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Florence: International Studies Institute (ISI) at Palazzo Rucellai (Outgoing Program)

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Fact Sheet:
Fact Sheet:
Click here for a definition of this term Education Abroad Adviser: Kristin Franco Click here for a definition of this term Housing: Apartment
Click here for a definition of this term Minimum GPA: 2.75 Click here for a definition of this term Class Standing: 2 - Sophomore
Click here for a definition of this term Graduate/Undergraduate: Undergraduate Type of Program: Study Center
Click here for a definition of this term Language of Instruction: English Click here for a definition of this term Language Requirement: 0 semesters
Click here for a definition of this term Internship Available: No Click here for a definition of this term Fields of Study: Architecture, Art History, Biology, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Communications, Economics, Education, History, Italian, Literature, Media Studies, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Studio Art and Design, Visual Arts
Program Description:

 

Overview

Remember to meet with your Academic Adviser or College Representative to discuss course work

Eligibility

  • 18 years of age or above
  • Good academic and disciplinary standing at Penn State
  • 2.75 cumulative GPA or better at the time of application review
  • Sophomore standing or above at the start of the program 

Program Description 

The ISI Florence General Studies Program is widely recognized for its diversity and excellence. All students are required to take Italian language for a total of four credits. The General Studies Program is ISI Florence’s most popular program, allowing students the greatest degree of latitude in course selection. A number of elective courses taught in English (three credits each) are available in various subject areas. The Biology Track is available to all Penn State majors with the proper prerequisites (BIOL 110 and/or CHEM 210) by the start of their spring semester abroad.

Dates

Fall: mid August - early December 
Spring: early January - early May 

Refer to the program website for the specific dates, if available. 

Location

What better place to find inspiration than the birthplace of the Renaissance? Florence has cultivated the ideas and inventions of visionaries like Galileo, Leonardo, and Machiavelli. It enabled talents such as Brunelleschi, Dante and Donatello to emerge to fame. More recently, designers like Cavalli, Gucci, and Ferragamo call Florence home. There is something in the air of this central Italian city that sparks creativity. Discover your muse in Florence, where you can study art history while gazing at Botticelli’s Birth of Venus, build your artistic portfolio in the city of Michelangelo, be wowed by high-end fashion as you walk down the street, and satisfy your every foodie-and-oenophile dream as you slip into your own Florentine life.

Education Abroad in Countries with a Penn State Restricted Travel Designation

In order to comply with Penn State’s International Travel Policy, students interested in studying abroad in countries that Penn State has designated as “restricted” for travel, a petition for a waiver must be submitted. Once a petition is complete, and if the student is approved for study on the program in question, the student may be asked to meet with the Director of Education Abroad and the petition will be reviewed by the Penn State International Restricted Travel Committee (IRTC). The necessary petition will be included in the online application process for this program. To see if your program is taking place in a restricted travel country, please visit the Penn State Global website.

Academics

Available Fields of Study

Architecture, Art History, Biology, Business, Communication Sciences and Disorders, Communications, Economics, Education, History, Italian, Literature, Media Studies, Music, Political Science, Psychology, Sociology, Studio Art and Design, Visual Arts

Course Listings

To find courses at ISI Florence, follow the instructions on the host program page.

To see what Penn State students have previously taken on this program, see the Historical Course List, which is meant to be a guide as to what courses might be available and how they might transfer to Penn State. Courses listed here may not be offered during the semester you attend the program and the credit amount or course title may have changed. 

Note: You are not limited to choosing classes on the program Historical Course List. You should consult the full list of courses on the host program page before choosing a program.

Course Selection

Track Specific Course Information

General Studies

  • Penn State students on the General Studies track are required to take a minimum of 12 credits. (Students must maintain a full-time course level while abroad)
  • 3-4 General studies courses, 1 Italian language course.

Biology

  • Penn State biology students on the Biology track are required to take a minimum of 14 credits.
  • The follow courses are required:
    • Function and Development of Organisms (BIOL 240)
    • Organic Chemistry II (CHEM 212)
    • Italian 101 or a higher level Italian courses if qualified
    • General Education Elective
*Please note that the course fees for these required courses are higher than the general track and can be between $750-$1,000

To find appropriate courses that will fit into your degree requirements, you will need to work with your academic adviser. Suggested tips:
  • Research courses available on your program
  • Meet with your academic adviser to discuss potential courses abroad and your degree requirements 
  • Keep in mind that courses abroad may change or may be unavailable for your selected term, so you will need to discuss possible back-up course options
  • To register for courses on this program you will work with your host program
  • You will be required to take an Italian language course and 4 other courses during this program.

