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 architectural studio courses, activities, excursions and services in one of the world’s most beautiful and culturally-rich backdrops, Florence, Italy.
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.
About Student Life
Palazzo Rucellai and Palazzo Bagargli, the program's two academic facilities, are both located in the very heart of Florence, and the city center is in many ways the Institute’s campus. The “language lab” includes the out-door markets and shops; the cultural centers can be found in the palaces and piazzas; the “cafeteria” consists of the many trattorias, pizzerias and cafes, and the “library” includes the Uffizi Gallery and the Medici Chapels. Within walking distance of the Institute, students can explore the rich collections of more than thirty museums and numerous churches and palaces, or simply absorb the beauty of the Cathedral, Piazza della Signoria, and the view from the Piazzale Michelangelo.
Students must meet the following requirements to be eligible:
- Full time Enrolled, Third Year Architecture Student
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75
- Dean and Academic Advisor Approval
- Acceptable Community Standards and Conduct Report
Classroom spaces are found in two historic buildings, conveniently located in the very center of the city. The building --recently renovated and refurnished-- that hosts the workspace of the architectural students, is at walking distance from the renowned Architecture School of the local Universita’ di Firenze.
Studio classes of architectural and urban design are complemented by:
- Guest lectures and seminars led by internationally renowned professionals
- Fieldwork and visits to relevant construction sites in Italy (Milan, Venice, and Rome) and Europe (Berlin, Paris, and Barcelona)
- Active involvement in local projects at both urban and architectural scale
- One-on-one sessions with ISI Florence faculty and local Italian professional architects
- Workshops with professors and students from the Architecture School of Universita’ di Firenze
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.
Fall Semester begins during the last week of Augusts and runs through the first week of December; the Spring Semester begins in the first week of January and runs through the last week of April.
Semester charges will be based on regular RWU semester tuition rates, study away housing charges and program travel fee. Meal plans are not billed as this is considered a self catered program.
•Students should note that personal expenses that are associated with studying abroad such as airfare, books, personal spending are not part of the semester billing. Students should consult with the Spiegel Center for more budgeting information.
Financial Aid and Scholarships
RWU students applying to RWU-sponsored semester study abroad programs are able to carry financial aid over to semester abroad charges. Students can apply for the scholarship(s) at the same time they submit their application for a semester program abroad.
The Bridging the World Scholarship:
Scholarships awards based on financial need and academic merit
The Morris Award:
Scholarship awards based on financial need only (limited funds available)
PLEASE NOTE: All Architecture students applying to study abroad during the 2018-19 Academic Year need to submit their application by March 1.
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.
