Study Abroad in Florence
College Study Abroad
Explore Florence, Italy
Home to a treasure trove of Renaissance jewels and a rich cultural heritage, Florence is considered the birthplace of the Renaissance and is rooted in artistic tradition. The city’s historic and artistic richness makes Florence study abroad an appealing choice for students from all backgrounds. From its renowned art galleries and museums, like the Uffizi Gallery, to its unrivaled architecture, like the Duomo, Florence is a student-friendly city boasting endless opportunities to immerse yourself in the local language and culture.
When you study abroad in Florence, you’ll call central Italy home. Here, in the capital of Italy’s Tuscany region, you’ll enjoy views of stunning rolling hills, explore farms and vineyards, appreciate timeless art by the likes of Michaelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and enjoy the local rustic Tuscan cuisine. With mesmerizing views at every turn, your time studying abroad in Florence will be nothing short of spectacular!
While abroad, students may complete a full- or part-time internship in Florence, gaining real-world international work experience and developing valuable professional skills. Internships are available across diverse industries, including business, marketing, sustainability, and more, providing a well-rounded perspective of today's global job market and enriching the overall study abroad experience.
Study Tours & Cultural Excursions
Every CIEE semester program has frequent cultural excursions, and a multi-day study tour uniquely designed to complement the program’s academics and enhance students’ cultural immersion.
In Florence, study tours and excursions may include:
- Visits to significant Florence locations, such as the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, and Ponte Vecchio
- A day trip to Siena, one of the most important cities of the European Middle Ages, to explore its well-preserved UNESCO-listed historic center
- Learn to prepare typical, seasonal Florentine dishes
- Visit a traditional working vineyard and olive grove, with an in-depth description of wine and oil production, promotion, and distribution
If you’re a student looking for an authentic study abroad experience in Florence, our cultural excursions and tours allow you to do just that! Whether you want to immerse yourself in the local culture, visit famous sites, or make new friends, studying abroad in Florence offers something for everyone.
About the Center
Situated in the lively square of Piazza Santo Spirito, CIEE Florence is ideally located in Palazzo Guadagni, a historically significant building formerly connected to the renowned Dufour Berte Landini family. Also known as Palazzo Dei and Palazzo Dufour Berte, Palazzo Guadagni dates back to 1502 when merchant Ranieri di Baldassarre Dei wanted a commanding building for his family. Today, Palazzo Guadagni lives on as one of the best examples of a Florentine Renaissance palace.
Like all Florentine Renaissance palaces, the rooms of Palazzo Guadagni feature high vaulted ceilings with remarkable frescoes. The ground floor boasts two wings, one with a beautiful classroom named after Florentine writer and artist, Artemisia. Up the noble staircase, beyond our reception, there are student lounges, a library, an aula manga, and several other classrooms. The art and history of Palazzo Guadagni will inspire students who choose to study abroad here in the cradle of the Renaissance.
Only steps from Palazzo Guadagni, students will enjoy market stalls that pepper the piazza each morning, selling vintage fashions, antiques, farm-fresh vegetables, cheeses, and other delicacies. By lunch and dinnertime, the nearby cafés and restaurants come to life, bustling with locals and tourists alike. At the end of the day, people linger and sit on the nearby church steps, talking, laughing, and singing songs, making Piazza Santo Spirito a joyous place to be!
Florence Study Abroad Programs
- Study Program
Spend your winter break embarking on a fascinating journey in the heart of the Renaissance.
- Small City
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
Spend your summer living and learning in Florence, an Italian city rooted in artistic tradition!
- Small City
- Full-Time Internship
Renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant art scene, Florence serves as an unparalleled backdrop for personal growth and career advancement.
- Small City
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Take your studies to the birthplace of the Renaissance!
- ASU Courses
- Host Institution
- Small City
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
Spend your semester living and learning in the birthplace of the Renaissance.
- ASU Courses
- Host Institution
- Small City
- Florence, Italy
- Study Program
- Part-Time Internship
The perfect chance to earn credits toward your degree while immersing yourself in Italian culture.
