FLORENCE, ITALY
Ready to soak-up Italian Culture in the birthplace of Renaissance and Capital of Tuscany? There is no city in the world like Florence, and our study abroad program is a great fit for students looking for an immersive learning experience in Europe. Learn more about studying abroad in Florence below.
Quick Facts
Language of Instruction: English
Host University: UniCollege Florence
Semesters Available: Fall, Spring, Full Year
Semester Duration: 11 weeks
Credits: 15 credits included
Application Requirements: GPA 2.75
Program Highlights
Support from pre-departure through return. Learn about how we support you and help you get ready.
Live like a Florentine: Supported by an incredible local team of Italians, you’ll be truly immersed in Florence. We want you to return home with a second home in Italy! Meet your local team.
Experiential learning & courses tailored to you. There are incredible course options that include field learning, and hands-on experience in business, art, fashion, cooking, and more. Read about Academics, Courses, & Experiential Learning.
Visa-Free: No visa is required for this 11 week intensive semester.
Life in Florence
Florence is breathtaking — known for its culture, architecture, monuments, and the world’s best Renaissance art. Day-to-day you’ll be surrounded by beauty as you walk to class with a friend through the historical center. Florence is a super walkable city that will feel like home in no time.
What might a typical day look like for students living abroad in Florence? In the morning on your way to class, you might stop and enjoy an Italian cappuccino. After, grab a slice of pizza with classmates before you work on some assignments over some gelato. There is an incredible variety of local bars, restaurants, markets, shops, and businesses.
It’ll be obvious in no time why Florence has gained such an international appeal, and by the end of your semester abroad, you’ll be calling Florence home.
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You'll stay in shared student housing, either in an on-campus dormitory or an off-campus apartment, in triple or quadruple occupancy rooms. Both housing options are fully furnished and designed to provide a comfortable living environment throughout the program.
Your accommodation includes:
Shared living areas, kitchen, bathroom, and laundry facilities
Wi-Fi access
Air conditioning and heating
A wardrobe with a mirror, bedside table, personal mini refrigerator, desk, chair, and lamp
Bedding (mattress, pillow, and sheets), towels, drying rack, and ironing equipment
Housing Upgrades: Students may request an upgrade to a double or single room for an additional cost, subject to availability.
Meal Plan: The program includes one meal per day, Monday through Friday, served at the Unicollege cafeteria. Each meal includes a main dish (or protein with a side), bread, and a beverage.
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Unicollege offers a variety of activities and opportunities designed to help you connect with fellow students, experience Italian culture, and make the most of your semester abroad.
Throughout the semester, you'll have access to:
Comprehensive on-arrival orientation and student support
A Buddy Program, pairing you with Italian or international students to help you settle in and connect with campus life
Student activities and cultural events organized throughout the semester
Recreational and wellness opportunities, including activities such as outdoor yoga and friendly sports competitions
Student discounts for museums and cultural attractions through your Unicollege student ID
Optional Academic Field Trips: Students may also choose to enroll in faculty-led academic field trips to destinations such as Rome, Siena, Pisa, or Bologna. These excursions are offered as credit-bearing courses and combine classroom learning with hands-on cultural and historical experiences. Availability and destinations may vary by semester.
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The top priority while studying abroad in Florence is to help keep you happy, healthy, and safe — whether that’s finding a local English-speaking specialist or therapist, preparing to navigate a food sensitivity, or understanding any potential challenges for your identity to help you stay safe. We know each of us is unique, and for those times you may feel overwhelmed by what’s going on around you, we will be there for you.
Click here for more information about health and safety at EdOdyssey.
Pre-Departure Education, On-Site Orientation and Re-Entry Support
PRE-DEPARTURE EDUCATION & ON-SITE ORIENTATION
Once accepted, we start working with you 1-on-1 to prepare for your arrival and help you pre-approve all your courses. You’ll have access to our study abroad student portal with cultural resources, student handbook, important dates, and health & safety information. Plus,
WELCOME MEETING: Several weeks before you travel abroad, your Program Director will schedule a video call with you to review important points related to your upcoming semester in Florence. Most importantly, we’ll answer all your questions. Then, when you arrive, we’ll be waiting for you at the airport!
ACADEMIC ORIENTATION: Upon arrival, you'll participate in Unicollege's orientation, where you'll meet the academic staff, learn about campus resources and student services, review important academic information, and get acquainted with campus life.
RE-ENTRY SUPPORT & CAREER DEVELOPMENT
It’s true, studying abroad can be hugely beneficial for your future. During your time abroad in Florence, we help tailor your experience to your future goals, and upon return, coach you on how to highlight your study abroad on your resume, portfolio, or application.
UniCollege Florence
At UniCollege Florence, you'll take classes in English while studying in the heart of one of Italy's most iconic cities. With small class sizes and an international student community, you'll get to know your professors, collaborate with classmates from around the world, and enjoy a more personalized learning experience.
Your classroom won't be limited to four walls. Living in Florence means history, art, culture, business, and everyday Italian life become part of your education. Whether you're discussing global issues, learning a new language, or exploring your field of study, you'll be surrounded by opportunities to connect what you learn in class with the world around you.