Academic Policies

  • You must enroll in a minimum number of 12 credits and a maximum number of 18 credits 
  • You must maintain a full course-load while abroad (12 credit minimum)
  • You cannot take any courses abroad on a Pass/Fail basis
  • World Campus courses should not be taken in addition to or as a substitute for courses offered abroad
  • You may not take sport or physical activity courses (e.g. sailing, bowling, yoga, etc.) abroad
  • If you are studying abroad in your final semester at Penn State, please note that Penn State may not receive your grades in time for graduation 

Course Equivalency Process

In order for courses from abroad to appear on your Penn State transcript, each course must be given a course equivalency. Please visit the Academics section of the Penn State Global website for information on the course equivalency process.  

Courses can be submitted for course equivalency before, during, or after the education abroad program, however, you should begin this process as soon as possible as it can take on average 2-4 months or more for courses to receive a Penn State course number. In some cases, it can be difficult to obtain syllabi from abroad before the start of the term, but when possible, courses can be submitted for review before departure. Talk to your Education Abroad Adviser about requesting syllabi.

Grade and Credit Conversion Scale

Grades and credit conversions from your host institution cannot be changed. They will be converted to Penn State credits and grades based on the following scales:
 
Grade Conversion Scale
Host Institution Grade Penn State Grade
A A
A- A-
B+ B+
B B
B- B-
C+ C+
C C
D D
F F
 
Credit Conversion Scale
Host Institution Credit Penn State Credit
3 3
 

 

Housing and Meals

Housing

Apartment

 All ISI Florence students share accommodations with other students in the program. Students will find plenty of grocery and convenience stores, Internet cafés, buses, taxi stands, laundromats, post offices, and restaurants within walking distance. The Student Services staff is available throughout the term to provide assistance navigating the city, and also to monitor maintenance and utility upkeep in the apartments. Students may request up to two roommates and the requests must be mutual. 

The apartments are fully furnished and fully functional. Utilities are included in the housing cost. The standard layout of the apartments consists of multiple bedrooms, multiple bathrooms (variable), kitchen, living/dining room space. The bedrooms range from single bedrooms for one occupant (limited availability) to triple bedrooms, with the occasional quad space. Shared bedrooms can host 2 to 4 occupants. Although apartments are of the same standard and have similar facilities, no two apartments are alike. They are not all located in the same neighborhood, but are all within walking distance to our campuses or the nearest bus route.

Please note that Italian apartments, especially in a historic district with protected buildings, are much different than what you are used to in the US. They are much smaller, have more limited storage space, and can be unique shapes and set-ups. The fridge is much smaller because Italians tend to shop for groceries multiple times per week, instead of doing one big shop every week or two. There will be a washing machine, but clothing dryers are not common in Italy, due to the high cost of electricity. A drying rack will be provided. You may also need to walk up several flights of stairs to reach your apartment. If you have special needs or accomodations related to housing these need to be communicated to ISI with advanced notice before arrival. 

If you have concerns about housing in Florence, we strongly recommend that you study abroad in Fall when the student population is less dense and housing options are much more abundant. 

Independent housing is not permitted on this program. There will be no exceptions.

Meals

Meals will not be provided on this program. 

Costs and Funding

Program Costs

Fall Costs 
Spring Costs

The cost of a program is based on Penn State tuition rates and partner institution fees. Due to the variety of locations and partner institutions, costs will vary depending on the program. Education Abroad works closely with our partners to ensure the most accurate cost estimates, however, fees can change quickly and without prior notice. Consult the cost sheets for your chosen program often and if you have any questions please contact your Education Abroad Adviser. Certain courses also incur additional costs that will be billed later in the semester once courses are finalize and billed directly from ISI Florence. They will provide a list of courses and fees in advance in the student's ISI student portal. It is the responsibility of the student to check these fees in advance and be prepared for them. 

Scholarships 

The Education Abroad Office awards a number of grants and scholarships to students who participate in an education abroad program through Penn State Global. The application for the scholarships awarded through the Education Abroad Office is included with your program application. Eligibility is based on academic merit and/or financial need. You must have a current FAFSA on file to be awarded. There are additional scholarship opportunities through our partner universities, Penn State Academic Departments, and other sources. To view a full list of scholarships, eligibility requirements, and deadlines visit Funding Study Abroad.

Student Aid

Penn State students who plan to study on a Penn State approved program can use most forms of financial aid towards the cost of the program. Exceptions include work-study awards and some athletic scholarships. If you have specific questions regarding your aid awards, contact the Penn State Office of Student Aid. 

Withdrawal & Refund Policy 

Withdrawal and refund details are dependent on the timing and reason for your withdrawal from a Penn State Education Abroad Program. For specific details and steps on how to withdraw, read the Education Abroad Policies. 

After Commitment

Once a student has committed to a Penn State Education Abroad program, they are financially responsible for any fees incurred on their behalf. Therefore, if a student plans to withdraw from a program it is their responsibility to immediately notify the Education Abroad office, in writing; email is preferred. 

