Learning Abroad Center
This program page is for UofM students. If you are a non-UofM student, visit Study & Intern in Florence
Florence cityscape at sunset

Study & Intern in Florence (UofM Students)

Europe
LAC Program

Learn or improve your Italian while strolling the streets of Michelangelo and Dante. Study art in world-famous museums and work side by side with locals as an intern. Explore contemporary and historical issues facing Italy through excursions around Tuscany, and a study tour to Sicily.

Info

Application Deadline Approaching

The application deadline for Fall Session 2024 is May 1.

Apply Now

Program Details

Location
Location
Florence, Italy
Term
Term
Fall Semester
Spring Semester
Housing
Housing
Apartment
Homestay
Languages Taught In
Languages Taught In
English

Program Eligibility

Student Type
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Student Year
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
GPA
GPA
2.5

Photos

Videos

Study & Intern in Florence

Program Locations

ACCENT Center

The ACCENT Center is where a majority of your classes will be held. It is located in an old converted Palazzo on a popular piazza. In the building there is also a computer lab, library, and staff offices.

Latitude
43.766600
Longitude
11.247000
Siracusa, Sicily

Location for the potential week-long study tour. Live and take classes in the beautiful coastal town of Siracusa. You may also travel to other cities and locations around Sicily.

Latitude
37.059700
Longitude
15.293100
Santa Maria del Fiore (the Duomo)

A major tourist attraction in Florence, located in the heart of the city. Walk inside to see the beautiful art and architecture, and even climb to the top of the dome to see a beautiful view of Florence and the surrounding hills.

Latitude
43.773100
Longitude
11.255800
Ponte Vecchio

The Old Bridge' is a medieval arch bridge over the Arno river in Florence. It is notable because it still has shops built along it, where merchants can display their goods. Originally the shops were occupied by butchers, but today it is mostly jewelers and other artists.

Latitude
43.767900
Longitude
11.253100
Piazzale Michelangelo

Walk or cab to this piazza for a magnificent panoramic view of Florence. This famous view has been shown on countless postcards and other tourist materials.

Latitude
43.762900
Longitude
11.265000
Boboli Gardens

Located just a few steps from the ACCENT center, take a break from the city life in this beautiful park in Florence. Sculptures dating from the 16th to 18th centuries are scattered throughout the gardens.

Latitude
43.762500
Longitude
11.248400
Rome

Take a train down to Rome for an overnight or weekend excursion to see highlights like the Colosseum, Vatican City, the Pantheon and more.

Latitude
41.883200
Longitude
12.487200
Pisa

Located just an hour train ride away, take a day to see the famous Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Latitude
43.712600
Longitude
10.398800
Cinque Terre

Take a break from city life and visit these five picturesque villages on the Italian coast, that are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk, train, or boat between the villages, because cars can't reach them from the outside.

Latitude
44.126000
Longitude
9.710900
Uffizi Gallery

Use your provided museum pass to walk through this famous gallery anytime you want. It is among the oldest and most famous museums in Europe. See works by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Caravaggio, Boticelli and many more.

Latitude
43.767800
Longitude
11.255300
Accademia Gallery

Marvel at the size and intricacies of Michelangelo's famous statue of David.

Latitude
43.776900
Longitude
11.258700
Mount Etna

Hike to the top of this still active volcano, located on the island of Sicily.

Latitude
37.751000
Longitude
14.993600

About

Experience Italian life and culture, past and present, in the beautiful and lively city of Florence. Famous for its Renaissance legacy, Florence is a thriving city with a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary culture. Buses, taxis, and mopeds drive within feet of the Duomo, Florence's magnificent cathedral; chic shops and elegant restaurants line the charming avenues; historic piazzas, ringed with outdoor cafés, host performance artists and flea markets. Enjoy the region's mild climate and world-famous cuisine in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

Take classes in art, art history, business, Italian language, history, sociology, psychology, photography, and retail design. Attend class in the Oltrarno neighborhood, on the south side of the Arno river, in the Piazza Santo Spirito, which is home to one of Florence’s best-known basilicas—Santa Maria del Santo Spirito. This neighborhood is within easy walking distance of major monuments and museums. The area around Piazza Santo Spirito is still very much inhabited by Florentines and full of artisans, artists, galleries, trattorie, and antique shops, which provide a unique atmosphere. You can join sport teams, take part in a language exchange, volunteer, or participate in student groups.

