Our program in Florence allows students to improve their language skills while enjoying an immersive experience in Italian history and culture. Florence offers a wide array of resources for students, including world-renowned libraries and museums, culinary traditions, and fashion hubs. It is also a very livable city, with accommodations and places of interest all in walking distance.
Applications will open on October 24, 2022.
| Thursday, June 1, 2023 | Recommended arrival in Florence |
| Thursday, June 1, 2023 | Program housing check-in date |
| Friday, June 2, 2023 | On-site orientation |
| Friday, June 2, 2023 | Classes start |
| Thursday, June 29, 2023 | Classes end |
| Friday June 30, 2023 | Program housing last checkout date |
All students register for a total of two course units (c.u.)*. Course offerings are subject to change. Course registration is completed by the Penn Summer Abroad office for students who confirm their intent to enroll and submit the required pre-departure documents.
Summer 2023 Florence courses are waiting for updates and are subject to change.
Penn in Florence
ITAL 2520
- Novice-level proficiency in Italian required
- Fulfills requirements: Italian certificate, minor/major
The course aims to improve students' fluency, vocabulary, and accuracy in speaking. Pertinent video-clips, literary texts, articles, as well as material in other media will complement the analysis of the selected topics and allow in-depth discussion. Students have the opportunity to practice the language in context and use a variety of formats, including debates, role plays, scene analysis, and quote or text interpretation.
Modern Italian Culture
ITAL 2522
- Fulfills requirements: Arts and Letters, Cross-Cultural Analysis
The course explores the historical, social, and cultural history of Florence across the centuries. Florence, which has been one of the largest and powerful city-states since the Middle Ages, has undergone different changes that have significantly shaped both the character and the urban texture of the city. Readings by authors, philosophers, architects, and artists will be complemented by field trips, excursions, and tours of Florence’s most iconic sites and monuments.
Students will live in residence with shared rooms and a bathroom and kitchen.
Tuition and fees are subject to the approval of the Board of Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania and may change without notice.
- Tuition for summer 2023: 2022 tuition $4,830/c.u. 2023 tuition will be updated once available.
- Program fee for summer 2023: $2,800
- Penn Summer Abroad deposits ($500) will be credited to students’ accounts when final program costs are posted
- Includes administrative costs, cancellation insurance, student accommodations, theatre tickets, and cultural activities
Payment is due according to Penn’s Student Registration and Financial Services billing schedule.
Download: Cost Sheet (PDF)
Penn Summer Abroad disclaimer
The running of all 2023 Penn Summer Abroad programs is dependent on approval from the Committee on Travel Risk assessment (CTRA). Please be advised, CTRA approval may also be rescinded at any time prior to the running of the program. Programs may also be canceled independently of the CTRA process. Any of these scenarios would result in your summer 2023 Penn Summer Abroad Program not moving forward. All PSA students are strongly encouraged to consider the consequences if their summer 2023 program is canceled for any reason. Cancellations carry financial risks as well as academic risks, including the potential impact on academic progress.
For all Penn-affiliated travel occurring on or after May 18, 2021, a COVID-19 vaccination is required. This applies to both domestic and international travel unless an exception has been granted for medical or religious reasons. If you have a question related to this guidance or will not be vaccinated prior to travel, please contact travelsafety@pobox.upenn.edu.
Contact Information
Program Director
Rossella Di Rosa
Undergraduate Chair in Italian Studies
Director of the Italian Language Program
dirosa@sas.upenn.edu
Program Director
Eva Del Soldato
Associate Professor of Romance Languages
Graduate Chair, Italian
evadel@sas.upenn.edu
For assistance with the application, financial questions, pre-departure, or other general information:
Penn Summer Abroad Office
College of Liberal and Professional Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Fisher-Bennett Hall, Room 101
3340 Walnut Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19104-3335
Tel: (215) 898-7326
summerabroad@sas.upenn.edu
*Academic credit is defined by the University of Pennsylvania as a course unit (c.u.). A course unit (c.u.) is a general measure of academic work over a period of time, typically a term (semester or summer). A c.u. (or a fraction of a c.u.) represents different types of academic work across different types of academic programs and is the basic unit of progress toward a degree. One c.u. is usually converted to a four-semester-hour course.
