Kent State Debuts New Study Abroad Program With Its First Florence Summer Institute

Summer 2014 will bring the debut of the Kent State Florence Summer Institute, as Kent State University expands its esteemed academic program in Italy. The new Florence Summer Institute will run four weeks, from May 29 to June 29, 2014, and will take place at the same facilities where Kent State study abroad programs are held during the school year.

“Kent State University has had a strong presence in higher education in Florence for more than 30 years,” said Deborah Davis, director of academic relations in Kent State’s Office of Global Education. “But the Summer Institute is a brand new dimension, and we are very excited to be offering it. Florence is an amazing study abroad destination, and this program will give students a great way to earn credit during the summer.”

Students accepted into the program will live with other Kent State Florence students in apartments located within walking distance of their classes. Kent State Florence facilities include the 13th-century landmark Palazzo dei Cerchi and the Palazzo Bartolini Baldelli overlooking Piazza Santa Croce.

“We have such wonderful faculty and facilities in Florence, but they have been little used during the summer,” Davis said. “Working with these available resources, we’ve created a comprehensive, well-designed cultural and academic package, so students who can’t spend a full semester in Italy can still further their education in this remarkable way.”

Students will choose two courses from the eight available, which include Italian language, history, art, and cinema, as well as the Roman Achievement, Intercultural Communication and History of the Mafia. Students can earn six to seven total credit hours, depending on their selection of courses.

All courses will be taught in English, except for Italian language, and classes will meet Monday through Thursday, allowing students to sightsee and explore Italy and beyond over the long weekends.

In addition to Kent State tuition, students can expect to pay a single program fee of $3,300, which covers housing, airfare, administrative costs and numerous outings, cultural events and activities. Additional out-of-pocket expenses are meals, personal expenses and independent travel. Non-Kent State students are welcome to apply. They can enroll as guest students for the summer, and upon completion of the program, a transcript will automatically be sent to their home university.

The deadline to apply for the summer 2014 program is April 1. Early application is encouraged, as only 100 students will be accepted. Financial aid is available.

For more information about the Kent State Florence Summer Institute, visit www.kent.edu/florence-summer or contact Kent State’s Office of Global Education at 330-672-7980.

Photo Captions:
Photo of Kent State – Florence – Art:
Professor Rocky Ruggiero with Kent State University’s Florence program explains “Miracle of the Cross at the Bridge of San Lorenzo” to students in an Italian art history class during a field trip. (Photo provided by Erica Trennel)

Photo of Kent State – Florence – Group Photo:
Kent State University students in the Florence program gather at the Santa Lucia Train Station in Venice, Italy, during a field trip. (Photo provided by Courtney Kerrigan)

Photo of Kent State – Florence – Housing Orientation:
Kent State University students in the Florence program attend arrival orientation in a lecture hall at the Palazzo dei Cerchi, built in the 13th century and home to Kent State Florence. (Photo provided by Elyse Shaffer)

Media Contacts:
Deborah Davis, dldavis@kent.edu, 330-672-1313
Emily Vincent, evincen2@kent.edu, 330-672-8595