PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS AND GENERAL INFORMATION
- Minimum 2.75 G.P.A.
- One semester of college (those who do not meet this requirement are considered on case-by-case basis)
- Completed API application
- Advisor signature form
- One letter of recommendation
- One official transcript
- Classes taught in English and Italian
- Housing: apartments with other API students
- Entry Requirements: valid passport with Student visa
TOTAL CREDIT HOURS
EXCURSIONS
SUMMER 1 STUDENTS
- Cinque Terre
- Rome
- Venice, Verona & Lake Guarda
SUMMER 2 STUDENTS
- Rome
- Southern Italy: Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast
- Taste of Tuscany
ACADEMIC PROGRAMS
API students at Lorenzo de’ Medici - The Italian International Institute (LdM) - Florence may participate in one of four different academic programs:
SUPER-INTENSIVE ITALIAN PROGRAM
6 credit hours per summer session (all credits in language; no electives allowed)
This program is designed for students wishing to advance language skills in a short period.
ONE ELECTIVE PROGRAM
3 credit hours per summer session
Students may choose any one course from the course offerings.
TWO ELECTIVE PROGRAM
6 credit hours per summer session
Students may choose any two course from the course offerings.
STUDIO-ART WORKSHOPS
6 credit hours per summer session
Students select one workshop class, which includes one week in the Italian countryside.
ADDITIONAL PROGRAM INFORMATION
Courses at LdM-Florence can fill up quickly. It is suggested that students apply EARLY for greater course availability.
Program selection must be made at the time of application and cannot be changed on-site. Italian language courses are taught at all levels (beginning through advanced) while most other courses are taught in English. The program fee includes up to 6 credit hours and is not adjusted for students who take only 3 credit hours.
Students complete one or two courses and receive 3-6 credit hours per summer session, generally 3 credits per course. Courses are available at lower- and upper-division levels. In general, 100 level courses are elementary, 200–300 level courses are intermediate, and 400 level courses are advanced. Students who choose Intermediate level Italian or higher take a placement exam upon arrival to verify their level of proficiency.
Not all courses in the catalog are offered every session. The course selection may vary and no course is guaranteed. Some may require additional fees for labs, equipment, etc. These fees are not included in the program cost. Students should make their course selections from the online listings when completing the program application as course times, descriptions, prerequisites and lab fees are subject to change. API recommends that students obtain pre-approval from their home university for courses that they plan on taking abroad.
STUDIO ART COURSES
Class schedules on the API website indicate that many of the studio art courses include two time blocks; students enrolled in those courses must attend both time blocks.
Placement exams for studio arts courses are mandatory for any student wishing to register for higher level (e.g., non-beginning level) courses. Studio art placement tests are administered during the first week of classes. Students are provided with the exact meeting time during orientation.
SUMMER WORKSHOPS
LdM offers a variety of studio workshops during the summer. These workshops provide students with the opportunity to work on-location and involve field work as well as theoretical lectures. The workshops are 4 weeks in duration and are worth 6 U.S. semester credits. Each workshop, based in Florence, focuses on a particular discipline and includes one week of fi eld study. Workshop participants may not be able to attend all API excursions due to required course travel. Students are not reimbursed for any missed API excursions. Visit the API website for complete workshop information. Workshop information is listed in the summer course schedules.
COURSE MATERIALS & LAB FEES
Many classes require that students purchase their own books and/or materials. The cost of materials varies depending on the type of course. While students may want to bring some basic, easily transportable materials (such as brushes or pastels) with them, most course materials should be purchased in Italy once classes start. By doing so, students can take the opportunity to speak directly with their instructors to make sure they buy exactly what is required for the course.
Many studio arts, cuisine and wine appreciation courses require a lab fee that is paid by students upon arrival. In addition, several courses from different departments (especially the summer workshops) require that students pay for visits and fi eld trips as noted in the course descriptions (on the website) for such courses.
TRANSCRIPTS
Students receive a transcript from U.S.-accredited Marist College for courses taken at LdM. LdM courses in business administration (as indicated by the Marist course codes) are offered in partnership with Marist College’s AACSB-accredited School of Management. Marist College is a four-year, fully accredited U.S. college in Poughkeepsie, New York.
