Smith in Florence
Florence is a historic city of uncommon beauty and importance in European history, arts and humanities. While gaining an appreciation of medieval and renaissance Florence, experience contemporary life in this thriving, bustling city in Italy.
Application Deadline
Smith student applications for the 2024–25 academic year, fall 2024, and for spring 2025 are due by Monday, February 5, 2024. Smith Programs Abroad accept applications from students of any gender identity. Guest student applications will be accepted until the second Monday in March (March 11, 2024) on a space-available, rolling basis; applying by the February deadline is encouraged.
The Curriculum
The Smith program in Florence offers a curriculum for a full year abroad, as well as an option to study in Florence for a single term.
Each semester begins with two weeks of intensive language study, cultural orientation, an art history course and excursions around the city. All students must attend an advanced language course at the Smith Center ("Sede"), offered each semester. Yearlong students will be required to take the language course in the fall and a Smith course of their choice in the spring. Each semester students are permitted to take up to three Smith courses. The remaining courses will be taken at the University of Florence. Tutoring will be available yearlong as necessary.
Resident Administrative Director: Monica Ginanneschi
Smith Faculty Liaison: Maria Succi-Hempstead, Italian Studies
Academic Coordinator: Guido Reverdito, Ph.D.
Over two weeks, students take an intensive Italian language course at the Smith Center ("the Sede"), as well as an Art History mini course focusing on Medieval and Renaissance art in and around Florence.
In addition to the two-credit academic orientation, students divided in small groups are escorted by faculty to explore the city, get introduced to the transportation system, the best parks, shops, markets, libraries, and all the cool places where Italian students gather to eat, drink, listen to music, dance, and talk.
Fall Semester
- Orientation – two-week interdisciplinary introduction to Italian language and art history (2 credits)
- Italian Stylistics (ITL 240) – required for all students (4 credits)
- Two additional Smith courses at the Smith Center (4 credits each)
- At least one course at the University of Florence university - required for all students (4 credits)
Spring Semester
- Orientation – two-week interdisciplinary introduction to Italian language and art history (2 credits)
- Italian Stylistics (ITL 240) – required only for Spring semester students (4 credits)
- Two additional Smith courses at the Smith Center (4 credits each)
- At least one course at the University of Florence (two courses recommended for ful-year students) - required for all students (4 credits each)
Internship and Community Service Placements
Smith's long-standing relationship with many Florentine and Tuscan organizations has resulted in a wide variety of possible part-time internship and volunteer placement opportunities for students. Serving as an intern or community volunteer is a fantastic way to meet local Italians, understand Italian society and culture, and to offer reciprocal benefits to the community from which you are learning Italian language and culture.
Many of these internships have resulted in research proposals for summer International Experience Grants or prospective Fulbright research proposals.
A sample of recent internship placements includes:
- Uffizi Library
- Children's Library Santa Croce
- Tela di Penelope Consortium (restoration of ancient fabric and leather)
- UNIFI Farmacology/Neuroscience Lab
- Organic Farm Orto Bioattivo
- Misericordia di Firenze – volunteering on Ambulances or assistance to individuals with disabilites
- Specola Museum of Natural History
- Vista Magazine
- Florence Cathedral (Duomo) Choir
- Fiorentina Nuoto (Swim Team)
- Casa San Michele (Women’s shelter)
- School of Italian for immigrants
- Angeli del Bello in Florence
- I ragazzi di Sipario. Art laboratories with young adults with special needs
Program Dates
Life in Florence
Applying
Accepted Students
For resources and information about the Italian visa application process, please visit the Florence Accepted Students website.