Below is a collection of the most common questions and answers regarding what students can expect from the Institute, pre-departure, and life in Italy. We encourage you to browse the Q&A below and should you have a question that isn’t answered on this page, we invite you to contact [email protected].
WHERE WILL I LIVE?
You will live in the historic center of Florence. Not all apartments are the same but contain all the necessary characteristics and appliances. Most apartments are likely within a 20 to 35-minute walking distance from the Institute’s facilities.
We invite you to click here to watch a short video about the neighborhoods of Florence and click here to learn about ISI Florence apartments.
For more detailed Housing FAQs, please refer to our dedicated Housing in Florence page.
CAN I REQUEST SPECIFIC ROOMMATES?
Of course! You’ll find that the housing section of your application form gives you the opportunity to request a roommate by name. However, you will need to consider that:
- We ask you to only request a roommate(s) who you actually know, and
- We will only honor roommate requests that are reciprocal so it is important that you communicate with your prospective roommate(s) to ensure you are all on the same page.
WHERE WILL I EAT?
At ISI Florence, students are encouraged to cook for themselves. All apartments are stocked with basic kitchen utensils, ovens, and stoves. ISI Florence also organizes activities with a local cooking school so you can learn to make pasta, pizza, and more just like a local.
If cooking isn’t for you, the Università di Firenze offers low-price cafeteria meals and is conveniently located in the center of Florence. There are also several food delivery apps available for convenient take-aways.
The ISI Florence student ID card is valid for discounts at many trattorias, pizzerias, and cafès around the city. You can also…
HOW MUCH MONEY, ON AVERAGE, WILL I BE SPENDING ON PERSONAL EXPENSES?
To help you successfully budget your money while abroad, take a look at how much past ISI Florence students spent on the following items during their time in Florence. Estimates may fluctuate from one academic session to the next and based on the program selected. Please use the guide below for a general idea of what is usually spent and compare it to your own personal spending habits.
- Average amount spent per week on groceries (toiletries, apartment food, cleaning supplies)
- 32% – spent between 20 and 30 euros per…
WHAT IS ISI FLORENCE’S APPROACH TO TOPICS OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION?
ISI Florence believes that one of the most powerful contributors to academic, professional, and personal development is the exploration of diversity of thought and experience. Our team is fully committed to maintaining and promoting an inclusive learning environment, in recognition of historical, political, and social factors that influence one’s lived experiences and perspectives.
Click here to learn more about diversity abroad through ISI Florence.
WHAT HEALTH SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE AT ISI FLORENCE?
ISI Florence offers a comprehensive health & safety orientation that spans from pre-departure materials to arrival orientation. The Institute maintains a 24/7 emergency support number that students can call from Florence or during their independent travel. Our team can also provide the contact details for local, English-speaking medical professionals.
Study abroad is short and your mental health is important. For this reason, ISI Florence works with local, English-speaking counselors and therapists and provides their contact details to students during orientation. You can consult them for anything from culture shock and homesickness to more long-standing concerns…
WILL I HAVE TIME TO TRAVEL?
Of course! While studying with ISI Florence, you will learn to balance your academic commitments with independent excursions (either during three-day weekends or your semester break). At ISI Florence, we recognize that a key aspect of study abroad is the time and opportunity that you have to develop your independence through adventures throughout Italy and beyond.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT BOOK INDEPENDENT TRAVEL UNTIL AFTER YOU ARRIVE IN ITALY. This way you can receive the final details of your course-related field trips and activities. These course excursions are mandatory and cannot be missed due to independent…
WHAT IS COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT?
Community Engagement is a cornerstone of the Institute, encouraging learners to integrate with their host community and create a connection with the local culture. This can be done through ISI Florence’s variety of seminar & practicum courses, internship options, or volunteering opportunities. Not only do these options help you connect with the city of Florence and its vibrant community, but they can also help you develop cultural competencies and, often enough, gain invaluable career experiences.
For more details about ISI Florence’s Community Engagement opportunities, click here.
HOW CAN I TRANSFER COURSES TO MY UNIVERSITY?
Every university has a slightly different process for course transfer. That said, ISI Florence is happy to work with you to secure this transfer. Some universities pre-approve ISI Florence’s courses for transfer, while others ask that each student individually request approval since each department may view a course differently. Should you need course syllabi for the course approval process, simply contact your ISI Florence advisor.
It is IMPORTANT that you do this BEFORE you arrive in Florence, to the extent possible.
WHEN WILL I KNOW WHAT MY COURSE SCHEDULE LOOKS LIKE?
You will receive your class schedule from our Registrar prior to your arrival. Don’t forget to check your inbox and spam folder regularly to be sure you don’t miss this or other important pre-departure communications. This message will invite you to consider changes to your schedule and will provide you with instructions on how to do this and the deadline for making these changes.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT book any independent travel until after you arrive in Florence and receive the final syllabus for each course from your professors. Course field trips will not be…
WHAT COURSES DO YOU OFFER?
ISI Florence offers courses in a variety of disciplines, from the humanities to social sciences and STEM. You can click here to view our full course offerings and sort them by semester.
DO I HAVE TO BE AMERICAN IN ORDER TO STUDY WITH ISI FLORENCE?
ISI Florence welcomes students from across the globe. International students must simply be able to prove proficiency in English in order to successfully follow our courses, and be able to meet our other admissions requirements.
CAN I STUDY WITH ISI FLORENCE IF I’M NOT A CURRENT UNIVERSITY STUDENT?
Of course you can! Our programs are designed for undergraduate students, typically enrolling through universities in the United States. However, we welcome students from around the world and with diverse backgrounds. If you’re not currently enrolled at a university (perhaps you’re taking a gap year or looking for a pre-professional experience), you’re encouraged to submit an ISI Florence application. From there, one of our admissions advisors will contact you regarding entry requirements and how credits will be awarded to you
DO I NEED TO KNOW ANY ITALIAN IN ORDER TO STUDY ABROAD IN ITALY?
Not at all! ISI Florence offers classes in English across various disciplines, making it easy for you to build your semester curriculum in a way that matches your degree goals. If you study with ISI Florence during a Fall or Spring semester, you will be required to take an Italian language class in which you will be placed according to your level. During Summer programs, only Italian 101 is offered for those interested in learning some Italian to better navigate their stay in Italy.