Program Information

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

Program Contact
Program Dates
Orientation
The Campus
Academics
Accommodation
Group Flight
Academic Field Trip & Optional Activities
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Weather
Florence Staff

Program Contacts

Kristina Bullard

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

kbullar4@kent.edu | 330-672-0912

Margaret Hosack

Education Abroad Advisor 

mhosack@kent.edu | 330-672-7982

Program Dates 2024

The Kent State Florence Center will host two sessions of the Florence Summer Institute.  When applying, students can elect to participate in the June session, the July session, or both!

June Session:

• Departure from the US: May 22-23, 2024
• Mandatory On-site Orientation: May 25-26, 2024
• Classes begin: May 27, 2024
• Mandatory Siena Field Trip: May 31, 2024
• Classes end: June 20, 2024
• Departure from Florence: June 23, 2024

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 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. Since January 2016, Palazzo Vettori has been the home of the Kent State University Florence program.  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.

Academics

You'll select 2 courses from those offered, earning 6 or 7 credits depending on your choices. All courses are taught in English and meet Monday through Thursday. Academic 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 to your home university.  Be sure to meet with your academic advisor to discuss which courses best fit your program requirements so this experience will help you progress toward your degree.

Accommodation

Students stay in shared apartments throughout the heart of Florence. This immersive experience allows students to live like a Florentine.  Apartments are fully furnished with bed linens, a kitchen, washing machine, TV, and WiFi. Students will need to bring their own towels. Apartments are typically shared with 2-8 other students on the program, and it is possible to submit a roommate request. 

Group Flight

This program offers the option of joining a group flight, which allows students to travel together to and from Florence.  Students who wish to participate in the group flight, must submit their application by the priority application in order to join the group flight. 

Academic Field Trip & Optional Activities

This program includes a mandatory academic field trip within Italy.  Additional optional field trips and local excursions/activities coordinated by program staff may be available at an additional cost.  Past optional field trips have included Venice and Rome.  Past local excursions/activities have included a cooking class, a medieval rugby match, museum tours, and a football match. 

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.

Weather

Weather in Florence in the summer is beautiful and hot! If it’s a typical summer,  temperatures can range from 65 degrees up to 95 degrees. There will be lots of sunshine with an occasional rainy day.

Florence Staff

Fabrizio Ricciardelli, Director

Marijke Huegaerts, Assistant to the Director for Academic Support

Giorgio Ridolfi, Student Life Coordinator and Receptionist

Elisa Varlaro, Student Life Coordinator

Miriam Daquino, Student Life Coordinator

Margaret Runge, Psychologist

Cecilia Angeletti, Financial Manager: European Programs

Rovena Gjoni, Financial Assistant

Luca Carosi, Facility Manager