Language and Culture in Florence
- Students earn up to six hours of Italian language credit during the one month program or up to 10 hours in the two month program
- Class size is limited to 7-8 students and all classes are taught by native Italian instructors
- Program includes museum visits and organized group activities
- Students attend one cooking class and learn to prepare authentic Italian food
- The Department of French, Francophone and Italian Studies awards multiple scholarships for this program. Read more and apply for the scholarship.
The Italian Summer Language Institute will be offered in Florence, Italy, for students who wish to study the Italian language at any level, from beginning to advanced. Students attend the Scuola Toscana for either Session I, Session II, or both. Scuola Toscana is located in the historic center of Florence, near the most important museums and piazzas in the city.
Classes are generally limited to 7-8 students and are conducted in Italian by native Italian instructors. For each 4 week session, the student has classes each morning, five days per week, museum visits, and organized group activities. In addition, students will attend a cooking class where they will learn how prepare an authentic Italian primi (first-course dishe) and a dessert. Weekends and afternoons are free. General cultural assignments are given by the Program Director to supplement the students’ language training program and overall appreciation of Florence.
Session I
Depart U.S.: Saturday, May 20, 2023
Arrive Florence (move in with host family): Sunday, May 21, 2023
Depart Florence: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Session II
Depart U.S.: Saturday, June 17, 2023
Arrive Florence (move in with host family): Sunday, June 18, 2023
Depart Florence: Saturday, July 15, 2023
Courses Offered
Students who have a GPA in Italian language courses lower than 3.0 at the time of application should consult with the Program Director.
- ITAL 110 Elementary Italian I. (5 credits) Essentials of grammar and composition, reading of simple texts, practice in pronunciation and speaking.
- ITAL 120 Elementary Italian II. (5 credits) Continuation of ITAL 110.
- ITAL 230 Intermediate Italian I. (3 credits) Intensive and extensive reading of modern texts; vocabulary, idioms, and discussion in Italian of texts. Systematic review of grammar.
- ITAL 240 Intermediate Italian II. (3 credits) Continuation of ITAL 230.
- ITAL 300 Composition and Conversation. H/W. (3 credits) An intensive review of Italian grammar and usage for the advanced student. Compositions, conversation, and supportive readings in Italian.
- ITAL 315 Advanced Composition and Conversation. H/W. (3 credits) Continuation of ITAL 300.
- ITAL 495 Directed Readings in Italian. (1-3 credits) Enrollment in this course requires permission by the Italian major advisor.
During their stay in Florence, students live with Florentine families in demi-pensione arrangements (i.e. breakfast and evening meal taken with the family) in double accommodations. The homes selected for the KU program are accessible by a convenient bus line. They offer warm, personal, and pleasant living arrangements.
SAGE is dedicated to creating international engagement opportunities that meet the needs of all our students and providing resources to support you through the process of studying abroad. Study abroad is achievable for students of all identities including our BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ students, students with disabilities, and students with religious/non-religious viewpoints. Before selecting a program, consider how your identities may impact your experience abroad in unique ways and talk with your Program Coordinator about any program-specific concerns. Students with documented disabilities should discuss any accommodation needs with their Program Coordinator early in the planning process.
Check our Identity Abroad page and resources listed below for information specific to you and other students who may be on your program.
Open to students in good standing from any accredited U.S. college or university. One year of Italian is strongly recommended prior to departure. Prior completion of at least one course in Art History would be very useful to the participant. Minimum 2.5 GPA required.
Program Cost for Language and Culture in Florence - One Month
Program Cost for Language and Culture in Florence - Two Months
Edward Bowen
Assistant Teaching Professor of Italian
embowen@ku.edu
785-864-9084
Wescoe Hall, Room 2068
Francesca Beretta
Italian Language Coordinator
francesca.beretta@ku.edu
Wescoe Room 2063
1445 Jayhawk Blvd
Lawrence, KS 66045