Syracuse University

Students at SU Florence can choose from three program options based on personal interests, academic goals and Italian language level.

Whichever you choose, you’ll earn Syracuse University credit and experience a challenging and enriching semester abroad .

Option I Programs

Study at the SU Florence Center

Option I programs are for students who wish to take all of their courses at Syracuse University's Center in Florence. This option offers Italian language classes at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels, as well as a broad selection of courses taught in English. There is no language prerequisite, however, all students must take an Italian language course.

Option I Programs are described below:

• Liberal Arts and Management- our broadest and most popular program in Florence easily accomodates students of all majors.  Students select from courses in Arts & Sciences and Business, along with an Italian language course.  As an added feature, students may also register for one Studio Arts class- a great way to explore your creative side while in Florence (note: registration for studio courses is done on a space available basis after Studio Arts students have registered). 
• Studio Arts- this program is for designed for Studio Art majors or minors, offering studio classes in disciplines including (but not limited to) Painting, Drawing, Sculpture and Photography.  Our studios in Florence will allow you to grow and develop as an artist while experiencing the culture of Florence- the birthplace of the Renaissance.  Studio Arts students typically enroll in 2-3 Studio classes, Italian language, and one other course from the variety of offerings at the SU Center.  An art portfolio is required for admission into the Studio Arts program.
• Architecture- our Architecture program is designed for students enrolled in a professional Architecture program, either at Syracuse University or another school.  The Architecture program consists of a 6 credit drawing studio (ARC 407 or ARC 408), a 3 credit Survey course (ARC 571-includes  site visits throughout the region) and an Italian language course.  Architecture students may choose to enroll in an additional elective from the variety of offerings courses at the SU Center.  A portfolio is required for non-SU students applying to this program.
• Pre-Professional Architecture- this unique program is instructed to accomodate a wide range of students, from Architecture majors in non-professional programs to Architecture enthusiasts who have an interest in learning about this exciting field.  The pre-professional program consists of a 3-credit Vertical Drawing Studio (ARC 397- instructed to accomodate students at any drawing/skill level), a 3 credit Survey course (ARC 398-includes many site visits throughout the region), and an Italian language course.  In addition, students enroll in 1 or 2 additional courses from the variety of offerings at the SU Center.  This exciting program is a concept designed exclusively by the Syracuse University School of Architecture for the SU Florence Center, and has received excellent student feedback from past participants.  (NOTE:  Because the program is designed to accomodate students at any skill level, a portfolio is NOT required for admission).

 VIEW A FULL COURSE LIST FOR ALL OPTION I PROGRAMS:

>View all courses for SU Florence> 

Option II: For students with Italian Language experience

Study at the SU Florence Center & take Italian language at the "Centro de Cultura per Stranieri"

NOTE:  Students must have completed two years of college-level Italian in order to be eligible for the Option II program.

This program is ideal for students who would like to immerse in intensive Italian language and cultural studies while in Florence.  Option II students take their Italian language class at the Centro di Cultura per Stranieri (part of the University of Florence), located just cross the Piazza from the SU Florence Center.  The Centro hosts students from around the globe, allowing you to interact with students from all over the world while studying Italian language and culture.

Classes at the Centro are Monday-Friday mornings, so Option II students select their SU Florence Center courses from the variety of afternoon offerings.  This ideal combination gives you full cultural immersion and global connections while still allowing you to be an active part of the student body at SU Florence. 

Click here for detailed information on the Option II program

OPTION III: University of Florence

NOTE:  To qualify for the Option III program, you must have advanced-intermediate to advanced proficiency with the Italian language.

This program offers full cultural and academic immersion for students who would like to study alongside Italian students in selected courses at the University of Florence. Courses are instructed in Italian and offered in a wide range of disciplines.   To ensure academic success, SU Florence faculty will help guide and tutor you throughout the semester.  It is typical for Option III students to enroll in 2-3 courses at the University of Florence and 2-3 courses at the SU Center, allowing you to remain an active part of the SU Florence student body while also studying alongside native Florentines. 

It is important to note that the University of Florence calendar normally extends beyond the dates of the SU Florence calendar, so Option III program dates may differ from the Option I calendar (Note: the program fee for Option III may be higher to accomodate the additional housing period).

Click here for detailed information on the Option III program