The Secrets of Florence - Study Abroad in Italy

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The Secrets of Florence - Study Abroad in Italy

The Secrets of Florence is a two-week, immersive program spotlighting Italy from past to present. Students experience an opportunity like no other uncovering all of the hidden gems and mysteries alike that Florence has to offer.

Location

Florence, Italy

Term

Summer

Housing

Apartments

Program Highlights

91�ֿ� has been educating students in Florence for over 50 years and has become a part of the Florentine community providing special access to sites within the city. Florence is often described as an “open-air museum,” where centuries of political intrigue, artistic innovation, and cultural transformation remain embedded in its streets, institutions, and industries . This course explores Florence as a city of secrets—hidden histories, encoded art, literary subtexts, and contemporary global industries.

Program Contact Information

Kristina Bullard

Assistant Director, Education Abroad

Email: kbullar4@kent.edu

Office Phone: 330-672-0912

Important Dates

Application Deadline

Summer 2027: February 15, 2027

Program Dates

Departure from the US: Wednesday, June 30, 2027
Arrive to Florence: Thursday, July 31, 2027
Departure from Florence: Friday, July 16, 2027

Program dates are tentative and subject to change. Students should not make arrangements or purchase any airfare until they have been formally instructed to do so by the Education Abroad Team.

Application Process - KSU Centers

You will need to complete a 91�ֿ� Education Abroad application. These quick steps will help walk you through the process.

1. Start an Education Abroad Application

When you click the "Apply Now" button (located towards the top and bottom of this page), you will be brought to the Education Abroad application system where you can view program costs and start an application. Be sure to submit your application before the deadline!

2. Guest Application (If applicable)

Are you a student at another university? To apply for a 91�ֿ� education abroad program, you will first need to apply for admission to 91�ֿ� as a “Guest Student”. Please apply as either an “Undergraduate Guest Student” or as a “Graduate Guest Student”, depending on your course level.

Once you have applied and been accepted as a 91�ֿ� student, you will receive an email with your FlashLine login credentials. Activate your account and then proceed to the next step, which is to apply to the Education Abroad program of your interest. You can return to this page and follow the “Apply Now” button to start that application.

You can also refer to the FAQs for Guest Students if you need further help.

3. Wait for Acceptance

Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis and review will begin after final grades are available for the term prior to the application deadline. (ex. Spring 2028 applications will start to be reviewed after Spring 2027 grades are final). You will receive an e-mail with your application decision once your application has been reviewed.

4. Commit to the Program

If you are accepted, you need to log back into your application by going to and clicking LOGIN. Once you see the name of your program, you need to click on it and commit (i.e., accept your offer of admission).

Academics

Course Information

Course Name: The Secrets of Florence

Course Description

Florence is often described as an “open-air museum,” where centuries of political intrigue, artistic innovation, and cultural transformation remain embedded in its streets, institutions, and industries . This course explores Florence as a city of secrets—hidden histories, encoded art, literary subtexts, and contemporary global industries.

Students will examine:

Renaissance power structures and hidden political narratives
Literary representations of Florence (from Dante to modern writers)
The Medici legacy and systems of patronage
The evolution of Florentine identity into modern sectors: fashion, aeronautics, business, and healthcare

By the end of the course, students will:

Analyze Florence as a layered historical and cultural system
Interpret literary and artistic “secrets” embedded in texts and visual culture
Connect Renaissance innovations to modern industries
Critically assess globalization through Florence-based sectors

Group Flight & Transportation

Group Flight

Students have the opportunity to travel to and from Florence on a group flight. As part of the group flight, students are able to travel with other 91�ֿ� students and are accompanied by a Group Flight Leader on the way to Florence. Students also have the option to opt out of the group flight and fly independently.

Airport

The city of Florence is served by the International airport, Florence Airport, Petrola (FLR)

Local Transit

While traveling throughout the city of Florence, walking will be the main mode of transportation used for most students. However, there are various transit options for students who wish to travel throughout Italy or Europe and even within the city center of Florence itself.

Train: Traveling throughout Italy by train is very accessible as Florence is a central hub for the train system. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at a kiosk in the train station.

