About the Program
RWU in partnership with International Studies Institute (ISI-Florence) co-founded this program which is considered one of the RWU flagship study abroad programs. This program offers students a wide variety of courses, activities, excursions and services in one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally-rich backdrops, Florence, Italy.
Academic opportunities available include:
- The General Studies Program (open to students of all majors)
- The RWU Architecture Studio Program (open to architecture and historical preservation students)
All courses are taught in the American liberal arts tradition. The academic calendar follows closely that of RWU and offers regular fall and spring semesters, and a 6-week summer session. Year-long programs are also available.
Except in Italian language courses, all instruction is in English and no prior study of Italian is required. Semester students enroll for between 12-17 credits including the mandatory Italian language course; part-time study is not permitted. In the summer session, students may enroll for 3 or 6 credits.
About the Area
Florence, capital of the region of Tuscany, has a population of around half a million inhabitants, and is spread over the banks of the Arno, between the Adriatic and the Tyrrhenian seas, almost in the middle of the Italian peninsula. It is a city which bustles with industry and craft, commerce and culture, art and science. Being on the main national railway lines, it is easily accessible from most important places both in Italy and abroad.
The Florence “Vespucci” airport, where both national and international airlines stop, is located 5 Km. from the city center. The main motorway, A1, connects Florence with Bologna and Milan in the North and Rome and Naples in the South. The motorway A11, which runs to the sea, connects Florence to Prato, Pistoia, Montecatini, Lucca, Pisa and all the resorts on the Tyrrhenian sea. There is also a motorway which connects Florence to Siena. The climate is temperate but rather variable, with breezy winters and hot summers
About Student Life
Ever studied in a palace? In Florence you’ll take classes in a Renaissance “palazzo” every day. The ISI Florence “palazzi” are in the very heart of Florence, and the city center is in many ways the program's campus. The language lab extends out to the many outdoor markets and shops; instead of a university cafeteria you will take advantage of the many restaurants, pizzerias, and cafés of Florence; your study space will be everything from the Uffizi Gallery to the Medici Chapels. Students can explore the rich collections of more than thirty museums and numerous churches, or simply absorb the beauty of the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the breathtaking view from Piazzale Michelangelo—all within a stone’s throw of their temporary homes.
- Students must have completed a minimum of 45 semester credits
- Students must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Students must an acceptable judicial conduct record
- Students must have declared their minor and core concentration
- Students must have academic advisor and dean approval.
The General Studies Program
This program is open to all students and allows for maximum flexibility in choosing courses. Students enroll full-time for a minimum of 12 credits and complete at least one course in Italian language or an elective course taught in Italian for advanced students.
Students who are uncertain of their proficiency in the Italian language, are invited to select the course that they feel suitable on their course selection form. Right after Orientation, the ISI-Florence Italian faculty will administer a placement test to ensure that you are in the appropriate level.
Core Concentration in International Studies/Italian Studies
Students have the option of satisfying a Core Concentration in International Studies while studying abroad.
- International Studies Core Concentrations are to consist of fifteen (15) credits that focus on the host country/region and are normally transferable to Roger Williams University.
- The courses used in an International Studies Core Concentration may not be used to fulfill any Roger Williams University major requirements.
- At least nine (9) semester hours in the International Studies Core Concentration must be taken abroad.
- At least nine (9) credits in the International Studies Core Concentration must directly focus on the culture or history of the particular country or region.
- A maximum of six (6) credits in the International Studies Core Concentration may be in an appropriate foreign language or profession-ally related international topic.
Students share apartments with other program participants. All apartments are within walking distance of the Institute facilities and provided with fully-furnished kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and communal living spaces. Bed linens and pillows are provided although towels are not. Whenever possible, the Institute tries to accommodate housing requests regarding roommates and special needs. The staff is available throughout the term to provide assistance with housing needs, maintenance and utilities.
Spring 2023
- Students Arrive: January 11
- Classes Begin: January 16
- Midterm Break: March 3-12
- Program Ends: April 28
RWU STUDY ABROAD SEMESTER CHARGES
• RWU tuition as normal. Financial Aid is portable to approved and affiliated study abroad programs.
• RWU housing charge based on a standard, two person room rate.
• Full time Student Semester and Tech Fees
• RWU Study Away Fee of $1000
*Meal Plan charges will be applied to selected programs, please see the reverse side for further
details.
*The RWU in Florence and RWU in Barcelona/Architecture program will also have a Program Fee included in the billing. This amount includes the round trip airfare, international health insurance coverage, visa and
immigration services.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
Financial Aid and scholarships that students receive will be applied to their study abroad semester charges with the exception of Federal Work Study money.
Health & Safety Abroad
Students should review the U.S. State Department’s consular information website for complete information on safety and security (https://www.state.gov/travel/).
Click here for a printable brochure of the information found on this page.