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Program Overview
Program Overview
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Popular Subject Areas
Hospitality, Culinary Arts & Publishing Certification Programs
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Location
Florence
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Host University
Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence
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Term
Academic Year 2 2022
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Program Dates
Early Sep, 2022 - Mid May, 2023
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Program Length
Academic Year
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Application Deadline
May 01, 2022
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Forms and Payment Deadline
May 15, 2022
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Credit
36 - 37 Credits
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Eligibility
2.75 Minimum GPA*
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Cost
$27,450
Study Abroad Program Description
This one-year certificate program offers you the chance to develop new skills and knowledge while building a body of work and professional experience in an international learning environment. Upon completion of the program, you will receive a designated professional certificate. You can enroll in one of the certificate programs listed below. Each program offers a predetermined set of courses though you may also take additional optional seminars or language classes for an additional fee.
Year-long certificate programs are available in the following fields: baking and pastry, culinary arts, hospitality management, wine studies and oenology, publishing , photography, visual communication, fashion design and technology, accessory design and technology, eco-sustainable design, and luxury design.
Courses are taught in English by local and international faculty. Your classmates will be international students, the majority of whom are North American.
Enjoy Flexibility with ISA Flex
We’ve partnered with Arizona State University (ASU) to help you overcome common study abroad challenges by adding an ASU Online course to your ISA program. With more than 2,100 courses to choose from, ISA Flex minimizes academic challenges, like major requirements and limited course options, so you can make the most of your experience abroad. Once you’ve applied, access the Flex form in your ISA Student Portal for more information on how to add this to your program and enroll in the course you need.
*Eligibility
MINIMUM GPA
Students must have a minimum grade point average of 2.75.
MINIMUM ADMISSIONS PREREQUISITES
There is no language prerequisite for this program.
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You must be at least 18 years old by the program start date.
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You must submit a resume and a personal statement with your application.
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You must submit a self-disclosure conduct information form and a School of Record transcript request form. Additional details will be provided after gaining access to the ISA Student Portal.
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If you have a cumulative GPA below 2.75, you may still be considered for acceptance. You will have to submit one letter of recommendation and a statement of purpose.
What's Included
Comprehensive Advising and Support
Comprehensive Advising and Support
A team of helpful ISA staff members is here to support you through the entire study abroad process, from finding the perfect program through re-entry. The Program Advisors will help you choose your program based on your unique objectives. Once you’ve selected your program, you will work with your Program Manager on the application process as well as pre-departure forms and finances. Your Program Manager will also assist with academics, housing, visas, and city-living/cultural guidance.
In addition to individual advising, you will receive virtual resources to help prepare you for your time abroad. This includes the ISA Student Portal, which houses your program application, pre-departure forms/resources, and the online orientation. The online orientation is a pre-cursor to the on-site orientations and offers city-specific resources about living in your host city, communication, packing, diversity abroad, how to be academically successful, and more.
24-Hour Emergency
24-Hour Emergency
The ISA Health, Safety, and Security team facilitates an in-house on-call system with a U.S.-based employee and manager who are on-call and available in case of emergency 24-7. ISA regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 7:00am - 7:00pm and Friday, 7:00am - 5:00pm Central Time.
If you are a parent or student needing assistance in an emergency situation outside of the regular office hours, please call the ISA office at 512-480-8522 to access the ISA emergency contact information for that particular week. Students who experience an emergency while abroad will also have access to on-site staff 24-hour emergency assistance.
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Health, Safety, and Security (HSS) for ISA students is jointly managed by our resident staff and HSS team. This team works to monitor risk at program locations, respond to any crises that may arise, and develop policies to further ensure the health, safety, and security of students abroad with ISA.
Airport Reception
Airport Reception
Ground transportation is provided from the airport as long as you arrive during the ISA designated arrival date and time and at the appropriate airport. Upon acceptance into your program, you will receive the “How to Book Your Flight” form which outlines the specific details for airport reception.
Airport reception is not provided for most Intensive Month or J-Term programs.
