LIVING IN FLORENCE

Daily life takes on a magical air in a city like Florence. Stroll across the Ponte Vecchio on your way to class, explore the Uffizi Gallery with your professor, and grab lunch in famous Piazza della Signoria. But when it’s time to stop gazing at the city and get real-life tasks done, you’ll have all the help you need. On-site staff help you navigate the city—call the doctor, learn the best grocery stores, or even find a volunteer opportunity.

HOUSING & MEALS IN HISTORIC FLORENCE

Option 1: Apartment Living. Share a fully-furnished apartment with other Brandeis Midyears. Apartments are in the historic city center, a stone’s throw from museums, churches, and piazzas, and a short walk from the CET center. Meals are not included in the program fee. You can cook at home or eat out at your choice of cafes, pizzerias, and restaurants.

Option 2: Homestay. Live with a local family. Enjoy your own bedroom while sharing common spaces (and best of all, mealtimes!) with your hosts. Practice your Italian and soak in Italian culture. You’ll live as a Florentine—within the downtown area, but away from the tourist-heavy centro storico. The additional homestay fee covers breakfast and dinner with your host family.

ACTIVITIES & TRIPS TO IMMERSE IN ITALIAN LIFE

Tour through the Chianti countryside. Take a gelato-making class. Venture to the top of the iconic Duomo. Go beyond tourist destinations. Explore the food capital of Bologna or the hilltop town of Orvieto. Every group activity is covered by the program fee, so you can relax and enjoy learning outside the classroom with your Midyear peers.

Academic Snapshot

As a Midyear student, you enroll in five courses, which is equivalent to a full semester of Brandeis credit. You take Beginning Italian Language, a writing seminar (all Midyears take this together!), and three electives in fields such as art history, cultural studies, political science, and economics.

Credit earned will transfer toward your undergraduate degree at Brandeis University.