Location
  • Italy
    • Florence
    • Siena
Term
Academic Year, Fall, Spring, Summer
Subject Areas
Anthropology Archaeology Art History Arts Business Classical Studies Communications Economics Education English Environmental Studies European Studies Finance Food Science and Nutrition Gender Studies Global Studies History Humanities International Business International Relations Journalism Language Studies Liberal Arts Linguistics Literature Marketing Mathematics Medieval Studies Philosophy Political Science Psychology Public Relations Social Sciences Sociology Visual Arts +25
Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, Payment plans, LGBTQIA+ funding, BIPOC funding
Health & Safety

Program Details

Program Type
Provider
Degree Level
Bachelors
Housing
Apartment Host Family
Language
Italian

Pricing

Price Details
The CET program fee covers tuition, housing in the city center, activities and excursions (day trips), medical insurance, and course materials/textbooks.

The program fee does not include transportation to/from Florence or Siena, visa fees, meals, homestay fees and a refundable housing deposit.

Still wondering how to budget for your time abroad? CET offers scholarships, and CET staff is happy to provide advice on keeping discretionary purchases to a minimum (i.e., they can tell you where to get cheap eats).
What's Included
Accommodation Activities Classes Wifi
What's Not Included
Airfare
Nov 21, 2023
Dec 18, 2023
31 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

CET Italy programs offer a culturally immersive experience with individual attention from professors and staff, first-rate academics, and the chance to embrace local culture. Choose from a wide variety of electives ranging from Marketing to Economics, Art History to Psychology. CET Florence and CET Siena both offer homestay options with local families, or the choice to live in an apartment with other CET students. Both of these programs offer wonderful cultural experiences such as cooking classes, museum visits, local engagement, and more!

Video and Photos

Diversity & Inclusion

BIPOC Support

CET believes in making study abroad accessible to students of all races, religions, origins, abilities, gender identities, and sexual orientations. We’ve gathered experiences from BIPOC students to share as resources such as the Identity Abroad pages, Perspective Pieces, and Identity Abroad Support Networks. We are also dedicated to becoming a more anti-racist organization by transforming our workplace, programs, and industry with our Justice, Equity, Diversity, & Inclusion (JEDI) Action Plan.

LGBTQIA+ Support

CET supports and welcomes students of all identities on our programs. We provide program-specific information under the cultural climate section of our Identity Abroad webpages for LGBTQ individuals in each of our program locations.

Neurodivergent Support

CET makes every effort to offer accommodations comparable to that of the students’ home institution. Disclosing early helps us to make proper preparations. The accommodations offered at each program can be found on each program location's Identity Abroad page. These pages can provide a good idea about what classes are like in terms of workload and class time. Initiating one-on-one conversations with Student Service Coordinators can also help inform students' decisions and determine if a program will be a good fit.

Accessibility Support

CET makes every effort to offer accommodations comparable to that of the students’ home institution. The levels of accessibility, from wheelchair accessibility to extra time on exams, are under each program location’s Identity Abroad page. Initiating one-on-one conversations with Student Service Coordinators can help inform students' decisions and determine if a program will be a good fit.

Impact

Sustainability

CET is an environmentally conscientious organization at our headquarters in DC and programs all around the world. In each of our centers, we adopt local measures to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to sustainable practices. As part of our ongoing efforts towards sustainability, we’ve partnered with Cool Effect, a nonprofit focused on reducing carbon emissions through scientifically-proven, hand-selected carbon projects worldwide. For each trip taken by one of our staff members, travelers, or students, we donate to support three carbon projects chosen by staff volunteers every year.

Ethical Impact

When we set up a program overseas, we become a part of that local community. And as a community member, we are responsible for contributing to local initiatives in meaningful ways. Our website lists some local philanthropic organizations that help us fulfill this responsibility—they host our students, and we support their missions.

Program Highlights

  • Academically engaging courses that suit a variety of majors
  • Group excursions around Italy
  • Out-of-classroom learning & assignments
  • Italian language classes
  • Live in the beautiful downtown areas of Florence or Siena: apartment or homestay options available

Popular Programs

View of Florence

Want to study in one of Italy's most beautiful and cosmopolitan cities? Looking to travel to a different European destination every weekend? The CET Florence program offers the chance to embrace Italian culture—you can visit the Gucci factory or learn from a Tuscan chef. Check off major requirements with classes like Cross-Cultural Psychology or International Marketing. Try something new with Renaissance Art and Architecture. The class meets at least half the time in a museum, church, or piazza!

Students in Siena

CET Siena is for those who want to dive in to the Italian lifestyle. Study Italian language and choose from a wide variety of electives. Visit a contrada to learn about the Palio horserace one day. Choose to live with local roommates or homestay. Students from all colleges and universities are welcome!

Scholarships

CET Academic Programs Scholarships

CET is a study abroad provider with locations in Brazil, China, Colombia, the Czech Republic, Italy, Jordan, and Taiwan.

CET offers scholarships and financial assistance for their high school abroad, gap year abroad, and college study abroad programs. Financial assistance and scholarships are need and merit based.

Upon applying to any CET program, you'll gain access to CET's scholarships application.

Value
$500 - $2,000

Program Reviews

4.75 Rating
based on 63 reviews
  • 5 rating 79.37%
  • 4 rating 15.87%
  • 3 rating 4.76%
  • 2 rating 0%
  • 1 rating 0%
  • Academics 3.75
  • Support 4.7
  • Fun 4.7
  • Housing 4.4
  • Safety 4.85
  • Growth 5
  • Support 5
  • Fun 5
  • Housing 5
  • Safety 5
Showing 1 - 8 of 63 reviews
Default avatar
Maryana
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Semester in Florence with CET!

