Italy Florence Duomo 73936825

We invite you to study abroad in magnificent Florence with API. You can choose from a wide array of arts, business and humanities courses taught in English, or study Italian language, all while living in one of the world's most beloved cities. You'll earn valuable academic credit toward your degree, experience the warm and friendly Italian culture, see world-famous works of art and stunning architecture, and explore the incredible beauty of Florence and its surroundings!

This program offers several additional features, including internships, certificate programs, and other professional development opportunities.

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

Scholarships

On Site Services

Airport Reception

API Center

On-Site Orientation

Housing

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Excursions

Resident Directors

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Tutoring

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program

View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.8 G.P.A.
  • Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Open to all levels of Italian speakers
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • Official transcript
  • Entry requirements: valid passport with student visa
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Fall Aug 28, 2023 - Dec 16, 2023 $18,500 Jun 15, 2023 No Extension Jul 15, 2023
Academic Year Aug 28, 2023 - May 18, 2024 $34,900 Jun 15, 2023 No Extension Jul 15, 2023
Spring Jan 28, 2024 - May 18, 2024 $18,500 Oct 15, 2023 No Extension Nov 14, 2023

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Florence programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns.

  • Rome

    With an almost uninterrupted history as an important center of power for more than two millennia, Rome is as close to eternal as it gets. The “Eternal City” was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today, it remains the seat of the Italian government and the world’s biggest open air museum.

  • Cinque Terre & Lucca

    The Cinque Terre, five villages hidden in little coastal inlets and clinging to the rocks overhanging the sea, are located near the Ligure Riviera. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore form the heart of the National Park, proclaimed a monument to the heritage of mankind by UNESCO.

    Lucca is a provincial town rich in history, tradition, and culture, but it is also a premium tourist attraction. The town is unique for its intact 16th-century walls that surround the historical center, isolating it from the modern suburbs so that walking along its narrow streets (now a pedestrian area), one forgets about time, enjoying a much slower pace. There are numerous monuments, elegant palaces, churches and squares that make this town so beautiful. Examples include the Guinigi tower, the Amphitheater, the Holy Cross in the cathedral of San Martino and the National Museum of Palazzo Mansi.

  • Venice & Verona

    Venice is one of the most well-known and romantic cities in the world. Famous for the canals and beautiful Piazza San Marco, the city welcomes visitors and scholars to explore its winding streets, walk the numerous bridges connecting section to section, and to soak up the magic of this city on the water. From the 13th to the 17th centuries, Venice was one of the most important cities in Europe. Its strategic location made Venice an important center of trade between the East and the West, and art and culture blossomed as well, leaving a legacy of amazing artistic and architectural treasures to discover throughout the winding streets and canals.

    Verona was home to most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet (visitors can still find their famous balcony here). Today’s Verona has much more to offer than just references to Shakespeare, including the Roman Amphitheater (which is still used today for operas), the market at Piazza delle Erbe (once the Roman forum), and the medieval streets by the Adige river. Lake Garda is the biggest of the pre-Alpine lakes and the largest in Italy. The beauty of the countryside, the Mediterranean vegetation (vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards), and its mild climate make Lake Garda one of the most thriving health and tourist centers in the country. One can find remnants of many different historical periods in the cities and villages around the lake, such as Roman ruins, medieval churches and beautiful liberty villas.

  • Bologna

    Bologna is the regional capital of Emilia-Romagna. It reached the height of its power in 1249 with the victory of the Fossalta battle when King Enzo, son of the Emperor Frederic II, was taken prisoner. In the 16th century, the town fell once and for all under the power of the Papal State, while at the same time maintaining its own ancient magistracies, and its own ambassador in Rome. In the charming historical center, among the best preserved in the world, many ancient palaces and churches stand as witness to the cultural relevance that Bologna has had over the course of the centuries.

  • Rome

    With an almost uninterrupted history as an important center of power for more than two millennia, Rome is as close to eternal as it gets. The “Eternal City” was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today, it remains the seat of the Italian government and the world’s biggest open air museum.

  • Cinque Terre & Lucca

    The Cinque Terre, five villages hidden in little coastal inlets and clinging to the rocks overhanging the sea, are located near the Ligure Riviera. Monterosso, Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, and Riomaggiore form the heart of the National Park, proclaimed a monument to the heritage of mankind by UNESCO.

