Business, Hospitality, Design & Liberal Arts
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About this Program
This is an incredible quarter or semester program for Business, Hospitality, Design, and the Liberal Arts! The Florence University of the Arts - The American University of Florence (FUA) offers courses across a variety of subject areas including Italian studies and culture, hospitality, marketing, management, studio art, and more. FUA places a strong emphasis on experiential learning, focusing on real-world experience and hands-on learning. Internships are available across a wide variety of subjects (language level requirements may vary). Courses are taught in English (except for Italian language courses.) There is no Italian language experience required for this program, although if you have not taken an Italian language course yet, you are strongly encouraged to choose language as one of your courses. Courses will be taught by local and international faculty. Your classmates will be international students, the majority of whom are North American. Visa is not required for Quarter-length program.
Program Highlights
- Language(s) of Instruction:
- English
- Italian
- Courses with Locals
- Courses with Study Abroad Students
- Local University Program
- Internship Opportunities
- No Language Pre-Requisites
- Visa Free/Visa Light
- Apartment
- Homestay (for additional fee)
- Winter Quarter Housing applications open in November
- Spring Quarter Housing applications open in February
- Fall Quarter Housing applications open in May
Level of Immersion
Features
Housing Abroad
Moving can be both costly and stressful, but careful planning can help minimize both. Start by creating a housing plan for before and after your study abroad experience to avoid the pressure of continuing to pay for rent at home. Program fees typically cover housing abroad, so if you expect to incur additional domestic rent expenses, be sure to include these in your budget. If possible, consider staying with family or friends temporarily before you depart or when you return to save on costs.
Housing Residence Life
Education Abroad typically recommends considering Seattle University on-campus housing for when students return from their programs, as Housing Residence Life staff are able to support students in securing housing, while adhering to student preference as best as they can.
Housing Application
Check the Housing Portal for more specific dates
Disciplines
Courseload
Students who participate in an SU-Sponsored, SU-Exchange, or Non-SU program must be fully enrolled at their host university/program provider. Full-time enrollment on a semester-length program is typically 15 US semester credits (not quarter credits) or 30 ECTS credits.
Note: Not all programs/host universities provide syllabi prior to the start of classes. Some may have samples of past syllabi but cannot guarantee that a specific course will be offered during the student's time abroad.
- Credit Range: 12-15
- Credit System: U.S. Semester Credits
- Typical Course load: 5
- Credit Per Course: 3
Credit Conversion
- Transcript Issued By: Florence University of the Arts
- Credit Conversion Rate: 1 U.S. Semester Credit = 1.5 SU Quarter Credits
- Quarter Range: 18-22.5
Academic Policy & Minimum Grade Requirement:
- Student will receive transfer credit for their study abroad program and academic grades will not be reflected on their Seattle University transcript and will not be reflected in the Seattle University GPA nor honors calculations.
- For all undergraduate programs, courses accepted in transfer are graded at least a C- when letter grades are issued and at least a 1.5 on the decimal grading system. Courses graded D+ or lower (1.5) will not be allowed either for transfer credit or to fulfill degree requirements.
- Students in the College of Nursing, the College of Science and Engineering, and communication and psychology majors in the College of Arts and Sciences will be required to repeat courses graded lower than C (2.0) if the course is a major requirement or if it is a prerequisite to a major requirement.
- Students in the Albers School of Business and Economics must complete required business courses (including mathematics, economics & accounting) with a grade of C (2.0) or better.
Transfer Credits
Letter grades received on this program will not transfer to SU nor factor into Seattle University GPA. If students receive the minimum grade required, credits will transfer toward their Seattle University degree as approved through the required pre-departure Course Approval process. Minimum grade details will be specified during Course Approval for each course taken abroad.
Placeholder Course
The Education Abroad Office will enroll students in a 12-credit placeholder course per term that you are abroad so that students maintain full-time student status and are billed properly. This placeholder course will be replaced by the courses taken abroad upon successful completion and receipt of official transcript.
