Program/University Overview:
The Study Abroad Italy (SAI) program in Florence enables students to take classes from a variety of subjects. Students will take most of their courses through Florence University of the Arts (FUA). The network of schools is located in the city center, and classes are limited to 25-30 students. (Studio Arts classes are less.) All classes are taught in English, and students have access to several computer labs, a library, and study lounges, and exercise facilities. Complementing the academic programs, students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular programming sponsored by SAI and FUA. These include short weekend trips to nearby towns, or events during the week that highlight local culture. In particular, this program is well suited for students in Fine Arts (painting, sculpture, graphic design, drawing), the Humanities, and Business.

Website of Program/University:
www.saiprograms.com/florence/fua/our-programs/summer

Program Description:

• 3 weeks (Summer I, Summer II, Summer III & Summer IV) Students can take 3 or 6 credits
• 4 weeks (Summer V, Summer VI, Summer VII, Summer VIII) Students can take 4 or 7 credits. In the 4 week programs student will spend their first week in either Sicily or Tuscany and participate in the course “Cultural Introduction to Italy – 1 credit). Then return to Florence and take 3 or 6 credits
• 6 Week Programs (Summer A, Summer B) Students can take 3, 6 or 9 credits
• 7 Week Programs (Summer C, Summer D) Students can take 4, 7 or 10 credits. In the 7 week programs student will spend their first week in either Sicily or Tuscany and participate in the course “Cultural Introduction to Italy – 1 credit). Then return to Florence and take 3, 6 or 9 credits
• 12 Week Program (Summer Semester) Students can take 6, 9 or 12 credits

Full Program Includes:

• 3, 4, 6, 7 or 12 weeks in Florence
• Tuition & US academic credit for 3 to 12 credit hours of solid academic course offerings comparable to your home college
• Carefully selected living accommodations in clean, pleasant lodgings in the historic center of Florence
• Academic field trips & excursions
• Welcome reception and farewell evening
• Dedicated on-site SAI Program Coordinator in Florence providing personal assistance throughout the semester
• 24 hour emergency support line
• Orientation: three day orientation
• Weekly cultural activities
• Organized services from application to completion, with friendly, reliable counseling
• Health Insurance
• Cell Phone
• Airport pick-up and transportation for Florence Airport arrivals
• Registration Fees for Re-Entry Conferences

Please note that the the following are NOT included in the program cost: application fee; security deposit; single room supplement; airfare; meals and personal expenses; books or studio/lab fees; optional excursions offered by SAI or the host school.

Country and/or City Information:
Florence has a population of 400,000 and is part of the region in Italy known as Tuscany, which is in Central Italy. The birthplace of The Renaissance, Florence is rich with history: home to the Medici family, Dante, Machiavelli, and numerous artists. Surrounded by the Tuscan hills, Florence is filled with open-air markets and known for its cuisine, as well as leather goods. The city ranks second only to Rome in its importance culturally, historically, and artistically for the Italian people.
Bordering Tuscany are the regions of Emilia-Romagna, Marche, Umbria and Lazio. The region of Tuscany covers almost 9,000 square miles and consists of rolling hills, mountains and rugged coastlines along the Mediterranean. With the new high-speed train system (mostly everyone takes those trains), Rome is 1.5 hours away and Milan is less than two hours away.

Housing:
Students live in the heart of Florence, usually within 20 minutes walking distance from classes. Accommodations are in apartments, typically sharing a flat with 2 - 6 other students. SAI does not have a meal plan, but students may go shopping at local markets and cook meals in kitchens. The school also has its own restaurant, where students may participate in a meal plan. A linen service is provided. Because the apartments are located throughout the city, students may be neighbors with other SAI students as well as Florentine families.

Website for Program Costs:
http://www.saiprograms.com/florence/fua/costs/summer-2012

Application Deadlines:
Click here for deadlines

Application Details:
Must complete Lasallian Consortium application along with completing the FUA application either online or contact SMU to request an application.