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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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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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46

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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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.

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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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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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CEA

9.5

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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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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!

Westcoast Connection

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Pre-College Enrichment Florence

Study abroad in Florence, one of Europe’s most beautiful and historically rich cities. Filled with incredible art, world-class restaurants, and breathtaking scenery, it’s no wonder the city is a preeminent student travel destination. The Italy Pre-College Program is designed to prepare high school students for the academic and personal challenges of the transition to college while experiencing an unforgettable summer discovering beautiful places. Moreover, you’ll have the chance to meet new people and create lasting friendships in a tight-knit group environment. This summer program provides an authentic taste of college life with a unique balance of independence and structure for high school students, where learning happens in the classroom and beyond! Participants can join us for 14, 21, or 28 days. Teens on the 28-day program enjoy a grand finale week on the Amalfi Coast and Rome or the Greek Islands.

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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Arcadia Abroad

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Arcadia Abroad - ISI Florence

Study in the heart of Florence with ISI! International Studies Institute Florence (ISI) is located in the heart of Florence in two historic palazzi. ISI offers a range of programs in architecture, food studies, art history, Italian culture, interior design, STEM, fashion, psychology, studio art, and more. The program is a truly unique educational experience that uses this Renaissance jewel of a city as your classroom and laboratory. ISI also fosters a commitment to engagement with the authentic Italian community through intensive Italian language study, special programs in Community Engagement and Global Leadership, and Internships. If you’re looking for an innovative, personalized experience in one of the world’s most inspiring study-abroad destinations, this program is for you. Have the opportunity to join Arcadia excursions as well! Travel to fascinating places of interest that enhance your cultural immersion and give a meaningful context to your academic courses, including the Amalfi Coast, the city of Florence, a trip to the Roman Baths and the Wine Vineyard in Viterbo, exploring local food culture, and more.

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The University of Minnesota

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Art & Design in Florence

Immerse yourself in historic art and design in Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance, with a thriving contemporary art scene. Here, you take studio courses on SACI’s iconic campus, which has two 17th-century palazzi in the heart of Florence. The campus is centrally located, allowing you to study many important art collections, including the Uffizi and the Accademia. It hosts visiting artists, public lectures, and exhibitions in the gallery space. This means access to contemporary exhibitions, collaborating with contemporary Florentine artists, and visiting important international exhibitions. Famous for its Renaissance legacy, Florence features a fascinating mix of historic and contemporary culture. Buses, taxis, and mopeds drive within feet of the Duomo, the city's magnificent cathedral. Chic shops and elegant restaurants line the charming avenues, and historic piazzas ringed with outdoor cafés host performance artists and flea markets. Enjoy the region's mild climate and world-famous cuisine in one of Europe's most beautiful cities.

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Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA)

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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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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.

NecaFlorence

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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.

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 40+ U.S. partner colleges to finish your degree! Learn more about the application process by inquiring today.

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.

Latest Program Reviews

Study Abroad Changed My Life!!

January 30, 2026by: Elisabeth Gage - United States

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

10

If you are thinking about studying abroad with SAI, DO IT! They were so helpful with getting me prepared before I left, while I was there, and even once I returned home! By studying abroad I gained so much confidence that I knew I had in me but hadn't unlocked yet. I studied the Italian language, and am proud of how much I learned. I took a class on the Italian-American Experience where I learned about Italian history, the immigration process, did a research project on my family's immigration from Italy to the United States and found supporting documents along the way. Each member of the SAI on-site staff was wonderful and so helpful! All of the FUA professors were passionate about what they taught, new me by name and were so accommodating and kind! Florence is a wonderful and beautiful city that I would love to visit again. I am very thankful for my time there and highly recommend studying abroad with SAI.

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