Program Fees
Program fees are subject to change and based on previous year's tuition, if future tuition rates are not available yet. The purpose of the budget worksheets is to provide an estimate of how much studying abroad is going to cost. Actual spending may vary.
- Fall Quarter: $6,000
- Fall Semester: $8,000
- Spring Semester: $8,000
Requesting a Financial Aid Estimate
Student Financial Aid allows students to request a financial aid estimate when planning an education abroad experience. Students can bring the completed worksheet of your preferred program to a meeting with a Student Financial Aid Counselor.
Budget Worksheets
Participation Costs
Payment
For SU-Sponsored programs, pay your Seattle University bill through your MySeattleU Student Account for the term(s) you are abroad. The Program Fee is labeled as "MSA Fee" on your bill. Payment deadlines align with Seattle University’s quarterly deadlines and you can sign-up for a payment plan as usual.
Seattle University handles payments to ISA on your behalf for the program cost. Additional expenses not included in Seattle University’s Program Fee, like special course fees, housing upgrades, and optional excursions, may be billed to you directly by ISA. Consult the Budget Worksheet for a breakdown of estimate additional expenses.
Insurance
Scholarships
There are many study abroad scholarships for all program types. The application process may be easier than you think, but planning ahead is key. Deadlines are often 6-8 months in advance of departure. Check out the Scholarship section of Seattle University Education Abroad website for more information on scholarships and how to apply.
Student Journey
| Approximate Timeline | Phase | More details |
|---|---|---|
| Sept-Jan | Exploration | Students will work with Education Abroad and various supporters (family, academic advisor, etc.) to find a program that best fits student's academic, personal, and professional goals. |
| Feb 1 | Apply | Students will have the opportunity to apply to SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs during next academic year in the Fall around November. The hard deadline is February 1st. |
| Late Feb/Early Mar | Nominations | Education Abroad Office will nominate selected students for SU-Sponsored and SU-Exchange programs. |
| Mar-May (Fall) Sept-Dec (Winter) Jan-March (Spring) | Preparation | Students will complete secondary applications for program providers/host university in preparation of going abroad. Additional preparatory steps include pre-departure orientation, courses approvals, Health Check, Visa application, planning housing arrangements (abroad & Seattle), immunizations, etc. |
Application Steps
- Complete Module I of Global Engagement with Education Abroad Canvas course, including Education Abroad 101 and attending a Planning Meeting with your Education Advisor.
- Complete the SU-Sponsored/SU-Exchange Program Application in Module II of the Canvas course by February 1 for selected program.
If you haven’t joined the Education Abroad Canvas Course yet, Join Now!
Climate
- Spring: Italy experiences mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). This season is ideal for outdoor activities like hiking and sightseeing as the landscape is lush and blooming.
- Summer: Summers are typically hot and dry, with temperatures between 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F). Southern regions and cities like Rome and Florence can get especially hot.
- Fall: Fall is a transitional period with mild, cooler weather. Temperatures usually range from 10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F). It’s an excellent time to visit vineyards and experience harvest festivals.
- Winter: In northern Italy, winters can be quite cold, with temperatures as low as -5°C (23°F), especially in cities like Milan and Turin. The southern regions experience milder winters, with temperatures around 10°C (50°F).
Travel Resources
- Air: Italy is well-connected by air, with major international airports in Rome (Fiumicino), Milan (Malpensa), Venice (Marco Polo), and Naples (Capodichino). How to Travel Around Italy.
- Train: Italy boasts an extensive train network with high-speed trains operated by Trenitalia and Italo. Trains connect major cities like Rome, Florence, and Venice. Visit the official website for Trenitalia and Italo.
- Public Transport: Urban areas like Rome, Milan, and Florence offer buses, trams, and metro systems. For more information, check local public transport websites (e.g., ATAC Rome).