Visa Support
Visa Support
Your ISA Program Manager will be available to help you with the visa process for your program country, if applicable. They will provide resources, guidance on necessary steps to obtain your visa, and deliver supporting visa application materials to you as needed.
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition at the Host University
Tuition and administrative fees at the host university are included in the program price. Classes are held at the host university and are taught by local and/or visiting faculty. Some classes will have additional fees that are not included in the program price.
Housing
Housing
Housing is guaranteed and included in the price of all ISA programs, with the exception of Pacific programs, in which housing is offered at an additional cost. Accommodation options will vary according to program site and session. For more details about ISA's housing options and applicable security deposits, please refer to the housing tab for your program of interest.
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Bridging Cultures Orientation
The Bridging Cultures Orientation will be delivered to you in the first few days of your time abroad. It is designed to prepare you for a successful, positive, and rewarding experience that will influence the rest of your life. This is accomplished through introducing you to your host city’s culture and infrastructure as well as through goal setting, intercultural awareness, diversity and professional development activities.
Full-Time Resident Staff
Full-Time Resident Staff
The full-time resident staff is available to assist you with all aspects of your experience abroad. The resident staff provides support during official course registration and arranges the Bridging Cultures Program orientation, excursions, weekly meetings, cultural activities, and much more. Staff members are trained to ensure the well-being of each program participant and are dedicated to facilitating a positive and meaningful study abroad experience.
On-Site ISA Offices
On-Site ISA Offices
Most program locations have an on-site ISA office within the program city. The on-site offices provide you with an additional comfortable space in the city and serve as a common meeting place and resource center.
Internet Access
Internet Access
As an ISA student, you will enjoy free internet access at ISA on-site offices, computer labs at the host university, and/or your ISA housing.
ISA Discovery Model
ISA Discovery Model
ISA programs facilitate learning and development through co-curricular activities. We rely on host universities to provide quality instruction in the classroom, but ISA is the main facilitator of learning outside of the classroom. Efforts to promote student learning are shaped by a teaching and learning framework we call the ISA Discovery Model.
According to this model, student learning and development is organized into five areas of discovery: 1. Intercultural, 2. Historical, 3. Sociopolitical, 4. Professional and 5. Environmental
Throughout the duration of your ISA program, we provide you with the opportunity to pursue these five areas of discovery through the BCP, excursions, cultural activities, and references to non-ISA sponsored events and opportunities.
Excursions
Excursions
Organized excursions are included with each program to complement the academic component of your abroad experience. These complementary experiences are designed to engage student learning outside of the classroom in the five areas of the Discovery Model. Transportation and guided tours are included, as well as hotel accommodations and breakfast during multi-day excursions. Additional optional excursions may be offered during each program that are not included in the program cost.
Excursions are not included for Intensive Month, J-Term, and some summer sessions.
Cultural Activities
Cultural Activities
The ISA program staff develops unique cultural activities custom-designed to invite you to experience the local color of your host city, while learning about the history and culture of your new surroundings. Speaking the native language with locals, tasting the regional cuisine, and partaking in the native traditions are only a few of the ways these cultural activities lead to full appreciation of the program city.
Insurance
Insurance
A Blanket Accident and Sickness Policy is included in the program and covers you during the official on-site period of the program. This is not an optional benefit; every ISA participant will be covered by this policy. A full description of coverage can be found on the ISA website.
We recommend that you maintain comprehensive health insurance while abroad. This is particularly important if you have any pre-existing conditions but is also beneficial if you have an injury or illness while abroad and require further treatment upon your return home. Please be sure to consult with your current insurance provider to confirm coverage policies while traveling abroad.
Official Transcript from the Host University
Official Transcript from the Host University
Upon completion of the ISA program, your host university will issue an official transcript with all coursework taken abroad. ISA's Academic Records Department will process and forward the official transcript to the appropriate office at your home university, and a photocopy will be sent to your permanent home address for your records. ISA will provide a cover letter to accompany the transcript with important academic information, including the host university's grading system and recommended U.S. letter grade equivalencies, translated course titles, and credit conversion recommendations.
