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. Discover the experience that awaits you below! 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

Student Experience

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.

  • STANDARD HOUSING (SHARED APARTMENT IN MULTIPLE OCCUPANCY ROOMS)

    The most common housing option, you’ll share a room in a fully furnished apartment with other students at your university. Located in the heart of the city, you’ll be a short walk away from campus, no further than 10-20 minutes.

    HOST FAMILY

    Looking to integrate even more with the local culture? You can also choose to live with a hand-matched host family in Florence. All families are vetted, have homes near campus, and are enthusiastic about hosting you and sharing their home, language, and culture with you. There is a maximum of 2 students per home for true immersion, and your homestay includes either breakfast or half board (breakfast+dinner) Monday to Thursday.

  • Not generic bus tours, these are documentary-worthy experiences that you’ll remember for years to come created by us especially for you, our students.  While Florence will be your home in Italy, there’s even more to discover throughout Italy! The best part - these learning excursions are included in your study abroad experience!

    Welcome to the Picturesque villages of northern Italy. Home of the Slow Food International Movement. This is where world-famous wines, truffles, and cheeses are produced. It's also where Nutella is made!

    Charming medieval towns, rolling hills covered by vineyards, and mountains, and many great meals are all part of this magical trip north.

  • 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.re for more information about health and safety at EdOdyssey.

Pre-Departure Education, On-Site Orientation and Re-Entry Support

PRE-DEPARTURE EDUCATION & PREP

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 full of cultural resources, student handbook, important dates, and health & safety information. Plus,

  • WELCOME MEETING: Several weeks before you travel abroad, your Program Director in Italy 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!

COMPREHENSIVE ORIENTATIONS

  • ON-SITE PROGRAM ORIENTATION + HEALTH & SAFETY: Upon arrival, we’ll review all the most important details, like Health & Safety in a gorgeous location in the Tuscany countryside just close to Florence, you could relax and reflect with us about your upcoming Study Abroad experience. In particular, we’ll review expectations and specifics about life in Italy, and share resources and tips to get you acquainted with local norms and culture.

  • ACADEMIC ORIENTATION:  In addition to your program orientation with EdOdyssey, you’ll also meet with the academic staff at Florence University of the Arts to review other important details and get acquainted with campus.

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.

Study Abroad Team In Italy

When you study abroad in Florence with EdOdyssey, you’re part of a small cohort. Our team takes the time to get to know you personally. Meet some of your study abroad team for our Florence program:

 

Irene Sacco, Italy Programs Manager

Irene is originally from Genoa and has been based in Bologna for the past nine years. With a background in film production and management, she has worked with EdOdyssey supporting international exchange programs and student groups in Italy. She also collaborates with a textile art collective, where she helps lead workshops and creative group projects. Irene is committed to supporting students throughout their time abroad and helping them make the most of their experience in Florence and beyond.

Academics & Learning

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.

Courses

Core Courses (3 credits):

  • “Italian Language & Culture” (3 credits)

Experiential Learning Option (3-4 credits):

  • Internship / Service Learning / Experiential Course (3-4 credits) - Hands-on learning experience in just about anything you can think of including: video production, baking/pastry, hospitality/hotel/tourism, marketing, management/business, advanced art therapy, social media, visual communication & graphic design, “The Italian Chef’s Table”, and more. Students love being immersed, and this is a fantastic, resume-boosting experience.

Other Coursework (6-9 credits):

  • Other Course (2-3 courses for 6-9 credits) - You’ll have countless options across a wide range of fields. Some student favorites includes: “Cultural Perspectives: Awareness, Exposure & Engagement” (includes a field-learning trip to Sicily), “Food, Culture & Society in Italy” (includes cooking labs, tastings and learning visits), “Florentine Art Walks”, and “History of the Italian Renaissance”.

Popular Majors & Concentrations:

BUSINESS • COMMUNICATIONS • HUMANITIES • ARTS • FASHION • HOSPITALITY • ITALIAN STUDIES • VISUAL ARTS • ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Looking for courses in a particular area? Email us at info@edodyssey.com.

Dates, Costs & Apply

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: September 28, 2026.

  • End Date: December 13, 2026.

Program Costs

  • Program Fee: $19,500.00

  • Housing: $4,380 (shared, student apartments).

  • Total EdOdyssey Program Fee: $17,990.00

Once accepted, a $500 deposit is due to reserve your spot in our Italy study abroad program.

  • TUITION

    • 12-15 Academic Credits at Florence University of the Arts (FUA)

    • A FUA Dedicated Student Abroad Adviser

    • Personal Project Development

    • FUA Academic Transcript & Credit Transfer Support. (School of Record Transcript $ 530.00, only upon request)

    • All Pre-Departure Preparation & Materials

    • Comprehensive Orientation including a two-day retreat in a gorgeous location in the Tuscany countryside before the program starts

    • Coursework, Local Meetups & Activities

    • A Long Weekend Excursion through Northern Italy

    • FUA Team & EdOdyssey Support

    • 24/7 Health & Emergency Assistance

    • International Emergency Medical Insurance

    • FUA Credit-Bearing Experiential learning, Service Learning or Internship

    • Multiple extracurricular activities, including community outreach, through our connecting Cultures Program

    • International Airport Pick Up & Drop Off

    HOUSING

    • Multiple occupancy rooms in shared apartments

    • Fully furnishings with linens and towels provided

    • Located in a central historic city center, walking distance to the academic center

    • Check-In Service

    • Air Conditioning

    • WiFi/Internet

    • Fully furnished living/dining room

    • Fully equipped kitchen

    • Utilities Included: Gas/Electricity & Water

    EXTRA HOUSING AMENITIES

    Additional Costs, Each Upon Request

    • A double or single room in a shared apartment

    • Meal Plans

    • Homestay available

  • Learn more about Scholarships, Financial Aid, and more on our Money Matters page.

  • These are estimates and students should budget based on their lifestyle and spending habits.

    • Airfare: $900

    • Visa: $0 - not required!

    • Emergency Travel Insurance: Included!

    • Book & Lab Fees: $400 (estimate, depends on course selections and may be less)

    • Meals: $1,250 (note: 55 meal plan units included at university)

    • Personal Expenses: $1,000

    • Housing Security Deposit: $300 (returned at the end of the semester)

    TOTAL ESTIMATED PERSONAL SEMESTER EXPENSES: $3,850 USD

READY TO APPLY TO OUR STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IN FLORENCE, ITALY?

Start My Study Abroad Application

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