Florence University of the Arts

Course Information

Minimum of 15 credits required

Participants will take 15 credits. Students will select from the following options:

• Option A: 6 credit Italian language + 3 Academic classes
• Option B: 6 credit Italian culture + 3 Academic classes
• Option C: 3 credit Italian language, 3 credit internship/experiential learning + 3 Academic classes
• Option D: 6 credit experiential learning + 3 Academic classes

FUA's course offerings are linked on the "Resources and Contact" tab.

Option A: Students enroll in a 6 credit intensive Italian Language course. Students who have NOT had previous experience with Italian will take an introductory course. Students who have studied Italian at their home university will take a placement exam to determine the appropriate level of instruction.  

Option B: Students enroll is a 6 credit Italian Culture course (Cultural Perspectives: Awareness, Exposure, and Engagement). This course studies Italian culture through action and participation. This course also includes a language component which acts as a bridge to culture based on communication skills.

Option C: FUA prides itself on having developed over the years a wide network of internship placements. In order to be eligible for external placements, students must undergo an evaluation by both the internship department and the external placement supervisor.

Internship placements are offered in diverse areas and disciplines. Placement areas are determined during the application and interview process. (Students need to provide cover letter, CV, and material pertinent to the chosen area for the interview). Students selecting an internship will require a certain level of Italian language proficiency depending on the placement.

Option D: Experiential Learning In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by going through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as to develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructors who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. This unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management. Experiential Learning does NOT require that you speak Italian.  

As part of the Italian language or Italian culture course, there will be an educational experience requiring students to participate in an organized service activity in the local community and a formal reflection on this activity.

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Academic Policies

• Students must maintain full-time status while abroad
• This is a partner university program. Applications must be submitted to Stony Brook University first. Information regarding the next steps in the process will be distributed to students who have received formal nominations by their International Programs Coordinator.
• Grades earned in a Partner University program WILL NOT calculate towards the cumulative GPA for SBU students.
• Non-SBU students must contact their home university regarding their grade and credit transfer policy.
• All participants following the Stony Brook Curriculum (SBC) will receive GLO and EXP+ in addition to requirements fulfilled by their coursework.