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Group Flight

Students have the opportunity to travel to and from Florence on a group flight. As part of the group flight, students are able to travel with other ����ֱ�� State students and are accompanied by a Group Flight Leader on the way to Florence. Students also have the option to opt out of the group flight and fly independently.

Airport

The city of Florence is served by the International airport, Florence Airport, Petrola (FLR)

Local Transit

While traveling throughout the city of Florence, walking will be the main mode of transportation used for most students. However, there are various transit options for students who wish to travel throughout Italy or Europe and even within the city center of Florence itself.

Train: Traveling throughout Italy by train is very accessible as Florence is a central hub for the train system. Tickets may be purchased in advance online or at a kiosk in the train station.

The main train station in Florence is the Santa Maria Novella (SMN). Other train stations in Florence include the Campo di Marte and the Rifredi.

Tram Line: The Florence Tramway is located just outside of the Florence Airport, Petrola and takes passengers from the airport to the city center, connecting at the Santa Maria Novela (SMN) train station.

Buses: Outside of the historic city center, local buses run throughout the city operated by ATAF. 

Taxis: There are many taxi services available. Taxis must be ordered ahead of your departure by phone or arranged at an official taxi stand. 

Florence, Italy

Located in central Italy, Florence is a highlight for all travelers. It is the capital of the region of Tuscany and contains many iconic landmarks such as the Duomo, the Uffizi Gallery, and the Ponte Vecchio bridge. The city is known as the birthplace of the Renaissance and is famous for its advancements in art, science, literature, architecture, and politics. Split by a river and surrounded by rolling hills, Florence offers an idyllic countryside view while also providing a bustling city life.

Located in the center of the country, Florence is just a couple of hours from Italy’s other world-renowned cities, like Rome and Venice. You can also get a taste of rural Italian life as the vineyard-covered hills of Tuscany are just miles from the city’s center.

Many people speak English in Florence, but it is not difficult to pick up the native Italian language and even try your hand at speaking it. In Florence, you can find a combination of history and culture in an urban center that is just a bus ride away from picturesque Tuscan views.

Housing

����ֱ�� State University arranges housing accommodations on behalf of students prior to their arrival in Florence. Students stay in apartments throughout the heart of Florence, allowing for an immersive experience.

Apartments are fully furnished with bed linens, a kitchen, washing machine, tv, and wifi. Students will need to bring their own towels. Apartments are shared with two to eight other students in the program, and it is possible to submit a roommate request. Gender inclusive housing is also offered.

Campus Information

The KSU Florence program is based in Palazzo Vettori, a prestigious and ancient building located in the heart of Florence at the corner of Via Cavour and Via Alfani, next to Piazza del Duomo. According to historian Guido Carocci, the building’s roots date back to the beginning of the 15th century. Its façade proclaims the new ideas of Renaissance architecture based on the use of rustication.

Within Palazzo Vettori, students will find their classroom spaces, studios, a library, computer labs, staff and faculty offices, and common areas including a beautiful outdoor courtyard.

It is possible to use your federal financial aid to go on ����ֱ�� State University-approved education abroad programs. You can learn more on the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center website.

It is also possible to use most ����ֱ�� State scholarships for education abroad costs. You can find education abroad scholarships on ScholarshipUniverse.

If you have any questions about using your financial aid and scholarships for study abroad, you can contact the Financial, Billing and Enrollment Center.

Pre-Departure Orientation

Prior to your education abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:

• international travel procedures;
• in-country resources;
• health and safety resources and information;
• culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.

All students are encouraged to register with the prior to departure.

Flashes to Florentines Pre-Departure Event Series

The Flashes to Florentines pre-departure series is open to all committed Florence students of any major or cohort. By attending these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to learn what it’s like to live like a Florentine, practice your Italian language skills, and prepare yourself for your experience abroad. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other students participating in the Florence program. Topics to be covered include:

• Traveling to Florence;
• Italian culture and living like a Florentine;
• Health and wellness abroad;
• A crash course in Italian language;
• Florence alumni panels - hear from other students about their experiences in Florence.

You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.

In-Country Orientation

Upon your arrival in Florence, you'll join another orientation designed to help you make the most out of your study abroad experience and achieve the following goals:

• Orient yourself to the city of Florence.
• Develop the awareness you need to observe and learn from different cultures.
• Discover the businesses, organizations, and other important places in Florence.
• Access the tools you will need to succeed academically, personally, and safely within KSU policies.

Country Profile

You can learn more about your destination(s), including travel advisories, through the .

In addition, we encourage you to visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) travel page for  for traveling to your destination(s).

If vaccinations or medications are needed according to the CDC, you should make arrangements for appointments with your healthcare provider or the DeWeese Health Center as soon as possible. Appointment openings at the DeWeese Health Center are limited and vaccines may need to be ordered, which takes time. Please note that not all immunizations are available at the DeWeese Health Center. 

For more information and answers to common questions about Florence, please visit our ����ֱ�� State Florence FAQs page.

Florence FAQs