Events in Florence
Embrace a Florentine lifestyle and immerse yourself in Italian culture.
When you study at Kent State Florence, you will enjoy a comprehensive academic and cultural program. In addition to completing a full course load, you have many opportunities to get acquainted with Florence and Italy. Whether you’re in Florence for a few weeks or full year, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with your fellow Florentines, learn something new, and soak up the Italian culture!
Get Involved in Florence, Italy
Our ongoing events include activities that introduce students to Italian life and culture, art, history, food, and so much more!
Pre-departure Events for Committed Students
The Office of Global Education hosts events and informational meetings to prepare students for their time in Florence prior to their departure as well as upon arrival.
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, wellness, and safety resources and information;
- Financial aid;
- Culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.
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.
Upcoming Events in Florence
In a city as exciting as Florence, there’s always something going on! See our upcoming events below.
Event Name: Siena, Italy Field Trip
Date and Time: Friday, July 4 from 8:00 am-5:00 pm
Location: Meet at Palazzo Vettori
Description: As part of the Kent State Florence Summer Institute program all students participate in a field trip to Siena, Italy. Students are accompanied by KSU Florence Faculty and Staff and have the opportunity to explore the city through guided tours and self exploration.
Event Name: Coffee & Cookies
Date and Time: Thursday, July 7 from 10:00-11:30 am
Location: Palazzo Vettori
Description: This is an opportunity for students to connect with each other and KSU Florence staff. Students will learn about coffee culture.
Event Name: Italian Cooking Class
Date and Time: Friday, July 10 from 11:00 am-1:00 pm
Location: ChefFactory
Description: A hands on experience that allows students to learn to cook several Italian dishes.
Event Name: Renaissance Plate Decorating Workshop
Date and Time: Friday, July 17 from 11:00 am-12:30 pm
Location: Officina Laboratorio Ceramica
Description: A hands on experience, guided experience that allows students to paint their own ceramic plate or dish. Students can take home their plate.
On-demand Lecture and Events
Kent State University Florence has a talented and diverse team of over 40 faculty and staff on-site.
In addition to live events and lectures, you can also kick back and enjoy our on-demand series to broaden your knowledge on a wide variety of subjects from ancient Italian art and literature to cutting edge topics such as AI.