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Art History Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

Firenze, or Florence, is arguably one of the most important renaissance art cities in the world.  Florence gained wealth and prominence in the wool trade of the fifteenth century, but it is Florence’s role in international banking in subsequent centuries that ushered in an unprecedented era of art. The Medici family became so wealthy and powerful through the banking industry that they exercised their power by spending their fortune on public works and art competitions. Still a republic, which had no official monarch role, the Medici’s commissioned the great art of Florence as a way to control and endear the population, building what is today a city literally made of art.
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64 Art History Study Abroad Programs in Florence, Italy

AIFS Abroad

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43

AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester

Spend a semester or academic year in the classic city of Florence with AIFS Abroad. Choose from a wide variety of courses at the AIFS Abroad Global Education Center with credit awarded by Fairfield University. Select the Traditional Academic Program to begin or advance your Italian language skills and select courses from a variety of subjects. During the Spring semester, a Fashion Management and Marketing Program is also available. AIFS Abroad in Florence includes a one-week orientation before the semester begins to help you acclimate to life in Italy. Fall semester orientation is on the coast of Tuscany, while spring semester orientation is in Rome. Live in a shared student apartment and receive a meal plan. You’ll enjoy cultural and social activities, including: • Guided city walks • Visits to the many museums, churches, and cultural sites of Florence • Italian cooking classes • Opera and ballet performances • Italian cheese tastings • A gelato tour • Day trips to Pisa, Lucca, the Vespa Factory, and more

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WorldStrides

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45

Study Abroad in Florence, Italy

Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence clearly stands out as a cultural, historical, and academic center in Italy. It is known as the Birthplace of the Renaissance, as many Renaissance artists and authors called this city home. Dante, Boccaccio, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, and many more all helped make Florence the most important place to be during the Renaissance. With a population of roughly 380,000 people, Florence is a city vast in land area but effortlessly maintains its small-town charm. Students will find that they are able to walk to any major area in less than thirty minutes and, after a few short weeks, they'll instantly feel at home and become comfortable in their new environment. And when they're ready for a bit of adventure, Santa Maria Novella, the main train station, gives them instant access to travel around Italy and Europe.

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CIEE College Study Abroad

9.75

4

CIEE Semester in Florence, Italy

Your Semester in Florence program lasts a full semester and is designed for students from all academic backgrounds. You will enroll in a combination of CIEE courses, host institution courses, and courses taught online through CIEE's global academic partner, ASU. Enhance your experience with co-curricular and extracurricular activities while immersing yourself in Italian culture. Live and learn in Florence! Florence is Italy’s Renaissance city, offering an inspiring environment for students of all disciplines. The city’s unique blend of Italian culture and history, iconic landmarks like the Duomo and Ponte Vecchio, bustling markets, and lively arts scene create an enriching backdrop for studying abroad. Whether you're studying business, science, engineering, technology, communications, psychology, health sciences, liberal arts, language, or fine arts, Florence is the perfect place to study abroad.

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New York University

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15

Study Abroad at NYU Florence

Study at NYU Florence and experience one of the world's most culturally significant cities. Students live either on the NYU Florence estate or in an apartment or homestay in downtown Florence. Take full advantage of the city’s many historic and cultural offerings through faculty-led trips throughout the city and the Tuscan region. NYU’s academic center is housed on La Pietra, a 57-acre estate situated in the hills above Florence. The beautiful, historic estate contains five 15th-century villas where students live and learn. Villa La Petra, for instance, features a museum showcasing a collection of early Renaissance art and furnishings. Villa Ulivi has classrooms, a computer lab, a book reserve reading room, and a cafe. And Villa Natalia contains staff offices, a lounge, a small gym, and a dining hall. The estate offers ample open space, including several gardens and olive groves where students can relax, explore, and enjoy breathtaking views of the city of Florence. Please note that spring semester programs tend to fill early. Opportunities vary based on local restrictions. Visit the NYU Florence website for up-to-date information.