    Lucca is a provincial town rich in history, tradition, and culture, but it is also a premium tourist attraction. The town is unique for its intact 16th-century walls that surround the historical center, isolating it from the modern suburbs so that walking along its narrow streets (now a pedestrian area), one forgets about time, enjoying a much slower pace. There are numerous monuments, elegant palaces, churches and squares that make this town so beautiful. Examples include the Guinigi tower, the Amphitheater, the Holy Cross in the cathedral of San Martino and the National Museum of Palazzo Mansi.

  • Venice & Verona

    Venice is one of the most well-known and romantic cities in the world. Famous for the canals and beautiful Piazza San Marco, the city welcomes visitors and scholars to explore its winding streets, walk the numerous bridges connecting section to section, and to soak up the magic of this city on the water. From the 13th to the 17th centuries, Venice was one of the most important cities in Europe. Its strategic location made Venice an important center of trade between the East and the West, and art and culture blossomed as well, leaving a legacy of amazing artistic and architectural treasures to discover throughout the winding streets and canals.

    Verona was home to most famous lovers in history: Romeo and Juliet (visitors can still find their famous balcony here). Today’s Verona has much more to offer than just references to Shakespeare, including the Roman Amphitheater (which is still used today for operas), the market at Piazza delle Erbe (once the Roman forum), and the medieval streets by the Adige river. Lake Garda is the biggest of the pre-Alpine lakes and the largest in Italy. The beauty of the countryside, the Mediterranean vegetation (vineyards, olive groves and citrus orchards), and its mild climate make Lake Garda one of the most thriving health and tourist centers in the country. One can find remnants of many different historical periods in the cities and villages around the lake, such as Roman ruins, medieval churches and beautiful liberty villas.

  • Under the Tuscan Sun

    Experience the best that the Tuscan region has to offer! Have the chance to explore Siena and more cities in the surrounding area, enjoy thermal baths, and top off your experience with a wine tasting in the famous Chianti region.

  • Bologna

    Bologna is the regional capital of Emilia-Romagna. It reached the height of its power in 1249 with the victory of the Fossalta battle when King Enzo, son of the Emperor Frederic II, was taken prisoner. In the 16th century, the town fell once and for all under the power of the Papal State, while at the same time maintaining its own ancient magistracies, and its own ambassador in Rome. In the charming historical center, among the best preserved in the world, many ancient palaces and churches stand as witness to the cultural relevance that Bologna has had over the course of the centuries.

  • Rome

    With an almost uninterrupted history as an important center of power for more than two millennia, Rome is as close to eternal as it gets. Located on the River Tiber, between the Apennine Mountains and the Tyrrhenian Sea, the “Eternal City” was once the administrative center of the mighty Roman Empire, governing a vast region that stretched all the way from Britain to Mesopotamia. Today it remains the seat of the Italian government. One must be prepared to step into the world’s biggest open air museum – the Vatican, the Coliseum, the neighborhoods – and be enraptured.

  • Venice & Venetian Islands

    Venice is one of the most well-known and romantic cities in the world. Famous for the canals and beautiful Piazza San Marco, the city welcomes visitors and scholars to explore its winding streets, walk the numerous bridges connecting section to section, and to soak up the magic of this city on the water. From the 13th to the 17th centuries, Venice was one of the most important cities in Europe. Its strategic location made Venice an important center of trade between the East and the West, and art and culture blossomed as well, leaving a legacy of amazing artistic and architectural treasures to discover throughout the winding streets and canals. During this trip, students will also visit the Venetian islands of Murano and Burano.

  • Under the Tuscan Sun

    Experience the best that the Tuscan region has to offer! Have the chance to explore Siena and more cities in the surrounding area, enjoy thermal baths, and top off your experience with a wine tasting in the famous Chianti region.

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 12-16 U.S. semester credits per term

API students who want to study abroad in Florence may choose from over 400 courses at Lorenzo de’ Medici – The Italian International Institute – Florence (LdM). Courses are available in a wide variety of subjects across the arts, humanities, business, and international relations. In addition to the free-elective course structure, several additional opportunities are available including internships, certificate programs, and professional development opportunities.

LDM INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

LdM internships offer students the possibility to learn different aspects of working in Italy, a country known for its artisan and small business culture. LdM strives to place students in companies which enable them to explore and understand the strengths and structure of the Italian business environment in a variety of fields. Internships are available for credit and in combination with academic courses only.

Internship options are listed on the API/LdM course schedules on the website, and subjects may include:

  • Art History
  • Communications and Journalism
  • Education
  • Fashion Design, Marketing, and Merchandising
  • Graphic Design
  • International Business
  • Public Administration (in Italian)

Students should indicate their interest in an internship upon application, and submit a résumé/C.V., essay, and portfolio. The internship essay should discuss the student’s reason for applying, expectations about the internship, and a detailed description of the duties in which the student would like to partake. An on-site interview is required of all students. Placements are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early!

