The Program

This extraordinary semester-long program will bring you into in the heart of Florence, a city which is a monument to the Renaissance, and which contains more art per square mile than any other place on earth. Its urban texture spans two thousand years of history, and on its streets walked Brunelleschi, Leonardo, Machiavelli, Michelangelo, Galileo, and a host of others who helped shape our world and civilization. The program is located at the Palazzo Rucellai, one of three buildings in Florence designed by the famed fifteenth-century architect and humanist Leon Battista Alberti. You will find the Institute at Palazzo Rucellai a warm and welcoming place, with an expert and accessible staff that always has time to answer a question or to help with a problem. The Institute has a small computer center, lap top hubs, a library, and a student lounge.

 The Academics

You will earn 12-13 UConn graded credits on this program. Classes, taught by an international faculty, make full use of the city, and on-site classes and field trips are a regular part of many courses. The art history classes often take place in the piazzas, museums and churches of Florence. Although no prior study of the language is required, you will enroll in the approriate level of the "Florence Experience" course (I,II,III,IV), in which you will learn Italian in the classroom and through direct contact with many aspects of Italian culture. Guidance for advanced students wishing to take courses at the University of Florence which they may take for an additional fee. Click the list of Italy-Florence, International Studies Institute Palazzo Rucellai Course Equivalents. If a course you intend to take is not on this list, you will have to get it accredited. Complete instructions for this process can be found under Getting Academic Credit  on the navigation bar on the left of the Study Abroad Homepage.


The Experience

You will be housed in double or triple rooms in furnished apartments shared with other program participants. The apartments have fully-equipped kitchens and access to a washing machine. Located in the center of town, the residences are just a 15-25 minute walk to Palazzo Rucellai. Along your way, you might stop at your favorite coffee bar for a cappuccino and a pastry, gaze into the shop windows at the artistically displayed goods, or marvel at major artistic, historical landmarks. The little pleasures of Italian life, the espresso break, the gelato, buying fresh vegetables in mom and pop shops, and the Italian approach to the time, become a natural part of the day. Weekly cultural  activities in Florence include a gelato walk, organized soccer games, the Ferragamo shoe museum, the artisans' workshops, and the secret rooms Palazzo Vecchio, to name a few.  Optional day trips to Siena, Pisa, Lucca and San Gimignano offer new perspectives on other parts of Italy.  In fall and spring semesters a trip to Chianti concludes the orientation program.

Application Reminder

To apply to this program, you only need to complete the UConn online application process. Do not apply directly to the Palazzo Rucellai. To begin your online application, click the "apply now" button.