Italy: CSU Florence Center

For detailed information regarding deadlines and how to apply, go the the CSU International Programs website here.

Program Highlights

City: Florence has been named the number one European city each year for over a decade by Travel + Leisure. The city is a hub for art, fashion, and food with immediate access to the Tuscan countryside.

University: Take courses at CSU IP’s own Study Center. Courses are taught in English. Numerous group excursions are included throughout the year. The center is located in the city’s historic center, minutes from historic sites like the Duomo.

Academics: Earn Major, Minor, and General Education credit.

Tuition: Same tuition cost as home CSU campus.

Language of Instruction: English, Italian

Special Notes: Great for students wanting to spend their Sophomore year abroad.

About the CSU Florence Center

The CSU Florence Center recently celebrated its 50th anniversary, educating 100 CSU students each year. Courses are taught in English by excellent Italian faculty, drawn from both the academic and professional world. The on-site staff is renowned for their knowledge and friendly, helpful support for students. All of the courses offered are designed to build on the unique strengths of Florence and to treat the city and its cultures as extensions of the classroom.

All students participate in an eight-week Preparatory Language Program (PLP) beginning in late August, after which they begin their coursework for the fall. Additionally, the CSU Florence center has its own library and is home to over 4,000 volumes with subjects ranging from Literature to Art History to Architecture, all available for CSU IP students to use and enjoy.

For detailed information regarding deadlines and how to apply, go the the CSU International Programs website here.

Academic Year Applications
February 1: Priority Deadline
March 1: Secondary Deadline 
April 1: Late Applicant Deadline

Note: CSU IP recommends that students apply by the priority deadline as available spaces may be limited on popular programs.
 

GPA Requirement
2.75 Cumulative GPA
 
CSU Class Standing
Sophomore, Junior, or Senior.

Pre-requisites
Art History Track: 
There are no CSU IP pre-requisites for this program. However, coursework in the following areas is recommended: Western Art History or European History.

Humanities (History, Classics & Literature) Track: 
There are no CSU IP pre-requisites for this program. However, coursework in the following areas is recommended: World or Western Civilization/History/Literature/Philosophy. One term of language study in Italian, Latin, Spanish, French, Portuguese or Greek.

Political Science Track: 
There are no CSU IP pre-requisites for this program. However, coursework in the following areas is recommended: Comparative Government, International Relations, World History/Geography
 

Academic Credit
Students are required to take the equivalent of 15 CSU units per semester.

CLICK HERE to view the Academic Bulletin for this program for further details regarding course credits and academic policies. 

Cost
Students pay the same tuition for Italy: CSU Florence Center as the tuition paid for their home CSU campus. For more information on costs, including accommodations, travel and other expenses, see the Budget Estimates above.

Program Dates
CSU IP students spend an Academic Year abroad on this program. The traditional Italian academic cycle begins in February and ends in November. 

Academic Year: July to June.
 

The Italy: CSU Florence Center program is located in Florence at the CSU Study Center. This program is administered by a Resident Director and full-time local staff. Each year, about 100 CSU students participate in the IP Italy program and attend courses at the Center. The fields of study offered are architecture, art history, classics, history, Italian language, international relations, Italian studies, literature, political science, and studio art. 

The Italy: CSU Florence Center program
Begins with a required 5 credit Preparatory Language Program (PLP), offering students Italian language instruction at the beginning, intermediate or advanced levels.  Participants are introduced to the culture of Florence and to contemporary Italian society through lectures during the PLP. In addition to the Italian language coursework during the PLP, students are required to take 6 credits of Italian language study during the fall term, and 3 credits of Italian language during the spring.  Students also pursue coursework in their area of concentration and enroll in elective courses during the fall and spring semesters. 

The CSU Italy program offers students a wide range of courses.  During the time of application, students will be asked to select an area of concentration. Students can take courses across concentrations, but will be asked to specify their main area of interest.  

?For additional academic information about this program, please refer to the CSU IP Academic Bulletin for most current year by clicking here. Note that course offerings are subject to change and may not be offered during the year of intended study.
 
The Italian Studies program

Begins with a required 5 credit Preparatory Language Program (PLP), offering students Italian language instruction at the beginning, intermediate or advanced levels. Participants are introduced to the culture of Florence and to contemporary Italian society through lectures during the PLP. 

The Italian Studies program is designed for serious students of Italian language, literature and culture. The program provides students with an opportunity to concentrate all studies on Italian for an entire academic year.  During the PLP and fall semester, students combine their study of Italian language with courses in English.  During the spring semester, students enroll only in courses conducted in Italian, including the required capstone Italian 352.