LDM PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The LdM Professional Opportunities Program offers students a non-credit experiential learning experience. It is similar to an internship, but it requires less time and is based on the completion of one single project. Students are given the opportunity to collaborate with both the LdM Institute and local Florentine businesses, organizations, and associations, and upon successful completion of the project, students receive a certificate of participation. The Professional Opportunities Project gives students the opportunity to add international work experience to their resume/curriculum vitae. The Professional Opportunities offered for each semester are generally announced at the beginning of the semester after the students have arrived, and the professional opportunities offered may differ from semester to semester.

Opportunities may include:

  • Blogging for LDM Marketing Office
  • Graphic Design for local businesses
  • Marketing and social media for local businesses

TRANSCRIPTS

Students receive transcripts from U.S.-accredited University of Massachusetts Amherst for courses taken at LdM. University of Massachusetts Amherst is a fully accredited, doctoral degree granting U.S. university in Amherst, Massachusetts.

  • Kenzy

    Kenzy Posey

    Kenzy Posey will be your Program Coordinator and help prepare you to go abroad!

    (she/her/hers)

  • Federica Guerrieri

    Federica Guerrieri

    Federica Guerrieri is our Italy Regional Director and a resource for you on-site.

    (she/her/hers)

  • Screen Shot 2021 12 21 at 11 37 32 AM

    Irene Bevilacqua

    Irene Bevilacqua is one of the Florence Resident Directors and will be a resource for you while in Florence!

    (she/her/hers)

  • Semekpretlisca1Orfio

    Valentina Scalini

    Valentina will be one of your Resident Directors in Florence and a resource for you while in Italy!
    (she/her/hers)

Click Here to Find Classes

COURSE OFFERINGS

Courses are available at lower- and upper-division levels. In general, 100 level courses are elementary, 200–300 level courses are intermediate, and 400 level courses are advanced. Italian language courses are taught at all levels (beginning through advanced), while most other courses are taught in English.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION

Courses at LdM-Florence can fill up quickly. It is suggested that students apply EARLY for greater course availability.

Students take four to five courses and receive 12-16 credit hours per semester; most courses are equivalent to 3 credits. The program fee includes a maximum of 16 credits per semester session. Students may opt to take additional courses for credit for an additional fee per course.

Be sure to check for any course additions, cancellations, or closures, and remember to pay close attention to prerequisites and class times in order to avoid conflicts. Not all courses are offered every session. The course selection may vary and no course is guaranteed.

STUDIO ART COURSES

The class schedules indicate that many of the studio art courses involve two time blocks; students enrolled in those courses must attend both time blocks. Placement exams for studio arts courses are mandatory for any student wishing to register for a higher level than beginning. Studio art placement tests are administered during the first week of classes. Students are provided with the exact meeting time during orientation.

COURSE MATERIALS & LAB FEES

Some courses may require additional fees for equipment, materials, books, etc. These fees are not included in the program cost, and vary depending on the type of course. While students may want to bring some basic, easily transportable materials (such as brushes or pastels) with them, most course materials should be purchased in Italy once classes start. By doing so, students can take the opportunity to speak directly with their instructors to make sure they buy exactly what is required for the course.

Many studio arts, cuisine and wine appreciation courses require a lab fee that is paid by students upon arrival. In addition, courses may require that students pay for visits and field trips as noted in the course descriptions.

Courses at Lorenzo de’Medici: The Italian International Institute (Florence Semester)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Lorenzo de’Medici: The Italian International Institute (Florence Semester)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Lorenzo de’Medici: The Italian International Institute (Florence Semester)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Highlights
  • Classes taught in English and Italian with international students
  • Internships available (for credit)
  • Certificate program options
  • Professional development opportunities
  • Transcript from U.S. accredited institution (University of Massachusetts, Amherst)

We can’t wait to welcome you to Florence! We know you’re excited to get out and start exploring, but at the end of long days, you’ll want a cozy place to study, socialize, rest, and relax.

Check out all available housing options for Florence by clicking here!

API’s housing options have been curated with you in mind. We offer housing that has been Visited & Verified™ by API, with a focus on student comfort, safety, and location.

Please note that housing between the fall and spring semesters is not included, and students may not move into housing prior to the program start date or stay after the program end date.