Program Overview
The Florence Language and Culture Program is based on the intensive study of the Italian language at all levels, as well as the study of different subjects such as art, history, and Italian culture with a specific focus on the city of Florence and its outstanding cultural patrimony.
By the end of the semester program (Fall and Spring) students will complete three subsequent intensive Italian language courses. Students enrolled in the summer program will complete two subsequent levels of Italian.
Courses
In addition to the intensive language courses, both semester and summer students will be enrolled in an upper division elective course. Currently, the program offers courses in Italian Renaissance Art, History of Renaissance Florence, Mediterranean Food and Culture, and Florence in Italian and International Cinema. All elective courses are taught in English by Italian and international faculty.
Language courses as well as elective courses are structured in such a way as to include site visits in Florence and the surrounding area and make use of the wealth of resources available in the city in order to create opportunities for cultural and linguistic enhancement.
Florence will become your new interactive classroom!
For other opportunities in cultural and linguistic immersion, students are encouraged to take advantage of personalized language tutoring, volunteering within the community, and attending conversation exchanges, all of which you can sign up for once in Florence.
Pre-ILP Program
Students enrolled in one of the fall semester or year programs in Bologna or Padova can use the UCEAP summer language program in Florence to complete the language requirements for their immersion program. This is achieved by enrolling in two intermediate Italian courses and completing a mandatory Pre-ILP Practicum. The summer Florence program will prepare the pre-ILP students for their academic experience in Italian universities.
Course Enrollment
Italian language courses are assigned based on the number of quarters/semesters of Italian completed before departure as well as on the results of a placement exam taken upon the students' arrival in Florence.
Enrollment in the elective course is on a first come, first served basis. Students will be asked to express their preferences at the time of registration. All efforts will be made to accommodate first choice requests, but all students should be prepared to be enrolled in courses other than their first choice.
For information on units, grades, class schedule, attendance policy, and cultural activities, please refer to the Academic Handbook and to the EAP Florence Program Guide.