Fashion and Design Practice
- Accommodations
- Meals
- Excursions & Activities
- Get to Know Your Destination
- Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk
- Student Experience
Accommodations
Live like a local in shared student apartments throughout Florence. You'll share a bedroom with one or two other participants and have access to a shared kitchen, living area, and bathroom. Apartments include Wi-Fi, bed linens, towels, basic household supplies, and periodic cleaning service.
Many apartments are in historic buildings, so amenities commonly found in the U.S., such as air conditioning, elevators, dishwashers, or in-unit washers and dryers, may not be available. These features vary by apartment and reflect everyday living in Florence.
Housing is selected with access to your internship in mind. Most students can walk to their internship placement, while others may commute by local bus or regional train. Some commutes may be up to 45-minutes, providing an opportunity to experience Florence and the surrounding region as local professionals do. Public transportation is reliable and easy to navigate, and participants receive guidance on using the local transit system during orientation.
As a participant, you'll also have access to the Institute for American Universities (IAU) student facilities, including study and social spaces, a library, computer lab, and student life activities.
Housing assignments are made based on local availability and may include same-gender or mixed-gender apartments. While you may request a roommate, mutual requests cannot be guaranteed. In some cases, accommodation locations or housing types may change before the program begins, and comparable housing will be provided if adjustments are necessary.
Meals
Meals are not included in the program cost, giving you the flexibility to explore Florence’s food culture and create your own dining experience. Each apartment includes a kitchen with essentials, allowing you to prepare meals, shop at local markets, and experience everyday life like a local.
The program does includes a welcome and farewell group meal, along with hands-on cultural experiences such as pizza and gelato cooking classes.
Excursions & Activities
Your learning in Florence extends beyond the internship. As part of your UC Davis academic experience, you will participate in program activities, cultural experiences, and field study excursions designed to deepen your understanding of Italian culture, history, design, and professional life. Participation in these activities is a required component of the program and contributes to your overall academic experience.
You will have opportunities to explore Florence, connect with your cohort, engage with local professionals, and experience the places and traditions that shape everyday life in Italy. Activities vary from year to year and may include:
- A guided walking tour of Florence to learn about the city’s history, architecture, and cultural landmarks.
- Visits to renowned museums, galleries, and historic sites such as the Uffizi Gallery, Accademia Gallery, Ferragamo Museum, Gucci Garden, Pitti Palace, Palazzo Vecchio, Basilica of Santa Croce, and Piazzale Michelangelo.
- Hands-on Italian cooking experiences, including pizza and gelato-making classes.
- Full-day field study excursions with the UC Davis cohort to destinations such as Bologna, Modena, Pisa, Lucca, Siena, and San Gimignano, connecting classroom learning with regional exploration.
- An overnight excursion in the Tuscany region to experience local communities, landscapes, and cultural traditions.
- Professional networking opportunities and events that allow you to connect with internship hosts, local professionals, and other students gaining international work experience in Florence.
These experiences are designed to complement your internship, encourage cultural engagement, and help you build connections both inside and outside the workplace.
Get to Know Your Destination
Florence is a city where history, art, craftsmanship, and creativity intersect. Known as the birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence has long been a center for artists, designers, and innovators whose work continues to influence the world today. From historic architecture and world-renowned museums to artisan workshops and contemporary creative spaces, the city provides a living environment for students to explore the connection between culture and design.
During your time in Florence, you will experience the city beyond the classroom and workplace, discovering local traditions, exploring iconic landmarks, and engaging with the people and places that shape everyday life in Italy. Whether you are walking along the Arno River, visiting Renaissance masterpieces, exploring local markets, or sharing a meal with your cohort, Florence offers opportunities to observe, learn, and find inspiration throughout your experience abroad.
Check out: Lonely Planet – Florence
Study Abroad Advisory of Student Risk
Participation in this UC Davis Study Abroad program requires travel to and extended living in a foreign location(s) abroad. UC Davis Study Abroad endeavors to reduce and mitigate risk wherever possible. However, the environments and risks associated with living in these locations are substantially different than those found during a regular course of study at UC Davis. All participants must download and review the following information prior to departure. Any questions should be directed to the Program Coordinator.
Student Experience
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