Cultural Resources
- Historical Sites: Italy is home to some of the world's most famous cultural landmarks, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, the Colosseum in Rome, the Vatican Museums, and the ancient ruins of Pompeii. Be sure to purchase tickets in advance when possible to avoid long lines.
- Language: The official language is Italian. While many locals in tourist areas speak English, learning basic Italian phrases like "Ciao" (Hello), "Grazie" (Thank you), and "Dov'è...?" (Where is...?) can be helpful.
- Festivals: Italy is famous for its vibrant festivals, such as the Carnival of Venice with its iconic masks, Siena's Palio horse race, and the ancient sport of Calcio Storico in Florence.
Food & Diet
- Cuisine: Italian food is renowned worldwide. Staples include pasta, pizza, gelato, and espresso. Each region has its unique specialties—don’t miss out on trying traditional dishes like Risotto alla Milanese in the north or Cannoli in Sicily.
- Dietary Needs: Italy has become more accommodating to various dietary preferences. You'll find many restaurants offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. Be sure to ask for “senza glutine” (gluten-free) or “vegetariano” (vegetarian) when needed.
Embassy/Consulate
- U.S. Embassy Rome: via Vittorio Veneto, 121 Rome, Italy 00187 (Phone: +(39) 06-4674-1)
- U.S. Embassy to the Holy See: via Sallustiana, 49 Rome, Italy 00162(Phone: +(39) 06-4674-3428, Emergency After-Hours Telephone: +(39) 06-4674-1
- U.S. Consulate General Florence: Lungarno Amerigo Vespucci, 38 Florence, Italy 50123 (Phone: +(39) 055-266-951)
- U.S. Consulate General Milan: via Principe Amedeo 2/10 Milano, Italy 20121 (Phone: +(39) 02-290-351)
- U.S. Consulate General Naples: Piazza della Repubblica Naples, Italy 80122 (Phone: +(39) 081-583-8111)
Identity-Specific Considerations
- Accessibility: Italy has made significant strides in improving accessibility, especially in larger cities like Rome and Milan. However, historic areas and smaller towns may have limited accommodations. It's best to check ahead and plan accordingly.
- LGBTQ+: Italy is largely progressive regarding LGBTQ+ rights, with legal protections in place. However, social attitudes may vary, particularly in more rural or conservative areas. Larger cities like Rome and Milan have vibrant LGBTQ+ communities and events, such as Pride Parades.
- Religion: Italy is predominantly Roman Catholic, with deep cultural ties to the church, though there is growing religious diversity due to immigration and an increasing number of non-religious individuals.
- Race & Ethnicity: Italy has a diverse population, with immigrant communities from Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, though racial minorities may face social and economic discrimination, particularly in rural areas.
- Gender: Gender equality is advancing in Italy, with legal protections in place, but traditional gender roles and a significant gender pay gap remain challenges, especially in the workplace.
Visa Requirements
What is a Visa?
A visa is a permission granted by a country that allows foreign nationals to enter and reside there temporarily. Applicants typically need to provide documentation such as an acceptance letter from the educational institution, proof of financial means, and health insurance. Student visas come with specific regulations regarding work rights, travel restrictions, and duration of stay, varying by country.
Below is a brief overview of the current visa requirements for your program. Note that countries may amend visa requirements at any time, so it will be important to follow all instructions given by ISA.
U.S. passport holders are not required to obtain a student visa if their program in Italy is 90 days or less; for programs over 90 days, however, students must obtain a visa prior to departure (Non-U.S. citizens should consult their respective consulates). The application process varies by Consulate and student location but may require travel to the nearest Consulate to apply in-person. ISA will offer additional information and guidance before departure and on-site; however, the decision to grant admission into the country is not in ISA’s nor Seattle University's control. Keep in mind that entry requirements are specific to the length of your stay, citizenship, and the type of activities you will be engaged in. It is your responsibility to determine specific entry requirements and stipulations prior to the start of your program.