Florence is a city of momentous change – but also, a city that retains its historic character and legacy. It is a city of paradox, and it is endlessly fascinating; a perfect place to study, learn, and live.  Florence has attracted students for centuries and with good reason. History makes itself felt in every piazza, street, and market. You have the sense of living in the present while surrounded by some of the greatest achievements of the past. The streets of Florence make even a walk to class an unforgettable cultural experience. Known for its art treasures and history, the city’s story goes back to the Roman Empire. The powerful Medici princes led Florence into the Renaissance by their patronage of artists, philosophers, poets, scientists, and scholars who changed the face of Western civilization.

Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the historic city center of Florence and is an urban campus with buildings spread throughout the city. The university offers the latest technologies and resources to its community of students and faculty, including Wi-Fi connections throughout all facilities.

Students have access to the many departments at FUA which feature an exceptionally broad and stimulating curriculum available through diverse areas of studies and academic disciplines. In addition to academics, studying abroad with FUA features several experiential components such as educational field-trips, getting involved in the local culture through community service and volunteer opportunities, and extracurricular activities. Studying abroad at FUA is characterized by the institution’s efforts in cultural integration. The institution’s position places FUA in direct contact with the city’s culture, movements, and events.

Upon arrival, all students will participate in a comprehensive orientation program prior to the start of classes. This is aimed to help familiarize students with their local surroundings, discuss health and safety as well as acquaint them with university and program resources. During orientation, students will participate in both Fairfield and FUA orientation, have a cultural walking tour and learn more about program logistics.

Students will attend classes at Florence University of the Arts (FUA), which offers a variety of courses and is located in the historic city center. The Studio Art and Art History Track Programs have been specifically designed in collaboration with FUA and the Fairfield University Visual and Performing Arts Department.

Studio Art – Fall Semester

Total credits: 15

Survey of Italian Art is entirely based on Field Learning. This course takes students to the following locations: Cortona, Lake Trasimeno and The Mall, Pienza and Montepulciano, Siena and San Gimignano, and Sicily.

Art History Track – Spring Semester

Total credits: 15 or 18 credits

*FAAEGE350 Gallery and Exhibition Curating. Students will be involved in curating and promoting art shows by local artists and art-related events in Florence. The 3 credit course allows students to work on one project.

Fairfield University, a Jesuit institution, is a fully accredited university and member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Recognized by the Italian government as an institution of higher learning in Italy, Fairfield University is also a member of AACUPI, the Association of American College and University Programs in Italy.  All students participating in Center programs receive Fairfield credit and grade for the term. These grades will be posted to the students’ Fairfield transcripts.  Fairfield University may not edit, delete or change the grade notations on a foreign university transcript

Students live in comfortable, furnished apartments, located throughout the city of Florence. There are no dorms or campus residences in Florence and students should expect to commute to class. Students will be placed in shared accommodation with other students participating in the Fairfield program and may request to live with one other student.  Any other housing requests cannot be guaranteed. There are no single rooms available in Florence.

Bedrooms have 2-4 students per room and each apartment may have from one to five bedrooms.  All apartments vary in size, location and furnishings.  Apartments are furnished with cooking utensils, dishes, Wi-Fi  and appliances which include a washing machine.

Students will have access to the gym at FUA free of charge.

*Sample photo, all housing differs

What is CREA? CREA is an acronym coming from an abbreviation of the Italian word “creare” which in English translates to “create”. The goal of the CREA program is to empower students to create their own unique study abroad experience by being an active member of the Florence community and participating in all the city has to offer.

The CREA acronym: Connect, Reflect, Explore, Act

Connect with your fellow Fairfield students while you immerse yourself in Italian culture, Reflect on your time and experiences abroad and how that lends to your personal growth, Explore the city and all its wonders that make Florence a top city for study and travel, and finally Act, give back to your local community through volunteering, teaching, or community service.

The Florence University of the Arts was one of the first institutions in Italy to implement experiential learning into its curriculum. Experiential learning is implemented in a variety of ways into courses and projects for FUA students, where the aim is to create a reciprocal exchange of culture, competency, and knowledge between students and external organizations for a mutually beneficial outcome. Each experiential learning context implemented by FUA is carefully monitored by faculty members coordinated by the Dean of Students and Academic Office.

Fairfield University has a full time team based in Florence that are there to ensure that you have an educationally challenging and culturally enriching experience while you are in Italy. They will provide specific support prior to the program start date as well as logistical, academic and emergency support while in Florence.

In addition to Fairfield University’s student services, students will also have full access to all services at Florence University of the Arts.
These services include: Extracurricular Activities

• Sport Night
• Italian Family Club
• Community outreach
• Chat Pal program
• Taste Italy Workshops
• Mind and Body fitness activities
• Lectures or panel discussions
• One day field trips
• Weekend field trips

United States citizens studying abroad in Italy for more than 90 days are required to obtain a visa prior to arrival in country. Visas must be obtained in person at an italian consulate in the U.S. For consulate locations and jurisdictions please visit this website.

Students are responsible for obtaining all necessary documentation and for scheduling visa appointments. The Office of Study Abroad will hold a series of visa clinics to help review students’ materials, but ultimately the granting power of visas lies with the Italian government.

For more information on international travel, getting a passport, and more, please visit the U.S. Department of State – Bureau of Consular Affairs website found here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html

Please contact your home institution’s study abroad office for additional information regarding program fees. The use of financial aid for study abroad programs depends on your home university’s policies. Please contact your home institution’s Financial Aid office for additional information.

Semester program cost includes:

• Tuition
• Housing
• Airport pick-up and transfer
• Comprehensive orientation
• Onsite student support with 24-hour emergency assistance
• Cultural excursions
• Visa assistance
• Insurance, including full medical coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• Fairfield University transcript

All students studying abroad are required to abide by the Fairfield University Study Abroad Policies and Procedures. Please find details on the following policies on the main Global Fairfield website. 

• Admissions Policies
• Academic Policies
• Financing
• Withdrawal and Cancellation Policy
• Code of Conduct
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
• Accessibility Support Policy
• Housing Policy
• Health and Safety Policy
  • International Insurance Policy
  • Booking Flights
  • International Cell Phone Policy
  • Credit Card Policy
  • Banking Abroad
  • Passports and Visa’s

Please also note, all Fairfield students studying abroad with AIFS are required to book their round-trip airfare directly with AIFS using their Flight Package program. More information on the Round Trip Airfare will be provided upon acceptance into the program with AIFS.