Academic Study Abroad

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Known for its diverse regions, rich culture, and fabulous food, boot-shaped Italy possesses perhaps the most instantly identifiable physical shape of any country in the world. You can visit Roman ruins, gawk at Renaissance art, stay in tiny hill towns, ski the Alps, explore the canals of Venice, and see more churches than you can imagine. Naturally, you can indulge in the elementary pleasures of good food, improving your wardrobe, and seeking out "la dolce vita." From its beaches to its Alpine mountains, Italy vibrates with a special soul that is reflected in its people, music, and art.

The Palazzo Rucellai Institute, located in the heart of the city's historical center, is one of the oldest and most prestigious historical residences of Florence's heritage. The palazzo's facade is a fine example of pure renaissance architecture, and the interior has been decorated with paintings and elaborate plaster sculptures and motifs. As home to the noble Rucellai family for over 500 years, the stately rooms still witness the splendor of the past as even the family's royal throne is conserved in the Institute's library. This historical environment is an appropriate and truly inspirational setting for an Institution of higher learning in Florence. At the Palazzo Rucellai Institute, the Florentine tradition of artistic and architectural achievement meets the American tradition of academic excellence and higher education. Studying at the Palazzo Rucellai offers a unique opportunity to participate in this collaboration of great traditions.

School Facilities: The Institute is at a beautiful renaissance building on the piano nobile of Palazzo Rucellai, where the administrative offices are located, in addition to the faculty room, a computer lab, 4 large classrooms, the fine arts studio and a student lounge. The second wing of the Institute is located on the upper floor of the palazzo, where there are additional classrooms, the library, a second computer lab, and a small welcome center. The architecture studio is fully equipped and is located in the historic Palazzo Alamanni, on the other side of the Arno river, at a 15 minute walk from Palazzo Rucellai.

Participants: Students from various U.S. universities.

Requirements: In good academic standing with a minimum 2.75 GPA

Transcript & Credit: An official U.S. transcript from Roger Williams University.
Students enrolled at following universities will receive a transcript from their home institution: University of Connecticut, Pennsylvania State University, Connecticut College, Roger Williams University, Nazareth College, and Notre Dame of Maryland.

Course Listing:
Palazzo Rucellai Semester Course Descriptions
Palazzo Rucellai Summer Course Descriptions

Other Program Notes: Program begins on official start dates. Arrival of students, settle into apartment and orientation sessions during the next 3 days. Next Monday classes begin and include casses, midterm exams, midterm break(usually 9 days), and final exams. Farewell reception 2 days before departure.
NOTE: Summer session does not have midterm exams or break.

Optional Field Trips offered during Orientation: $50
PISA & LUCCA(1 day): Two nearby cities with illustrious history and monuments. Bus takes students to Pisa first, stop at Arno river and Piazza dei Miracoli. Pisa is home to one of the two historical universities of Tuscany; one of them where Galileo Galilei taught physics. Then complete trip with a visit to Lucca which usually culminates in a bike ride around the 4.2 Km of the city walls.
SIENA & SAN GIMIGNANO(1 day): A day into the Middle Ages. The monuments of these cities will remain imprinted on student's imagination. Students will visit the Campo di Siena, one of Italy’s most beautiful piazzas and the cathedral that is considered one of the most artistically impressive in all of Italy. Then visit San Gimignano, with its forest of medieval towers.
RAVENNA(1 day): Charming small Italian city, capital of the Romagna region.

Closed dates:
2007: 6/2, 11/1
2008: 3/24

IMPORTANT FAQ:
What is the minimum and maximum course load?
During the semester you must enroll in a minimum of 13 and a maximum of 16 credits. During the summer, you may earn from 3 to 7 credits depending on the courses selected.

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Florence, Italy