Academics in Florence, Italy

ACADEMIC PROGRAM INFO

• Fall or Spring Semester; Academic Year; Summer (June, July, August sessions)
• Open to college sophomores, juniors and seniors
• Minimum 2.8 GPA
• Official transcript from Scuola Lorenzo de' Medici
• U.S. accredited transcripts available, if necessary, through Marist College in New York (Transcript FAQs)

SCHOOL: LORENZO de' MEDICI

The Florence campus of the Lorenzo de' Medici School (LdM) is a private institution located among several buildings in the center of this charming Renaissance city. The campus' main building dates back to the 13th century and, before being renovated, was originally a convent and church.

Medieval frescos and sculptures still adorn the walls and ceilings of the classrooms, ensuring a beautiful and historical holistic experience for students - both in and out of the classroom.

LdM is equipped with modern computer and language labs, comfortable classrooms, knowledgeable faculty, diverse course offerings (from language or theater, to archaeology or history). One of the primary missions of the Lorenzo de' Medici School, which has been operating its main campus in Florence for more than 30 years, is to promote global education through authentic cultural immersion programs and a diverse international student population.

SCHOOL BUILDINGS

• Photos of the school

LdM in Florence is located in ten campus buildings (totaling 4800 square meters) in the historic city center, right next to the thriving San Lorenzo market and church and close to transport facilities. Florence's unique architectural masterpiece, the Duomo, is within a few minutes' walk. Together the LdM buildings contain a full range of facilities including numerous classrooms and large, specialized art studios, a cafeteria, a courtyard garden, the library, the Student Point and the computer center.

The main LdM building in Florence is situated in Via Faenza and dates back to the 13th century. It originated as a convent connected to a medieval church, San Jacopo in Campo Corbolini. This church, now deconsecrated, was founded in 1206 and for its first hundred years belonged to the Knights Templar. Rich in medieval frescoes and sculpture, the church has recently been restored to its original splendor, and serves as the setting for LdM conferences and receptions. Students and professors from LdM's Restoration Department were fully involved in the restoration of the church interior.

RESIDENT DIRECTOR: Elena Giannini

Born in Florence, Elena studied Liberal Arts at the University of Florence and received her degree in Medieval Archaeology. She aims to help all students get the very best out of their stay in Italy by advising on academics, as well as helping organize social and cultural events.

"I started my advising work as a coordinator for American students in Siena. Now, I enjoy working as a student advisor in Florence, which I have been doing since the Spring 2009 semester. My personal interests include arts, archaeology, theatre, trekking, caving, and climbing."

COURSES

Each student is required to take at least one Italian Language course, in order to get better adjusted to the Italian culture. All non-Italian language courses are taught in English. Courses are available in the following areas:

School of Arts and Sciences:
Anthropology | Art History | Classical Studies | Communications | Gender Studies | Geography and Environmental Studies | History | History of Architecture | International Business | Literature | Mathematics | Music, Cinema and Theatre Studies | Nutrition and Health | Philosophy and Religious Studies | Political Science and International Studies | Psychology | Sociology

School of Creative Arts, Media and Fashion Design:
Fashion Design | Film, Video and New Media | Graphic Arts | Interior Design | Jewelry Design | Painting, Drawing and Mixed Media | Performing Arts | Photography | Printmaking | Restoration | Sculpture and Ceramics

School of Italian Language and Culture:
Regular Italian | Italian Culture | Accelerated Italian | Six-Hour Italian | Intensive Italian | Super Intensive Italian