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
24-Hour Emergency
Comprehensive Health, Safety, and Security Support
Airport Reception
Visa Support
Tuition at the Host University
Housing
Bridging Cultures Orientation
Full-Time Resident Staff
On-Site ISA Offices
Internet Access
ISA Discovery Model
Excursions
Cultural Activities
Insurance
Official Transcript from the Host University
Professional Development Toolbox
Scholarship Opportunities
Academics
Support & Funding
U.S. Team
FLORENCE TEAM
Alessia Foianesi
Resident Director, Italy
Ola (Aleksandra) Smolen
Senior Academic Coordinator, Italy
Perla Signori
Italy Custom Program Director, Italy
Stefano Casati
Cultural Activities & Custom Program Coordinator, Italy
Sabrina Landini
Senior Cultural Activities Coordinator & Custom Programs, Italy
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.
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.
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.
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!