Program Model

Study Abroad Center

Housing & Meals

You will select your housing choice from the options below (including roommate preferences) once the application deadline for your term abroad has passed. You will learn of your placement 1-2 weeks before the program begins. 

Homestay

Students choosing to live with a host family will experience true Florentine life. You will have a furnished bedroom in an Italian home with some meals included. A homestay offers a great opportunity to excel in your Italian language ability and live and learn with Florentines, who can give you a glimpse into true Italian life.

Apartment

Students choosing an apartment will be housed with other study abroad students on the program. You will live in a furnished student apartment with two to four bedrooms and will be responsible for your own meals.

Excursions

Courses in Florence will include experiential learning to bring class content to life. In addition to exploring Florence all students participate in a one-week study tour to Sicily. This study tour includes academic components that are tied to the semester courses students take in Florence. Excursions, guest lectures, walking tours, and site visits around Siracusa and other parts of Sicily are included.

All students will have the opportunity to experience Italian host families through a hosted evening dinner with an Italian family.

Flight

The Learning Abroad Center works with Village Travel, a local travel agency, to arrange a coordinated flight for program participants. The flight is optional, and is arranged for those who want to fly with other program participants. Group flight information is typically available by the program application deadline, if not before.

If you take the group flight, or are able to arrive before the group flight and wait, our staff will meet you at the airport and bring you to your housing at no added cost. If you do not take the group flight, you will need to make your own way to the ACCENT center upon arrival. Specific arrival instructions will be sent out prior to your departure.

For immigration purposes, you should purchase a round-trip ticket, since you must be able to show your entry and exit dates from Italy.

Learning Outcomes

  • Understand how cultural heritage affects contemporary Italian society
  • Uncover a more complex understanding of Italy through visits to various geographic regions of the country
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Florence and Italian culture through experiential classes and required Italian language learning
  • Develop a better understanding of own values and beliefs through intercultural activities
  • Develop critical and analytical thinking skills that can later be leveraged in industry and the workplace

Faculty & Staff

On-site support is provided by ACCENT International. Students take courses at the ACCENT center and have access to a computer lab and classroom space. ACCENT on-site staff provide information to students regarding cultural activities as well as ensuring 24-hour emergency support. ACCENT provides housing, classrooms and study areas, as well as on-site orientation, program excursions and social and cultural events. Italian and international faculty from universities in and around Florence provide all course instruction.

Program Structure

Program Level
1000–3000 level courses
Courseload

12-18 credits 

Coursework

Check out the Course List for syllabi and brief course descriptions as well as University of Minnesota–Twin Cities course equivalencies. 

All semester courses will incorporate excursions and local study tours around Florence to engage you with the local culture. The following extended study tour may be incorporated into the semester program:

  • A one week study tour to the coastal town of Siracusa in Sicily, a city rich in ancient history. While in Sicily, you will study the Italian language and have guest lectures and visits related to your semester courses

Course Options

Semester

Semesters of ItalianTake the Following
ZeroFLOR 1001: Italian 1
3–5 Additional Non-Language Courses
OneFLOR 1002: Italian 2
3–5 Additional Non-Language Courses
TwoFLOR 1003: Italian 2
3–5 Additional Non-Language Courses
ThreeFLOR 1004: Italian 3
3–5 Additional Non-Language Courses
FourFLOR 3100: Italian 3
3–5 Additional Non-Language Courses

Full Course List

Instructions for the Course Enrollment Form

  • You will be enrolled in the courses you list on the Course Enrollment form, unless you hear otherwise from our office
  • Taking Italian language is required, so make sure to select one Italian language class
  • You must take a minimum of 12 credits 
  • Due to the size of the spring semester program, we may need to cap some courses and internship placements. Therefore, we recommend applying early, and finalizing your courses with your academic advisors. We also recommend having backup courses in mind in case one is full.

