Florence is a city of momentous change - but also, a city that retains its historic character and legacy. It is a city of paradox, and it is endlessly fascinating; a perfect place to study, learn and live.  Florence has attracted students for centuries and with good reason. History makes itself felt in every piazza, street and market. You have the sense of living in the present while surrounded with some of the greatest achievements of the past. The streets of Florence make even a walk to class an unforgettable cultural experience.Known for its art treasures and history, the city's story goes back to the Roman Empire. The powerful Medici princes led Florence into the Renaissance by their patronage of artists, philosophers, poets, scientists and scholars who changed the face of Western civilization.
 

Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the historic city center of Florence. The university offers the latest technologies and resources to its community of students and faculty, including Wi-Fi connections throughout all facilities.

Students have access to the many departments at FUA which feature an exceptionally broad and stimulating curriculum available through diverse areas of studies and academic disciplines. In addition to academics, studying abroad with FUA features several experiential components such as educational field-trips, getting involved in the local culture through community service and volunteer opportunities, and extracurricular activities. Studying abroad at FUA is characterized by the institution’s efforts in cultural integration. The institution’s position places FUA in direct contact with the city’s culture, movements, and events.

Upon arrival, all students will participate in a comprehensive orientation program prior to the start of classes. This is aimed to help familiarize students with their local surroundings, discuss health and safety as well as acquaint them with university and program resources. In addition to orientation with Fairfield University, students will participate in orientation at Florence University of the Arts, have a cultural walking tour and learn more about program logistics.

Students will attend classes at Florence University of the Arts (FUA), which offers a variety of courses and is located in the historic city center. Many students chose to study art, history and philosophy, but FUA also has an excellent variety of classes in business, religion, and communications.

Fairfield University, a Jesuit institution, is a fully accredited university and member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Recognized by the Italian government as an institution of higher learning in Italy, Fairfield University is also a member of AACUPI, the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy.  All students will receive a Fairfield University transcript with letter grades.

The Florence University of the Arts was one of the first institutions in Italy to implement experiential learning into its curriculum. Experiential learning is implemented in a variety of ways into courses and projects for FUA students, where the aim is to create a reciprocal exchange of culture, competency, and knowledge between students and external organizations for a mutually beneficial outcome. Each experiential learning context implemented by FUA is carefully monitored by faculty members coordinated by the Dean of Students and Academic Office.
 

Students live in comfortable, furnished apartments in the historic city center of Florence, located within a 20-minute walk to school. Bedrooms are double-occupancy, and each apartment may have from one to four bedrooms.  Students may request to live with one other student. Roommate requests are requests and cannot be guaranteed. Students will be placed with other students participating on the Fairfield program. Apartments are fully furnished and equipped with bedding, towels, cooking utensils, dishes, and Wi-Fi access. Students will have access to washing machines in their apartments. As Italian apartments rarely come equipped with dryers, students will also be provided with drying racks for drying clothing. Students will have access to the gym at FUA free of charge.
 

Fairfield University has a full time team based in Florence that are there to ensure that you have an educationally challenging and culturally enriching experience while you are in Italy. They will provide specific support prior to the program start date as well as logistical, academic and emergency support while in Florence.

In addition to Fairfield University’s student services, students will also have full access to all services at Florence University of the Arts.
These services include: Extracurricular Activities

In order to participate in this program, each student must first complete all application requirements at their home university. Each university has different application requirements so be sure to speak to your study abroad advisor.

After the initial application has been processed by the Study Abroad Office, students will receive an e-mail regarding their application status and instructions on the next steps.

January Intersession: October 30
 

This program is open to all sophomore, junior, or senior students who are in good academic and social standing at their home institution and who can certify a grade point average of at least a 2.8 as well as meet the remaining Fairfield University Study Abroad approval requirements. This program is competitive and applicants are expected to exhibit a high level of maturity, independence, and seriousness of purpose.

 

Semester program cost includes:

Students are required to submit a non-refundable $1,000 deposit for their program after committing to going abroad for a semester or summer, and are subject to a cancellation fee if they withdraw from the program after the deposit deadline. The deposit is part of the students overall tuition and will be reflected on their invoice.

The amount of the cancellation fee will be determined by the Fairfield University Office of Study Abroad after a review is conducted of the non-refundable expenses that have already been incurred. These direct non-refundable expenses will begin to incur as soon as commitment is made to the study abroad program; they may include tuition, housing, and orientation fees. The cancellation fee may be as high as $12,000 or more.

Please see additional program cancellation policy information.

All participating students are automatically enrolled in Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) health insurance for the duration of their study abroad program. This insurance is included in the program fee, and there is no additional cost to the student. This coverage should not replace your primary insurance.

Fairfield University requires that all travel done independently from the program be registered with CISI for emergency purposes. Independent travel can be registered by logging into individual CISI accounts. Students will be able to log-in once insurance cards are issued (within a month of departure).
To view detailed information regarding the Fairfield University Office of Study Abroad program agreement with CISI, please see the following CISI website.

If you have additional questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact our office.


The Trustees of the University reserve the right to change tuition rates and make additional changes whenever necessary.