SAI Programs

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SAI Study Abroad at Florence University of the Arts (Italy)

SAI invites students to surround themselves with the refined beauty of Renaissance Italy by studying abroad at the Florence University of the Arts (FUA). FUA offers a wide range of courses in English, which have been carefully planned and designed in keeping with current interests and contemporary subjects including Literature, Sciences, Business, Economics, History, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and more. SAI oversees and coordinates all aspects of student enrollment, including application processing, course selection and credit, visa advising, housing, student health insurance, and transcripts. In addition, SAI provides comprehensive student services, from the moment of application, through the on-site experience, until students return home. In addition to supporting students throughout their stay in Florence, SAI also coordinates a range of activities and excursions throughout the term, including a walking tour of historic Florence, a “survival Italian” language class, a hike to the Piazzale Michelangelo, and Italian cooking workshop, a weekend excursion to Milan and Lake Como (semester only), and many others.

Lorenzo de' Medici

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66

Lorenzo de' Medici: Florence

Istituto Lorenzo de' Medici invites you to study abroad in Florence, the capital of the Tuscany region and home to approximately one-third of the world's art treasures! Living and studying in the birthplace of the Renaissance is an unparalleled experience. The LdM Florence campus comprises 16 properties peppered among the iconic Duomo, artisanal gelaterias, and the legacies of great scientists and artists of human history. Walking to classes in Florence’s historical center—the entirety of which is declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site—LdM students enjoy the city's jewels, marvel at its beauty, and make meaningful memories every day. At LdM, students can take advantage of over 500 courses ranging across the humanities, creative arts, design fields, social sciences, gastronomic and culinary arts, and Italian language and culture. They also have access to various facilities: Wi-Fi-equipped classrooms, specialized art and design studios, modern culinary labs, a courtyard garden, a library, and a computer center. In addition, the always delicious LdM Cafeteria offers affordable meal plans, frothy cappuccinos, and a cozy space where students can gather between classes.

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CIS Abroad

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49

Summer in Florence (Italy)

In summer, the streets of Florence come alive with locals and tourists dining outside amidst jaw-dropping architecture, churches, statues, and fountains. In Summer in Florence, you can have your own mini Renaissance in the city that gave birth to the Renaissance. Soak in the creative vibes as you study at Florence University of the Arts and live near all the action. To make the most of your time abroad, we’ll quickly immerse you in local Italian and Florentine culture. You’ll tour galleries and famous sites, and you’ll practice Italian as you order your next Tuscan meal—with gelato, of course.

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Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA)

10

19

SRISA Accredited Semester: Fine Arts, Liberal Arts & Design

Are you ready to redefine your study abroad experience? Come and study at Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) and pursue your passions and academic interests in the heart of Florence's historic center. SRISA has remained a top art and design school in Italy for over five decades. Our secret? We're all about personalized and immersive learning. SRISA offers undergraduate courses in Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, and Design at the American University level. Except for Italian, all courses are taught in English. Study for one semester or extend your stay for an Accredited Year. Fall and Spring semesters are 15 weeks long. Students enroll in classes ranging between 12-16 credit hours. Fall (September-December) Total Credits: 12-16 Spring (January-April) Total Credits: 12-16 Hit the "Apply Now" button to start your study abroad journey today!

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Accademia Riaci

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7

Art History Courses

Our Art History course offers students a captivating exploration of the rich tapestry of artistic periods and styles. We believe that the best way to learn is to follow your passion and curiosity. Students have the freedom to choose their preferred period(s) from the following diverse and inspiring options: 1. Etruscan Art: Unearth the mysteries of the ancient Etruscans, who left behind a legacy of exquisite art and culture. 2. Roman Art: Journey back in time to the grandeur of ancient Rome, where art and architecture reigned supreme. 3. Medieval Art: Explore the enchanting world of Medieval art, where spirituality and craftsmanship merge in captivating ways. 4. Renaissance: Step into the Renaissance era, where the revival of classical art and ideas birthed an age of creativity and innovation. 5. Baroque and Rococo Art: Enter the world of opulence and extravagance, where art exuded drama and emotion. 6. Neoclassicism: Witness the resurgence of classical themes and forms in the Age of Enlightenment. 7. Modern Art & Contemporary Art: Journey through the transformative world of modern and contemporary art, where innovation knows no boundaries.