Italian I

Course ID
FLOR 1001
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

First semester Italian. Develop basic listening, speaking, reading, writing, and communicative competence skills. Some cultural readings are included. No prerequisite.

Syllabus for Italian I

Language Taught In
  • Italian

Italian II

Course ID
FLOR 1002 FLOR 1003
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
5
Credits

Further develop basic skills, and improve conversation and comprehension proficiency as well as reading and writing skills. Includes grammar review. Prerequisite: Completion of one or two semesters of Italian language. If you have completed one semester of Italian, register for FLOR 1002. If you have completed two semesters of Italian, register for FLOR 1003.

Syllabus for 1002 (PDF)

Syllabus for 1003 (PDF)


Language Taught In
  • Italian

Italian III

Course ID
FLOR 1004 FLOR 3100
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3 or 5 Credits

This intermediate through advanced language course will focus on practical skills while emphasizing conversation and vocabulary building. Prerequisite: Completion of three or four semesters of Italian language. If you have completed three semesters of Italian, register for the 5-credit FLOR 1004. If you have completed 4 semesters of Italian, register for the 3-credit FLOR 3100. The 3-credit version of the course has fewer tests, and more focus on a higher level of oral and written work.

Syllabus for 1004 (PDF)

Syllabus for 3100 (PDF)


Language Taught In
  • Italian

Drawing Studio, Beginning or Intermediate

Course ID
FLOR 1201 FLOR 3201
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

Students work from the model, with still life and from natural surroundings, and proceed through exercises designed to refine the senses, the student learns to perceive the subject in ways that consider placement of form and division of space. Concepts such as volume, negative space, and the impact of every mark or imprint are presented. Perspective, proportion, composition, and analytical expression, as well as thorough exploration of the possibilities and limitations of various drawing media—pencil, pen, drawing stick, ink, and charcoal—are all confronted. Group and individual critiques are given regularly.

Syllabus for Drawing Studio, Beginning or Intermediate

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities

Photography: Exploring Society Through the Camera's Lens

Course ID
FLOR 3004
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

From its beginning, photography has been used as a tool for the exploration of society, and photographers have taken that as one of their tasks. This class will explore digital photography as a tool to view Italian society (and yourself within that society) through various photographic exercises. Students will need a digital SLR camera for this course.

Syllabus for Photography: Exploring Society Through the Camera's Lens

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities

History & Sociology of Modern Consumerism

Course ID
FLOR 3005
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course will focus on the rise and development of consumer cultures with specific emphasis on the similarities and differences between the Italian and US American practices using Italian products as the case study. The aim is to study and to apply interdisciplinary theoretical approaches to the study of consumer society now and in the past. The course will explore key substantive themes in the history and sociology of consumption.

Syllabus for History & Sociology of Modern Consumerism

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Historical Perspectives
UofM Equivalent
This course will meet the RM 4123 Living in a Consumer Society requirement for Retail Merchandising, and JOUR 4274 Advertising and Society for Journalism School students.

Cross-Cultural Psychology

Course ID
FLOR 3006
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course attempts to examine core principles of psychology from a cultural perspective and how communication and culture interrelate. Students will use Italy and Italian culture as an experiential classroom to facilitate intercultural awareness.

Syllabus for Cross-Cultural Psychology

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
PSY 3301: Cultural Psychology (Distribution Area B or PSY Major Elective)

Made in Italy: Retail Merchandising in Florence

Course ID
FLOR 3007
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

The course explores the relationships linking project, merchandising and market and provides, through direct experience, the methodologies and socio-cultural skills to critically evaluate the development phases of a business project. Students will be getting an insight on how the Italian style (in fashion, cultural events, design, food) evolved and changed, on the principles around which these fields revolve, and on their role in the economic, sociological and psychological elements of society.

Syllabus for Made in Italy: Retail Merchandising in Florence

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
This course will meet the RM 4217 International Retail Markets requirement for Retail Merchandising, and JOUR 4259 Case Studies in Strategic Communication for Journalism School students.

