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Ponte Vecchio in Florence, Italy.
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Interprofessional Graduate Study in Florence, Italy

Graduate students will travel to Florence, Italy to study the cognitive and social foundations of conversation, with a focus on how we talk, miscommunicate, and ultimately learn from one another. This course is offered through Speech Pathology and Audiology, but is open to all graduate-level students.

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Location

Florence, Italy

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Term

Summer

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Housing

Apartments

Program Highlights

Set in the culturally rich  environment of Florence (a living lab), this course encourages students to reflect on their own communication habits while engaging in real-world interactions. Emphasis will be placed on the productive role of miscommunication in learning and cultural exchange. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the mental mechanisms behind conversation and practical tools to become more effective and empathetic communicators in both personal and global contexts. 

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Program Contact Information

Desiree Dube

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: ddube1@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-7989

Important Dates

Program Dates: May 8 - 19, 2026

Application Deadline: February 15, 2026

Deposit Deadline: February 25, 2026

You can pay your $1000 deposit online here:

  • Under "Categories" select "Student Travel Deposit: Education, Health, and Human Services"
  • Under "Items" select "Faculty-Led: Interprofessional Graduate Study in Florence, Italy"
  • From there, you can add the item to your cart and complete the payment.

Withdrawal/Commitment Deadline: February 25, 2026

Final Payment Deadline: The remainder of the program fee will be billed to your Kent State student account. The program fee deadline aligns with the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center's summer due dates. You should refer to the first Summer due date.

Application Process

You will need to complete a Kent State 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 Kent State education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to Kent State University as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a Kent State University 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

Once you have submitted your study abroad program application, it will be reviewed by the faculty leader. Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis. You should hear back from us within one month.

4. Commit to the Program

If you are accepted, you need to log back into your application by going to educationabroad.kent.edu 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). 

Eligibility

Eligibility

  • Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA and be in good standing
  • All majors are welcome to apply
  • Graduate student status required
Academics

Course Information

Course Name and CRN: Mind the Gap: Talking, Thinking, and the Space Between Us, SPA54089/7 4089 

Number of Credit Hours: 3

KSU Sponsoring College: Education, Health, and Human Services

Course Description:  Communication is not just about exchanging information-it's also about navigating misunderstandings, cultural differences, and the mental space between speakers. This course explores the cognitive and social foundations of conversation, with a focus on how we talk, miscommunicate, and ultimately learn from one another. Drawing on theories from  cognitive science, linguistics, and social psychology, students will investigate how ambiguity, reference, and shared knowledge shape everyday communication. Set in the culturally rich  environment of Florence (a living lab), this course encourages students to reflect on their own communication habits while engaging in real-world interactions. Emphasis will be placed on the productive role of miscommunication in learning and cultural exchange. Students will leave the course with a deeper understanding of the mental mechanisms behind conversation and practical tools to become more effective and empathetic communicators in both personal and global contexts. 

Faculty Contact Information

Professor's Name: Dr. Jennifer Roche

Email: jroche3@kent.edu

Phone: 330-672-0244

Tentative Itinerary

Below is a tentative itinerary; however, the exact sequence, sites, and departure city are subject to changes in availability and cost.

May 8

  • Leave Cleveland

May 9

  • Arrive in Rome and transfer by train to Florence, Italy

  • Check in to apartments

  • Orientation

  • Group Dinner

May 10

  • Field Activity & Journaling

May 11

  • Miscommunication reflection; class activity

May 12

  • Miscommunication reflection; class activity

May 13

  • Miscommunication reflection; class activity

May 14

  • Miscommunication reflection; class activity

May 15

  • Miscommunication reflection; class activity

  • Cooking class

May 16

  • Field activity; journaling

May 17

  • Field Activity; journaling

May 18

  • Miscommunication reflection; class activity

  • Field activity; final journal

May 19

  • Return flight to Cleveland

Location

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.

Transportation

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. 

Housing & Meals

Housing

Kent State University 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 three to eight other students in the program.

Meals

One group meal and a cooking class are provided as part of the program fee. Students are responsible for all other meals as an out of pocket expense.

Accessibility Information

Accessibility Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Whether your disability is visible or invisible, Education Abroad is committed to making educational experiences abroad possible for you. Early disclosure of personal needs and an open mind to different programs, locations, and services can help you identify the best opportunities abroad.  

Things to Consider

  • What types of physical, academic, and mental health resources and accommodations are available in my host country?
  • What types of activities does this program involve? Will there be strenuous hiking? Will we be walking long distances? Will we be carrying significant weight?
  • What is the housing like on this program? Will I be sharing a room or bathroom? Is there AC/heat?
  • What types of foods are available to me on this program? Will I be able to find meals that meet my dietary needs?
  • What types of transportation does this program use? Will I be navigating public transportation? Is public transportation accessible?
  • What is the climate like in my host country? Will there be extreme heat or cold?
  • Are my medications controlled or banned abroad? Are there regulations on traveling with my medications, service animal, etc.?
  • Are there prescriptions that I need to fill before I leave? What medications are available abroad? Is there a refrigerator to store my medication if needed?
  • How does my host country view my disability?
  • How do accessibility regulations in my host country differ from the US? (Ex.) Are ramps, elevators, tactile markings, etc. required/available?
  • Can I use my US medical devices in my host country? Is the voltage different? Will my equipment fit through a standard door (height/width) in my host country?
  • If there are overnight field trips outside of my typical housing for the program, is it possible to maintain the same housing accommodations I may require?

Learn More About Studying Abroad with a Disability

Watch this helpful video about Studying Abroad with a Disability.

Resources

Student Accessibility Services

DA Global

Mobility International USA

ISEP's Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility Abroad page 

The U.S. State Department's Traveling with Disabilities page

Financial Aid & Scholarships
Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study 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 Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) prior to departure.

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

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the U.S. Department of State website.

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for information about any vaccinations you may need or health and safety tips 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. 

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 the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program.

Get Cost Estimate

 

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