Overview

STUDY ABROAD IN FLORENCE ITALY
Semester Length: 15 weeks. Study Abroad for undergraduate credit

FIDI's semester abroad program gives undergraduate design students the opportunity to spend 15 weeks studying in Florence, Italy, while continuing their studies in their chosen design discipline. Students can join FIDI for either the Fall or Spring semester, with courses taught entirely in English. Study abroad options are available in Interior design, Graphic Design, Industrial Design or Architecture. Students study alongside FIDI's international student community and select courses appropriate to their academic background and level of study. Florence provides an important context for the semester. Students experience Italian art, architecture and design directly through their studies, while developing contemporary design projects that consider the historical, cultural and physical context in which design takes place.In order to transfer credit from the Florence Institute study abroad students must obtain approval from their home institution. All courses must be completed with a grade of "C" or better for credits to transfer.

The program is intended primarily for students who have completed at least two years of undergraduate design study. Students wishing to transfer academic credit should obtain approval from their home institution before enrollment. A course approval form and detailed course information are available from FIDI to assist with the credit-transfer process.The costs of tuition with enrollment for a single semester (15 weeks) can be found on the study abroad application form below.

SEMESTER Application

DESIGN STUDY IN AN ITALIAN CONTEXT

The semester abroad program combines contemporary design education with the opportunity to study within the cultural and historical context of Florence. Students investigate design through studio projects, history, theory, analysis and technical studies while experiencing Italian and European approaches to art, architecture and design. Florence itself forms an important part of the learning experience. Museums, exhibitions, architecture, public spaces and examples of historic and contemporary design provide students with direct points of reference beyond the classroom. The aim is not simply to study in Italy, but to understand how location, culture and context can inform the design process.

Objectives

During the semester, students develop their existing design skills within a different cultural and academic environment. Courses encourage students to:
- investigate Italian and European approaches to design, art and architecture;
- consider historical, cultural, social and physical context as part of the design process;
- develop individual design responses through research, experimentation and critical thinking;
- strengthen visual, technical, written and oral communication skills; and
- gain an international perspective that can contribute to their continuing studies at their home institution.

START DATES: Students may choose to begin the semester abroad in either January or late August. Please see our Academic Calendar for exact dates.

study abroad requirements

Requirements for study abroad semester students applying to the Florence Institute of Design International :

1. Applicants must be at least 18 years old and should normally have completed at least two years of undergraduate study in a relevant design discipline.
2. Students should submit their most recent academic transcript with their application.
3. All design courses are taught in English, and previous knowledge of Italian is not required. Study abroad students may also attend an introductory Italian language class for one hour per week, providing an opportunity to develop basic language skills while living in Florence.

Students seeking academic credit should obtain approval from their home university before enrollment. FIDI provides a course approval form together with course information so that the proposed semester can be reviewed and approved by the appropriate academic representative at the student's home institution.

* Program may be subject to change