Sarah Lawrence students interested in studying abroad in Florence are invited to consider the option through Middlebury College. This study abroad opportunity is open to Sarah Lawrence College students only.
Middlebury in Florence
The Middlebury program is open to Sarah Lawrence students with or without a background in Italian.
Middlebury’s Sede at the Palazzo Giugni is situated in the academic heart of the old city, an area bustling with coffee shops, bookstores, cultural clubs, and academic buildings. The Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Florence’s other main monuments are all within easy walking distance. The Florence program is affiliated with the University of Florence.
Academics
Students at all levels of linguistic ability are able to enroll at School in Italy's Florence site through one of three tracks: Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced. Courses in the visual arts are also available. Students will take language and area studies courses at the Middlebury Sede. Elective courses may be taken at the University of Florence and select art studios in Florence.
Beginner Track
Students in the Beginner Track will enroll in three (3) courses. There is one required Language and Culture course at the Middlebury School in Italy Sede that all students must take, and two elective courses; one of the two electives must be taken at the Middlebury School in Italy Sede, the second elective can be taken either at the Sede, at the Accademia d’Arte, or at the University of Florence. Students will be asked to select their courses before the start of the semester and will work with the director of the School in Italy to finalize their course selections prior to arrival.
Intermediate Track
The Intermediate Track is designed for students who have completed 1-1.5 years (2-3 semesters) of college-level Italian (or the equivalent).
The Intermediate track allows students to learn Italian by taking language and area studies courses at the Middlebury Sede. The instruction is in Italian and, along with a Language and Culture course, students will take courses in area studies allowing them to gain a wider breadth of knowledge in disciplines such as Italian History, Literature, and Art.
Students participate in the Middlebury Language Pledge, which is an integral part of the learning process and an invaluable tool that will help students strengthen their linguistic ability.
Advanced Track
The Advanced Track is designed for students with strong abilities in written and spoken Italian, with two or more years (4+ semesters) of college-level Italian (or the equivalent).
This track emphasizes acquisition of language skills and intellectual development through a curriculum of content-driven language and cultural study exclusively in Italian under the Middlebury Language Pledge. We strongly urge all students to enroll in the program for the full academic year; compared to a shorter stay, the linguistic, academic, and personal benefits of a 10-month stay are incalculable.
Students enroll in one course at the Middlebury Sede and take their remaining credits at the Università degli Studi di Firenze or the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze. The program director will guide you toward courses most appropriate to your intellectual, linguistic, and curricular interests. An academic internship may take the place of one university course.
Living in Florence
Sarah Lawrence requires all students to live with host families in Florence. Middlebury College will provide students with different options upon confirmation of attendance.
Admission
This program is open to juniors and seniors in good standing.
Applications & Deadlines
Apply as a Sarah Lawrence student
The completed application and don recommendation are due:
- Fall Applicants: February 15th
- Spring Applicants: October 15th
Tuition & Fees
Students are charged the cost of Sarah Lawrence tuition each semester.
Students are required to live in a homestay and prices vary according to the selection. The Middlebury office in Florence will provide a list of homestays to choose from upon acceptance. Students will have breakfast and dinner at their homestay six days a week.
Financial Aid
Sarah Lawrence College students who normally receive financial aid will be able to apply all their financial aid towards the cost of this program.
These study abroad opportunities are open to Sarah Lawrence College students only. Students are charged Sarah Lawrence tuition fees and will pay all applicable room and board fees directly to the respective program.