UMN-Florence: Art and Design
Program Details
    
        
            
            
                
                    | Program Location | 
                    
                        Florence, Italy 
                     | 
                    
            
            
                
                    | Sponsor | 
                    University of Minnesota | 
                
            
            
                
                    | Program Type | 
                    Co-sponsored | 
                    
            
            
            
                | Duration | 
                Semester or  2 Semesters
                 | 
            
            
                
                | Upcoming Program Dates | 
            
            
                
                    
                        | Spring 2026 | 
                        01/08/26 to 04/24/26
                         | 
                    
                
                
                
                
                    
                    
                        | Current Program Dates | 
                    
                    
                        
                            | Fall 2025 | 
                            08/26/25 to
                                12/13/25 | 
                        
                    
                
        
     
    
         
    
 
    
    
    
Please Note: Programs may be altered or adapted with little notice
    
        
                Overview
    
    
  
    
    
   
  Immerse yourself in the historic art and design of Florence, the  city which is the birthplace of the Renaissance and has a thriving  contemporary art scene. Studio courses take place in SACI’s iconic  campus, two 17th-century palazzi in the heart of Florence. The campus is  centrally located, and you can take advantage of studying with many  important art collections, including the Uffizi and the Accademia. In  addition, you will have access to contemporary exhibitions, work with  contemporary Florentine artists, and visit important international  exhibitions. The Florence campus hosts visiting artists, public  lectures, and exhibitions in the gallery space.
Famous for its  Renaissance legacy, Florence is a thriving city with a fascinating mix  of historic and contemporary culture. Buses, taxis, and mopeds drive  within feet of the Duomo, Florence's magnificent cathedral. Chic shops  and elegant restaurants line the charming avenues. Historic piazzas,  ringed with outdoor cafés, host performance artists and flea markets.  Enjoy the region's mild climate and world-famous cuisine in one of  Europe's most beautiful cities.
 
        For more program information, please visit the
        
          
program website.
          This program is sponsored by:
University of Minnesota. 
  
 
 
  Eligibility
  
  
  
    
  The program is open to Purdue students in good standing who have completed at least two semesters of university study by the start of the program. Successful candidates will demonstrate academic success, maturity, and a desire to experience another culture. 
 
  
  
      GPA Requirement: 
      2.5 on a 4.0 scale
      Language Requirement: none
    
     
   
  
  Purdue Credit
  
    Direct Credit 
            
            available from the following:
            [
College of Liberal Arts] 
            
            
Students interested in completing courses while abroad from Purdue colleges or departments that are not listed above should discuss this with their study abroad advisor before applying to the program.  
 
     
  
  Academic Program
  
    Your semester will consist of study center courses with students  from around the US, taking place at the SACI campus in central Florence.
An Italian language class is required. The rest of your courses will  mostly be art and design studio courses, but there is an option for you  to take an elective course from a range of offerings.
View the full course list for a complete list of courses offered.
 
   
  
    
    
        
        Excursions
        
          Courses in Florence will include experiential learning to bring  class content to life, which could include visits to museums and  archives, neighborhood tours, and on-site lectures. In addition to  exploring Florence, you will participate in excursions to other parts of  Italy as well. This could include Venice, Milan, Tuscany, and other  cities.
        
    
    Housing
    
    
      You will choose between homestay housing with some meals included, or to live in an apartment with other students (no meals provided). 
    
    
    
    Estimated Program Costs
    
    
            Students pursuing program participation accept financial responsibility. Purdue will take measures to mitigate financial risks, although will not be liable for loss. Students should carefully note what costs need to be paid to Purdue University or to a co-sponsor or agency, and what costs need to be paid at the overseas study location.  This will vary by program. Program fee includes tuition, orientation, advising, and some group activities. Housing fee includes apartment housing, additional fee required for homestay housing as it includes some meals. 
                
                
Costs for this program are estimated and subject to change. The cost figures listed below are
                    for: Spring 2026
              
                
                
                
                    
                    
                        | 
                            Costs per semester to be billed by Purdue
                                and Co-sponsor
                            
                         | 
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                    
                        
                        | Program Fee | 
                        
                            $13,249.00
                         | 
                    
                    
                        
                            | Study Abroad Fee | 
                            $914.10 | 
                        
                    
                        
                            | Housing | 
                            $5,606.00 | 
                        
                    
                        
                        
                        
                            | Insurance | 
                            $270.00 | 
                        
                        
                        
                            | Program Discount for Purdue Students | 
                            - $1,000.00 | 
                        
                    
                  
                
               
                
                
              
                
                
                    
                    
                        | 
                            Approximate additional costs per semester
                     | 
                  
                  
                    
                        | To be paid by the student.
                         | 
                    
                    
                        
                            | Round-trip Airfare | 
                            $1,800.00 | 
                        
                    
                        
                            | Visa | 
                            $230.00 | 
                        
                    
                        
                            | Books and Supplies | 
                            $150.00 | 
                        
                    
                        
                            | Meals | 
                            $2,625.00 | 
                        
                    
                        
                            | Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | 
                            $0.00 -
                                $1,000.00 | 
                        
                    
                    
                        | Travel Documents (passport, photos) | 
                        $175.00 | 
                    
                  
                
                 
            
            
         
    
  
  
  Financial Aid
  
  
    Purdue University financial aid may be applied to the costs of studying abroad. Students interested in receiving financial aid should 
NOTE:  Recipients of certain tuition remission and scholarship programs should pay careful attention to the regulations for using those benefits for study abroad.  Ask your financial aid advisor about any limitations.
Click here for a list of scholarships and grants available to assist with the costs of studying overseas.
   
  
 
  
  Application Deadlines
  
  
    For full consideration, students must submit all supporting documents (typically an essay, transcripts, 1-2 recommendations, and copy of passport) before or by the application deadline.  Popular programs fill quickly, often before the deadline. To ensure a place in a program, apply early.
As soon as a student submits an online application, a My Study Abroad account is created. Applicants should consult this page often to check on the status of the application.
 
  
    
    
       
      | Program Application Deadline
       | 
    
    
      
      
        | Fall Semester | 
        Mar 1 | 
      
      
      
        | Spring Semester | 
        Sep 1 | 
      
      
    
    
     
  
    
   
  
  Returnees Information
  
  
    
      Click below to search for Purdue students who have participated in this program and are willing to be contacted.  If you get no results, you can use the search form to find people who studied in the country you are interested in. 
      
      
  
     
   
  
  Resources
  
  
    The websites listed below contain information about this program. The accuracy of information at external sites cannot be guaranteed. 
    
    
    
    For more information on this program, please contact the Study Abroad Office by phone (765) 494-2383
    or email 
studyabroad@purdue.edu.