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Scuola Lorenzo de Medici
Rome, Italy
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After more than 30 years of growth and experience, Scuola Lorenzo de' Medici (LdM) is known as Italy's most distinctive and established study abroad institution. The school prides itself on its years of experience of offering vocationally-oriented courses in Fashion, Archeology, Studio Arts, Performing Arts and allied subjects. Students can choose from more than 500 different courses in Arts, Humanities, Social Sciences, Business, Economics, Political Science, Mathematics, Studio and Performing Arts and Italian Language and Culture. Scuola Lorenzo de' Medici has recently expanded to other areas of Italy.
Based on the longevity and success of our Florence campus, we have opened two new sites: in Rome and Tuscania. This expansion provides the opportunity for students to study in multiple locations and truly experience different aspects of Italy. These different locations augment already-expansive offerings, and will appeal to students of many different backgrounds, interests, experiences, and motivations.
We provide students attending LdM with many opportunities to experience the "city beyond the postcard." Our Cultural Coordinators organize clubs and excursions so students with the same interests can meet and interact within the student community, and with the people of Florence, Rome and Tuscania. LdM attracts students from all over the world. We have a large and diverse student body. At the same time, LdM emphasizes the personal development of each student. We aim to integrate formal university-level learning with an emphasis on personal growth, individual engagement, and community responsibility. With our legacy, quality education, ties to the community, cutting edge methods of teaching, and broadening educational portfolio, studying at LdM is an experience that will shape your future.
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* The Campus Facilities are in the city center.
* Diverse programming; especially strong film and business curriculum
* Close connection with Cinecitta, the largest film and television production facility in Europe and are second in size only to Hollywood
* Curriculum includes contemporary subjects: international business, political science, environmental sciences, or gender studies
* Rome is an important setting for studying Economy, Religion, Philosophy, Politics, History, Art and Architecture, and Film. Students are able to visit many sites of relevance to the subjects offered.
* Collaboration with industry professionals and community projects
In an exciting new extension of its activities, the University opened its newest campus in the heart of Italy's capital in Spring 2007. Rome is a city with an unparalleled history and a cultural diversity spanning over two millennial. The new Lorenzo de' Medici site represents a conscious decision to participate in the life, politics, and educational traditions that made Italy the seat of the western world. Rome is an extraordinary synthesis of cultures from the Mediterranean region, North Africa, Europe, and an increasingly global community. The city seamlessly fuses the macrocosm of a large metropolis with the microcosm typical of small lively neighborhoods and picturesque districts, in a way that is fresh and spontaneous. It is home to world recognized monuments and locations that have been celebrated throughout the world. Rome itself forms a unique backdrop for many artistic and cultural events such as music, cinema, concerts, and sporting fixtures. The hills, piazzas, fountains, cobbled streets, and churches are a testimony to a great heritage but at the same time provide a contemporary setting for the active social and cultural life of the thriving modern city.
Spending any amount of time in the Eternal City is an experience that has kept visitors and pilgrims captivated for centuries. Whether the inspiration comes from a quiet spot in Rome's parks, from powerfully evocative ruins, from Renaissance or Baroque palaces, or from the awe-inspiring art of Vatican City, Rome continues to stimulate the senses. The unique history of Italy's capital city allows for the study of ancient cultures as well as contemporary political and international issues all within the same location.
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Rome Program and Curriculum
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LdM Rome students can choose courses in traditional subjects such as history, classical civilizations, art, restoration, and literature, or more contemporary subjects such as international business, political science, environmental sciences, or gender studies. Students have the opportunity to collaborate with a wide variety of professionals and various national and international institutions located throughout Rome.
Academic Programs: Fall or Spring Semester, January Intersession, Summer.
Subjects are listed below. Please see Course Schedules and Course Descriptions for more information.
SCHOOL OF ARTS AND SCIENCES
The School of Arts and Sciences includes the following departments: Anthropology, Art History, Classical Studies, Communications, Gender Studies, Geography and Environmental Studies, History, International Business, Literature, Music, Cinema and Theatre Studies, Nutrition and Health, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Political Science and International Studies, Psychology, Sociology.
SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, MEDIA AND FASHION DESIGN
The School of Creative Arts and Media includes the following departments: Graphic Arts, Painting Drawing and Mixed Media, Restoration and Conservation.
SCHOOL OF ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE
The School of Italian Language and Culture includes the following departments: Italian Language, Italian Language and Culture.
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LdM provides its students with exceptional recreational opportunities both inside and outside the city of Rome. These include guided visits to historic sites, social activities (e.g., dinners at characteristic local restaurants, allowing students to sample Italy's exceptional cuisine), seasonal festivals, special events and conferences, field trips, theatre, concerts, and much more.
Rome has a large number of private gyms and dance studios popular with visiting students, as well as facilities for track, basketball, soccer, swimming and other sports.
Each week the school organizes free activities, such as seminars on Italy and Italian culture that include a large variety of subjects (history, geography, literature, food, folkloric events, music, cinema) and guided visits to the most important monuments and churches and museums in Rome, led by professors of art history; screenings of Italian movies.
The School also offers additional activities at an extra-charge, such as:
* Full or half-day excursions to different locations in Tuscany.
* Dinners in typical Rome restaurants.
* Opera and theater events.
At the beginning of each month, students will be given a leaflet with information about the specific activities for that month.
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Clubs Concept
According to the philosophy of the school, Lorenzo de Medici's main focus is the student's personal and spiritual growth, which can be strongly affected and improved by a cultural experience abroad. For this reason, Lorenzo di Medici created and supports the Students Clubs Program, where people with the same interests and curiosities can develop and increase their skills, flair, and background together in a completely different social environment.
This full immersion in Italian life, society, and culture is explored through various forms and aspects in order to include as diverse a range of people as possible.
The clubs aim can be considered to realize a good balance between the students' mutual interaction and socialization and their introduction, adjustment to, and participation with the host community. For this reason, Lorenzo di Medici will coordinate with the most important and representative local institutions and associations in the different mentioned fields.
General Rules
The clubs are open to all semester students and only to Lorenzo di Medici students.
There is no membership fee for the Theater, Volunteer, and Dance clubs.
There is a 10 euro membership fee for the Athlete, Music, Slow Drink, Photography, and Cinema clubs.
Each Club will establish specific affiliation rules, as well as a minimum and maximum number of participants.
Some clubs might require a selection of the participants, especially in case of contests (for example photography, theater, dance, music and sport).
The Student Clubs Program will follow the semester calendar and dates.
WRITING CLUB
This club will provide students with the opportunity to publish their written works on a school blog as well as in a local publication (in English). The club will also provide information about publishing opportunities in the U.S. Since some of these magazines are also interested in pictures, feel free to join the club even if you're not a writer!
DANCE CLUB
This club will accompany students to discover and revitalize some historical and famous dances, such as the Tango and Latin American dances. The main goal of the club is to provide students with a basic knowledge of the subject, through dance lessons held by local teachers.
CINEMA CLUB
The aim of this club is to introduce students to the current and historical Italian and European movie scene and its analogies and diversities with the American and International ones. The program will include film selections, in co-operation with some of the most important Cinema Associations in Florence, and information about upcoming events, festivals and reviews related to the subject.
MUSIC CLUB
The main goal of the Lorenzo di Medici Sound Club is to provide students with a taste of the Italian and European musical scene and its analogies and diversities with the American one. This sound experience will include several different aspects: free concerts selected from the best musical events in town, the opportunity to sing in choirs, the opportunity to play live music at venues in Florence and updated information about ongoing concerts and music festivals.
VOLUNTEER CLUB
Scuola Lorenzo de' Medici has always been in the forefront in the campaign against racism, discrimination and intolerance. For this reason, the club's main goal will be to allow students to join the Italian volunteer community and connect them with the Italian social life.
PHOTOGRAPHY CLUB
This club will try to help students experience and observe Italian everyday life and culture through the camera lens. Students' previous background and knowledge of the subject will be stimulated by researching, creating and developing a photography project related to the main thematic areas. These will be shown, after a preliminary selection, in the Lorenzo di Medici Photography Exhibit.
