The Intensive Language Program at the Centro di Cultura per Stranieri is a 10-week language and culture program for students who are proficient in Italian. If you are an Italian major or minor, or you would like to immerse yourself in intensive Italian language and cultural studies while in Florence, this is the program for you. The Centro is a special department of the Università di Firenze and hosts students from around the globe. Classes are taught entirely in Italian by professors of the University of Florence who may not know the student’s native language. Italian is the one language common to all Centro faculty and students.
Eligibility
The Intensive Language Program is open to all students who have completed two years of college-level Italian (four semesters) or the equivalent. The fall courses begin in October and end in December; the spring courses begin in January and end in mid-March. In summer, classes are scheduled from the second week of June to the end of July. Applications should include a writing sample in Italian and a letter of recommendation from an Italian language instructor.
Courses and Credits
Intensive language students are placed in one of three 6-credit classes at the Centro:
- ITA 380.1 – Intermediate High
- ITA 380.2 – Advanced I
- ITA 380.3 – Advanced II
An additional credit can be earned by attending a lecture series in Italian literature, history, and art history.
Intensive language students will take a one-credit review course in Italian language and culture at the Syracuse Florence Center before the beginning of classes at the Centro on October 1, and a conversation course after its ending in mid-March in Spring:
- ITA 300.1 – Advanced Practicum I (fall semester)
- ITA 300.2 – Advanced Practicum II (spring semester)
Students complete their required course load (12-19 credits per semester) by taking two or three courses taught in Italian or English at the Syracuse Florence Center. Students may also enroll in courses at the University of Florence under Syracuse Florence’s Direct Placement Program.
Semester Schedules
The Intensive Language Program is offered four times during the academic year. In the fall semester, there is no mid-term break. During the spring term, the program is offered twice: the first session starts in early January and ends in mid-March, followed by a 1-credit conversation class at the Syracuse Center. The second session begins at the end of March.
For specific dates, see the Program Calendar or contact the program coordinator, Prof. Antonella Francini.
Beyond the Classroom
Cultural activities, lectures, and site visits are organized for the Intensive Language Program students to explore contemporary Italian culture from various perspectives.
How to Apply
Applications should be submitted to Syracuse Abroad and include a writing sample in Italian and a letter of recommendation from an Italian instructor.
Contact Us
For information about applying, please contact Syracuse Florence admissions counselor Gael Noyes.
All applications must be approved by Syracuse Florence Advanced Language Program Coordinator Antonella Francini.