Florence Course Offerings
FLORENCE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Application Deadlines: See this page
Language Requirement: None. Courses are available in English and Italian. It is not mandatory to take Italian Language unless it is required by your home institution.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.75. Must have completed at least 1 semester before applying. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 12-15 semester credits (4-5 courses). Students who enroll in more than 15 credits will be charged an additional fee per credit.
Final Transcript: Issued by Florence University of the Arts. Students needing a US transcript or a transcript from an AACSB accredited institution should contact us.
**Students are advised to APPLY EARLY for the best course selection, as classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis. If you are concerned about getting into a particular class, please call us at 888-845-4272 to confirm availability.
All students MUST have DOUBLE the number of classes approved by their home institution than they actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list one alternate class for each of your top choices, and all must be different.
COURSE FEES (NOT INCLUDED)
Some FUA classes have course fees that cover required academic field trips and/or materials, which are not included in the ASA program fee. Students will pay applicable course fees directly to Florence University of the Arts after arrival. Click here for Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 course fees. Course fees are subject to change.
Some FINE ARTS classes have specific art supplies that students must purchase at their own expense, either at home or upon arrival. Click here for Fall 2024 & Spring 2025 fine arts supplies that must be purchased by the student.
fall 2024 COURSE OFFERINGS & schedules
CII = Cultural Introduction to Italy: 1-week optional travel course. Click here for complete details.
To view course offerings and schedules for your program choice, please click on the links below. Course offerings and schedules are subject to change.
| Fall Semester | 2024 Dates | Duration | Course Offerings | Total Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Arrive Aug. 29 - Depart Dec. 14 | 15 weeks | Choose 1 course from: this 3-week "block" link + Choose 3-4 courses from: this 11-week semester link | 12-15 credits |
| II | Arrive Aug. 29 - Depart Dec. 14 (Cultural Introduction to Italy runs Sept. 23 to Sept. 30) | CII + 15 weeks | Choose 1 course from: this 3-week "block" link + Cultural Intro to Italy travel course: details here + Choose 3-4 courses from: this 11-week semester link | 12-15 credits |
SPRING 2025 COURSE OFFERINGS & schedules
CII = Cultural Introduction to Italy: 1-week optional travel course. Click here for complete details.
To view course offerings and schedules for your program choice, please click on the links below. Course offerings and schedules are subject to change.
| Spring Semester | 2025 Dates | Duration | Course Offerings | Total Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Arrive Jan. 22 - Depart May 10 | 15 weeks | Choose 1 course from: this 3-week "block" link + Choose 3-4 courses from: this 11-week semester link | 12-15 credits |
| II | Arrive Jan. 22 - Depart May 10 (Cultural Introduction to Italy runs Feb. 17 to Feb. 24) | CII + 15 weeks | Choose 1 course from: this 3-week "block" link + Cultural Intro to Italy travel course: details here + Choose 3-4 courses from: this 11-week semester link | 12-15 credits |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (SYLLABI)
ASA is happy to email you detailed syllabi/course descriptions for all classes you are interested in taking. Simply send an email to hello@academicstudies.com and include the Course Code and Course Title.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Florence University of the Arts offers a number of classes that include an Experiential Learning Project. An ELP is similar to an internship and is a great résumé builder. It is a dynamic learning environment that increases students’ cultural awareness and intercultural communication skills through “learn-by-doing”, hands-on activities and interaction with the Florentine community. In addition to regular class lecture hours, students who participate in an Experiential Learning Project will complete real work or research projects and integration with the local population. Experiential learning hours are fully supervised by FUA instructors who track students step-by-step, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This all-encompassing educational experience, based on theory and practice in real enterprises, will help students learn problem solving skills, leadership skills, and management skills. To see a list of available classes that have an Experiential Learning Project, simply view the “Course Offerings and Schedules” link for your term (above), and then scroll to the section called “Department of Experiential Learning.”
