Florence Spring 2025 Information

 

 

Duomo Tower, Florence, Italy

 

Brochures

AIFS Florence Flyer

AIFS Florence Brochure

WHY STUDY IN FLORENCE?

Florence is an exciting city in which to live and study. On an afternoon stroll through the streets of Florence, which is set amidst the golden hills of Tuscany, you can visit Il Duomo, with its magnificent Renaissance dome that stands tall over the city; admire the architecture of Giotto and the Baroque sculptures adorning the fountains of the city; linger at the Uffizi Gallery with its vast collection of painting and sculpture; view the Santa Croce where Galileo, Michelangelo and Machiavelli are buried; discuss art with Florentine painters in their studios; explore the book shops near Via Cavour; and stroll along the popular Ponte Vecchio, a 14th century bridge spanning the River Arno. Sometimes, though, it’s just the simple, day-to-day experiences that also inspire, from taking a walk down the street past red-roofed buildings, to enjoying a fresh plate of pasta while people watching at an outdoor café.   

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Covid-19 vaccination is strongly recommended for this program. 

 
 
Student Comments
 
 
 
AIFS video screenshot
 
 

HIGHLIGHTS OF FLORENCE

  • Open to students age 18 and older who have completed 12 units of college course work with a minimum 2.25 grade point average.
  • Optional flight transportation package; accommodations in fully furnished apartments with kitchen in the Historical Center of Florence.
  • Take lower division courses that are transferable for Bachelor’s degree credit.
  • Program includes an orientation program, half-day guided walking tour of Florence, guided day trip to Siena and San Gimignano, and subsidized cultural activities which may include walking tours, cooking classes, wine tasting lectures, ballet, soccer matches, concerts and film nights, and day trips to Pisa and other nearby locations.

 

WHY CHOOSE THIS PROGRAM? 

This program is offered to enable students to study abroad while making normal progress toward their degree objectives, and earning fully transferable units in courses taught by community college faculty and guest lecturers. his program is offered in cooperation with the Contra Costa, Los Rios, and San Mateo County Community College Districts and with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), which arranges transportation, living accommodations, and a wide range of student and instructional support services. Students need not be currently enrolled at one of the sponsoring colleges in order to participate. Units earned in Florence will appear on transcripts issued by the participating colleges.

CLICK HERE FOR SPRING 2025 FLORENCE FLYER (Coming later!)

CLICK HERE FOR SPRING 2025 FLORENCE BROCHURE (Coming later!)

CLICK HERE FOR AIFS STUDENT HANDBOOK (2025 handbook coming later!)

PROGRAM DATES

DATES AND MEETINGS

  • Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025:  Depart U.S.
  • Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025:  Arrive Florence
  • Monday & Tuesday, Feb. 3-4, 2025:  Orientation and workshops
  • Wednesday, Feb. 5, 2025:  Classes begin
  • Saturday, March 15 to Sunday, March 23, 2025:  Mid-Semester Break
  • Monday, April 21, 2025: Easter Monday (no classes)
  • Thursday, May 1, 2025:  Last Day of Class
  • Friday, May 2, 2025:  Depart Florence

 IMPORTANT DATES

PRIORITY APPLICATION DEADLINE

  • Friday, September 20, 2024

GENERAL APPLICATION DEADLINE

  • Friday, November 1, 2024

MANDATORY PRE-DEPARTURE MEETING – a saturday (APPROX. 9:00AM-12:15PM) IN JANUARY 2025--date & venue tbd          

FALL 2023 INFORMATION SESSIONS (FOR SPRING 2025 DEPARTURE)  

During the Fall 2024 semester, informational meetings (either via Zoom or in-person) will be facilitated by Brian Antonson, our instructor to Florence. Once we schedule the meetings, they will be posted here. If you’d like to be placed on our Florence Spring 2025 contact list to receive an email reminder about when these meetings will take place, please email Patty Warne, Study Abroad coordinator, at pwarne@santarosa.edu.

 

 PROGRAM COSTS/FINANCIAL AID/SCHOLARSHIPS

AIFS REFUND DATES

Refund requests must be done in writing to AIFS. They accept emails and that is generally the easiest way (customizedfacultyled@aifs.com). See official AIFS refund policy on your Agreement & Release form on AIFS application. Dates to remember regarding AIFS refunds once you are enrolled in the program:

·    Friday, November 8, 2024: Last day to request refund of $450 deposit less $150 processing & non-refundable deposit fees. After Nov. 8, AIFS will not refund any of the $450 deposit. Students may also be subject to any nonrefundable canceled reservation fees by AIFS after this date. Details on AIFS Agreement & Release form on your AIFS application.

·      Friday, December 6, 2024: Total program fee is due. NO REFUND OF PAYMENTS after this date.

AIFS PROGRAM CANCELLATION POLICY

 Please click here for a summary of the AIFS program cancellation policy.