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CEA

9.5

78

CEA CAPA Education Abroad in Florence, Italy

Capital of Italy’s Tuscany region and known as “the cradle of the Renaissance,” Florence has long been a source of inspiration for visionaries such as Galileo Galilei, Leonardo da Vinci, and Niccolò Machiavelli. It's known for the Cathedral on the Piazza del Duomo, a domed edifice engineered by Filippo Brunelleschi, which includes an iconic bell tower rising high above the city. This present home to fashion designers and major wine labels was once a Roman city established by Julius Caesar in 59 BC. The CEA CAPA Florence Center and Santa Reparata International School of Art offer a variety of learning opportunities in English and Italian. Get the most out of this cultural and academic experience through CEA CAPA's volunteer opportunities, excursions to other cities, and various cultural and learning activities, which complement course offerings and turn Florence into a classroom. In addition to our study abroad programs, explore CEA CAPA Internships Abroad in Florence — gain hands-on, pre-professional experience as you dive into a career field and develop professional skills needed to rise above the competition. Interested in going abroad with CEA CAPA? Contact us!

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Academic Programs International

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32

API: Experience Florence, Italy (Scholarships Available)

Italy is one of the most complex and enticing places in Europe. A contemporary, industrialized nation with an artistic and architectural heritage that few other countries can rival. It is also a Mediterranean country with a southern European sensibility, where traditional attitudes still prevail. Thriving small businesses contribute to strong, regional identities, helping Italy avoid some of the bland effects of globalization. See all programs in Florence by visiting our website or contacting us for complete details.

AEF - Accademia Europea di Firenze

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Study Abroad Programs

A Study Abroad experience in Florence could be considered as the one most similar to that of the ‘Grand Tour’ undertaken by the great travelers of our past. Our aim here at Accademia Europea di Firenze is not to have our students live as tourists, but to ensure that they feel like true residents of Florence and Tuscany: to achieve this we work hard every day to build an all-inclusive experience for them, comprised of education, cultural immersion, entertainment, and a profound knowledge of culture and the Italian way of life. What is more, AEF is the only school that offers study abroad experiences to performing arts students, allowing them to move forward with their degree, here in Florence. AEF was founded in 2005 as an Italian language school for foreigners. Over time, the school expanded its curriculum to include humanistic studies, music, the liberal arts and the performing arts, while providing an extraordinary combination of quality and individual attention: AEF offers the most complete response for any training or educational need. Situated in the very heart of Florence, halfway between the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the church of San Marco, AEF’s students have the grandeur and beauty of the city’s historical centre on their doorstep. Our location is a Renaissance palace, perfectly restructured and equipped with the most modern technologies to make it an ideal site uniting study and beauty, learning and culture.

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World Class Programs

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Historic Capital of Tuscany - Florence, Italy Summer Program

World Class Programs offers high school students the opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy. Our summer program is designed for teens from all academic backgrounds who are excited about immersing themselves in Italian culture and lifestyle. This pre-college program offers various course study options, including Art History, Fine Arts, Philosophy, Photography, Architecture, Italian language, and Tuscan Cuisine. Students can choose a major course for daily focus (Monday to Friday) in the mornings for three hours. Then, they attend elective classes, each lasting two hours, three times a week in the afternoons. On weekends, they go on day trips around Italy to explore cultural differences from city to city. Locations vary yearly; previous participants have visited Cinque Terre, Siena, Pisa, and Venice!

Non-Profit Study Abroad (NPSA)

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Non-Profit, Low-Cost, Direct Study in Italy

See different sides of Italy while studying at an Italian school or university! Enroll in your chosen non-profit, low-cost, direct study program. We connect you to university-level, academic-type programs that are available all year round. Choose from weekly, monthly, summer, quarterly, semester, and academic year terms. Plus, stay in low-cost housing on campus or in nearby areas. Overall, avoid expensive, for-profit programs and register directly with a school in Italy. After successful completion, you will earn academic credits that are transferable to your home school. These study abroad programs are open to students worldwide. See more details on the NPSA website. Use this website to review and book your study abroad program in Italy.