Before you leave for Italy, your EdOdyssey advisor will help you choose courses that fit your degree requirements and work with your home university to make the credit transfer process as smooth as possible. During the semester, you'll typically take 12–15 U.S. semester credits (or the equivalent), allowing you to stay on track toward graduation while gaining an unforgettable international experience.
Studying at UniCollege Florence is more than earning credits—it's an opportunity to challenge yourself academically, build friendships with students from around the world, and experience everyday life in Italy while making meaningful progress toward your degree.
Academics
Spend your semester in Florence studying alongside students from around the world while earning transferable academic credit. Through EdOdyssey's partnership with Unicollege, you'll have the flexibility to build a schedule that supports your degree requirements while exploring new academic interests.
Flexible Course Selection
Students typically enroll in a full-time academic load of 12–15 U.S. credits (4–5 courses) each semester. Before departure, you'll work with the EdOdyssey team to identify courses that align with your academic goals, and final enrollment will be confirmed by Unicollege based on course availability and prerequisites.
Areas of Study
Courses are taught in English and span a wide range of disciplines*, including:
Art & Design
Business & Management
Communications & Media
Global Studies & Humanities
Fashion & Luxury
Hospitality & Tourism
Culinary & Food Studies
Marketing
Economics & Finance
Italian Language & Culture
*Course offerings may vary by semester.
Italian Language
Whether you're a complete beginner or already have experience with Italian, you may choose to include an Italian language course as part of your semester. Courses are available at multiple proficiency levels and combine language instruction with cultural learning to help you make the most of your experience in Florence.
Optional Academic Opportunities
Students seeking a more specialized academic experience may be eligible to apply for:
Independent Study, allowing students to pursue an individualized research project under faculty supervision (subject to eligibility, approval, and additional fees).
Credit-bearing Academic Field Trips to destinations such as Rome, Siena, Pisa, or Bologna, combining classroom learning with hands-on cultural exploration (available for an additional fee).
Academic Credit
Courses are delivered within Unicollege's accredited academic framework and include official syllabi, learning outcomes, assessments, and transcripts to support credit transfer to your home institution. We recommend working with your academic advisor before departure to confirm how your selected courses will apply toward your degree requirements.
Upcoming Semesters & Dates
Here are important dates and costs for our study abroad program in Florence, Italy.
SPRING 2027
Application Deadline: November 15, 2026
Start Date: January 18, 2027.
End Date: March 31, 2027.
FALL 2027
Application Deadline: April 15, 2026.
Start Date: TBD.
End Date: TBD.
Program Costs
Program Fee: $19,500.00*
*Custom group semester and faculty-led pricing available. Request a call to get more information.
Once accepted, a $500 deposit is due to reserve your spot in our Italy study abroad program.
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12–15 Academic Credits in Florence
Your semester abroad with EdOdyssey includes:
Enrollment in a full-time semester course load (12–15 U.S. academic credits)
Academic advising and course selection support before departure
Access to a wide range of English-taught courses across disciplines such as:
Art & Design
Business & Management
Communications & Media
Global Studies & Humanities
Fashion & Luxury
Hospitality & Tourism
Culinary Studies
Italian Language & Culture
Academic orientation upon arrival in Florence
Official academic transcript and credit transfer support
Access to student resources, campus services, and cultural activities
Opportunities to participate in student events, wellness activities, and community-building programs
Optional academic field trips and experiential learning opportunities (available separately, based on availability)
All pre-departure preparation, guidance, and program materials
Dedicated EdOdyssey support throughout the semester
24/7 health and emergency assistance
International emergency medical insurance
Airport arrival assistance (if included in the final program package)
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Students will live in shared student accommodations in Florence, arranged as part of the semester program.
Housing includes:
Triple or quadruple occupancy rooms in a shared residence or apartment
Shared living spaces, kitchens, bathrooms, and laundry facilities
Fully furnished accommodations
WiFi/internet access
Air conditioning and heating
Personal wardrobe with mirror
Bedside table
Personal refrigerator
Desk, chair, and lamp
Bedding (mattress, pillow, and sheets)
Towels
Drying rack and ironing equipment
HOUSING UPGRADES
Students may request upgraded accommodations for an additional cost, subject to availability:
Double room
Single room
MEALS
The program includes:
One meal per day, Monday through Friday
Meals are provided at the student cafeteria and include:
Main dish (or protein with side)
Bread
Beverage
Students should budget separately for additional meals, groceries, and personal dining expenses.
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Learn more about Scholarships, Financial Aid, and more on our Money Matters page.
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The following are estimated expenses outside of the program cost. Students should budget according to their personal lifestyle and spending habits.
Airfare: ~$900
Books & Course Materials: ~$200–$400
Additional Meals & Groceries: ~$1,000–$1,500
Personal Expenses: ~$1,000TOTAL ESTIMATED PERSONAL SEMESTER EXPENSES: ~$3,100–$3,800 USD
READY TO APPLY TO OUR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN FLORENCE, ITALY?
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