Entrepreneurship: Small Businesses in Florence

Course ID
FLOR 3008
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course will examine the main economic issues concerning microeconomic theory directly related to the study of the European economy with special focus on Italian peculiarities. Students will discuss the characteristics of the role of EU and the recent monetary union that comes from a long period of economic coordination in a globalized context. Students will study markets characteristics through the analysis of the Italian economic structure, discuss the past and the future of “Made in Italy” sectors and the position of Italy in the international markets.

Syllabus for Entrepreneurship: Small Businesses in Florence

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences
UofM Equivalent
Approved for the Retail Merchandising Elective area.

Internships in Florence: A Comparative Approach to the Italian Workforce

Course ID
FLOR 3009
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course explores the world of work in Italy and how students respond to the challenges that they can expect to encounter while interning in Florence. You can find more information on internship placements here.

Syllabus for Internships in Florence: A Comparative Approach to the Italian Workforce

Language Taught In
  • English

Literary Representations of Florence: Space, Self, & the Other

Course ID
FLOR 3010W
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

The course examines literary representations of Italy, with a focus on Florence and its surroundings, and analyzes how discourses of gender, power, national and individual identity inform literary constructions of the Italian landscape and of the Italian city from the 19th Century to the present. Travel writings as well as poetry and fiction inspired by or set in Florence by authors from different eras and traditions will be contrasted with representations of the Italian, Tuscan, and Florentine space by Italian authors.

Syllabus for Literary Representations of Florence: Space, Self, & the Other

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Literature
  • Writing Intensive

Florence & the Mediterranean—A Sea of Culture

Course ID
FLOR 3012
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

The sea is a place where cultures meet. This course will explore its influence, with a special focus on art history and a mainly Italian and Florentine point of view. Topics will include: the impact of Islamic art on Western culture; the role of Byzantine art in the development of Florentine painting; the rediscovery of Greek classical culture and its importance in Renaissance civilization; the consequences of the fall of Constantinople and of the expansion of the Ottoman Empire. Students will explore Florentine churches, palaces, and museums in search of visual evidence of the links between the city and the diversity of Mediterranean culture.

Syllabus for Florence & the Mediterranean—A Sea of Culture

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities
UofM Equivalent
Art History course ArtH 5323

Fashion & Arts Communication

Course ID
FLOR 3014
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course was structured out of four core ideas: how fashion designers and artists communicate and market their art; how institutions communicate and market the fashion items and artworks they have on display; how the audience communicates their experience of fashion and of art and how this influences marketing and promotional strategies; how these three processes are implemented through communication and marketing channels and for which purposes. The course will explore its core ideas integrating theoretical and experiential-learning approaches.

Syllabus for Fashion & Arts Communication

Language Taught In
  • English
UofM Equivalent
Retail Merchandising Elective area

Food and Identity in the Mediterranean: A Cultural History

Course ID
FLOR 3015
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course is an investigation into how the identities of different peoples in the Mediterranean can be understood through the lens of the food they cultivate, trade and eat. After an introduction to different definitions of identity, with a particular focus on the formation, maintenance and evolution of group identity through cultural practices, the course will analyze the history and culture of food in different civilizations of the Mediterranean basi

Syllabus for Food and Identity in the Mediterranean: A Cultural History

Language Taught In
  • English

Photography for Social Media

Course ID
FLOR 3016
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

This course will introduce students to the principles of photography for social media and how essential it is to learn about storytelling. Students will also learn about the power of imagery and its wider impact in the digital world. While an increasing amount of people carry around a phone every day, how many really know the potential of these powerful cameras, and how to use them to create and share images that make an impact with social media audiences? The course will appeal to students majoring in Communication, Marketing, Design, Journalism, Sociology and to all students interested in learning practical skills in photography, including compositional and technical aspects to aid their camera work

Students may either take this course, or the Photography: Exploring Society through the Camera's Lens course. You are not able to take both photography courses.

