offers course level recommendations for the courses listed below. Please note that the course level recommendations are based on the Florence University of the Arts (FUA) subject difficulty levels and course codes. Course numbers generally adhere to the following guidelines:
    • 100 - 299 Lower division courses
    • 300 - 399 Upper division courses
    • 600 - 699 Graduate Courses
  • Students who have taken at least 4 semesters of college (juniors or seniors) may be permitted to enroll in graduate level courses. It is your responsibility to get any graduate level courses (and credits) approved by your home institution.
  • These ISA recommendations are intended to facilitate the determination of course equivalencies by advisers and credential evaluators at participants' U.S. home institutions.

SYLLABI

  • Requests for sample syllabi can be made to the Italy Program Manager.

LANGUAGE RECOMMENDATION

  • If you have not completed a college semester of Italian language or the equivalent are strongly encouraged to take an Italian language course while on this program.
  • Italian courses are offered from the Beginner to Advanced level.

COURSE FEES

  • Some courses may require additional fees for materials and field trips which are to be paid directly to the host university. Fees typically range from €20 to €150.

TRANSCRIPTS

  • Upon program completion, you will receive a transcript issued directly from the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). IIf you require a U.S. transcript, you have the option to request a School of Record transcript from the University of South Florida (USF) for an additional cost ($185-$530 depending on the number of credits you are taking at FUA). The University of South Florida serves as the U.S. School of Record for the FUA and this benefit is also extended to ISA students. Please speak with your program manager for information regarding this transcript option. Additional information regarding the School of Record partnership between the FUA and USF may be found on the USF Education Abroad and FUA Accreditation sites.

LANGUAGE PLACEMENT

  • Enrollment in Italian courses is determined by the results of a language placement exam administered by the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). Please note that your performance on the placement exam may not reflect the number of semesters of language instruction you've already completed at your home university.
  • We strongly suggest that if you are trying to place into any level of language beyond true beginning, to prepare for the language placement exam by reviewing previous coursework.

Please Note: The courses below reflect the most current list of courses released by the host university. Please refer to this list when completing your pre-registration form. Also note that courses are always subject to change.

Courses

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Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence
College of Business
Accounting & Finance
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Entrepreneurship Resources
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Management
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Marketing
Digital Marketing
BUMKWM325 
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Communications and Publishing
Journalism and Book Publishing
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Travel Writing
CPJLTW290
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Mass Communication
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Social Media
CPMCSM250
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Digital Imaging and Visual Arts
Digital Media
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Photography
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
90 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Studio Photography
DIPHSP320
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Visual Communication
Art Direction
DIVCAD330
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Fashion, Accessories Studies and Technology
Accessory Design and Technology
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Fashion Communication and Publishing
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Fashion Design and Technology
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Fashion Merchandising
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Fine Arts
Art Education
Art Therapy
FAAEAT300
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
4 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Ceramics
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Classic Photography
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Mixed Media
Mixed Media
FAMMMM300
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Painting and Drawing
Advanced Painting
FAPDAP350 
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Foundation Drawing
FAPDFD120
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Food and Wine Studies
Dietetics and Nutrition
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Food & Culture
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
6 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Wine & Culture
Pairing Food and Wine
FWWCPF335 
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Tuscany and Its Wines
FWWCTW262 
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Wine Expertise
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Global Studies
Urban Studies
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Hospitality
Hospitality and Tourism Management
Restaurant, Food and Beverage Management
Cost Control
HPFBCC532
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Interior Design, Environmental Architecture and Sustainability
Architectural Restoration and History of Architecture
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Architectural Studies
Interior and Visual Design
Design Thinking
IDPDDT300
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Lighting Design
IDIDIL270
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Sustainable Architecture and Design
Design By Nature I
IDSADN310
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Italian Studies and Linguistics
Italian Language
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
9 Credits
135 Contact Hours
9 Credits
135 Contact Hours
6 Credits
90 Contact Hours
6 Credits
90 Contact Hours
6 Credits
90 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Italian Studies
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
6 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Education In Italy
ISISED335
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Liberal Arts
Art History and Architecture
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Classical Studies
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Comparative Literature
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Creative Writing
Creative Writing
LACWCW200
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Criminology
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Dramatic and Performing Arts
Guitar Workshop
LAPAGW300
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
History
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Saints and Sinners
LAHSSS330
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Music Studies
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
Music Production
LAMUMP370
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Philosophy
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Biomedical Ethics
LAPLBE320
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Psychology
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Religious Studies
World Religions
LARSWR280
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Life Studies and Human Services
Health Humanities
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Social Work
LSHHSW200
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Sociology
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Professional Studies
Community Service
4 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Experiential Learning
6 Credits
45 Contact Hours
6 Credits
45 Contact Hours
6 Credits
45 Contact Hours
6 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
150 Contact Hours
3 Credits
150 Contact Hours
3 Credits
150 Contact Hours
3 Credits
150 Contact Hours
3 Credits
150 Contact Hours
3 Credits
150 Contact Hours
Internships
Internship
PSININ450
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
120 Contact Hours
College of Science and Mathematics
Biology
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Chemistry
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Mathematics
Finite Mathematics
SMMAFM150
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
College of Sports and Health Studies
Sport Sciences
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
3 Credits
45 Contact Hours
Course Disclaimer
  • Courses and course hours of instruction are subject to change.

