With a population of half a million, Florence is a vital, modern city which plays a major role in the contemporary life of both Tuscany and the rest of Italy. In conjunction with Syracuse University, USC provides the opportunity for study in Florence during the spring semester. The Syracuse University program is designed for students wishing to combine Italian language courses with studies relevant to Italy, but taught in English. Taught by either Syracuse University faculty or by local faculty, courses are available in architecture, art history, geography, history, international relations, Italian language and literature, political science, pre-architecture, and studio arts. Course work in Florence is supplemented by excursions to such sites as Assisi, San Gimignano, Siena, Rome, Venice, and Milan.
Students live in private Italian homes or share an apartment with other program students.