Marist Italy: Florence - Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM) Institute

Study in Florence, Italy through Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM), and take advantage of a selection of over 400 courses, international faculty, a dynamic academic community, and broad range of services and support for study abroad students. 

Program Location

Florence is the capital of Tuscany and a modern cosmopolitan city of just over 400,000 people. The city, a focal point during the Italian Renaissance, is famous for its intellectual and artistic history, having produced some of the greatest (and most infamous) artists and thinkers of its time, including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Donatello, Dante and Machiavelli. Today, Florence has much to offer with Italian Renaissance architecture, museums, shops, and theaters. The Ponte Vecchio Bridge, the National Library, the Santa Maria del Fiore, the Santa Croce, San Marco, the Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Pitti Palace are some of the many sites that make Florence a truly beautiful city.

Institution

The Program is organized in conjunction with Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM), a well-known institution founded in 1972 as one of the first schools in Florence to teach Italian as a second language. Students come from all over the world to study Italian or follow other courses of study at the Institute, creating an international environment that stimulates cultural exchange. The faculty and administration of the Institute are outstanding educators and academics, with a wealth of experience teaching American students.

Academics

• All students are required to take an Italian language course suitable to their proficiency – from beginning to advanced options.
• Select from over 400 courses taught in English.
• Located in Tuscany, Florence is ideal for students interested in studying the humanities, creative arts, design, or courses covering Italian language and culture.

Full-semester programs run during the Marist calendar offering students a chance to study in Italy without interrupting their graduation plans.

Student Life & Co-curricular Content

While students are formally enrolled at LdM, courses often engage the vast resources Florence has to offer – the architecture, the museums, and other cultural resources.  Supporting classroom lectures, excursions designed by faculty and staff at LdM not only expose students to other parts of Italy and Europe, but also compliment their coursework.

Internship opportunities available at institutions like museums or with local artisans and small companies.

Student Advisors assist students throughout their stay with cultural adjustment and any logistical issues.

LdM offers a range of student activities (e.g., “Artisanal Handicrafts” or “Food and Cooking”).

Housing

Marist Abroad students will be housed in apartment style housing located throughout the city center.  Although there is a standard for all apartments, there are differences in appearance and general condition.  Apartments may house between 2 and 8 students (with each bedroom accommodating two students).  Housing is coordinated through LdM. 

Apartments are furnished and equipped with bed linens, towels, basic pots and pans, kitchen utensils, washing machine and TV. All apartments are provided with Internet service. They are not provided with a phone or air conditioning. 

Program Cost

The program fee includes tuition (12-16 credits), accommodations, program orientation, LdM scheduled academic excursions, and GeoBlue health insurance.

Admission Criteria

• Minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA at the time of application
• Sophomore standing or higher at the time of study abroad
• Academic Advisor approval of program and coursework