Those who study with the School in Italy in Florence are exceptional among U.S. students in Italy: they study in Italian—and speak it well. The School, founded in 1960, is among a tiny handful of study abroad programs in which students take all course work in Italian and can integrate into an Italian university. It therefore attracts students whom local university faculty praise for their academic seriousness and  enthusiasm for learning.

What is Unique about this Opportunity?

Beginner Track:

• The Middlebury School in Italy's Beginner track in Florence offers a unique opportunity to students who are new to the Italian language to approach its study in a more immersive context.
• In consultation with the Director of the program, students may also be given the option of choosing from courses taught in English at the Università degli Studi di Firenze or courses in studio art taught at the Accademia d'Arte Firenze. 
• Area Studies courses will begin in English and increase toward more content in Italian as the semester progresses.  
• Students will also take advantage of the Middlebury Language Pledge® to help jump-start their Italian language proficiency.

Intermediate Track:

• The Intermediate track allows students to learn Italian by taking language and area studies courses at the Middlebury Sede. 
• The language of instruction will be in Italian and, along with a Language and Culture course, students will take courses in area studies allowing them to gain a wider breadth of knowledge in disciplines such as Italian History, Literature, and Art. 
• In consultation with the Director, students may have the option of substituting one of their Sede courses for a course at the Università degli Studi di Firenze or the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze.

What is Unique about studying in Florence?

Florence is the embodiment of the Renaissance, which began in Tuscany during the fourteenth century and continued to influence the region and ultimately the world for four hundred years. Now a bustling city filled with piazze, cafes, and museums, the culture of Florence is ideally suited for student life.  And while Florence welcomes large numbers of international students each year, students at the School in Italy are noteworthy for their linguistic proficiency and their commitment to cultural immersion.

Middlebury's Sede at the Palazzo Giugni, is situated in the academic heart of the old city, an area bustling with coffee shops, bookstores, cultural clubs, and academic buildings. The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Florence's other main monuments are all within easy walking distance. Students also enroll directly at the Universita degli Studi di Firenze.

How do I choose among programs?

• See the Office of Global Learning’s “Selecting a Program” page for information on program types and considerations
• Use the search features on the Experience Cornell  Opportunities page to filter for programs approved by your college, and by particular subject areas
• Go to the “Get Advice” page for information on drop-in advising hours, scheduling an advising appointment, returned student contacts, and college advisors for study abroad
• Find out about upcoming events, check out FAQs, and read stories from returned study abroad students

How do I apply?

Applying to study abroad is a two-step process. You may complete both steps simultaneously, but the Cornell approval process must be complete before your program advisor in the Office of Global Learning can submit any approval or nomination to the program.

1. For Cornell Approval, click on the "Apply" button on this webpage. Applications are approved by the Office of Global Learning on a rolling basis until the application deadline listed on this page.
2. For Program Admission, complete an external application directly on the program’s webpage, using the link in the “Snapshot” section. (Note: This deadline may be in advance of the general Cornell deadline for approval. Many programs fill by rolling admission.)