Florence, Italy

A top 10 Study Abroad Destination in 2012!

Click here to read more about the rankings by Abroad101.

The Florence Study Center specializes in the study of studio and fine arts. Social science and business majors would also benefit from this outstanding educational opportunity. Situated in a major Renaissance city with a wealth of cultural resources, it is an ideal location for the intensive study of painting, drawing, sculpture, photography and art history. Each participant’s first semester begins with a one-week orientation in Marina di Pietrasanta for the Fall Semester or in Rome for the Spring Semester.  During this week students will receive information about life in Italy, academic matters and social activities.  This is followed by eleven weeks of study in Florence. With the exception of Italian language, all courses are taught in English. For a full list of courses click here.

This experience, in whole has become a part of me. Words don’t even begin to describe how much I’m going to miss the people that have been the foundation to my experience here, but more importantly, I’m going to miss the person I am right now and right here because I’ll never have that again – Daniele Nickel, Florence

The Florence Study Center

The Center is conveniently located in the Palazzo Michelozzi near the major cultural, historical and social attractions of this great Renaissance city, and consists of classrooms, art studios, offices, a library and a student lounge. The study center has cooperative links with a number of leading institutions including The British Institute, Palazzo Strozzi Foundation, and the University of Florence.

  

Accommodation

In Florence, students live in Italian homes or in student apartments which are carefully screened and supervised.  Special rates have also been negotiated for dinner at a number of excellent Florentine restaurants, and at some cafes for breakfast.  Dinner and breakfast vouchers (Mon-Fri) are included in the cost of the programme.

“I’m already anticipating the nostalgia I’ll feel reminiscing the last four months of living in the most perfect city.” –Nicole Collette, Florence

How to Apply

Students from the USA not studying at one of our partner institutions:
If you are not studying at one of our partner institutions, you should apply through our American partner AIFS, click here.

Students from our US partners and students from outside of the USA (including students from our non US partner universities):
If you are studying at one of our partner institutions, or if you live outside of the USA, please complete the Visiting Student Application and submit it together with Official transcripts or Certified Original copies of all university work to date; a 500 word statement explaining why you wish to join Richmond and what you hope to gain from the experience and one confidential reference letter in an enveloped sealed by your referee.

Current Richmond degree students:
DUE TO CHANGES IN OPEN UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS OVER TRANSFER CREDITS, RICHMOND DEGREE STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRANSFER IN ANY CREDITS TAKEN IN OUR FLORENCE CAMPUS. THEY ARE STILL ALLOWED, HOWEVER, TO GO FOR A SEMESTER TO A PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY. For a list of partnership exchanges please go to the Overseas Study partners webpage.

For all American students:
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CANNOT USE FEDERAL LOANS issued through the US Department of Education (FAFSA) to study abroad in Florence.

Rome, Italy

In Rome students learn ancient history while visiting the Colosseum, the Forum and the Palatine Hill; they live immersed in an almost uninterrupted sequence of monuments -from early Christian basilicas, Romanesque churches, Renaissance palaces, to the fountains and churches of the Baroque period, which more than any other age has shaped the look of the city. Great examples of modern and contemporary architecture are also to be found here, from Neoclassical to Fascist architecture.

Rome’s atmosphere is like no other city – a monumental, busy capital and yet an appealingly relaxed place, with a centre that still preserves its traditions and old village charms.

The Rome Study Center

It is located in Piazza Sant’ Andrea della Valle, in the very heart of Rome, a few steps away from Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori and the Pantheon.  Across the street is the church of Sant’ Andrea della Valle, a must-see for opera lovers, as in this church the action of the first act of Giacomo Puccini’s Tosca takes place.

The neighbourhood where the Richmond in Rome Center is located is one of the richest areas of Rome’s historic centre. Within a short walking distance are some of the most well-known and best-loved of Rome’s many sites – including sublime monuments, beautiful piazzas, bustling markets and lively cosmopolitan neighbourhoods. Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Colosseum, the Roman Forum, Trastevere may also be reached on foot in a few minutes.

Orientation Programme

The Rome Study Abroad Semester starts with an intense two week preparatory programme in Florence.

Programme staff move to Florence to supervise all aspects of the two week Orientation. Students take intensive Italian language courses and are offered a variety of cultural and social activities which include lectures on health and safety issues, Italian culture, visits to famous museums, churches and palaces of Florence. Highlights are day trips to Pisa to see the Leaning Tower, Cathedral and Baptistery, and to Siena to enjoy its medieval atmosphere, the famous shell-shaped piazza, the central cathedral and museums.

For a full list of courses click here.

Extracurricular Programme

Throughout the semester a variety of social and cultural exchange activities are organised with Italian students, visits to major art attractions in the city and in the Roman countryside, outings to concerts, operas, plays, art exhibits and sporting events. A small additional fee may be required to participate in some of the activities. Should students want to organise visits to other parts of the city or Italy the Richmond staff are available to help plan and advise.

Participate in:

• Volunteer programme
• Wine tasting
• Learn to cook Italian
• Internships
• Weekend excursions to Venice, Pompeii, Capri and Naples to name a few destinations.

Internship Newsletter

Accommodation in Rome

During the 2 week Orientation Programme in Florence, students stay in multi-bedded rooms in a centrally located hotel or residence.

When students move to Rome they will live in supervised student apartments or with an Italian family. Apartments and families are contracted for the exclusive use of Richmond in Rome students and are located in different areas of the city.

Apartments are fully equipped with the essentials: basic kitchen supplies, furnishings, linens, pillows and blankets. All accommodation is within a 45 minute commute to the Study Center.

Meals

In Florence students are served breakfast and dinner at the hotel every day.

In Rome students receive meal vouchers for five breakfasts and lunches (or dinners) each week.  The vouchers are pre-paid and can be used in a large variety of selected cafes, restaurants, pizzerias, take-out and grocery stores. Typical meal facilities include family-run trattorias and pizzerias as well as deli and produce stores. The meal vouchers are meant as a supplement to students’ own funds to purchase meals.

How to Apply

Students from the USA not studying at one of our partner institutions:
If you are not studying at one of our partner institutions, you should apply through our American partner AIFS, click here.

Students from our US partners and students from outside of the USA (including students from our non US partner universities):
If you are studying at one of our partner institutions, or if you live outside of the USA, please complete the Visiting Student Application and submit it together with Official transcripts or Certified Original copies of all university work to date; a 500 word statement explaining why you wish to join Richmond and what you hope to gain from the experience and one confidential reference letter in an enveloped sealed by your referee.

Current Richmond degree students:
DUE TO CHANGES IN OPEN UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS OVER TRANSFER CREDITS, RICHMOND DEGREE STUDENTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO TRANSFER IN ANY CREDITS TAKEN IN OUR ROME CAMPUS. THEY ARE STILL ALLOWED, HOWEVER, TO GO FOR A SEMESTER TO A PARTNERSHIP UNIVERSITY. For a list of partnership exchanges please go to the Overseas Study partners webpage.

For all American students:
PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU CANNOT USE FEDERAL LOANS issued through the US Department of Education (FAFSA) to study abroad in Rome .