Program Information

Here you will learn all you need to know about the Kent State Florence Semester program!

Program Coordinator
Dates
Orientation
The Campus
Academics
Accommodation
Flight
Study Tours and Social Activities
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Traveling While There


Program Contact

Kristina Bullard

Phone: 330-672-7980
Email: kbullar4@kent.edu


Program Dates

Fall 2024

  • Group Flights Depart from US: 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

*Program dates 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. 

Spring 2024

  • Group Flights Depart from US: Sunday, January 7, 2024 and Monday, January 8, 2024*
  • Mandatory Orientation: Thursday, January 11 – Friday January 12, 2024
  • Classes Start: Monday, January 15, 2024
  • Classes End: Thursday, May 2, 2024
  • Final Exams: Monday, May 6 - Sunday, May 12, 2024
  • Departure from Florence: Sunday, May 12, 2024*

*Program dates 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. 


Orientation

Before you leave and upon your arrival in Florence, you'll participate in an orientation designed to help you make the most out of your study abroad experience.  In orientation, your goals will be to...

  • orient yourself to the city of Florence.
  • develop the awareness you need to observe and learn from different cultures.
  • discover the businesses and organizations in Florence.
  • access the tools you will need to succeed academically, personally, and safely within the policies and responsibilities of the 17-week program.

The Campus

Palazzo Vettori is 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 fabric of the building started at the beginning of the 15th century. Its façade proclaims the new ideas of Renaissance architecture based on the use of rustication. Starting January 2016, Palazzo Vettori is the new home to the Kent State University Florence program.


Academics

Academic Offerings
You don’t need a particular major to study in Florence, or even any major at all. The self-discovery that takes place during a semester in Florence has been known to inspire undecided or exploratory students with the direction they’ve been looking for.

All majors are welcome at Kent State Florence, and if you plan ahead and work with an advisor, the range of courses offered will keep you progressing toward your degree on schedule. In addition to all levels of Italian language, you’ll find a variety of courses in many disciplines. Course credit is awarded by Kent State University so if you are a Kent State student, there is no need to transfer credits.  If you are not a Kent State student, the credits can be easily transferred.

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

Class options can be found here

Cohorts
Students are organized through a cohort system.  Cohorts are based off your current major/plan of study.  Being in one cohort does not mean that you will not see students from another cohort.  Some 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)
  • Fashion Design and Merchandising
  • Interior Design Undergraduate
  • Comprehensive

Accommodations

Students stay in apartments throughout the heart of Florence.  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, gender inclusive housing is available and it is possible to submit a roommate request.


Flight

This program offers the option of joining a group flight if students apply by the application deadline.  Students applying after the deadline will not be eligible for the group flight.  Students also have the option to opt out of the group flight and fly independently.


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
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,participating in a language exchange program, going to the opera, attending a Fiorentina soccer match, Calcetto tournament, and watching Italian movies.


Financial Aid and Scholarships

It is possible to use financial aid on this program.  Students are also encouraged to search and apply for study abroad scholarships.  Education Abroad provides information about using federal financial aid and searching for scholarships


Traveling While in Florence

It is possible for students to travel independently while in Florence.  Classes meet Monday through Thursday, so each weekend allows three days to visit a dream destination. Kent State Florence staff can offer advice on where to go and how to get there.