FIELD LEARNING & SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Field Learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting through field activities, field research, and service learning projects. Field Learning and Service Learning content is not limited to just the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich the topics covered in class. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community. Faculty will lead students through guided projects and field experiences, helping them develop skills and appreciate the richness of Italian culture through direct contact with the culture. To see a list of available classes that have a Field Learning or Service Learning component, simply view the “Course Offerings and Schedules” link for your term (above), and then scroll to the section called “Department of Field Learning.”
SUBJECT AREAS
| ARTS & HUMANITIES | BUSINESS | NATURAL SCIENCES | SOCIAL SCIENCES | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Art Education | Italian Language | Accounting | Chemistry | Anthropology |
| Art Therapy | Italian Culture | Advertising | Environmental Studies | Communications |
| Ceramics | Journalism | Economics | Mathematics | Criminology / Criminal Justice |
| Communications | Literature | Entrepreneurship | Nutrition | Economics |
| Creative Writing | Music | Event Management | Physics | Gender Studies |
| Dance | Painting | Hospitality Management | Sustainable Development | International Relations |
| Digital Media | Performing Arts | Finance | Political Science | |
| Drawing | Philosophy | Management | Psychology | |
| Education | Photography | Marketing | Sociology | |
| Fashion | Publishing | Sports Management | ||
| Fashion Design | Religion / Religious Studies | Tourism Management | ||
| Fashion Merchandising | Studio Art | |||
| Fashion Technology | Urban Studies | |||
| Film Studies | Video Production | |||
| Fine Arts | Visual Communication | |||
| Graphic Design | Web Design | |||
| History | Wine Studies | |||
| Interior Design | Writing |
FLORENCE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Application Deadlines: See this page
Students attending Florence University of the Arts can earn 3-6 credits for an Internship or Experiential Learning Project alongside their other classes. Internships and Experiential Learning Projects are NOT stand-alone, but take the place of one or two of your classes at Florence University of the Arts. Internship/ELP credits will count toward the total number of credits a student is allowed to take during their academic term. There is no additional fee for credit-bearing Internships and Experiential Learning Projects.
Participating in an Internship or Experiential Learning Project (ELP) during your study abroad program in Florence, Italy, is a fantastic way to gain work experience, meet Italian people, and add a unique bullet point to your résumé! You will have the opportunity to experience Italian culture in a much deeper and more hands-on way than your classmates who aren’t doing internships!
Students may apply for an Internship or ELP after being accepted to the ASA program, during the course pre-registration process. More on this, as well a list of available placements, can be found below.
All Internships and Experiential Learning Projects are for-credit and unpaid.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN INTERNSHIP AND AN EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECT (ELP)?
An Internship has an Italian language minimum requirement. Internships are reserved for students who meet the language requirement. The required Italian level varies by placement – for example, some internship placements require an Elementary or Low Intermediate level of Italian, whereas others require an Advanced level. During an Internship, the student actively assists professionals in fulfilling daily tasks at external companies or organizations. The student does not receive academic instruction but learns by performing tasks. Internships typically take place at external companies or organizations outside of Florence University of the Arts, at various locations in the greater Florence area.
An Experiential Learning Project (ELP) does not have an Italian language requirement. During an ELP, the student learns by doing and observing the assigned tasks while receiving academic instruction. An ELP takes place at Florence University of the Arts or at one of Florence University of the Art’s CEMIs listed below (Community Engagement Member Institutions). This allows the ELP to be conducted in a primarily English-speaking environment. The CEMI will provide a challenging environment, where responsibilities and learning objectives will be assigned to the student from the very beginning.
Although Florence University of the Arts does their very best to place students in their top choice internship or ELP, we can’t guarantee any particular placement, company or organization.
HOW MANY CREDITS CAN I EARN?
Students can earn 3-6 semester credits for completing an Internship or Experiential Learning Project (ELP). The Internship or ELP will take the place of one or two of your classes and counts toward the total number of credits you are allowed to take during your term. Semester total credit load: 12-15. Summer total credit load: 3-6. Summer students who who want to do an Internship or Experiential Learning Project must enroll in one of the 6-week Summer Sessions (Summer A or Summer B).
