The TU in Italy program in Florence is hosted Lorenzo de’Medici (LdM) Florence campus is located in Florence’s historic center. The largest of LdM’s sites, the Florence program offers the most comprehensive course offerings to students in a wide variety of disciplines. Extraordinarily rich in history and ancient traditions, Florence, with its world-famous artistic heritage, offers students a wide spectrum of cultural events throughout the year.
LdM’s Florence campus is housed in 15 buildings in the San Lorenzo area of Florence and together the buildings contain a full range of facilities including numerous classrooms, specialized art studios, a cafeteria, a courtyard garden, a library, the Student Point and the Computer Center. It is a short walk from campus to some of Florence’s most famous sites, such as the Duomo and Ponto Vecchio, and to world-renowned museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery.
Florence is regarded by many as the symbol of the Renaissance and for centuries travelers and admirers of the arts and culture have fallen in love with this city, and the Tuscan countryside that surrounds it. The historic center attracts millions of visitors each year and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Academic Information:AACSB accredited. Maximum of 16 U.S. credits per semester / 3-7 credits per Minimester. All students participating in the TU in Italy program at LdM Florence in the fall or spring are required to enroll in an Italian language class during their semester abroad. Internship and service-learning opportunities available. TU students may receive Honors College credit for their study abroad experience.
Language of Instruction: English (except for Italian language courses).
Excursions: LdM offers a range of academic and cultural optional excursions during the semester and summer terms which students may participate in for an additional fee. Typical destinations include Cinque Terre, Pompeii, Rome, and Venice. There are no optional excursions offered during Minimester, but students may participate in optional cultural activities.
Housing: Semester or year-long students can opt to live in shared apartments or homestays organized through LdM. These housing options have different costs and students should review the “Costs” section below for more information. Students can indicate their preferred housing option and LdM will do its best to accommodate all requests; however, no housing requests are guaranteed. Minimester students live in shared apartments organized through LdM.
Apartments are furnished and usually consist of 2-4 double-occupancy bedrooms, a living area, kitchen and bathroom. Bed linens and access to a washing machine are provided in apartments. WiFi access is available in all apartments and utilities are included in the program cost. Please note that excessive use of utilities (over $75 per month) will result in additional fees. Apartments are typically within walking distance of the school facilities. Please remember that walking 25-30 minutes in Italy is considered normal.
Homestays are with local residents. Students typically share a bedroom with another student, and there are 2-4 students per homestay. Homestays include a continental breakfast (bread, butter, milk, coffee/tea) and dinner with the family from Monday to Friday (except during semester break). Students do not have use of the kitchen, and should expect to purchase their lunches. Homestays are typically outside of the city center and may require a commute on public transit.
Dates: Fall: September - December
Minimester: January Spring: January - May Academic Year: September - May
Costs:* Spring 2013 (apartment option): $11,200 Spring 2013 (homestay option): $12,650 Fall 2013 (apartment option): $11,300
Fall 2013 (homestay option): $12,750 Spring 2014 (apartment option): $11,300 Spring 2014 (homestay option): $12,750
Cost includes academic credit (maximum 16 credits), housing, health insurance, and orientation. Homestay option also includes a bus pass for transport from homestay to school (if outside the city center). Additional costs include airfare, local transportation, meals, visa and passport fees, personal expenses, a $300 housing deposit (apartment option only), any additional class fees, and a $300 study abroad fee.
Minimester 2014: $3,900 Cost includes academic credit (maximum 7 credits), housing, health insurance, and orientation. Additional costs include airfare, local transportation, meals, visa and passport fees, personal expenses, a $300 housing deposit, any additional class fees, and a $150 study abroad fee.
*The Towson University Study Abroad Office reserves the right to make any necessary changes including adjustments in cost in the event that unforeseen circumstances arise.
Eligibility: Must be a full-time undergraduate degree-seeking student with an overall GPA of 2.8. Sophomore/Junior/Senior status. No previous knowledge of the Italian language required.
Application Process: Fill out the application and submit it to the TU Study Abroad Office. $50 application fee. Non-TU students must also submit a completed Non-Degree Enrollment Application.
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