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The Florence Institute of Design International

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Interior Design Master in Florence, Italy

The one-year Master of Interior Design is perfect for young graduates or design professionals interested in attending a specialization course. It emphasizes a professional dimension by honing the understanding of contemporary Italian interior design through investigations into its history, theory, analysis, and methods. It develops design concepts for real, modern-day problems integrated into historical city situations while focusing on a sustainable future. Its location in Florence is essential in illustrating Italy's relevance in forming the foundations of modern thought and concepts. Graduate students come from various academic and professional practice experiences. The department accepts students with an undergraduate degree in interior design or comparable professional practice experience and individuals with degrees in other disciplines who see a connection between their previous studies and interior design. To obtain robust results, studies in interior design require a 'full-time’ commitment throughout the academic year (for 30 weeks).

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CAPA The Global Education Network

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1

CAPA Florence: Study & Intern Abroad

An enchanting, awe-inspiring and culturally rich global city, Florence has been a favorite study abroad destination for decades, and with good reason. You’ll eat more gelato than you ever dreamed was possible, see some of the most elegant street style in the world, walk through the secret rooms at Palazzo Vecchio, soak up the deeply engrained history that flows through each distinct neighborhood, admire much of the world’s most treasured artwork up close, and hike in the breathtaking Tuscan hills. The CAPA Florence program is in our own center, inside of a 15th century palazzo with original frescoes on the ceilings. Our distinctive blend of academic and experiential education takes your learning style, interests, preferences and independence into consideration. You’ll learn both inside the classroom and beyond, with field studies, excursions, My Global City events, and an (optional) internship placement.

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ISI Abroad

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Study Abroad in Italy | ISI Florence

Surrounded by the lush green hills of Tuscany, Florence pulses with the spirit of the Renaissance and the energy of a modern university town. For centuries, it has enticed visitors with its storied gems of art, beauty, and Italian culture. Today, the brightest jewel in Tuscany's crown burns brightly, offering an exemplary opportunity to study, marvel, and explore. Students at the International Studies Institute (ISI Florence) make full use of Florence as a living laboratory during their semester, summer, or academic year abroad. They walk the same medieval cobblestones as Dante, gaze upon the stunning masterpieces of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and practice their Italian in the shadow of Brunelleschi’s dome. We can list many reasons why you should choose ISI as the program provider for your study abroad experience in Italy – from our state-of-the-art facilities to our outstanding student body and prestigious faculty.

Verto Education

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Verto Education - Start College in Florence, Italy

Start college with a semester in Italy! Italy’s artistic treasures, culinary traditions, and centuries-old history make Florence the perfect classroom for foodies, fashionistas, artists, and history buffs. With Verto, you'll: • Explore Italy's artistic treasures, rich culture, and centuries-old history. • Earn 12-16 official college credits. • Take inspiring courses based on hands-on learning and cultural immersion. • Gain admission and transfer seamlessly to one of our 70+ U.S. partner colleges to finish your degree! Learn more about the application process by inquiring today.

NecaFlorence

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11

Study Abroad Italy with NECA!

The NECAFlorence Program provides a unique opportunity to study, earn university credits, and experience Italian culture firsthand. Interdisciplinary courses based on experiential learning at NECAFlorence are designed to stimulate students’ interests and to challenge their way of thinking. Small group courses assure a high level of individual attention. Highly-qualified teaching staff. Throughout your stay, you will gain an intimate understanding of Italian and Florentine culture and life. Students must be over the age of 18 to join. Non-traditional participants should contact NECAFlorence for eligibility details. The NECA Scholarship Program has been developed to assist highly motivated students (enrolled in 2-year or 4-year institutions) and adults with academic merit and/or who do not have enough financial resources.

Middlebury - C.V. Starr Schools Abroad

8.5

2

Middlebury School in Italy: Florence

Florence embodies the Renaissance, which began in Tuscany during the 14th century and continued to influence the region and, ultimately, the world for 400 years. Now a bustling city filled with piazze, cafes, and museums, its culture is ideally suited for student life. As Florence welcomes hundreds of international students each year, students at the School in Italy are noteworthy for their commitment to cultural immersion. The program in Florence has three tracks of study: beginner, intermediate, and advanced level. Outside the classroom, the Language Pledge is exercised for maximum Italian exposure. Depending on language proficiency and track level, students may take courses at the Middlebury Sede in the heart of the city and study at one of our partner institutions: the Università degli Studi di Firenze or the Accademia di Belle Arti, where they have the opportunity to experience firsthand the life of Italian students. They also live in a homestay or an apartment with Italian roommates, which allows them access to the life of local families or peers.