IMPORTANT: You will be required to complete 150 work hours, in addition to your class hours. Work hours typically take place on weekdays (Monday through Friday), but some internships and ELPs may require weekend hours as well. You will not be able to choose your Internship/ELP hours – they will be assigned to you, but they will not conflict with your classes.
Some internships and ELPs are worth 3 credits and do not have regular class meetings in addition to 150 work hours, while other internships and ELPs are worth 6 credits and have regular class meetings, in addition to 150 work hours. Number of credits, requirements, and full details can be found in the placement descriptions further down on this page.
For certain Internships or ELPs, it may be mandatory to take one Italian Language class.
WHAT ARE THE PREREQUISITES?
Prerequisites vary by placement. Some placements require previous work experience and/or coursework in the field, and some do not. Some placements are open only to certain majors. Any Italian language requirement will be indicated in the placement description as well. Please scroll down for a list of available placements and click the links to read the placement descriptions.
EXAMPLE EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING LOCATIONS
Experiential Learning Project placements are located at the following CEMIs (Community Engagement Member Institutions) of Florence University of the Arts:
CCIS: Center for Cultural and Italian Studies
Corridoio Fiorentino: Photography and Design Gallery
Dimora B&B: FUA’s student-run Bed and Breakfast
EntrepreLearn Lab: Housed within FUA’s International School of Business
Fedora Pastry Shop: FUA’s pastry shop, open to the public
Florence Artist in Residence: Housed within FUA’s School of Arts and Sciences
FLY (Fashion Loves You) and FAST: FUA’s Fashion Retail Store and Fashion Event Venue, open to the public
FUA Student Life and Development Office
FUA Communications Office / Ingorda Campus Press: FUA’s Publishing & Communications Office and Journalism School
Ganzo Restaurant: FUA’s culinary arts creative lab, hospitality event venue, and student-run restaurant, open to the public
La Palestra: FUA’s on-campus gym
Sorgiva Spa: FUA’s on-campus full-service spa, health, and wellness facility, open to the public
SPRING 2025 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECTS
Please click the links for a full description of each placement, including prerequisites, requirements, and number of credits:
Art Therapy Service Learning
Fashion Buying Strategies: From Personal Shopper to Retail Merchandising
Restaurant Management (6 credits)
Restaurant Management (3 credits)
SUMMER A 2025 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECTS
Please click the links for a full description of each placement, including prerequisites, requirements, and number of credits:
FALL 2024 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECTS
Please click the links for a full description of each placement, including prerequisites, requirements, and number of credits:
SPRING 2025 INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
Please click the links for a full description of each placement, including prerequisites, requirements, and number of credits:
FALL 2024 INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS
Please click the links for a full description of each placement, including prerequisites, requirements, and number of credits:
WHAT TO EXPECT IN YOUR INTERNSHIP OR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECT
An Internship or an Experiential Learning Project is a job that gives you the opportunity to gain experience in the given field. It is also a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your classes and gain networking contacts. That said, you need to be open-minded about the type of work you’ll be doing. For example, you may be assigned entry level work. However, if you “prove yourself” by producing quality work and showing your commitment to the job, the level of work assigned to you may improve. You will likely need to earn the trust of your supervisor first, which may take a little time.
You will participate in a mandatory Orientation after you arrive in Florence. This will help you understand what will be expected of you, what resources you have for support, and ultimately how to have a successful internship. Any academic obligations associated with your internship or ELP, such as papers, projects or reports, must be submitted to your supervisor or coordinator by the given deadlines.
Please be aware that Internships and ELPs cannot be dropped or changed once you have been assigned a placement.
Although this has already been mentioned, please be aware that you must complete 150 work hours as part of your Internship or ELP, outside of your classes. Work hours are typically scheduled Monday through Friday, but some internships and ELPs require weekend hours as well. You will not be able to choose specific work hours – they will be assigned to you – but they will not conflict with your classes. You may incur commuting expenses to and from your internship location, up to one hour’s duration each way, at the student’s expense.
