Once you have matriculated, Syracuse Abroad will send you a comprehensive Discovery Florence packet with information to help you prepare for your semester abroad. In the meantime, please read through this collection of answers to frequently asked questions.
- What will Discovery Florence cost?
- What are the Advance Tuition Payment and the Advance Housing Payment?
- How many students participate in Discovery Florence?
- Do I come to Syracuse before leaving for Florence?
- What is the Florence Center like?
- Where will I live in Florence?
- Will I stay with my host family the entire semester?
- What courses will I be taking?
- What documents are required to study in Italy?
- Where can I learn more about Syracuse Florence?
- Florence, here I come! What is my first step?
What will Discovery Florence cost?
Whether you study abroad or study in Syracuse, your tuition costs will be the same. Most additional costs for Discovery Florence will be offset by a grant. See the Planning Budget for details.
What are the Advance Tuition Payment and the Advance Housing Payment?
The Advance Tuition Payment ($500) secures your place at Syracuse University and in the Discovery Florence program. The Advance Housing Payment ($450) holds your place in University housing for spring, when you arrive on Main Campus.
Both deposits and your online Admission Acceptance Form (AAF) should be submitted to Syracuse University no later than February 15 for early decision students and May 1 for regular decision students. For specific details on the AAF, please refer to the electronic version of your acceptance letter or your admit packet from the Office of Admissions.
How many students participate in Discovery Florence?
Discovery Florence is just one of many programs available at the Syracuse Florence Center. Nearly 250 students attend Syracuse Florence each fall, including approximately 30 Discovery Florence students. This means you’ll connect with other first students, while also meeting and making connections with upperclassmen from Syracuse University and other universities across the United States.
Do I come to Syracuse before leaving for Florence?
No. Rather than attend orientation in Syracuse, you will go straight to Florence for a week-long orientation alongside other Discovery students. Group fights arranged by Syracuse University are available for your travel to Florence, so you will get to know your classmates before you arrive in Italy.
In January, you’ll come to Syracuse the weekend before the start of spring classes to participate in the University’s Winter Welcome, which will help orient you to Main Campus.
What is the Florence Center like?
The Syracuse Florence Center, also known as the Villa Rossa, is a beautiful Tuscan villa located in the Piazza Savonarola, about a 15-minute walk from the Florence city center. The Villa Rossa houses classrooms, faculty and staff offices, a computer lab, and caffe bar. You will spend the majority of your time during the day at the Syracuse Center, attending classes and connecting with the other students in Florence. Visit syracuse.edu/academics/study-abroad/florence/ to learn more about the campus.
Where will I live in Florence?
Syracuse Florence students live with Italian host families. You’ll most likely be placed in a homestay with another Discovery Florence student and will be able to walk from your home to the Villa Rossa. Our host families have extensive experience hosting and are familiar with the typical needs of American students. The hosts work closely with Syracuse Florence staff to keep them apprised of the students’ well-being.
Will I stay with my host family the entire semester?
With the exception of all-school or independent travel, and the fall break period (students usually travel during this time), you will stay with your host family the entire semester.
What courses will I be taking?
You will be enrolled in a set of courses that will fulfill your College of Arts and Sciences first-year requirements. In the past, a typical schedule has included a First Year Forum, a writing course, and an Italian language course. Course information for fall  will be sent by Syracuse Abroad later this spring.
What documents are required to study in Italy?
You’ll need a current passport and an Italian student visa:
Passport
If you do not have a passport, or your passport expires before June 2024, you need to get a new one as quickly as possible. We strongly advise using the expedited service so that you receive your passport in time to participate in Syracuse Abroad’s group submission of visa applications to the Italian Consulate (see below for details). For information on U.S. passports, visit travel.state.gov/passport/.
Student Visa
Syracuse Abroad recommends that you get your visa by participating in our group submission of visa applications to the Italian Consulate. Essentially, Syracuse Abroad acts as a liaison between students and the Italian Consulate and submits your visa application on your behalf. To participate in the group submission, you will need to send your passport and visa application materials to Syracuse Abroad by the visa deadline of May 18, 2023 . Comprehensive instructions on preparing your visa application materials will be sent electronically to all students who matriculate into the Discovery Florence program. Even if you have not yet accepted your offer of admission into Discovery Florence, we strongly advise that you have a valid passport and can be without it from June through July 2023 .
Where can I learn more about Syracuse Florence?
You’ll receive more information soon about options for visiting campus for an Admitted Student Reception and webinars and virtual events with Admissions and Syracuse Abroad staff, as well as Discovery Florence alumni. In the meantime, learn more about Syracuse Florence and Discovery by:
- Visiting syracuse.edu/academics/study-abroad/florence/
- Contacting your Discovery Florence advisor at suabroad@syr.edu.
Florence, here I come! What is my first step?
To confirm your participation in the Discovery Florence program, please submit the online AAF and advanced payments by February 15 for early decision students and May 1 for regular decision students. Please refer to your acceptance email from the Syracuse Office of Admissions for instructions. Once you matriculate into the program, you can look forward to receiving your Discovery Florence Acceptance Packet. You will also receive information on group fights to Florence and instructions on obtaining your Italian student visa.