Academics

Welcome to the Florence Study Abroad Program! Whether you’re drawn here by a passion for Italian language and culture, the allure of Florence’s rich history, or simply the desire to experience life abroad, I am sure that your semester with us will be unforgettable.

At our Florence center, we are dedicated to providing an exceptional academic experience. We offer a wide range of courses and we have special programs that are sure to match your interests. Our goal is to provide you with engaging classes taught by experienced instructors, with experiential components to provide an additional layer of learning.

During the Fall semester we offer courses in collaboration with the University of Florence, where you can meet students from around the world.  We also offer an Intensive Language Program for students with 4 or more semesters of Italian — perfect for developing and improving your language skills and meeting other students and professionals who live here in Florence.

All students can engage with the local community through our internship and volunteer programs, as well as conversation exchanges with local schools.

I hope you find the Florence Study Abroad Program as exciting and enriching as I do. I’m proud to be part of a team that constantly builds a feeling of community here on our campus.  We’re committed to creating an immersive learning experience for all our students, and we value your ideas, perspectives, and opinions. Most importantly, we believe that a study abroad program should push you out of your comfort zone while providing a supportive environment. We encourage you to challenge your preconceptions and embrace discovering new things.

Have a fantastic semester abroad!

Rachael Smith

Rachael Smith

Assistant Director for Students’ Academic Success
Contact Information
  • Location: Villa Rossa RM 21
  • Email: rsmith81@syr.edu
  • Work Phone: +39 055-503-1322
Rachael Smith oversees all academic operations, working with the team to continuously improve and enhance our educational offerings, providing the resources and support for students to have the best possible learning experience during their semester in Florence.