Please be aware that by hiring you, the company or organization is making a significant investment of their time and resources. By accepting an internship, you are making a commitment to that organization, which must be taken seriously. You will be expected to complete your internship in full and complete all of the work hours associated with your placement. ONCE YOU HAVE BEEN ASSIGNED A PLACEMENT, YOU CANNOT DROP IT, CHANGE IT, OR WITHDRAW FROM IT. You will be expected to put forth your best effort and attend all work hours. Just like going to class is required and any absences are documented, you are required to show up for work – on time, every time. No-shows are taken seriously. Repeated no-shows or general lack of commitment to your internship can result in your placement being revoked, in which case you would receive a failing grade and not receive the credits you have planned to earn.
HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTERNSHIP OR EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING PROJECT
Your first step is to choose an Internship or ELP from the list of example placements on this webpage – read the description and ensure you meet the prerequisites. Once you have been accepted to the ASA program, you will be prompted to pre-register for classes at Florence University of the Arts by completing ASA’s Course Pre-registration Form. Simply list the internship/ELP, including the course code and title, on your ASA Course Pre-registration Form.
After submitting your ASA Course Pre-registration Form, you simply need to submit the following internship/ELP application materials to ASA, and then ASA will forward them to Florence University of the Arts. Internship/ELP application materials include:
Detailed CV (résumé). Must be focused on your academic and professional experiences that are related to your internship field.
Cover Letter/Letter of Motivation exploring the reasons for your application, your goals and expectations, and ideal outcome of the internship/ELP.
Depending on the field of your placement, a portfolio may be required. Fields that require a portfolio can include Fine Arts, Photography, Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Theater Arts, etc. If required, your portfolio should contain relevant work from previous academic/professional experience. We will let you know if a portfolio is required.
If knowledge of Italian is required for your desired internship or ELP, an Italian language proficiency exam, which can be assessed via interview with a certified Italian language instructor or a placement exam.
Once Florence University of the Arts has reviewed your application materials listed above, they will email you directly to schedule a Skype interview. During the Skype interview, your interest and suitability for the position will be assessed. You are strongly encouraged to write down a list of questions before your interview so that you understand the requirements of the position, work location and distance from school, work hours, scheduling, dress code, and other details. Please dress appropriately for your Skype interview and have it somewhere quiet where you will not be interrupted or distracted. Be sure to consider what will appear behind you on the screen. Please take the interview seriously – you are applying for a job!
Those applying for an external Internship placement must undergo evaluation by both the FUA Experiential Learning and Internship Department and the external placement supervisor.
In certain cases, at the discretion of FUA’s Experiential Learning and Internship Department, a student may be required to take a preparatory class before being assigned to a placement. This will not only provide the student with the necessary theoretical background, but it will also allow the student to fully benefit from the experience. After successful completion of the course, the student may be re-evaluated for admission to an internship or ELP.
Once again, we cannot guarantee any particular placement, company or organization. Submitting an application does not guarantee you a placement.
Most students receive confirmation of their placement 2-4 weeks before their program starts, but in some cases the placement process could be longer or shorter.
Upon completing an internship or ELP, the student may request the following documentation to verify their participation:
An official document confirming the student’s attendance
Letter of recommendation from the on-site placement supervisor
Any other document that is required by the student’s home institution must be filled out by the on-site placement supervisor. It will reflect the on-site placement supervisor’s opinion on the student’s performance and will refer strictly to the tasks carried out by the student during their placement. Any such documents may only be completed after completing the internship or ELP.
FLORENCE UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
Application Deadlines: See this page
APPLY EARLY for the best course selection. Courses are assigned on a first come, first served basis.
If you are concerned about getting into a particular class, please call us at 888-845-4272 to confirm availability.
Language Requirement: None. Courses are available in English and Italian. It is not mandatory to take Italian Language unless it is required by your home institution.
Additional Requirements: Minimum GPA 2.75. Must have completed at least 1 semester before applying. For complete requirements, please see the Eligibility section on this page.