Professional Development Toolbox
Professional Development Toolbox
The Professional Development Toolbox, available in the online orientation section of the student portal, will help you identify the skills and key competencies you have developed through your personal, academic, and cultural experiences. This toolbox helps you to articulate the transferable skills developed through study abroad in a way that shows potential employers or post-graduate universities the benefits our you will provide them as a direct result of your experience abroad.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
As an ISA participant, you will have the opportunity to apply for scholarships or grants that can be applied directly to assist with your study abroad program. ISA offers over $1,000,000 in scholarships and grants each year. To see what opportunities are available, please visit the Support & Funding page.
Academics
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
Lillian Nguyen
Program Manager, Europe
Born and raised in Texas, Lillian attended the University of Texas at Austin and earned her B.A. in European Studies and Italian. As an undergraduate, she studied abroad in Rome, Italy and in Würzburg, Germany, which sparked her interest in international education. After visiting the Sassi in Matera and viewing the beautiful artwork in Galleria Borghese in Rome and in Galleria degli Uffizi in Florence, Lillian hopes to help students have once in a lifetime experience studying abroad. In her spare time, she enjoys hiking, roller-skating, and reading.
FLORENCE TEAM
Alessia Foianesi
Resident Director, Italy
Alessia Foianesi
Resident Director
Born and raised in Florence, Alessia studied Cultural Events Management at the University of Florence with a major in History of Cinema. She interned for a cultural association in a short film festival production in Tuscany. After graduating, she moved to the United States to work as an Au Pair in New Jersey. She joined the ISA team shortly after her American experience. She plays beach volleyball in her spare time and she likes cooking for her friends. She believes that the best way to learn while traveling is by meeting locals, that is why she values the role of the ISA on site staff so much! She is looking forward to meeting ISA students and share with them her love for Florence and the Italian Culture!
Ola (Aleksandra) Smolen
Senior Academic Coordinator, Italy
Ola (Aleksandra) Smolen
Senior Academic Coordinator
Ola (Aleksandra), native to Poland, discovered the joys of working with students during her time as a Human Rights trainer for Amnesty International. She moved to Florence in 2007 to study for a year at the Università degli Studi di Firenze through the European Student Exchange program Erasmus. She was curious to experience daily life in a foreign culture and to explore the beauty of Florence. She was so enchanted by her experience that she decided to stay in Italy after she had completed her Master's degree in Sociology.
She likes to spend her free time immersed in marvelous realism literature. She also loves to be active – after work you can meet her running or biking around Florence!
Perla Signori
Italy Custom Program Director, Italy
Perla Signori
Italy Custom Program Director
Born and raised in Florence, Perla has an academic and personal background in cultural exchange. She received her degree from the Università di Firenze in Foreign Languages and Literatures. Following graduation, Perla relocated to London for one year to work and study. While there, she completed Cambridge’s Certificate. Her experience living abroad was both challenging and rewarding and served to confirm her belief that cultural immerse provides a truly unique learning experience. She worked at Kent State University in Florence before joining ISA in August 2007. She has covered different positions and worked in several areas of the Florence Office, this helped her to gain the competency across all the ISA departments during the years. Perla enjoys rollerblading, playing with her poodle dog and eating good Tuscan food!
Stefano Casati
Cultural Activities & Custom Program Coordinator, Italy
Stefano Casati
Cultural Activities & Custom Program Coordinator
Stefano graduated from the University of Florence in Political Science and he has a PhD in Sociology. During his doctoral studies, he worked at the International Relations Office of the Faculty of Political Sciences and through this experience he had the opportunity to learn the multiple benefits associated with study abroad programs. He moved to Paris in 2012 and he enrolled as Erasmus student at Paris-Sorbonne University for his doctoral research. He strongly believes that study abroad programs and cultural exchanges are invaluable resources for students that aim to get a satisfying career and an open-minded approach to the various aspects of life. He can't wait to meet the students and do his best to make their experience in Florence as enjoyable and memorable as possible.
