Dates
June 30 - July 26, 2012
*Rome Extension, July 26-29
Program Fee
$8,295 + airfare
Housing
Residential
Grades
Completing grades 9 - 12

Get Inspired

The interdisciplinary curriculum allows you to explore your interests while taking advantage of the setting of Florence. Most classes are field-based, complete with visits to local museums and cultural sites.

Students are taught by native professors, curators and artists who are experts in their field and are dedicated to ensuring you get the broadest exposure to the cultural riches of Florence. Some classes take place at the Convitto della Calza, uniquely charming for its combination of a 16th-century cloister, halls frescoed with original masterpieces such as Francibigio's Last Supper. Fashion design takes place at FAST, Fashion and Accessories Studies and Technology ; Photography takes place at DIVA, Digital Imaging and Visual Arts; and Italian Cooking takes place at Apicius, Internationl School of Hospitality. All three schools are part of Palazzi a group of academic, interdisciplinary educational institutions located in the center of Florence, in historical palaces.

  • Post to Twitter
  • YouTube
  • Email
  • Print
  • Request Brochure
Learn
Exciting Majors

Discover a new interest in one of the most beautiful and culturally rich settings in the world. Whether your a history buff, fashion fanatic, budding archeologist, art & architecture enthusiast or interested in learning Italian, we have something for you.

Rich Cultural Electives

Deepen you love of cooking in an exciting (and delicious) introduction to Tuscan cuisine, cultivate your passion for art by learning the essentials of sketching and painting, study the history and strategy of Italian soccer or explore Florence with a camera in hand to capture the beauty of the city and its people.

Discover

Experience the city of the Renaissance, the excitement of biking through Tuscany, the wonder of the Uffizi and the Accademia, the thrill of stepping out to a discoteca and the energy of the San Lorenzo markets.

Explore the stunning coastline of Cinque Terre, the thirteen towers of San Gimignano, the Tuscan landscape of Cortona, the medieval architecture of Siena and the spectacular resorts of Viareggio.

Alumni
Hear from our alumni

Our greatest endorsement comes from our alumni. They form a large network of students and families that overwhelmingly agree that their summer with us was their "best summer ever." See what they had to say about their summer on our Alumni Testimonials page.

Morning Courses
  • Art History & Architecture

    This course is designed to introduce students to the art and architecture of the Italian peninsula from the Ancient Greeks to modern Florence. Students will give special consideration to the relation of the works of art to their cultural, historical, and intellectual contexts. They will also have the opportunity to study original works through on-site lectures and group assignments.

  • Italian: Complete Beginner

    This course provides a lively, hands-on introduction to the Italian language and culture. Students gain an understanding of basic Italian grammar and vocabulary, with emphasis on phrases that will be useful in everyday situations. No previous knowledge of Italian required for participation in this course.

  • Fashion Design

    This course will take students through the creative process of developing shapes and patterns for fashion designs. Students will study the rules of draping, working on the basic bodice, the basic skirt and facings. They will also approach a basic knowledge of sewing machines and basic stitches. With the final project students will create a garment in fabric and a portfolio that will display a sampling of their work.

Afternoon Courses
  • The Italian Soccer Experience

    This course traces the history of Italian soccer and the personalitiesplayers, trainers and managers - who have shaped the game. The technical aspects of Italian soccer- rules, tactics, strategies, psychology, and training - will be explored during the training hours. A field trip to ACF Fiorentina, the Coverciano museum of soccer and the world-renowned coaching school form an integral part of the course.

  • Cucina Italiana

    An exciting introduction to the wonders of Tuscan cuisine, structured as a sequence of classes progressing from antipasti, primi piatti, secondi piatti through to dessert. You will make traditional Tuscan dishes in a professional kitchen under the careful guidance of a professional chef. You will not only learn culinary techniques, but get a special insight into Tuscan culture and tradition. ($400 supplement)

  • Drawing & Painting

    Designed for students of every level, this course focuses on the essential techniques of sketching and painting and takes advantage of the many picturesque Florentine neighborhoods and the natural beauty of Tuscany. Exploring different mediums, students will strive to master the art of figure drawing, still life, portraits and abstraction.

  • Digital Photography

    Students will learn how to use any digital camera as a tool to see their surroundings in a different way. The instructor will guide students to use photo computer software and post their work on the web. Elements of photo composition, camera use, visual rules and photo history, will also be addressed. Class assignments, group critiques, and individual assignments will help students to further the creative photographic process. ($100 supplement)