ATHLETE'S CLUB
This club will provide students with an idea of the role of sports in contemporary Italian society. The goal of this club is to introduce our students to the local sporting environment and culture with information about upcoming events and competitions regarding the most important disciplines and the most representative sporting clubs in town, and through sporting events for students arranged by Lorenzo di Medici.
SLOW DRINK CLUB
This club will try to help students to discover, understand and experience an important and sometimes misunderstood aspect of the Italian everyday life and culture: the art of drinking. This "art" will be shown from a critical and responsible prospective, through an historical and technical explanation about the meaning of wine in Mediterranean culture, and through tasting experience.
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EDUCATIONAL QUESTIONS
How is Lorenzo di Medici accredited?
Lorenzo di Medici is authorized by the Ministry of Public Education in Italy, and has recognition, accreditation and membership in a number of European and international educational organizations. The academic programs offered at Lorenzo di Medici , including semester long credit bearing programs, summer and intersession programs, and Certificate Programs, are recognized by various colleges, universities and institutes within the United States. In its teaching programs Lorenzo di Medici collaborates with the University of Florence. US students are able to obtain a US accredited transcript for their studies at Lorenzo di Medici
Affiliates in the USA
Athena Study Abroad, OH
Bentley College, MA
Berry College, GA
Broome Community College / State University of New York, NY
Bryn Mawr College, PA
College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS), DC
College of Staten Island of The City University of New York, NY
European Heritage Institute, VA
Illinois State University, IL
Institute of Italian Studies (IIS) in Affiliation with Drake University, IA
Lesley College at Lesley University, MA
Marist College, NY
Marymount University, VA
North Carolina State University, NC
Suffolk University, MA
Tecnologico de Monterrey (ITESM), MX
The Art Institute of Boston at Lesley University, MA
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, IL
University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC
University of the Pacific, CA
Wells College, NY
What additional activities does Lorenzo di Medici offer?
Lorenzo di Medici provides its students with exceptional recreational opportunities within and beyond the cities of Florence, Rome and Tuscania. These include student clubs, guided visits to historic sites, social activities (for example, dinners at characteristic local restaurants, allowing students to sample Italy's exceptional cuisine), seasonal festivals, special events and conferences, field trips, theater, concerts, and much more. (Some of these events require additional fees paid by the students)
What are the language courses like and are there any opportunities to practice Italian language skills at Lorenzo di Medici ?
The language methodology used at Lorenzo di Medici is action oriented and aims at a harmonious development of the main linguistic skills. The small number of students per class and the varied teaching techniques enable each student to be an active participant in the learning process. The language is always presented in context, allowing the student to put what has been studied into practice immediately. In each course, the main language skills -- listening, speaking, reading and writing -- are developed gradually through a wide range of activities. During class, students will develop communication strategies, expand and use vocabulary, improve listening skills, work on grammar, and develop reading and writing skills. Speaking skills are practiced daily through varied teaching techniques (dramatization, role-play, oral presentations, and open discussions). These language patters will be taught within a cultural context that will help students become familiar with the most significant elements of Italian cultural life.
The language department also helps students find Italian students interested in conversation exchange so that they can meet weekly and work on their language skills.
Can I change my mind about my course selection once I arrive?
Once course selections have been made, (including alternatives) only one course can be changed upon arrival in your host city depending on course availability. This variation to the course schedule can be done only once and only during the FIRST WEEK of classes and before Final Registration. Section changes are considered course changes.
Once within your host city, you should see your adviser for the appropriate form in case you need to add/drop a course. Once this form has been filled out and signed, it must be returned to your adviser, who will then receive final approval from the Registrar. As soon as classes start, and if you drop one or more classes, you will not be entitled to a refund.
Can I take a course pass/fail or audit a course?
No, Lorenzo di Medici does not offer courses on a Pass/Fail basis. Auditing is not permitted.
What happens if I withdraw from a class after the add/drop period?
After the first week of the semester, or after orientation for summer sessions and the January intersession, students will be able to drop a course but will receive a "W" on their grade report and/or transcript for each course that is dropped.