Syllabus for Photography for Social Media

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Arts/Humanities

The Traveling Self: Writing Autobiography in Italy & Florence

Course ID
FLOR 3017W
Terms
  • Spring
3
Credits

Traveling abroad has always been, in fact, an experience of enrichment, enhancement and transformation of a traveler’s identity and intimate self. Starting from this assumption, this Creative Writing course will use the narrative strategies offered by modern and contemporary autobiography to draw inspiration from the students’ Italian and European travel experience. At the same time a ‘classic’ field in literature and a flourishing contemporary trend, the genre of autobiography defies categories and allows to experiment with innovative forms - from diary to travelogue, from literary nonfiction to the so-called “autofiction” – that are also currently evolving under the influence of the social networks and the possibilities of augmented experience offered by the web.

Syllabus for The Traveling Self: Writing Autobiography in Italy & Florence

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Writing Intensive

Sociology of Crime: Mafia & The Media in Italy

Course ID
FLOR 3346
Terms
  • Fall
  • Spring
3
Credits

The course will deal with the most relevant sociological theories on crime as a particular form of deviance. The aim is to apply different theoretical perspectives to the study of the deep relation between crime and culture in our contemporary societies. Given that crime and culture are two complex and multilayered notions, a variety of materials will be used (sociological essays, newspapers, audiovisuals, TV shows, movies, music, among others) in order to analyze specific case studies both from the US and Italy using a cross-cultural comparative perspective and to stimulate an active in-class students’ participation.

Syllabus for Sociology of Crime: Mafia & The Media in Italy

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Social Sciences

Global Identity

Course ID
OLPD 3332
Terms
  • Online (all terms)
1
Credit

Global Identity: Connecting Your International Experience with Your Future is an optional 1-credit online course that helps you process your international experience and apply what you've learned upon your return.  Global Identity gives you the opportunity to work individually with a trained cultural mentor, helping you articulate your newly acquired skills for future professional opportunities, and differentiating you from your peers.

This course is offered at no additional cost on programs six weeks or longer. There are several sections offered including: Honors, College of Liberal Arts, and Leadership Minor focused versions of the course. Here is a link to additional Global Identity Course Information for details on how to request registration, deadlines and grade basis.

 

Syllabus for Global Identity

Language Taught In
  • English
Fulfills Liberal Education Requirement
  • Global Perspectives

Internships

Academic internships are available and are ideal for becoming more immersed in Italian culture while gaining work experience. Previous Italian language is not required, but more opportunities are available for students with a background in the language. Interested students should complete the internship application materials on the application checklist. You can expect to work about 8-12 hours per week, and will earn 3 credits through your time at the internship combined with the Internships in Florence: A Comparative Approach to the Italian Workforce course. 

After being accepted into the program, internship materials will be sent to our on-site staff to begin the placement process. Because Italians put a strong emphasis on in-person communication, a majority of the placements will be secured after the students arrive in Florence and interview with their prospective employer. A majority of semester students can expect to start their internship by the second or third week of classes.

Past internships have been identified in the fields listed below, but this is not a complete list. If you do not see a field that you are interested in, inquire at the Learning Abroad Center about the possibility of doing an internship in that field.

  • Advertising
  • Art
  • Art History
  • Communications
  • Education
  • Event Planning
  • Journalism
  • Marketing
  • Public Relations
  • Social Media
  • Tourism

Program Dates

Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:

Orientation Dates & Locations

Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation, which is mandatory for all students, and an in-person, program-specific session. You will receive more information about the online orientation via email. Failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad.

Fall 2024

Application Open Date: Dec 1, 2023
Application Deadline: May 1, 2024

ScheduleDate*
US DepartureAugust 27
Arrive in FlorenceAugust 28
OrientationAugust 29-30
First Day of ClassesSeptember 2
Italy DepartureDecember 13

*Dates are tentative for Fall 2024

Spring 2024

Application Open Date: May 1, 2023
Application Deadline: October 1, 2023

Schedule Date
Depart US Jan 9
Arrive in Florence Jan 10
Orientation Jan 11 – 14
Classes Begin Jan 15
Last Day of Classes April 26
Departure Date April 27

Fees

University of Minnesota participants pay the program fee instead of on-campus tuition and fees for the term they are abroad.

