This program accepts both Gonzaga and non-Gonzaga students for the full academic year. The City of Florence was chosen because of its tradition as the intellectual and artistic center of both the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. It also was the student home of Aloysius Gonzaga. Its libraries, museums, churches, and monuments provide today's students with unique opportunities for understanding the forces which shaped European civilization.
Housing is provided for students in various pensioni within easy walking distance of the school.
The Italian language is no longer a requirement for acceptance into the general Florence program. However, students are strongly encouraged to study Italian before going to Florence and to continue doing so while they are there. Students who do not take Italian prior to acceptance into the program will be required to take two semesters of that language while in Florence. An Intensive Italian language program is now available for Italian Studies majors.