11-WEEK PROGRAM IN FLORENCE, ITALY
GEORGE MASON UNIVERSITY
Welcome to your program page for your time abroad in Florence! This page will be regularly updated with important information, next steps, and resources so check back often.
Quick Facts
Language of Instruction: English.
Destination: Florence, Italy.
Host University: Florence University of the Arts (FUA).
Group: Open to all George Mason University Students!
Accommodations: Shared Multiple occupancy rooms in all-furnished apartments in the city center.
Dates: Check IN February 21st - Check OUT May 9th, 2026.
Program Fee and Accommodation: Please, contact your Institution.
Number of Credits Offered: up to 15 credits at FUA
Language Courses Offered: Italian
Fields of Study: Art and Visual Technology, Psychology, Art History, Sociology, Honors, Business, Criminology Law and Society, Economics, English, Anthropology, Foreign Languages, Global Affairs, History, Integrative Studies, Italian Studies
Two days Edodyssey Orientation-Retreat before checking IN with FUA
Long Weekend experiential learning in the Italian Alps region
EdOdyssey Contact: Peter McGovern
Housing in Florence
Student Housing accommodations will be within walking distance from the campus facilities, and include amenities such as a fully equipped kitchen, air conditioning, wi-fi, washing machine and bed linens in multiple occupancy rooms in residence style apartments.
Please note that based on gender breakdown and apartment configurations, students could have roommates from other FUA-AUF programs.
Registration
TO REGISTER
STEP 1: Click the “Register With EdOdyssey” button below.
We use WeTravel to manage registration and as our payment platform for families. We’re excited to have you join us! To register:
Click the “Register With EdOdyssey” button below.
A WeTravel pop-up window will appear. We use WeTravel to manage our programs.
Please fill out your personal information and answer the required questions.
Confirm your registration by clicking “Confirm Booking”.
STEP 2: Register and apply for your courses and accommodation at Florence University of the Arts (FUA). Please see the instructions below. For more detailed instructions with screenshots, click here.
Click the “Apply to FUA here” button below.
On the login page, click “HERE” to register.
Fill out and submit the Registration Form (Under Provider ID type: “EdOdysseyFlorence”).
You will receive an email confirmation. Click on the confirmation link.
Log in to the portal and select "Enroll in a New Session".
Select "Special Program" and click "Proceed"
Select "EdOdyssey - GMU Spring 2026" and click "Proceed".
You can now select courses for 12 - 15 credits, including 3 credits of Italian (be careful in avoiding overlaps between your course sessions).
As a backup, the system will ask you to select at least a couple of alternative courses.
After selecting the courses the system will display the enrollment summary.
Accept the terms and confirm the request.
*Note for housing: the system will show “Dorm - Multiple” by default.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: OCTOBER 31, 2025
NOTE: We highly suggest applying as soon as possible to avoid finding too many courses already full.
WE’RE VERY EXCITED TO HAVE YOU JOIN US IN OUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
EDODYSSEY SCHOLARSHIPS
Did you know EdOdyssey offers scholarships? If you register for this program, you’ll be eligible to apply for one of our five available scholarships. Click below to learn more and apply.
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Award Amount: Up to $600
Deadline: Due by the same date as program application.
Eligibility:
Be in the process of applying for an international short-term EdOdyssey program (shorter than 1 semester)
Be an actively enrolled student at a middle school, high school, college/university.
Preference is given to students who have never traveled abroad before.
Have a minimum GPA of 2.5
Scholarship distribution contingent on participation.
Requirement for Recipients
Scholarship recipients must submit content for three Instagram posts while abroad on their program.
This scholarship can be combined with the passport scholarship. Does not combine with any other EdOdyssey scholarships.
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Award Amount: Up to $1,500
Deadlines:
October 15 for Spring programs
March 15 for Fall programs
Eligibility:
Be in the process of applying for an international semester or academic year EdOdyssey program (1 semester minimum).
Be an actively enrolled student at a college or university.
Have a minimum GPA of 2.8
Scholarship distribution contingent on participation.
Requirement for Recipients
Scholarship recipients must submit content for three Instagram posts while abroad on their program.
Cannot be combined with the World Discovery Scholarship or Alumni Scholarship.
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Award Amount: Up to $165
Deadline: 1 Month Prior to program start date.
Eligibility:
Be a confirmed participant in an upcoming EdOdyssey program that is confirmed to run.
Be an actively enrolled student at a middle school or high school.
Provide receipts pertaining to the student's first application for a U.S. passport.
This scholarship acts as a refund for covering the standard cost of an adult US passport. Students who are selected will be notified 30 days after the deadline.
This scholarship can be combined with other EdOdyssey scholarships.
Important Insurance Information
Your EdOdyssey trip includes international emergency medical coverage
Participant safety is a top priority. As part of every EdOdyssey program, you're covered by robust international medical insurance designed to provide you with essential protection in case of emergencies abroad.
OPTIONAL TRAVEL INSURANCE
It's important to note that this included medical insurance is NOT travel insurance and does not extend to cover travel-related inconveniences such as cancellations, delays, and other unforeseen circumstances. To ensure your trip is worry-free from start to finish, we strongly recommend considering the purchase of additional insurance options tailored to your needs. There are two major 'types' of Travel insurance to consider:
Travel Insurance: This coverage safeguards you against common travel hiccups such as delays or a lost suitcase.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Insurance: For the utmost flexibility, CFAR insurance allows you to cancel your trip for any reason and receive a partial refund, ensuring you're not locked into your plans if circumstances change.
As with all insurance, there are many options available and what is most important is the policy be an appropriate fit for you. Always take the time to review the policy's exclusions, understand the reimbursement policy and limits, eligibility criteria for reimbursement (cancellations, interruptions, date constraints, and more), and coverage for unique circumstances such as pandemic, travel delays, government-imposed restrictions, COVID testing requirements, and quarantine-related expenses.