Fees or tuition from home institutions may be added to or differ from the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center fees listed on this page.

Billing & Payments

Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.

Bridging Loan

Bridging Loan, a no-interest/no-fees loan that funds the upfront deposit and flights costs, is available for this program for eligible students.

Cancellation Policy

Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.

Spring 2024

Study & Intern in Florence

Apartment 1—Apartment

Spring Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $12,679
International health insurance $232
Housing and/or mealsIncludes rent and utilities in a student apartment (shared bedrooms). No meals are included. $4,334
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $17,645
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-1,000
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $16,645

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Florence $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the student visa, $50 for using the UofM visa service, and $120 for the residence permit, when you arrive on-site. $230
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $150
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee$175 per week for meals $2,625
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of a required cell phone, transportation costs, toiletries, etc. $1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $3,775

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $22,600
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Study & Intern in Florence

Homestay 1—Homestay

Spring Semester 2024

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $12,679
International health insurance $232
Housing and/or mealsSingle room in a homestay plus 8 meals per week are included $5,159
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $18,470
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-1,000
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $17,470

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Florence $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the student visa, $50 for using the UofM visa service, and $120 for the residence permit, when you arrive on-site. $230
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $150
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee$75 per week for meals. $1,125
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of a required cell phone, transportation costs, toiletries, etc. $1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $2,275

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $21,925
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Fall 2023

Study & Intern in Florence

Apartment 1—Apartment

Fall Semester 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $11,748
International health insurance $240
Housing and/or mealsIncludes rent and utilities in a student apartment (shared bedrooms). No meals are included. $4,257
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $16,645
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-1,000
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $15,645

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Florence $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the student visa, $50 for using the UofM visa service, and $120 for the residence permit, when you arrive on-site. $230
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $150
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee$175 per week for meals. Budget an additional $500-700 not included here, in case of the cost of required quarantine. Contact the LAC to have this added to your SACE. $2,625
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of a required cell phone, transportation costs, toiletries, etc. $1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $3,775

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $21,600
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Study & Intern in Florence

Homestay 1—Homestay

Fall Semester 2023

Program Fee

  • UofM students pay program fee instead of on-campus tuition & fees while abroad
  • Billed through UofM account
Non-refundable deposit $400
Tuition and educational costs $11,748
International health insurance $240
Housing and/or mealsSingle room in a homestay plus 8 meals per week are included $5,132
Transportation (if required and included in program fee) $0
Total Program Fee $17,520
Program discount for University of Minnesota and Big Ten students, if applicable $-1,000
Total Program Fee with discount, if applicable $16,520

Estimated Additional Expenses

  • Financial aid-eligible but not included in program fee
Costs Typically Incurred Prior to Departure These costs may need to be paid before your financial aid is disbursed for your term abroad.
Transportation to and from program siteRoundtrip airfare to and from Florence $1,800
Passport/photos $150
Visa/required documents$60 for the student visa, $50 for using the UofM visa service, and $120 for the residence permit, when you arrive on-site. $230
Travel clinic/immunizations* $0
Housing deposit $0
Total Estimated Cost Incurred Prior to Departure $2,180
Costs Typically Incurred After Arrival in Host Country
Texts/materials $150
Housing and/or meals not included in program fee$75 per week for meals. Budget an additional $500-700 not included here, in case of the cost of required quarantine. Contact the LAC to have this added to your SACE. $1,125
Essential daily living expensesIncludes the cost of a required cell phone, transportation costs, toiletries, etc. $1,000
Total Estimated Cost Incurred After Arrival in Host Country $2,275

Total Estimated Cost of Participation

  • UofM students—compare this to your estimated on campus cost of attendance
Total Estimated Cost of Participation $20,975
Spending money and personal travel Not included in financial aid calculation $1,500
Additional Notes & Information
* Immunizations Note: This estimate is based on approximate cost of travel-related vaccinations and medications required for entry or recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your costs may be higher or lower depending on your travel clinic, the specific immunizations and medication prescribed, and your insurance coverage.

