Study in Florence Your Freshman Year

Experience true Italian culture, steeped in the arts, family, architecture, music, and cuisine.

Marist's Freshman Florence Experience (FFE) is a program designed for highly motivated freshmen who wish to pursue foundation course work in a study abroad environment. This unique opportunity offers our students the ability to immerse themselves in the birthplace of the Renaissance and engage in cultural and personal exploration.

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Fulfill your sense of wonder safely at our Branch Campus.

At Marist, we realize that there is uncertainty surrounding study abroad opportunities during these unpredictable times. With our sister campus in Florence, Italy, we're providing a safe and secure opportunity for freshmen to gain a Marist education in the heart of Italian culture. There is a heightened safety to this unique study abroad experience because of our fully staffed branch campus. As an FFE student, you'll live and study in Marist-owned and operated residences and academic areas, and all operations strictly follow government-mandated health and safety guidelines.

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More than just studying abroad

Studying abroad is a great way to broaden your horizons and step outside your comfort zone. But Marist's FFE program is more than just studying abroad - it's a cultural immersive experience you won't find at any other college.

Study Abroad Your Freshman Year

Few colleges offer the opportunity for you to study at a campus abroad your entire freshman year.

Experiential Learning

Why read about the Colosseum in a textbook when you can experience it first-hand?

Access the World

Florence is a global center which provides easy travel access to European destinations.

Living in Florence was the best year of my life. I got the opportunity to travel to different countries, try new foods, and adapt to a whole different lifestyle. Our classes really encapsulated the different historical sites that were just outside the classroom.

Emma LeMay

Arlington, VT

I benefited from the FFE program by becoming a more independent and open-minded student. I have become more cultured and more motivated to make a difference in the world and feel as though this program has helped me become a greater version of myself.

Louis Higuera

Pittsfield, MA

I have always wanted to study abroad and having the opportunity to do so from the beginning of my freshman year sounded perfect! Studying in Florence is great. I am actually living and experiencing my studies, instead of just reading about them in a book or online.

Hannah Armstrong

Ponce, PR

Learning in Florence is quite the adventure, and education is certainly not limited to the classroom. This learning experience teaches you how to become an international citizen, learning language, culture, and challenging yourself to break away from the familiar.

Lauren Benetua

Mountain View, CA

Florence, Italy is a gateway to the rest of the world

Not only is Florence a mecca of art, culture, and heritage, it is also a hub of global travel opportunity. Florence provides access for our FFE students to take trips to all European destinations. Whether they are facilitated through the program or organized on your own, we encourage all our FFE students to take advantage of this unique gateway of travel potential.