Florence has a population of over 500,000, is a major center for the arts, literature and scholarship since the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Students have a 1-2 day orientation at the beginning of the program. Students must take 4 4-credit courses for a total of 16 credits each semester. One of the courses must be the Italian language up through the 3rd or 4th semester. A 3-credit Advanced Italian language tutorial class is also offered and is tailored to fit the needs of the students in the class.
Courses generally focus on Italian literature, history, art history, music and political science.
The focus tends to be on Medieval and Renaissance Florence and Tuscany, although courses on the European community today and contemporary Italian art and letters are frequently offered. However, the focus of the courses depends upon the faculty chosen by the participating universities. Madison equivalencies are decided on in advance. Each course is worth 4 credits. The villa has coin-operated laundry facilities, a large student lounge, a dining area and garden area with tennis court.