91²Ö¿â

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Sun setting in Florence, Italy

Looking for an enlightening - even life-changing - learning experience? You can begin an incredible journey by participating in 91²Ö¿â’s Semester program in Florence, Italy.

Spending a semester abroad is a fully immersive experience that allows you to live like a true Florentine, soaking up the culture of Italy while earning 91²Ö¿â academic credit. All majors are welcome and all courses are taught in English. In addition to all levels of Italian language, you’ll find a variety of courses in many disciplines. Students live with others from 91²Ö¿â in apartments.

Learn more about 91²Ö¿â in Florence

Apply Now for Fall 2025! The Fall 2025 Florence Semester application deadline is April 15, 2025.
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Location

Florence, Italy

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Term

Spring, Fall, Academic Year

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Housing

Apartment

Program Highlights

91²Ö¿â has been educating students in Florence for over 50 years. From architecture to biology to hospitality management, 91²Ö¿â Florence offers a comprehensive academic and cultural program.

In addition to completing a full course load, students have many opportunities to get acquainted with Florence and Italy during their time studying abroad. All attending students are able to participate in numerous activities introducing Italian life, food, art, history and culture.

Program Contact Information

Kristina Bullard

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: kbullar4@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-0912

Important Dates

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: April 15
  • Spring: October 1

Program Dates

Program dates shown below are tentative and subject to change. Students should not make arrangements or purchase any airfare until they have been formally instructed to do so by the Office of Global Education.

Program dates vary each year based upon the University's academic calendar, but the following are general guidelines:

  • Fall: Mid-Late August to Mid-Late December
  • Spring: Early January to Early May

Fall 2024

  • Group Flights Depart from U.S.: Thursday, August 15, 2024 and Friday, August 16, 2024
  • Mandatory Orientation: Sunday, August 18, 2024
  • Classes Start: Monday, August 19, 2024
  • Classes End: Thursday, December 5, 2024
  • Final Exams: Monday, December 9-Thursday December 12, 2024
  • Departure from Florence: Sunday, December 15, 2024

Spring 2025

  • Group Flights Depart from U.S.: Tuesday, January 7 and Wednesday, January 8, 2025
  • Arrive to Florence: Wednesday, January 8 and Thursday, January 9, 2025
  • Mandatory Orientation: Friday, January 10 and Saturday, January 11, 2025
  • Classes Start: Monday, January 13, 2025
  • Spring Break: Monday, March 10-16, 2025
  • Classes End: Thursday, May 1, 2025
  • Final Exams: Monday, May 5- Sunday, May 11, 2025
  • Departure from Florence: Sunday May 11, 2025
Florence Advising

Program Contact Information

For questions or to learn more about Florence, please contact Kristina Bullard or Sara Morato directly or schedule an appointment with either of them on  (Group Name: Education Abroad).

Kristina Bullard
Assistant Director, Education Abroad
kbullar4@kent.edu
(330) 672-0912

Sara Morato
Associate Director, Education Abroad
smoratoq@kent.edu
(330) 672-7984

Application Process

You will need to complete a 91²Ö¿â Education Abroad application. These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a 91²Ö¿â education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to 91²Ö¿â as a “Guest Studentâ€. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student†or as a “Graduate Guest Studentâ€, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a 91²Ö¿â student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now†button to start that application.

You can also refer to the FAQs for Guest Students if you need further help.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.  You will receive an e-mail with your application decision once your application has been reviewed.

4. Commit to the Program

If you are accepted, you need to log back into your application by going to and clicking LOGIN. Once you see the name of your program, you need to click on it and commit (i.e., accept your offer of admission). 

Academic Courses & Activities

Eligibility

Applicants must have a minimum 2.5 cumulative GPA and be in good standing at their home institution.

Academic Offerings

You don’t need a particular major to study in Florence. The self-discovery that takes place during a semester in Florence has been known to inspire exploratory students with the direction they’ve been looking for.

All majors are welcome at 91²Ö¿â Florence, and if you plan ahead and , the range of courses offered will keep you progressing toward your degree on schedule. In addition to all levels of Italian language, you’ll also find a variety of courses in many disciplines. 

Course credit is awarded by 91²Ö¿â so if you are a 91²Ö¿â student, there is no need to transfer credits. If you are not a 91²Ö¿â student, the credits can be easily transferred to your home institution.

All courses are taught in English and meet Monday through Thursday.

View the 91²Ö¿â Florence Semester courses.

Cohorts

Students who apply for the program will also apply to be part of a specific Florence cohort. Cohorts are based on your current major or study plan. Being in one cohort does not mean that you will not see students from another cohort; however, some academic field trips are only offered to certain cohorts. 

The cohorts are as follows:

  • Architecture Undergraduate/Architectural Studies/Construction Management
  • Arts and Sciences
  • Business
  • Communications (CCI)
  • Comprehensive
  • Fashion Design and Merchandising
  • Interior Design Undergraduate

Study Tours and Social Activities

In addition to introducing students to such extraordinary Italian cities as Rome and Venice, Field Trip and Study Tour destinations are selected to bring extra depth to students’ understanding of their specific areas of study. For example:

  • Architecture students explore Verona, a UNESCO World Heritage Site;
  • Business students investigate the global financial centers;
  • Communication students visit media and communication establishments;
  • and Fashion students travel to Italian fashion houses and textile producers.