A Guide to Studying Art History in Florence

Art History in Florence

Why Florence? Italy is one of the top three study abroad destinations for short term study abroad in the world, and Florence and Rome receive most of those semester and summer study abroad students. Students even specifically ask for programs in Florence, Tuscany. Some students are drawn to study abroad in Florence because they want to experience the city, and many students come because they know Florence is a great place to study abroad, but others come to study some very specific subjects.

Florence is the the birthplace of banking and a modern Mecca for fashion design. The city is still a vibrant art studio with various design programs, music students come to study opera and performance, and culinary students come to study the culinary arts in century old kitchens. Yet, perhaps the most popular study abroad focus in Florence is art history.

Life in the City. Florence is a city and a museum. Architecture, public art, and active art communities have merged in one small city center to create an open air museum rivalled by few cities in the world. The streets and plazas are vibrant and full of people. Artists do their craft in open air. Simple restaurants abound offering delicious Tuscan fare. In recent years, traffic was restricted to the city center, the result is a walking and breathing city center with an abundance of Vespas.

Why Study Art History? A center of art and design for almost a millenium combined with the presence of classical, gothic, renaissance and modern art, sets Florence apart from other art history study abroad destinations.

Florence is home to many art study centers, and many are specifically designed to accommodate international students. These art programs specialize in studio arts usually, but also have strong art history offerings with renowned and expert faculty.

Unlike many art and art history study destinations, the majority of study abroad programs in Florence offer art history classes in English. Most study abroad programs in Florence also provide U.S. transcripts, or internationally recognized local transcripts.

Additional Opportunities. There are also opportunities to intern in Florence with many of the major study abroad organizations. Art History internships in Florence may include museum work, gallery work, tourism industry positions, and much much more.

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Latest Program Reviews

Semester Abroad in Florence Changed My Life

November 14, 2025by: Caroline Kundahl - United StatesProgram: AIFS Abroad in Florence, Italy: Semester
10

I studied in Florence, Italy during Fall 2024. I chose AIFS Abroad for a number of reasons. Having face to face interactions with AIFS staff during the application process made the steps to getting abroad much more manageable. Having the opportunity to take courses that not only worked toward my graduation goals, but also sparked interest in new areas was a huge asset to my time abroad. Through my courses, and connections at AIFS, I was able to build lifelong connections, friendships, and met with professionals who are continuing to help me achieve my goals. Beyond the academics, the accommodations and opportunities presented through AIFS positively contributed to my time abroad. Living around the corner from the Duomo, and crossing the Ponte Vecchio everyday to get to class was a unique cultural experience. AIFS provided field trips to better immerse students in Florentine culture, and excursions outside of Florence to see beyond common tourist attractions. As a student through AIFS, we had a meal plan to use at local restaurants, access to cooking classes, museum tours, and many other opportunities at our finger tips to embrace our time abroad. Moving across the world can be daunting, however, the friendships and connections I built through AIFS are ones I will cherish for the rest of my life. Those who share abroad experiences together with have a unique type of bond. I had the opportunity to live with five other girls who were also studying through AIFS. I never could have imagined the experienced we had together. But, now I cannot imagine living a life without them by my side. I truly feel indebted to AIFS for introducing me to my lifelong best friends. The AIFS community is one-of-a-kind and one that I knew undoubtedly would support me through my time abroad, and continues to show up for me even a year after! Thinking back to who I was a year ago when I was leaving the US to go abroad, compared to who I am now, is inspiring. I had no clue how much I would grow as an individual. I became more confident, outspoken, independent, and driven than I could have ever imagined. The experiences I had abroad shaped me into the person I am today. I recommend AIFS Abroad to anyone looking for a unique abroad experience. Fueled by individuals who are eager to see you succeed, and will be there to support you every step of the way.

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