Support & Funding

ISA is here to support you when it comes to navigating identity questions related to traveling abroad, providing resources and information for your accessibility needs, and identifying funding for your program abroad.

SUPPORT TEAM

Our U.S. staff is available to support you though every stage of your study abroad journey. Please reach out with any questions about ISA programs or life on-site to your country-specific Program Manager.

Our on-site staff are there for you as soon as you arrive in country and will support you throughout your time abroad.

U.S. Team

Victoria Grist

Program Manager, Italy

Adyline Saucier

Program Manager, Italy

Jessie Llerena

Region & Account Manager, Italy

FLORENCE TEAM

Alessia Foianesi

Resident Director, Italy

Ola (Aleksandra) Smolen

Senior Academic Coordinator, Italy

Perla Signori

Italy Custom Program Director, Italy

Sabrina Landini

Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator & Custom Programs, Italy

Sara Ruffino

Cultural Activities Coordinator, Italy

Lorenzo Pozzolini

Housing Coordinator, Italy

Identity Resources

Accessibility & Accommodations

With our wide portfolio of program types and locations, we’re confident there is a suitable, accessible program for each student.

Securing accommodations abroad can take time, so we ask that those with requests inform ISA early in the advising process. We recommend reaching out to your Program Manager or our Accessibility Team (accessibilityteam@worldstrides.com) to discuss your accessibility needs or accommodations abroad.

Destination Information

Our diversity pages for each ISA destination include information on Indigenous communities, languages, race and ethnicity, religion, LGBTQIA+, and disability access. We hope it will help when reflecting upon and contextualizing intersectionality in your host community.

Identity Blog

ISA offers students the opportunity to blog about their experiences abroad from their own diverse perspectives. These posts can be found on the ISA Student Blog, and interested students should email diversity@studiesabroad.com for more information.

Funding

All students should have the opportunity to study abroad. To help make this a reality, ISA offers a variety of scholarships to help cover your study abroad costs. To learn more about our scholarship opportunities, check out our scholarships & grants page!

If you receive financial aid from your home university, you can likely use those funds for study abroad, as well. Speak with your home university’s financial aid office to learn about your options. Check out steps for using financial aid.

Questions about scholarships and funding? Email us at higheredfinaid@worldstrides.org

Housing

ISA housing offers the opportunity for you to immerse yourself in Florence during your study abroad experience. With Florence being a small city, no matter your housing preference, you’ll be able to walk or take public transportation to your classes! With an open and adaptable mind, the experience of living in another culture can be highly rewarding.

We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations. However, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.

Apartment

Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Rent and utilities are included in the program price and each apartment is fully furnished. The apartments are located throughout the city of Florence rather than all in one building. Apartments typically house two to six ISA students, with shared room occupancy. Meals and laundry service are not included. You will pay a $300 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.

Homestay

Host families are best for if you're seeking a fully-immersive experience during your time abroad. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays provide breakfast seven days a week, dinner five days a week and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student (roommates are of the same gender). There is an extra cost for the homestay housing option; please contact your ISA Florence Program Manager for more information.

Independent Housing

You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.

Housing is not included during the winter break and/or the break between the fall and spring semesters for those students completing the full academic year. Housing is also not included between intensive month sessions and the academic semesters. Please contact your ISA Program Manager if you would like to add ISA housing for an additional cost during these periods.

Excursions

THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA

ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of Italy that you may not be able to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go 2-3 excursions. The destinations below are a sample of some of the possibilities, which are finalized in the time leading up to the start of your program.

Hilltowns of Central Italy

Spend the day soaking up the classic rolling hills of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. While exploring the well-preserved medieval towns and surrounding vineyards that dot the hillsides, you’ll experience the essence of Italy and gain a glimpse into local life and culture. Here the landscape is defined by giant sunflowers and hay bales, and the towns produce some of the world’s best wine. Possible destinations include Vinci, Val'Dorcia, Ninfa, Sermoneta, Arezzo, Lucca, and Montepulciano.

Rome

Get an introduction to Italy via the Eternal City, a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends historical landmarks with modern Italian style. During this trip, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Coliseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, and finish the excursion by tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to this truly enchanting city. Rome can be overwhelming because of its size, but with ISA as a guide, you’ll be set!

Siena & Tuscan Towns

Another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena has a laid-back lifestyle that allows you to leisurely stroll the winding cobblestone streets, explore the Renaissance cathedral, and relax in the beautiful town square, Piazza del Campo. Each neighborhood (contrada) is represented by an animal or mascot. Ward rivalries are most rampant during the traditional medieval horse race (Palio) held on July 2 and August 16 in Piazza del Campo each year. Then, you’ll tour neighboring Tuscan towns that produce some of the world’s greatest wines, cheeses, and other iconic Italian products. Possible locations include San Gimignano or Monteriggioni.

Cultural Activities in Florence

The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Florence. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Florence special.

These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included a tour of the leather district (Florence is famous for its leather), a pizza making class, and a tour of a gelato factory!

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