After 9 weeks from the beginning of the semester programs, and after the second week of classes for the summer and intersession students, students will receive a W/F grade on their grade report and/or transcript for each course dropped.
Can I get course descriptions and syllabic?
Yes, all course descriptions are available. Please let us know
What types of cultural activities are included in the programs?
There are several activities offered throughout the semesters. Activities include Italian movie nights, guided tours to the most important museums and landmarks of Florence, Rome and Tuscania, pizza night, lectures on Italian culture, soccer games, day trips to nearby towns, etc. (Students will have to pay an additional fee for some of the activities).
What type of students computers are available for word processing and accessing the internet while in my host city?
All locations have a student center that is fully equipped with PC's available for word processing. All facilities also offer computers with internet access and in Florence; wireless internet service is available as well. All computer and internet access is free of charge.
If I don't speak Italian, can I still attend an Lorenzo di Medici program?
Students can absolutely attend an Lorenzo di Medici program if they do not speak Italian. It is recommended that the students take Italian while at Lorenzo di Medici but all courses are offered in English. The only courses offered in Italian are the Italian language courses.
Does it matter what my major is and what can I study while at Lorenzo di Medici ?
Lorenzo di Medici has received tens of thousands of students over its 30 year history and these students have been from all disciplines including, business, art, medical, communications, and law to name a few. Lorenzo di Medici's curriculum is one of the most diverse in Italy. It has one of the largest base of courses offered in its country.
What happens if I miss class?
Attendance is mandatory for all courses. Students who stop attending one or more courses without having formally dropped them will receive an "F" in those courses. Students who miss 20% of the course contact hours will have their final grade lowered by one full letter grade. Students who miss more than 20% of the course contact hours will not receive credit for the course/s that have been missed and their final grade/s will be "F"(s).
How do I get a transcript once I have finished my study program?
Prior to departure, you will complete a transcript information sheet through the Lorenzo di Medici US Enrollment Services office. Upon your return to the United States, your official grade report/transcript should be sent to your home institution within 4-6 weeks. All program fees must be paid in full in order for your transcript to be released.
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PRACTICAL QUESTIONS
Am I allowed to have a part-time job while studying?
If you have the "Permit to Stay", then you are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. Lorenzo di Medici strongly advises students to focus on studying and not working. The Lorenzo di Medici academic program is demanding and includes homework assignments, readings, studio and lab assignments, and exams).
When do I need to arrive in Italy?
Students need to arrive on the official housing move in dates within each city. This is usually the day before classes and the on-site orientation begins.
What happens if I arrive late or early?
If you arrive early, you will need to secure a hotel or hostel for your stay. Contact the U S Enrollment Services office for additional information and suggestions for hotels, etc. If you arrive late, proceed to your study city. You must contact either the U S Enrollment Services office or the Lorenzo di Medici office in Italy to inform them of your arrival time if you are arriving late. If you are delayed and will be arriving in the middle of the night, please stay in a hotel and contact Lorenzo di Medici Italy the following morning.
What do I need to do prior to departing the US?
Once you have been accepted into the program, you should apply for your Passport purchase your airplane ticket and then apply for your VISA. Once you have sent your VISA application to the Consulate, you should begin to prepare for your departure. This includes reviewing the options for obtaining a Eurail Pass, International I.D. card, Bank card (Pulse card), etc. We will send you the Lorenzo di Medici pre-departure checklist and information you will need when you arrive in Florence, Rome or Tuscania. This information will help you to remember what you need to do, what you need to pack and most importantly how to prepare for how you will feel once you arrive in Italy.
How does the mobile phone work?
Once enrolled through Lorenzo di Medici, students will receive additional information regarding their free mobile phone. All mobile phones are contracted through Platform 3000 and students will receive a free phone. Students are required to pay the shipping fee and the calls. You will receive your phone and phone number prior to departure from the United States. You will return it upon your return.
How do I apply for my VISA to enter into Italy?
Students should expect that the process will take anywhere from 6-8 weeks from the time the application is submitted to the Italian Consulate so please apply just as soon as you have been accepted to the program. Student VISA procedures are complex and all regulations must be followed.