Regardless of the timing or reason for the withdrawal, the student will be responsible for paying the Education Abroad Administrative Fees. Additional fees from the partner institution will be assessed according to their withdrawal and refund policies at the date of the withdrawal notice.

After the Start of the Program 

If a student withdraws after the start of a program, any adjustment of Penn State tuition charges will be made according to the Tuition Adjustment Schedule as determined by the Office of the Bursar. Students may be responsible for up to 100% of program costs. In most cases, partial credit cannot be awarded for leaving a program before its successful completion.

For additional information on withdrawal policies, separate and apart from financial consequences, please consult the University Senate Policy on Withdrawal and Leave of Absence.
 

Life Abroad

General Information 

Studying abroad can be one of the most exciting and transformative experiences of your college career. It is an opportunity to develop independence, build cross-cultural competencies, grow as a person, and enhance your academic program. Entering a new culture can be challenging for everyone. You may ask yourself: is this the right country for me? What are their cultural norms? How will my identity be perceived there? What can I do to prepare for this experience? What will my daily life be like? Below are resources to help you answer these questions.

Accessibility 

Penn State Education Abroad works closely with campus resources and our partner institutions around the world to ensure that students of all abilities reach their goal of studying abroad. While we cannot guarantee the accessibility of all program sites and locations, specific accommodations may be arranged on an individual basis. If you have accommodation needs or further questions please consult with the Student Disability Resources office and your Education Abroad Adviser. Additional resources are available through the Penn State Global Website. Disability information will not be used during the admissions process, but rather is meant to provide students with resources to help in planning a successful experience abroad.

Gender and LGBTQA

There are dramatic and subtle differences in how gender, identity, sexual expression, and sexual health are perceived in different countries. Before going abroad, it is important that you research the specific country or countries you will be visiting and have a full understanding of their cultural norms. Below are some resources to help you with that research and provide guidance for your life abroad.

Race, Ethnicity, and Faith

When choosing a study abroad location and preparing for your travels, you will want to be mindful of how your experience will be different than what you are used to in the United States. Your racial, ethnic, and spiritual identities may be interacted with and labeled by others differently than what you expect. Here are resources to help you prepare for these differences.

Non-U.S. Citizens

It is possible for non-U.S. Citizens to study abroad through Penn State. To do so successfully, you must plan early because this process may involve obtaining visas and other governmental procedures. Check with your DISSA Adviser prior to committing to a study abroad program and speak with your Education Abroad Adviser for specific information on the host country. If you plan on traveling to other countries during your study abroad experience, you will need to research and make plans to adhere to immigration policies for all of the countries that you plan to travel to and through. You are responsible for applying for visas for all applicable countries on your own. Advisers in the Education Abroad office cannot apply for your visa for you. Additional information may be available through your country's embassy and the consulate for your study abroad country.
 

Next Steps

Steps to Study Abroad

The planning stages outlined on the Penn State Global website will help you have the best study abroad experience possible. We recommend that you begin this process at least one year prior to the semester you plan on studying abroad. Visit the Steps to Study Abroad section of the Penn State Global website. 

How to Apply

Click the “Apply Now” button on this page to get started!

Application procedures can vary by program. Students should consult the application instructions available within each application. For more information, see the Application Process section of the Penn State Global website. 

Deadlines

You must apply to this program by the Penn State deadline. For a list of deadlines visit the Application Process page of the Penn State Global website.

Contact Education Abroad 

If you have general questions about Education Abroad opportunities at Penn State, please email EducationAbroad@psu.edu.

Peer Advisers

Education Abroad Peer Advisers are Penn State study abroad returnees who advise students on education abroad opportunities at Penn State. Each Peer Adviser can explain program options, give an overview of the study abroad process, as well as provide information about their experience abroad. Peer Advisers have walk-in hours in Boucke Building during the fall and spring semester when classes are in session. For more information, visit the Education Abroad Peer Adviser website. 

Education Abroad Advisers 

Education Abroad Advisers can provide information about courses, support services, application processes, housing details, program costs, cultural expectations, pre-departure requirements, and much more. Education Abroad Advisers have two types of meetings - scheduled appointments and walk-ins. For more information about how to meet with an Education Abroad Adviser, please visit the Penn State Global website. 

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For information about upcoming events, scholarship opportunities, deadlines, and much more visit the Penn State Global Events Calendar and follow us on social media!
 


Dates / Deadlines:
Dates / Deadlines:
Term Year App Deadline Decision Date Start Date End Date
Fall 2023 03/01/2023
03/11/2023 08/29/2023 12/16/2023
Fall 2024 03/01/2024
03/12/2024 TBA TBA
Spring 2025 05/15/2024 06/12/2024 TBA TBA

Indicates that deadline has passed