- ASU Courses
- Host Institution
- Small City
Currency
Euro
Spoken Languages
Italian, English
Available Transportation
Bus, tram, taxi
Famous Local
Michelangelo – Italian sculptor, painter, and architect
Climate
Warm, temperate climate with humid summers and cold, rainy winters
Local Attraction
The Florence Duomo – a symbol of the city's Renaissance
Airport
Florence Airport, Peretola (FLR)
Social Norms
It is important to dress neatly and respectfully, especially inside holy buildings
What to Pack
Comfortable shoes – you’ll explore Florence almost entirely on foot
Frequently Asked Questions
Widely considered one of the most student-friendly cities in the world, Florence is an excellent place to live and learn abroad. From its renowned museums to its famed arts, astonishing architecture, and beloved culture, Florence has so much to offer you during your time abroad.
Florence is considered a very walkable city and is best appreciated on foot. Pack a pair (or two) of comfortable shoes and go on a walkabout to get a lay of the land. Take in the local culture, practice (or advance) your Italian language skills, indulge in the city’s authentic (and highly praised) cuisine, and take Florence in through an artistic and historic lens to fully appreciate its charm. Make the most of your time in Florence while this Italian gem is your classroom!
Boasting a mild climate and walkable city streets, there are a few must-pack essentials you’ll want to have handy while studying abroad in Florence, including:
- A comfortable pair of shoes
- A light, water-resistant jacket
- A reliable day bag
- A scarf, pair of gloves, and hat
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
- A sketchbook if artistic inspiration strikes
- Your appetite for authentic pizza, creamy gelato, and local chianti wine
While the best study abroad programs in Florence is quite subjective, we can provide you with a list of some of our most popular Florence study abroad programs:
The cost of studying abroad in Florence varies depending on the specific program that you choose and how long you plan to study abroad for. For detailed cost information, we recommend researching each individual Florence study abroad program page.
For costs not included in your program’s outlined fees, it’s important to consider factors surrounding your individual journey while abroad.
Read more: How Much Does it Cost to Study Abroad?
Yes, you can absolutely complete an internship abroad in Florence with CIEE. Our international internship programs allow college students to choose from a variety of full- and part-time internships abroad in a variety of fields, including manufacturing, finance, hospitality, architecture, marketing, and more!
Search our internship opportunities to get started!
Study Abroad Scholarships and Grants
Apply in 1,2,3!
CIEE offers scholarships and grants for study abroad programs in Florence to students with demonstrated financial need, proven academic merit, and for specific CIEE programs. Students can apply for scholarships through 3 simple steps:
- Search for and apply to your dream program
- Review all available funding opportunities
- Complete the Scholarship & Grants portion of your application
Study Abroad Scholarships
NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on students' Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) from their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and enrolled institution. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
Based on academic achievement. Complete the Scholarships & Grants portion of your program application, along with an essay, to be considered for all awards to which you are eligible.
OTHER SCHOLARSHIPS
Other scholarship awards are based on program or alumni status.
Study Abroad Florence Blog
Top 10 Italian Slang Words & Phrases You Must Know
Planning to study abroad in Italy? Beyond the iconic landmarks, endless pasta, and rich espresso, there's something essential that will help you truly blend in with the locals: Italian slang... keep reading
When You Open Your Heart and Mind, Study Abroad Fills Them
"From taking classes in the beautiful historic Palazzo Guadagni building in Piazza Santo Spirito, visits to learn about the local Feminist Library - Fiesolana2b, to weekend trips to the Vatican Museums, Ravenna, Chiantiland, and Fiesole the moments that I will cherish from this experience are endless." Ziona King, Summer 2024, CIEE Florence
Top 5 Italian Holidays and Traditions
Ever wondered what it's like to celebrate like an Italian? Spoiler alert: It's not just about pizza and pasta. When you mix ancient traditions, mouth-watering food, and a dash of... keep reading