Sabrina Landini
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator & Custom Programs, Italy
Sabrina Landini
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator & Custom Programs
Housing
ISA housing offers several ways for you to immerse yourself in Florence during your study abroad experience. Since Florence is a small city, you’ll likely walk from all of these housing options to class, though some options are more centrally located than others. Whether you want an immersive Italian experience in a homestay or a more independent international student apartment, you’ll be within walking distance to your courses!
We strive to match your housing preferences with our available accommodations. However, housing preference requests cannot be guaranteed.
Homestay
For a fully-immersive experience during your time abroad, we recommend you choose to live with an Italian family. Each host family has been carefully selected by ISA's resident staff in order to best accommodate your needs and to ensure a comfortable living situation. Homestays provide breakfast seven days a week, dinner five days a week and laundry service once a week. You will typically share a room with another ISA student (roommates are of the same gender).
Apartment
Apartments are a great housing option if you are seeking complete independence during your time abroad. Rent and utilities are included in the program price and each apartment is fully furnished. The apartments are located throughout the city of Florence rather than all in one building. Apartments typically house two to six ISA students, with shared room occupancy. Meals and laundry service are not included. You will pay a $250 refundable security deposit if living in this ISA housing option. ISA may retain some, or all, of this deposit in the event of damage to property or if utility usage exceeds the allotted monthly amount.
Independent Housing
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
You may elect to secure housing independently. If you select this option, you will receive a discount equal to the housing portion of the program price.
Excursions
THERE’S MORE TO DISCOVER WITH ISA
ISA excursions allow you to explore the diverse, distinct, and gorgeous landscape of Italy that you may not be able to visit on your own. While abroad, you will have the chance to go on 2-3 excursions. The destinations shown below are a sample of some of the possibilities, which are finalized at the time leading up to the start of your program.
Assisi
Located between Florence and Rome in the region of Umbria, Assisi is an ancient, central Italian town with medieval towers and castles. Here, you’ll see a more relaxed pace of life and a reverence for St. Francis, who was born and died there. You’ll also be able to tour the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, one of the most iconic sites for the Catholic religion. This Basilica is split into an upper level and a lower level and is full of ancient frescos, ornate architecture, and even a crypt.
Assisi
Located between Florence and Rome in the region of Umbria, Assisi is an ancient, central Italian town with medieval towers and castles. Here, you’ll see a more relaxed pace of life and a reverence for St. Francis, who was born and died there. You’ll also be able to tour the Basilica of San Francesco d’Assisi, one of the most iconic sites for the Catholic religion. This Basilica is split into an upper level and a lower level and is full of ancient frescos, ornate architecture, and even a crypt.
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, “The 5 Lands”, is a picturesque view of the Italian Riviera with colorful houses carefully hugging the cliff sides. Part of its charm is the lack of visible modern development, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking trail connects the five villages. The road from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore ("Lovers Lane") and is the easiest walk. The rest of the trails vary in difficulty from an easy stroll to a rough and physically challenging hike. Enjoy a ferry ride along the coastline and explore Italy’s Liguria region on this excellent excursion!
Cinque Terre
Cinque Terre, “The 5 Lands”, is a picturesque view of the Italian Riviera with colorful houses carefully hugging the cliff sides. Part of its charm is the lack of visible modern development, as it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A walking trail connects the five villages. The road from Riomaggiore to Manarola is called the Via Dell'Amore ("Lovers Lane") and is the easiest walk. The rest of the trails vary in difficulty from an easy stroll to a rough and physically challenging hike. Enjoy a ferry ride along the coastline and explore Italy’s Liguria region on this excellent excursion!
Hilltowns of Central Italy
Spend the day soaking up the classic rolling hills of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. While exploring the well-preserved medieval towns and surrounding vineyards that dot the hillsides, you’ll experience the essence of Italy and gain a glimpse into local life and culture. Here the landscape is defined by giant sunflowers and hay bales, and the towns produce some of the world’s best wine. Possible destinations include Vinci, Val'Dorcia, Ninfa, Sermoneta, Arezzo, Lucca, and Montepulciano.
