Study in Florence, Italy

Home Academics Programs and Majors Los Rios Study Abroad Study in Florence Spring 2027

January 31, 2027 through April 30, 2027
Florence, Italy
$9,165: shared apartment and AIFS administrative fee
Additional:
$552: Tuition ($0 if California College Promise Grant eligible)
Varies: Textbooks
$700 to $1,000 per month: Estimated meals and personal expenses
$2,250: Optional single room suppliment
$625: Optional meal plan (30 meal vouchers)
$65: Optional medical insurance upgrade
$595: Optional Rome excursion
$595: Optional Venice Excursion
$695: Optional Sorrento Excursion

About the Program

This program is offered to enable students to study abroad while making normal progress toward their degree objectives, and earning fully transferable units in courses taught by community college faculty and guest lecturers. his program is offered in cooperation with the Contra Costa, Los Rios, and San Mateo County Community College Districts and with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), which arranges transportation, living accommodations, and a wide range of student and instructional support services. Students need not be currently enrolled at one of the sponsoring colleges in order to participate. Units earned in Florence will appear on transcripts issued by the participating colleges.

Minimum participation requirements and general Los Rios study abroad information can be found on the Los Rios study abroad website.

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Important Dates

$450 Deposit Due: at the time of application
Application Priority Deadline: Friday, September 18, 2026
Application Deadline: Friday, October 30, 2026 (Please note that in the event the program reaches full capacity, it could be closed prior to October 30)
All Program Fees Due: Friday, December 4, 2026
Depart U.S.: Saturday, January 30, 2027
Arrive in Florence: Sunday, January 31, 2027
Classes Begin: Wednesday, February 3, 2027
Mid-Semester Break: March 13 to March 21, 2027
Depart Florence: Friday April 30, 2027

Program Documents

Program Highlights

Student housing in apartments within the historical center of Florence and a 30-minute walking radius of the AIFS Study Center in twin-bedded rooms with typically four to six students sharing a two- or three-bedroom apartment including a set amount of utilities, wireless Internet access and a change of linen.
Adequate utilities will be provided up to a normal consumption for the duration of the program. Students will be expected to pay for anything above this amount directly to the Florence office before leaving the program.
Meals: self-catering facilities at student accommodation and a welcome reception. Meal vouchers are available for an additional fee.
An orientation program in Florence consisting of a meeting with experienced AIFS staff, covering topics such as general acclimation to Florence, safety and security issues, cultural differences, travel, money and cultural activities.
Local area walking tour covering housing and classroom location and local amenities.
A walking-tour of Florence with the services of a professional English-speaking guide.
Workshops with local staff about life in Florence and the differences the students will encounter.
Weekly program of subsidized cultural activities such as walking tours, cooking classes, wine appreciation lectures or olive oil tasting, soccer matches, day trips to Pisa and other nearby locations, concerts, and film nights.
Italian Life and Culture course taught by local faculty, with lectures focusing on historical, political, economic and cultural aspects of Italy and Florence, and related activities and excursions (course still subject to college tuition fees).
Full-day excursion to the Chianti wine region including transportation by private bus, a visit to a winery and a typical Tuscan lunch.
Full-day excursion to Siena and San Gimignano including round-trip transportation by private bus, the services of a professional, English-speaking guide in Siena and an AIFS representative throughout.
Access to the wireless-enabled AIFS Student Center and a team of experienced Student Services staff for the smooth running of the program, providing information and advice to students, organizing excursions and supervising housing, and 24-hour emergency contact service.
Mandatory police registration fees and local insurances.
Medical Insurance policy insurance policies.
Student medical insurance policy.