"I had one of the greatest times of my life and made unbelievable friendships which I know will not end now that the program has finally finished. My only regret was that the end crept up on us so suddenly. Thank you very much for organizing such a wonderful trip and giving me the opportunity to create memories and friendships that I will keep for the rest of my life." Diana, student - Oakland, CA
"It was everything you described and more … the academic aspects of the program were, from Sarah's vantage point, sensational, most especially the quality of the professors and the venues … She experienced things she may never experience again. But it is clear the whole package prepared her better for the upcoming college life. Third, the RA's were, according to Sarah, top class and very supportive and professional." Bill, father - Boston, MA
Florence & Region
Art History & Italian Language Program
Program Overview
Itinerary:
Tuscania, Florence and Rome
Dates:
June 30 - July 29, 2008
Key Excursions:
Siena, San Gimignano, Viareggio
Focus:
Art History, Italian Language and Culture
Housing:
Hotels and Residence
Level:
Grades 9-12
Availability is becoming limited for many programs.
We encourage serious students to call us to find out if there is availability for their program of interest.
Call us today at 888-462-2239.
Our Florence & Region program is designed for students interested in developing a well-rounded understanding of the culture, language, and art history of Italy. The program follows the path of Italian art history from its Etruscan roots in Tuscania to the medieval period in Siena, continuing with the Renaissance in Florence and finishing with the spectacular Baroque monuments of Rome. Students will study the Italian language while also participating in art history seminars three times a week.
This program is ideal for students seeking to live in Florence while also spending extended time in two other inspirational Italian cities. Students who are excited to experience art history first hand while also learning the local language, will truly enjoy the Florence & Region program.
Program Itinerary
Part 1: Tuscania (9 days)
The program begins in Tuscania, an Etruscan center conquered by the Romans in 300 BC. The town, located in the countryside south of Tuscany, is the perfect place to start one’s immersion experience. Students will experience Italian life outside of the tourist realm. While in Tuscania, students will have time to explore the cobblestone streets, play sports while overlooking the countryside, relish in the gourmet food, meet local teenagers and live like true Italians.
Part 2: Florence (2 weeks)
Students will spend a full two weeks in the home of the Italian Renaissance in order to maximize their Florentine immersion experience. Excursions to the Uffizi and Accademia will allow the students to see some of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art. While in Florence students will live in a beautiful apartment residence setting where they will learn to cook Italian cuisine.
Part 3: Rome (5 days)
The last days of the program will be spent in Rome, one of the historical centers of the world. In Rome, the program will study the often overlooked resurgence of Roman art and architecture in the Baroque period of the 17th century. Students will also explore the other treasures of the Eternal city from the Colosseum to the Sistine Chapel.
Academics
This program is designed as an introduction to Italian language, culture and art history. The language courses will be taught by our partner school Lorenzo de’Medici. In addition to the language classes, students will also attend art history seminars which will be taught on location at the various sites and monuments of the cities visited. No prior background in Italian is required.
Housing
The group will live in centrally located hotels during their stays in Tuscania and Rome. While in Florence, students will live together in an apartment residence complex in the historical center. As part of the cultural experience in Florence, students will learn to share house responsibilities, shop for groceries, and cook group meals using traditional Italian recipes.
Daily Schedule
Students will attend afternoon Italian language classes Monday through Thursday. Three times per week, students will start their day with the Art History seminar which will include an excursion to a historical site or museum, accompanied by a lecture or a group discussion. Students will also have the opportunity to participate in daily recreational activities, workshops or events. In the evenings, there will be many options: outdoor concerts, cinema, cafés, time with friends and more.
Weekend Excursions
The group will visit the medieval hill-top towns of both Siena and San Gimignano. The winding streets of the two famous cities will not only provide the perfect backdrop for the medieval component of the Art History seminars, but will also be remembered for the spectacular views of the rolling Tuscan hills.
Students will also visit the Mediterranean seaside town of Viareggio for a relaxing day at the beach. Whether lounging under an umbrella, strolling down the Art Nouveau shopping promenade, or visiting the home of opera composer Puccini, a day in Viareggio is not to be missed.
Fiesole: San Gimignano: Viareggio:
Program Fee & What's Included
Our program fee is all-inclusive: it includes airfare from New York to the program site, all travel extensions, trips and excursions, tuition, lodging and insurance, and much more. There are no hidden fees, extra costs or surprises. We encourage you to compare our program fee to other programs and see what they include.
The fee for the Florence & Region program can be found here:
Now is the time to apply! There is currently availability on this program. Due to strong interest, however, we encourage serious students to apply soon.
If you would like to receive a brochure by mail, please complete the short online Preliminary Inquiry, and we will send one immediately.
If you are ready to apply now, click on the Online Application to get started.
For general questions about the application process, please visit our Application & Fees page.
If you have any special questions about the program or need assistance with the application process, please call us toll-free at (888) 462-2239 (from abroad (310) 276-1745) or email us at info@goabbeyroad.com.
