Study Abroad in Florence
- Dates: May 31-July 1, 2025
- Apply By: April 1, 2025
- Cost: TBD
Why Study Abroad in Florence?
Italy offers a fascinating case study for sustainability—having led the way in the Slow Food movement, it is also actively pursuing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by focusing on innovation in areas like sustainable infrastructure, circular economy, renewable energy, and smart city development. But it also faces significant challenges, such as migration, regional disparities, and over-tourism.
In addition to its rich history, art and culture, Florence is leading the way in sustainable tourism, and undergoing what some call a second, green Renaissance with new parks, micro-mobility and other transport initiatives, and an integrated urban planning framework.
With its easy rail connections to other Italian cities, students can compare, contrast, and taste the richness of both past and present that Italy offers.
Curriculum
Summer (6 credits)
- Innovation in Action: Project-Based Learning - 3 credits
- Sustainable Development in Context: Italy - 3 credits
Semester (12-15 credits)
- Internship or Innovation in Action: Project-Based Learning - 3 credits (Required)
- Sustainable Development in Context: Italy - 3 credits (Required)
- Language & Electives - 3 credits
Course Descriptions
Sustainable Development in Context: Italy
The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) offer a roadmap for a global future that promotes human flourishing and healthy ecosystems. They are multidisciplinary in nature, spanning human rights, public health, education, gender, economics, energy, urban design, and ecology. Though the SDGs are global in their aim and vision, how they are engaged and achieved varies according to national and regional factors. Using Florence as classroom and case study, this course examines the aspirations and realities of the UN SDGs through the lens of Italy and the greater European context. Through lectures, field visits, and project work, students engage deeply with both theoretical frameworks and practical applications related to sustainable development, developing their analytical, research, and practical problem-solving skills and preparing them to engage effectively with the global sustainability agenda.
Innovation in Action: Project-Based Learning
Innovation in Action: Project-Based Learning (PBL) is a hands-on course designed to explore the emerging field of social entrepreneurship and innovation while fostering creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. This course will provide a comprehensive overview of how innovation drives sustainable and impactful solutions to social and environmental problems. Through real-world, team-based projects, students will engage with innovation in three essential contexts: the public, private, and citizen sectors, social enterprises (nonprofit, for-profit, and hybrid models), and social transformation across entire systems. Students will have the opportunity to apply theories and methodologies learned through prior coursework and their experience abroad, developing practical solutions that foster social change on local, national, and international levels.
Electives
Students can select from various electives that align with the SDGs, depending on their academic interests. These may include courses in international relations, business ethics, global health, sustainability, and more.
Language
Language learning is essential for cultural immersion and building a deeper connection to the local community. Students in non-English speaking location will complete language courses to enhance their experience.
Syllabus Forthcoming
Locations & Housing
Students are housed in co-ed shared apartments or homestays.
Co-Curriculum
To enhance and enrich the formal curriculum, we offer a robust slate of co-curricular programming focusing on SDGs, professional development, and experiential learning. Field visits in and around the city expose students to SDG-related issues, organizations, and initiatives they would not otherwise have access to. Workshops, seminars, volunteering, and networking events focus on sustainable business practices and professional development skills. This co-curriculum is crafted to enrich students’ understanding of critical global issues while preparing them for the workforce.
Program Dates
- May 31 – July 1
Price
- TBD
Application Requirements
Matriculation in a US-accredited college or university. Good academic and disciplinary standing. 2.5 GPA.
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