Attending Classes at the University of Florence

Students with at least intermediate Italian may wish to attend a course at the University of Florence. Depending on your interests and your language proficiency level, there are two options. Students wishing to participate in either program will take a language placement test administered by the University of Florence.

Option #1: The Ottimo Program

Students who have achieved the intermediate or advanced level of Italian may decide to participate in this special program, which consists of intensive Italian language courses (6 credits) supplemented with lectures in literature, history, or art history (3 credits), for a total of 9 credits. The program is given at the Centro per Stranieri (Center for Foreigners) at the University of Florence, and participation is overseen by the Fairfield staff. Instruction is in Italian. Students in the Ottimo Program also take two courses at Florence University of the Arts (in English), earning a total of 15 credits for the semester.

Option #2: Corsi Singoli

This option offers the opportunity to take one or two courses at the University of Florence in regular classes with Italian students. Classes are offered in literature, history, art/archaeology, and philosophy, as well as business and social sciences. Each course yields 3 credits. Students who wish to take corsi singoli must place beyond the advanced level of Italian in the test administered by the University of Florence.

Please note: Special admissions and consular paperwork may be required for these options; early decision is essential! Please contact us directly if you are interested in participating.