If you are going to go in person to the Consulate in your permanent address region, you will need to make sure that you have ALL of the proper documentation with you. You must check with the Consulate in your permanent home address region for their requirements as requirements often vary from Consulate to Consulate.
When should I make my travel arrangements?
Students are responsible for their own travel. You should plan to arrive on the official housing move in date and depart on the official housing date of departure. There are several student agencies you can check with and other sites on the internet such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz.
What should I pack?
Additional information will be given you the students upon acceptance to the program. But, students should not over-pack; they should pack as light as possible. If you would like to bring your laptop, please make sure that you bring the proper adaptor and current converter. Computers and internet access is available at all Lorenzo di Medici locations in Italy. Hairdryers and other appliances can be purchased once you arrive into Italy.
Can I store my stuff prior or after the program if I would like to travel?
Students are responsible for their luggage. If they need to store anything, they must locate storage on their own. Luggage cannot be stored at Lorenzo di Medici or your student apartment.
What do I need to do for money while I am in Italy?
The Italian unit of currency is the EURO. Bank notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 EURO denominations. Most banks have their own money exchange window. They generally offer the best exchange rates but also charge a commission. Many independent, non-bank exchange offices do not charge a commission, but offer lower rates of exchange. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:20 to 1:20 and again from around 2:45 to 3:45. They are closed Saturdays and Sundays.
Students should have many ways to access money while in Italy. They should bring an ATM card, traveler's checks and a bit of converted money with them. Most students find that ATM cards are the best way to access cash. A credit card should also be brought to Italy.
What is the average cost of living in Italy?
This is an extremely difficult question to answer as students' preferences vary greatly. Students who made it on a shoestring budget may have spent between $1,000-$2,000 per semester; while a lavish budget can be $4,000 or more per semester. It depends on you and your specific needs/wants. At the time of your VISA application, your Consulate will identify a financial support minimum. In determining your potential expenses for the semester, you should calculate your expenses on campus (i.e. books, entertainment, meals, etc), while factoring in travel expenses, an emergency fund, and other excursions and supplies.
The following is the result of a little research we carried out about approximate everyday expenses in Italy for an average student (Be sure to account for the exchange rate when planning your budget!):
- Supermarket: approximately 50 Euros/week
- Buses: 1 ticket costs 1.20 Euro and lasts for 1 hour from the time it is validated. You can purchase a 25 day pass for 22 Euros
-Taxis: about 30Euros/month-depending on use
- Trains: about 80-100 Euros/month-depending on your travel
- Pizza and a drink: between 8-20 Euros
- Diner in a restaurant: between 15- 35Euros
- Public Laundry: wash 3.50Euros dry 3.50Euros
- Internet point: 10 minutes costs 1 Euro, 30 minutes costs 2.50 Euros, 1 hour costs 3 Euros, 24 hours costs 20 Euros, Weekly subscription 20 Euros, monthly subscription costs 75-80 Euros
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HOUSING QUESTIONS
What do I need to do in order to secure housing through Lorenzo di Medici?
You need to complete and turn in the Housing Request Form to the Lorenzo di Medici US Enrollment Services Office along with the required housing deposit of $500. The housing deposit will be returned to you upon completion of the program and once all damage fees and program fees have been collected (usually within 30-60 days upon your return to the United States).
What kind of accommodations will be available for me while I am in Italy?
At each of our sites, most students choose to live in apartments with other Lorenzo di Medici students, as they are the most affordable and closest option to campus. Most of the apartments are just a 5-20 minute walk or short bus ride from Lorenzo di Medici.
The student apartments are usually composed of 2-4 bedrooms, a bathroom/s, a kitchen and a living room. Students are placed in double occupancy rooms and all apartments are furnished with bedding, towels, furniture and cooking utensils. Student beds are twin size beds that are approximately 35" x 47". Most apartments have washing machines, and hanging clothes to dry is more common than dryers in Italy. Students may select a single room on the housing request form for a supplemental fee; however, there are a limited number of single rooms available, and assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis.
For more information and other housing options, please contact the US Enrollment Services Office.
Can I choose my roommate?
Absolutely, students can specify his/her roommate requests on the Housing Request Form.
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