Prepare

Complete pre-application advising.

US Passport holders require a visa to study on this program. In order to obtain a visa, you must have a valid passport. Current US passport processing times are longer than normal. If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires less than 6 months after your return date from your time abroad, apply for a new passport now.

Apply

The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.

You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.

Apply Now

Complete

After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:

  • Course Enrollment Form
  • Italy Internship Application (Required only for internship applicants)
  • Italy Cover Letter & Resume (Required only for internship applicants)

Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you. 

If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.

Application Review Process

After your application checklist is complete, your application is reviewed by our program team. You will be notified of an acceptance decision by email. If accepted, you will have two weeks to confirm your spot on the program. Once confirmed, you will have additional required forms to complete before participating in the program. If you decide not to continue with the application process, log into the online application system and submit a Cancel Request.

After You Apply

Before your program begins, review these resources.

Health & Safety

Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.

Power of Attorney

Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.

Student Identity

Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.

Travel Resources

Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.

Visa

Passport

All travelers must obtain a passport to enter Italy and your passport must be valid for at least six months after you return to the US. If you have not already obtained your passport, or you need to renew an expired passport, see Passports for more information. We recommend you apply early, as processing times can be delayed.

Visa

A visa is a stamp placed in your passport by an Italian consulate outside of Italy. US citizens studying in Italy for a semester or year, or US citizens staying in Italy for more than 90 days, must obtain a student visa. Non-US citizens should check with the Italian embassy to determine any special regulations pertaining to entry into Italy at any time.

Remember to read all information that you receive regarding student visas carefully. Requirements could change at any time and can vary from consulate to consulate.

University of Minnesota Visa Service

The Italian consulate in Chicago has graciously granted the University of Minnesota the ability to batch process Italian student visa applications for this program, and mail them to the consulate for processing. 

This is an optional service, and is only available to students on the Study & Intern in Florence program. Each student MUST inform the Learning Abroad Center of their plans for obtaining the student visa whether they chose to use this service or not. An email will be sent to you asking you whether you plan to use the visa service. If you do plan to use the service, detailed instructions will be provided.

Using the Visa Service

  • If you use the visa service, a $50 fee will be assessed to your University of Minnesota account.
  • The deadline to use this service comes on or quickly after the program application deadline, so make sure your passport is valid.
  • To use the service, University of Minnesota–Twin Cities students must attend an appointment in the Learning Abroad Center with the Italian visa adviser to drop off visa application materials before the deadline.
  • Only complete visa applications will be accepted. If you fail to include one or more of the necessary pieces to receive your visa when you present your visa application to the Learning Abroad Center, you will have to return at a later time with your complete visa application. 
  • If you live outside of the state of Minnesota, completed visas can be returned via Fed Ex once we receive them from the Chicago Italian Consulate.

Not Using the Visa Service

  • If you choose to apply on your own and live within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, visit the Chicago Italian Consulate's visa information webpage.
  • If you are unable to travel to Chicago to drop off your visa application, you may be able to drop it off at the Honorary Consulate in Minneapolis. Contact them directly for more information.
  • If you are not within the Chicago consulate's jurisdiction, check with the consulate within your jurisdiction, as requirements and procedures may differ.

Program Contact

For further information or questions about this program, send an email to

Nathan Jacobson or call at 612.626.4523

Contact Program Alum

Below is a list of additional students who participated in past program sessions. They are ready and willing to answer your questions about this program. Feel free to contact them during your decision-making process or anytime during your pre-departure preparation to get a student perspective.

Spring 2023

  • Clara N., Strategic Communication major, lived in an apartment.
  • Harrison M., Accounting major, Finance minor, lived in an apartment. 
  • Audry L., Strategic Communication major, Psychology minor, lived in an apartment
  • Trent T., Finance major, lived in an apartment
  • Michaella T., Supply Chain & Operations Management, lived in an apartment

Fall 2023

  • Paige D., Business & Marketing Education major, lived in an apartment, participated in an internship.