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Scuola Lorenzo de Medici
Florence, 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. Most courses are taught in English. 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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Florence was the first city in Europe to have paved streets and sidewalks. So, it is best to experience the city on foot, strolling down the narrow alleyways and cobblestone streets. A first stop might be the Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge across the Arno River. The bridge dates from the 14th century and houses many shops that sell gold jewelry. Palazzi (palaces), piazze (open squares), churches, statues, and museums are some of the other sights awaiting the visitor.
From the Ponte Vecchio, one can walk to the Uffizi Gallery. One of the greatest museums in the world, the Uffizi offers masterpieces by Italian and other artists, including Giotto, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Michelangelo, Raphael, Caravaggio, Rembrandt, and Francisco de Goya.
A short walk from the Uffizi is the spacious Piazza della Signoria, where one can see the proud Palazzo Vecchio. Built in the 1200's, the palace is now the town hall. Nearby, in the Piazza del Duomo, is Florence’s cathedral, called the Duomo, which is topped by a mighty dome. Next to the cathedral is the magnificent Campanile, or bell tower, designed by Giotto di Bondone, who is considered the father of Renaissance art. The tower is covered with white, green and pink marble tiles and stands 276 feet (84 meters) high.
Across from the Duomo is the eight-sided Baptistery of San Giovanni, with its white marble and fancy geometric decorations. The Baptistery, which dates from the 6th to the 12th century, is thought to be the oldest surviving building in Florence. It is famous for its bronze doors. On one door, the Florentine Lorenzo Ghiberti sculpted the Life of Christ, on another, scenes of the Old Testament.
Not far from the Baptistery is the Accademia Gallery, where visitors from all over the world come to see Michelangelo's giant statue of David, a symbol of Renaissance male beauty. The statue took three years to complete and stands 14' 3 " feet tall (4.4 meters).
Children like to visit Florence's Institute and Museum of the History of Science, where they can see the compass, celestial spheres, and telescopes used by Galileo Galilei to transform Renaissance astronomy.
Florence's most famous park is the Boboli Gardens, which offers beautiful flowers and hundreds of fountains and statues. The Boboli Gardens served as a model for many of Europe's royal gardens, including Versailles in France. Florence's Iris Garden has more than 2,500 varieties of irises, the flower that has symbolized the city since 1251.
One of the most respected libraries in Italy, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale is located in Florence. It is second in size only to the National Library in Rome. Young people from all over Italy, as well as international students, come to Florence to study. Founded in 1321, the University of Florence is one of the largest in the world, with 60,000 students and over 2,000 professors.
Many visitors to Florence arrive at the Santa Maria Novella train station in the center of the city; others land at Vespucci Airport. It is possible to get around Florence by bus, especially from the train station; taxis are also available.
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Scuola Lorenzo de Medici
* Oldest site (since 1973)
* Comprehensive program
* 15 buildings, centrally located in San Lorenzo area
* Strong connections to the community; many opportunities for community projects
* Partnership with the University of Florence (Italian language conversation exchange, joint archeology projects) and local businesses, government, and festivals.
* Popular student clubs
As the birthplace of modern humanism, naturalistic arts and scientific inquiry, Florence was the cradle of Renaissance civilization, the place where Dante, Brunelleschi, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Machiavelli and Galileo changed for ever the way we see the world. For centuries travelers and admirers of art and culture have fallen in love with this city and the undulating countryside that surrounds it. Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is the ideal destination for those interested in studying humanities, art, Italian language and culture. Extraordinarily rich in history and ancient traditions, the city, with its world-famous artistic heritage, offers the student a wide spectrum of cultural events throughout the year. The city is also known for its exceptional cuisine, characteristic restaurants, ice cream parlors, wine bars, elegant shops, artistic workshops and traditional markets. As a thriving economic center with particular strengths in the fashion, luxury goods and tourist sectors, the city of Florence also offers its inhabitants the chance to investigate myriad aspects of the contemporary Italian world. In addition, Florence is an excellent location for access to other sites and cities in Tuscany, Italy and Europe.
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Florence Program and Curriculum
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The largest of the sites, Florence currently offers the most comprehensive program.
Students attending Lorenzo de' Medici for a semester may choose from four different programs of study. The programs vary in the weighting given to the Italian language element, and are thus designed to allow students with different backgrounds and personal preferences to choose how much time they wish to spend developing their Italian language skills.
All students on semester programs take at least one 3-credit Italian language course. Beyond the compulsory Italian language element, students are free to choose combinations of elective courses from a vast list, all taught in English, thus enabling them to satisfy personal preferences and the requirements of their US degree programs.
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 Science, History, History of Architecture, International Business, Literature, Mathematics, Music, Cinema and Theatre Studies, Nutrition and Health, Philosophy and Religious Studies, Political Science and International Studies, Psychology, and Sociology.
SCHOOL OF CREATIVE ARTS, MEDIA AND FASHION DESIGN
The school of Creative Arts, Media and Fashion Design includes the following departments: Fashion Design, Film, Video and Multimedia Production, Graphic Arts, Interior Design, Jewelry, Painting, Drawing and Mixed Media, Performing Arts, Photography, Printmaking, Restoration, Sculpture and Ceramics.
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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Lorenzo di Medici in Florence is perhaps the largest school in Florence, located in ten campus buildings (totaling 50,000 square feet) in the historic city center, right next to the thriving San Lorenzo market and church and close to transport facilities. Florence's unique architectural masterpiece, the Duomo, is within a few minutes walk. Together the school buildings contain a full range of facilities including numerous classrooms and large, specialized art studios, a cafeteria, a courtyard garden, a library, the Student Point and the Computer Center.
One of the main buildings in Florence is situated in Via Faenza and dates back to the 13th century. It originated as a convent connected to a medieval church, San Jacopo in Campo Corbolini. This church, now deconsecrated, was founded in 1206 and for its first hundred years belonged to the Knights Templar. Rich in medieval frescoes and sculpture,the church has recently been restored to its original splendor, and serves as the setting for conferences and receptions.
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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
Affiliated Universities
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.
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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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