Archives: FAQs

FAQ

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. All apartments are within 20-25 minutes walk from ISI Florence 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.

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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.

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DO I NEED A VISA?

If you have a passport from a country that is not a member of the European Union, you will have to apply for a student visa before your departure for Italy. A visa is required only for programs longer than 3 months (90 days), so, typically for Fall and Spring semesters.
If you are from a country that is not a member of the European Union, you will need a student visa to enter Italy if your program is more than 3 months long. For some countries, a visa may be required for studies under 90 days. Obtaining a student visa when indicated is mandatory by Italian law and must be obtained before you arrive. Applying for a student visa is a completely separate process from applying to FUA-AUF.

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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 find a comprehensive list of recommended places to eat on the ISI Florence APP or by asking any staff member.

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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.

  1. Average amount spent per week on groceries (toiletries, apartment food, cleaning supplies)
    • 46% – spent between 20 and 30 euros per week.
    • 34% – spent between 30 and 40 euros per week.
    • 13% – spent between 40 and 50 euros per week.
    • 5% – spent between 50 and 70 euros per week.
    • 2% – spent more than 70 euros per week.
  2. Average amount spent per week eating out (cafes, restaurants, gelaterias, etc.)
    • 8% – spent between 0 and 15 euros per week.
    • 24% – spent between 15 and 30 euros per week.
    • 41% – spent between 30 and 50 euros per week.
    • 23% – spent between 50 and 100 euros per week.
    • 4% – spent more than 100 euros per week.
  3. Average amount spent per week on social activities (movies, museums, tours, bars)
    • 29% – spent between 5 and 25 euros per week.
    • 38% – spent between 25 and 50 euros per week.
    • 18% – spent between 50 and 75 euros per week.
    • 10% – spent between 75 and 100 euros per week.
    • 5% – spent more than 100 euros per week.
  4. Average amount spent per month on personal items (clothes, shoes, home goods, souvenirs)
    • 9% – spent between 0 and 10 euros per month.
    • 21% – spent between 10 and 30 euros per month.
    • 24% – spent between 30 and 60 euros per month.
    • 24% – spent between 60 and 100 euros per month.
    • 22% – spent more than 100 euros per month.
  5. Average amount spent per month on independent travel (buses, trains, flights, hotels)
    • 5% – spent between 0 and 200 euros per month.
    • 21% – spent between 200 and 400 euros per month.
    • 33% – spent between 400 and 600 euros per month.
    • 26% – spent between 600 and 800 euros per month.
    • 15% – spent more than 800 euros per month.
  6. Average amount spent per semester on school supplies (notebooks, pens, art supplies)
    • 70% – spent between 0 and 20 euros per semester.
    • 22% – spent between 20 and 40 euros per semester.
    •  4% – spent between 40 and 60 euros per semester.
    • 3% – spent between 60 and 100 euros per semester.
    • 1% – spent more than 100 euros per semester.
  7. Average amount spent per semester on course textbooks
    • 13% – spent between 0 and 30 euros per semester.
    • 15% – spent between 30 and 60 euros per semester.
    • 18% – spent between 60 and 90 euros per semester.
    • 27% – spent between 90 and 120 euros per semester.
    • 27% – spent more than 120 euros per semester.
  8. (For Architecture Students Only) Average amount spent per semester on architecture studio supplies
    • 58% – spent between 0 and 50 euros per semester.
    • 24% – spent between 50 and 100 euros per semester.
    • 18% – spent between 100 and 150 euros per semester.
    • 0% – spent more than 150 euros per semester.

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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.

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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 that you’re experiencing.

When it comes to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, ISI Florence keeps close track of updates, restrictions, and requirements constantly evolving pandemic-related restrictions and requirements. We inform students of current rules as they relate to travel and their overall time in Florence as part of pre-departure and arrival orientation sessions. In addition, ISI Florence notifies students by email of any significant changes that impact their study abroad after arrival.

IMPORTANT: All students are REQUIRED TO HAVE VALID INTERNATIONAL HEALTH INSURANCE. Often this is provided by the student’s home university but in cases in which a student must purchase insurance independently, they must purchase a supplemental international health insurance plan – as domestic plans do not provide the full range of coverage required while abroad for long periods.

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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 travel plans.

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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.

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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.

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