Possible U.S. Credits: 3-6 semester credits (1-2 courses). Students who enroll in more than the maximum credits allowed will be charged an additional fee per credit.
Final Transcript: Issued by Florence University of the Arts. Students needing a US transcript or a transcript from an AACSB accredited institution should contact us.
All students MUST have DOUBLE the number of classes approved by their home institution than they actually plan to take. This will give you back-ups in case of changes in availability or schedule conflicts. When you pre-register for classes (this happens after you’re accepted), you will have to list one alternate class for each of your top choices, and all must be different. Classes are assigned on a first come, first served basis and sometimes fill up.
COURSE FEES (NOT INCLUDED)
Some FUA classes have course fees that cover required academic field trips and/or materials, which are not included in the ASA program fee. Students will pay applicable course fees directly to Florence University of the Arts after arrival. Click here for a list of Summer 2025 course fees. Course fees are subject to change.
Some FINE ARTS classes have specific art supplies that students must purchase at their own expense, either at home or upon arrival. Click here for Summer 2025 Fine Arts supplies that must be purchased by the student.
COURSE OFFERINGS & schedules
**HELPFUL TIP! Summer A is a 6-week session. The first 3 weeks of Summer A is Summer I, and the last 3 weeks of Summer A is Summer II.
Please use the chart below to explore Summer course offerings at Florence University of the Arts.
You may not take more than one Italian language during any one session.
| Summer Session | 2025 Dates | Duration | Number of Courses chosen from Session(s) | Number of Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Arrive May 19, Depart June 6 | 3 weeks | Choose 1 or 2 courses from Session I | 3-6 credits |
| II | Arrive June 9, Depart June 27 | 3 weeks | Choose 1 or 2 courses from Session II | 3-6 credits |
| A | Arrive May 19, Depart June 27 | 6 weeks | Choose 1 or 2 courses from: Session A or Session I + Session II or Session A + Session I or Session A + Session II | 3-6 credits |
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS (SYLLABI)
ASA is happy to email you detailed syllabi/course descriptions for all classes you are interested in taking. Simply send an email to hello@academicstudies.com and include the Course Code and Course Title.
EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Florence University of the Arts offers a number of classes that include an Experiential Learning Project. An ELP is similar to an internship and is a great résumé builder. It is a dynamic learning environment that increases students’ cultural awareness and intercultural communication skills through “learn-by-doing”, hands-on activities and interaction with the Florentine community. In addition to regular class lecture hours, students who participate in an Experiential Learning Project will complete real work or research projects and integration with the local population. Experiential learning hours are fully supervised by FUA instructors who track students step-by-step, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This all-encompassing educational experience, based on theory and practice in real enterprises, will help students learn problem solving skills, leadership skills, and management skills. To see a list of available classes that have an Experiential Learning Project, simply view the “Course Offerings and Schedules” link for your term (above), and then scroll to the section called “Department of Experiential Learning.”
FIELD LEARNING & SERVICE LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES
Field Learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional classroom setting through field activities, field research, and service learning projects. Field-related content is not limited to just the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich the topics covered in class. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community. Faculty will lead students through guided projects and field experiences, helping them develop skills and appreciate the richness of Italian culture through direct contact with the culture. To see a list of available classes that have a Field Learning or Service Learning component, simply view the “Course Offerings and Schedules” link for your term (above), and then scroll to the section called “Department of Field Learning.”
SUBJECT AREAS
ARTS & HUMANITIES
Architecture
Art History
Accessory Design
Anthropology
Baking and Pastry
Culinary Arts
Fashion Design
Fashion Merchandising
Fine Arts
History
Italian Language
Italian Culture
Journalism
Philosophy
Photography
Religious Studies
Urban Studies
Visual Communication
Wine Studies
BUSINESS
Entrepreneurship
Hospitality Management
Marketing
Management
NATURAL SCIENCES
Chemistry
Nutrition
Sustainable Development
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Food and Culture
Sociology