Field trips by cohort (destinations are subject to change and may vary by semester):

  • Architecture & Interior Design: Milan, Rome, Siena, Venice, Verona
  • Arts and Sciences: Lucca, Rome, Venice
  • Business: Rome, Perugia, Venice
  • Communication: Milan, Rome, Perugia, Venice
  • Comprehensive: Lucca, Rome, Venice
  • Teacher Education: Reggio Emilia, Rome, Venice
  • Fashion: Como, Milan, Prato, Rome

Other activities can include taking Italian cooking lessons, visiting the Gucci Museum, volunteering at Caritas Diocesana Firenze Association, going to the opera, attending a Fiorentina soccer match, Calcetto tournament, and watching Italian movies.

See our Florence Student Services page for more information about in-country activities and support.

Visa Information

Most students studying in Florence for a full semester will be required to apply for a visa. The Education Abroad team is able to provide guidance throughout this process and also offers group processing for students who commit to the program.

Group Flight & Transportation

Group Flight

Students have the opportunity to travel to and from Florence on a group flight. As part of the group flight, students are able to travel with other 91²Ö¿â students and are accompanied by a Group Flight Leader on the way to Florence. Students also have the option to opt out of the group flight and fly independently.

Airport

The city of Florence is served by the International airport, Florence Airport, Petrola (FLR)

Local Transit

While traveling throughout the city of Florence, walking will be the main mode of transportation used for most students. However, there are various transit options for students who wish to travel throughout Italy or Europe and even within the city center of Florence itself.

Train: Traveling throughout Italy by train is very accessible as Florence is a central hub for the train system. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at a kiosk in the train station.

The main train station in Florence is the Santa Maria Novella (SMN). Other train stations in Florence include the Campo di Marte and the Rifredi.

Tram Line: The Florence Tramway is located just outside of the Florence Airport, Petrola and takes passengers from the airport to the city center, connecting at the Santa Maria Novela (SMN) train station.

Buses: Outside of the historic city center, local buses run throughout the city operated by ATAF. 

Taxis: There are many taxi services available. Taxis must be ordered ahead of your departure by phone or arranged at an official taxi stand. 

Location & Housing

Florence, Italy

Located in central Italy, Florence is a highlight for all travelers. It is the capital of the region of Tuscany and contains many iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The city is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is famous for its advancements in art, science, literature, architecture, and politics. Split by a river and surrounded by rolling hills, Florence offers an idyllic countryside view while also providing a bustling city life.

Located in the center of the country, Florence is just a couple of hours from Italy’s other world-renowned cities, like Rome and Venice. You can also get a taste of rural Italian life as the vineyard-covered hills of Tuscany are just miles from the city’s center.

Many people speak English in Florence, but it is not difficult to pick up the native Italian language and even try your hand at speaking it. In Florence, you can find a combination of history and culture in an urban center that is just a bus ride away from picturesque Tuscan views.

Housing

91²Ö¿â arranges housing accommodations on behalf of students prior to their arrival in Florence. Students stay in apartments throughout the heart of Florence, allowing for an immersive experience.

Apartments are fully furnished with bed linens, a kitchen, washing machine, tv, and wifi. Students will need to bring their own towels. Apartments are shared with two to eight other students in the program, and it is possible to submit a roommate request. Gender inclusive housing is also offered.

Campus Information

The KSU Florence program is based in Palazzo Vettori, a prestigious and ancient building located in the heart of Florence at the corner of Via Cavour and Via Alfani, next to Piazza del Duomo. According to historian Guido Carocci, the building’s roots date back to the beginning of the 15th century. Its façade proclaims the new ideas of Renaissance architecture based on the use of rustication.

Within Palazzo Vettori, students will find their classroom spaces, studios, a library, computer labs, staff and faculty offices, and common areas including a beautiful outdoor courtyard.

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your education abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

  • international travel procedures;
  • in-country resources;
  • health and safety resources and information;
  • culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

Flashes to Florentines Pre-Departure Event Series

The Flashes to Florentines pre-departure series is open to all committed Florence students of any major or cohort. By attending these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to learn what it’s like to live like a Florentine, practice your Italian language skills, and prepare yourself for your experience abroad. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other students participating in the Florence program. Topics to be covered include:

  • Traveling to Florence;
  • Italian culture and living like a Florentine;
  • Health and wellness abroad;
  • A crash course in Italian language;
  • Florence alumni panels - hear from other students about their experiences in Florence.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go†page.

In-Country Orientation

Upon your arrival in Florence, you'll join another orientation designed to help you make the most out of your study abroad experience and achieve the following goals:

  • Orient yourself to the city of Florence.
  • Develop the awareness you need to observe and learn from different cultures.
  • Discover the businesses, organizations, and other important places in Florence.
  • Access the tools you will need to succeed academically, personally, and safely within KSU policies.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for  for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

FAQs

For more information and answers to common questions about Florence, please visit our 91²Ö¿â Florence FAQs page.

Florence FAQs

Costs and Funding

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Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program.

We also encourage you to meet with your Education Abroad Advisor and reach out to Financial Aid the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

 

Veronica on top of the Duomo in Florence, Italy.
Veronica Loudermilk
Psychology, Pre-Med

“I learned so much about myself and the world while I was abroad. I'm so thankful for this experience and Kent made it such an easy and exciting transition. I had the opportunity to travel on weekends, volunteer at a local high school, explore Florence, see breathtaking artwork, and so much more. Try speaking the language as much as possible, [Italians] love it! Immerse yourself in their culture and truly live like them.â€

Your Journey is Just Beginning