Program Highlights

Apicius and Florence University of the Arts (FUA) are located in the historic center of Florence. The location offers students the opportunity to live in the heart of the Renaissance while simultaneously experiencing modern Florentine life. Both schools are located within walking distance of such landmarks as the Uffizi Gallery museum, the Palazzo Vecchio and The Accademia, which, among many museums and churches in Florence, showcase the most extensive and famous collection of Italian Renaissance works found in the world.

Apicius and FUA offer the possibility of studying while immersed in a culturally advanced atmosphere that has rendered Florence one of the most famous art centers in the world. Both schools focus on creating an outstanding cultural environment where students will be able to nurture their talents. Florence itself offers a wonderful setting for cultural immersion with its outstanding museums and architecture.

All courses are taught in English, with the exception of Italian language and those courses which clearly indicate that they are taught in Italian. The faculty are highly qualified and dedicated. A high percentage of faculty are of Italian nationality, all with excellent proficiency in English. Most Studio Art instructors are critically acclaimed professionals in their fields. All of the courses aim at providing students with the tools to expand their social, intercultural, and professional horizons.

Florence is an incredibly popular study abroad destination. It is not uncommon to see many American students and tourists as you walk the city. The sights, sounds, history, art, culture, and majesty of Florence are what draw millions of tourists there each year. You will find much to do in the city and plenty of others to do it with you.

Summer 2020 Dates: 
Session dates may be found here.

Courses:
Course Scheduling Summer courses may feature the following, as indicated in the course notes in the academic schedule:
3-week / 3-credit courses
1. Lessons Mon-Thurs, 15-hour project with FUA-AUF CEMI and 1 Field Learning activity over the weekend (Sat or Sun).
2. Lessons Mon-Thurs and 30-hour project with FUA-AUF CEMI
3. Lessons Mon-Fri and 15-hour project with FUA-AUF CEMI
4. Lessons Mon-Fri and 1 Field Learning activity over the weekend (Sat or Sun)

Please note: For 6-week courses that feature 4-credit Service Learning or 6-credit Experiential Learning / Field Learning courses, the 3-credit lecture component may feature one of the above project options.

New Courses
New courses have been added to the Summer 2020 schedule. We are pleased to feature new courses from several academic disciplines thanks to the expanded offering of the 19-20 academic catalog!

After Your Trip:
Take STA4000G at EIU to fulfill your senior-seminar requirement!



"I felt like I was a citizen of the city, and I think it was a great place to live in order to experience the culture. I have already been recommending Apicius to the students in my department. The only thing I would have changed about my experience would be staying longer. It was amazing." -- Sydney Nehf

"Traveling was so easy! For six euros hopped on a train last minute with my roommate and went to Pisa for the day! Locals spoke English, but were humored and pleased with our poor attempts to speak Italian in their country! Night life was not hard to find, and everyone was welcoming everywhere we went! LOVED FLORENCE!" -- Elisabeth Deaver

"The teachers made a huge impact in my academics while studying abroad in Florence. Classes were much more enjoyable due to the fact that the teachers cared about each student to fully understand everything. Overall, the university in Florence I would recommend to all EIU students! FUA exceeded all my expectations and wish I could go back in the fall!" -- Jennifer Schwendau

Interested in having an experience like the above? Read the University Manual, to learn more information! 




Housing

You will live in double-occupancy bedroom in a shared student apartment. Most apartments have two or three bedrooms. A limited number have only one bedroom or more than three bedrooms. Therefore, four to six students generally share an apartment, which is provided with a fully fitted kitchen, living room or other common space and one or more bathroom. Apartments are furnished and equipped with bed linens, bath towels, basic pots and pans, kitchen utensils, and washing machine. Although apartments are of the same standard and have similar facilities, no two apartments are alike. They are not all located in the same building, but are all within walking distance from Apicius or the nearest bus route. Please note that many Florence buildings are ancient but renewed, and this can imply no elevator but stairs to reach the floors (which never exceeds the 4th ). Please be advised that a taxi driver won’t help you to carry the luggage up to your apartment. If a student needs help with the suitcases, we could provide a luggage porter service. This service is not included into the housing rate, and it needs to be requested and paid for in advance.

Click here to learn more about the UPDATED, 2019-2020 Housing options! 



Foreign Entry Requirements

Passport
To enter Italy, you must have a valid passport. If you are a U.S. citizen and do not currently have a valid passport, or if your passport will expire during the time you will be overseas, please go to the U.S. State Department website for information on how to apply for/renew your passport.

Visa
Currently, U.S. Citizens who are studying in Italy must obtain a visa prior to departure. You can contact the Consulate General of Italy in Chicago for information on how to apply for a visa. Please apply early as it can take up to a month to have your visa processed.

Travel Document Systems (TDS) can also provide you with helpful information on every country, including entry requirements, cultural information, travel conditions, economy, and more.

You are strongly encouraged to read the U.S. State Department's Consular Information Sheet. It will provide you with a great deal of information to help you prepare for your trip.

**Please be aware that you are responsible for obtaining the most up-to-date information on entry requirements. The Office of Study Abroad only provides general information, as visa regulations and procedures are constantly changing. Please consult the Consulate for more information. **

Please note that EIU does not own, operate, or sponsor this program.