Hilltowns of Central Italy
Spend the day soaking up the classic rolling hills of Lazio, Umbria, and Tuscany. While exploring the well-preserved medieval towns and surrounding vineyards that dot the hillsides, you’ll experience the essence of Italy and gain a glimpse into local life and culture. Here the landscape is defined by giant sunflowers and hay bales, and the towns produce some of the world’s best wine. Possible destinations include Vinci, Val'Dorcia, Ninfa, Sermoneta, Arezzo, Lucca, and Montepulciano.
Rome
Get an introduction to Italy via the Eternal City, a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends historical landmarks with modern Italian style. During this trip, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Coliseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, and finish the excursion by tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to this truly enchanting city. Rome can be overwhelming because of its size, but with ISA as a guide, you’ll be set!
Rome
Get an introduction to Italy via the Eternal City, a vibrant metropolis that seamlessly blends historical landmarks with modern Italian style. During this trip, you’ll visit iconic sites like the Coliseum, the ruins of the Roman Forum, the Spanish Steps, and finish the excursion by tossing a coin into the Trevi Fountain to ensure your return to this truly enchanting city. Rome can be overwhelming because of its size, but with ISA as a guide, you’ll be set!
Siena & Tuscan Towns
Another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena has a laid-back lifestyle that allows you to leisurely stroll the winding cobblestone streets, explore the Renaissance cathedral, and relax in the beautiful town square, Piazza del Campo. Each neighborhood (contrada) is represented by an animal or mascot. Ward rivalries are most rampant during the traditional medieval horse race (Palio) held on July 2 and August 16 in Piazza del Campo each year. Then, you’ll tour neighboring Tuscan towns that produce some of the world’s greatest wines, cheeses, and other iconic Italian products. Possible locations include San Gimignano or Monteriggioni.
Siena & Tuscan Towns
Another incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site, Siena has a laid-back lifestyle that allows you to leisurely stroll the winding cobblestone streets, explore the Renaissance cathedral, and relax in the beautiful town square, Piazza del Campo. Each neighborhood (contrada) is represented by an animal or mascot. Ward rivalries are most rampant during the traditional medieval horse race (Palio) held on July 2 and August 16 in Piazza del Campo each year. Then, you’ll tour neighboring Tuscan towns that produce some of the world’s greatest wines, cheeses, and other iconic Italian products. Possible locations include San Gimignano or Monteriggioni.
Verona & Lake Garda
On this excursion to Northern Italy, you’ll visit the city of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in Verona, as well as see the beautiful Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake.Garda is blessed with a benign climate anddiversity of landscape: from the fjord-like north, where the Brenta Dolomites dropsheerinto the water, to the gentle hills of vineyards and olive groves, and the sea-like southern basin, fringed by beaches. Verona was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, and is an idyllic Italian city full of beautiful monuments, cobbled streets,and historic squares such as the Piazza delle Erbe.
Verona & Lake Garda
On this excursion to Northern Italy, you’ll visit the city of Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet in Verona, as well as see the beautiful Lake Garda, Italy's largest lake.Garda is blessed with a benign climate anddiversity of landscape: from the fjord-like north, where the Brenta Dolomites dropsheerinto the water, to the gentle hills of vineyards and olive groves, and the sea-like southern basin, fringed by beaches. Verona was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000, and is an idyllic Italian city full of beautiful monuments, cobbled streets,and historic squares such as the Piazza delle Erbe.
Cultural Activities in Florence
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Florence. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Florence special.
These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included a tour of the leather district (Florence is famous for its leather), a pizza making class, and a tour of a gelato factory!
Cultural Activities in Florence
The ISA on-site team encourages you to explore the city and culture of Florence. The team facilitates this by offering a robust calendar of events that showcases what makes Florence special.
These activities vary each term, but previous offerings have included a tour of the leather district (Florence is famous for its leather), a pizza making class, and a tour of a gelato factory!