The main train station in Florence is the Santa Maria Novella (SMN). Other train stations in Florence include the Campo di Marte and the Rifredi.

Tram Line: The Florence Tramway is located just outside of the Florence Airport, Petrola and takes passengers from the airport to the city center, connecting at the Santa Maria Novela (SMN) train station.

Buses: Outside of the historic city center, local buses run throughout the city operated by ATAF.

Taxis: There are many taxi services available. Taxis must be ordered ahead of your departure by phone or arranged at an official taxi stand.

Location & Housing

Florence, Italy

Located in central Italy, Florence is a highlight for all travelers. It is the capital of the region of Tuscany and contains many iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The city is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is famous for its advancements in art, science, literature, architecture, and politics. Split by a river and surrounded by rolling hills, Florence offers an idyllic countryside view while also providing a bustling city life.

Located in the center of the country, Florence is just a couple of hours from Italy’s other world-renowned cities, like Rome and Venice. You can also get a taste of rural Italian life as the vineyard-covered hills of Tuscany are just miles from the city’s center.

Many people speak English in Florence, but it is not difficult to pick up the native Italian language and even try your hand at speaking it. In Florence, you can find a combination of history and culture in an urban center that is just a bus ride away from picturesque Tuscan views.

Housing

91�ֿ� arranges housing accommodations on behalf of students prior to their arrival in Florence. Students stay in apartments throughout the heart of Florence, allowing for an immersive experience.

Apartments are fully furnished with bed linens, a kitchen, washing machine, tv, and wifi. Students will need to bring their own towels. Apartments are shared with three to eight other students in the program, and it is possible to submit a roommate request.

Campus Information

The KSU Florence program is based in Palazzo Vettori, a prestigious and ancient building located in the heart of Florence at the corner of Via Cavour and Via Alfani, next to Piazza del Duomo. According to historian Guido Carocci, the building’s roots date back to the beginning of the 15th century. Its façade proclaims the new ideas of Renaissance architecture based on the use of rustication.

Within Palazzo Vettori, students will find their classroom spaces, studios, a library, computer labs, staff and faculty offices, and common areas including a beautiful outdoor courtyard.

Financial Aid & Scholarships

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on 91�ֿ�-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most 91�ֿ� scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Health & Safety

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your study 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 and safety resources and information;
culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center.

Accessibility Information

GENERAL INFORMATION:

Whether your disability is visible or invisible, Education Abroad is committed to making educational experiences abroad possible for you. Early disclosure of personal needs and an open mind to different programs, locations, and services can help you identify the best opportunities abroad.

Things to Consider

What types of physical, academic, and mental health resources and accommodations are available in my host country?
What types of activities does this program involve? Will there be strenuous hiking? Will we be walking long distances? Will we be carrying significant weight?
What is the housing like on this program? Will I be sharing a room or bathroom? Is there AC/heat?
What types of foods are available to me on this program? Will I be able to find meals that meet my dietary needs?
What types of transportation does this program use? Will I be navigating public transportation? Is public transportation accessible?
What is the climate like in my host country? Will there be extreme heat or cold?
Are my medications controlled or banned abroad? Are there regulations on traveling with my medications, service animal, etc.?
Are there prescriptions that I need to fill before I leave? What medications are available abroad? Is there a refrigerator to store my medication if needed?
How does my host country view my disability?
How do accessibility regulations in my host country differ from the US? (Ex.) Are ramps, elevators, tactile markings, etc. required/available?
Can I use my US medical devices in my host country? Is the voltage different? Will my equipment fit through a standard door (height/width) in my host country?
If there are overnight field trips outside of my typical housing for the program, is it possible to maintain the same housing accommodations I may require?

Learn More 91�ֿ� Studying Abroad with a Disability

Watch this helpful video about .

Resources

Student Accessibility Services

Costs and Funding

Costs for the program will differ for every student. You can use our Cost Calculator to get an estimate of what you might expect for your program. 

We encourage you to meet with the Financial, Billing, and Enrollment Center to see how your aid may apply to an international program. We also encourage you to meet with your Academic Advisor to discuss your Course Plan of Study and to evaluate if your planned coursework is eligible for federal financial aid. 

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