Study Abroad in Italy

Florence, Italy

Spring Quarter, 2027

Study abroad in the heart of Florence places you in one of Italy’s most iconic cultural and artistic centers. Become part of the local community, not just a visitor, while taking courses and living in the birthplace of the Renaissance for one quarter. The city becomes your classroom through academic excursions and cultural activities connected to your studies. In your free time, explore world-renowned museums, historic piazzas, magnificent cathedrals, and masterpieces by artists such as Michelangelo and Botticelli. Enjoy the charm of Florentine life through its cafés, markets, gelaterias, and the rich traditions of Tuscan cuisine and culture.

 

Classes will be held at the UniCollege Student Center, which is centrally located and a short walk from the student apartments. Wi-fi is available throughout the Study Center; students and faculty also have access to computers and a printer, projector, white boards, etc.

 

Housing

Students will stay in self-catered apartments near to the study center. Typically, each two-to-four-bedroom apartment is shared by four-to-six WCCCSA students on a twin-bedded basis. Students will have a shared kitchen and living space. Bed linen and wireless internet are provided. Apartments are within a short 10-20 minute walk to the Study Center.

 

Meal Plan (optional)

The base meal plan (450 euros) offered at the study center includes 45 meals – that can be extended with an additional fee of €15/meal. Meals include one main course (can include pasta/sandwich/meat/fish, etc. + water and coffee).

 

Transportation

Transportation subscription (valid for one month on all public transportation in Florence; the pass can be recharged as needed). UniCollege will provide instructions and support with ground transportation from the airport in Florence to students’ apartments upon arrival.

 

Faculty & Courses

Courses and faculty information is TBD. Students will register for three 5-credit courses at their home campus. Those three courses include a 5-credit Italian Life and Culture course. This course will be taught by local qualified guest lecturers from Unicollege, focusing on historical, political, economic, and cultural aspects of Florence and Italy. Local faculty will assign work and grades for the course.

This is an academic program and students are required to enroll in a full-time course load (15 credits). Failure to participate in the academic coursework may result in dismissal from the program. Students are encouraged to make the most of their classroom learning as it will enhance understanding of all the local area has to offer.

 

Program Activities

Included in the program students will have:

• 9 STUDENT LIFE ACTIVITIES: 1 per week (2 hours each) held by the local professor of Italian life and culture course, see the previous section for further details.
• Cultural activities: ticket-free walking tours in Florence and its surroundings, enriched with historical and cultural context. Examples include visits to Palazzo Vecchio, Palazzo Strozzi, Santa Maria del Fiore, and the Officina Profumo-Farmaceutica di Santa Maria Novella.
• Student life activities: to foster social and cultural exchange through events such as language tandems, karaoke nights (in Italian and English), lasagna or pizza night, and more.
• Optional day excursions to Siena and Pisa, each for an additional fee of 200 euro (each option needs at least 12 participants).

Independent Travel

You are free to use your weekends to explore new neighborhoods in Florence, or take short train trips to other cities in Italy. Or you may even choose to leave the country and travel to Europe’s great cities including London, Amsterdam, Barcelona, and Paris.  

 

 

Cost

The cost for the program is 6,000 Euro (about $7,050 USD). This cost includes the 1500 euro deposit which is due at the time of application.

Included

• Accommodation in a shared, self-catered apartment (centrally located)
• Remote- and in-country 24-hour emergency contact service for duration of program
• Welcome event (Italiano aperitivo style)
• Comprehensive Health Insurance
• Online pre-departure cultural induction, jointly delivered by WCCCSA and Unicollege
• Onsite orientation program with Unicollege staff, covering safety and security, cultural differences, and daily life in Italy
• Full access to Unicollege campus facilities, including Wi-Fi, cafeteria, and university common areas – and with assistance of English-speaking front-desk personnel
• Public transportation card valid for the city of Florence for the first month and rechargeable beyond that

Not Included

• Round-trip airfare and in-country transfers
• Tuition & fees for 15 credits at your campus
• Course books/materials
• Passport & visa fees, if apply
• Meals not mentioned above
• Personal expenses
• Additional excursions and fieldtrips to those listed
• Anything not specified as included in the program
• Optional personal effects coverage and medical insurance upgrade

 

Scholarships

WCCCSA Florence participants are all eligible for the $1,000 WCCCSA Scholarship. Applications are due on or before Friday, January 8, 2027.

 

Pre-Departure Orientation (mandatory)

When: Saturday, March 6, 2027
Where: TBD
Time: 10am-3pm

What to bring to Orientation:

• Signed copy of the Student Guidelines
• Four passport photos
• Copy of your passport
• Flight itineraries
• Notepad and pen to take notes
• And questions

You should also invite parents, guardians, or whomever you feel should attend with you. Coffee will be provided in the morning and lunch will be included. The faculty will be available to discuss their courses and expectations.