Studying in Florence was an excellent experience that allowed me to expand my perspectives and learn more about the city and its people. Florence is a beautiful city that offers plenty of things to do and to see. The CET program did a great job organizing events that allowed students to meet, interact, and explore the city. They organized programs and activities that allowed us to see different landmarks, and the classes often included trips around the city that allowed students to understand more about and experience the culture of Florence. While the quantity of students studying abroad in Florence makes it easy to make friends, it can also be a downside when it comes to cultural emersion which is something to consider depending on what you are looking to get out of a study abroad experience.

What would you improve about this program?
I would improve the language courses in this program. I think that it would be very helpful to students to have a week or two before classes start when they take an intensive Italian course to introduce them to the basics of the language and the phrases that they will need to interact with people in the city. This can make interactions easier and less stressful for students while allowing them to learn more without the stress of other classes.
Pros
  • Supportive staff
  • Location
  • Well-educated professors
16 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Maryana,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review about your semester in Florence!

Default avatar
Daphne
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

A once in a life time experience!

CET Florence was an unforgettable experience! Before coming to the program, I was nervous about going abroad and meeting new people. Yet, when I arrived in Florence, all that anxiety melted when I met my roommates and had a weekend filled with group activities to meet people! CET did a great job getting people to meet and become friends quickly! Additionally, CET was extremely accommodating with housing! Whenever I had an issue with my housing, they were immediately attentive to the problem. I also was able to travel every weekend and CET helped me figure out which hostels were safe and gave recommendations for what to do and see. Their suggestions were super helpful since I never been to Italy!

Pros
  • Accomodating
  • Helpful
  • Attentive
Cons
  • Could be slightly more communicative
  • Canvas could be more organized
  • Housing could be shared earlier to state date
26 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Thank you so much for your review about your study abroad experience with us. We're thrilled to have been a part of your study abroad journey!

Default avatar
Hailey
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Florence Summer Program

I studied with the CET in Florence, Italy this summer (2023) and had an amazing experience. The CET staff were super helpful and kind, and did a great job making everyone feel safe and included. They also hosted several events throughout the program so we were able to experience as much of Florence as possible. Florence is a beautiful destination to study in full of art, history, and plenty of gorgeous views. Taking weekend trips was also super easy and the CET staff were more than happy to assist with travel plans and give recommendations.

Pros
  • Great staff
  • Beautiful Views
23 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Hailey,

We couldn't do what we do without our on-site staff! Thanks for leaving a review!

Default avatar
Diem
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

UVA in Siena

My experience in Italy and Siena specifically was a remarkable one. I had the opportunity to explore different regions in Italy and learn more about the culture and art history of each location. The art was rich and beautiful, and as an art major, it is the most crucial aspect that helped to better my experience in Italy. In addition, the art history class I took while staying in Siena also enhanced my knowledge of Siena and its past particularly, as well as the region of Tuscany (Pienza, San Gimignano, and Monte Oliveto Maggiore).

28 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Diem,

Thank you for taking the time to write a review— it seems like you learned as much from the city as you did in the classroom setting!

Default avatar
Olivia
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Florence Review

I would highly recommend CET Florence. The program staff are very kind and take time to organize fun excursions for the students such as pizza making and gelato tours. The classes offered are interesting and engaging, and the city itself is beautiful. Although Florence isn’t a huge city, there is still so much to do. Keep in mind that since you won’t be attending an Italian University directly, it will take extra effort to interact with local Italians your age. There are also many American study abroad students in Florence which is something to take into consideration depending on your preference. Overall, I highly recommend the program and had an amazing semester with CET Florence.

40 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hey Olivia,

Thank you for leaving a review about the CET Florence program! It's great to hear that you enjoyed your semester abroad with us along with the activities planned by our on-site staff!

Default avatar
Andrew
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

Academically and Culturally Stimulating Experience

The CET Program offered me a wonderful experience that was both academically and culturally stimulating. I was able to successfully continue my undergraduate academics while simultaneously absorbing Italian culture. The program offers various trips & excursions to help students meet their peers and immerse themselves in the Florentine environment. Not to mention, the staff is extremely supportive and helpful. I personally suffered an injury at the beginning of the program and was thoroughly supported by the CET staff throughout the entire semester. I am extremely appreciative of their willingness to care for their students.

Pros
  • Academically stimulating classes
  • Various fun trips & excursions sponsored by the CET program
  • Welcoming toward weekend traveling
Cons
  • Housing can get quite cold, although maintenance is responsive
45 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Andrew,

Thank you for leaving us a review, and despite suffering from an injury, we are glad you felt supported and cared for by the CET Florence staff!

Default avatar
Ximena
4/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Florence Spring 2023

I loved using Florence as my home base for my studying abroad experience! Classes were fair, and the professors were understanding. The city is fantastic, and there are many places to go out and eat or walk. Many courses also take you to museums so you can have on-location learning (which was my favorite part). There are a lot of study-abroad students who spend the semester in Florence, so it's easy to make friends and get away with speaking English. Finally, everyone in the program lives in apartments around the city center. Although the location of the apartments are great, not everyone gets the same quality.

Pros
  • Location (you get to live in the city center)!
  • Fun Activities in and out of the classroom
Cons
  • Some apartments were better than others
49 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Thank you for leaving a comment Ximena!

Default avatar
Madilyn
5/5
Yes, I recommend this program

CET Florence summer

My summer in Florence was one of the best experiences with CET. The 6 week program was the perfect amount of time to get to know Florence and the Italian culture. The classes were engaging and allowed students to see Florence in a new way, while being fair with the workload. The professors were also very knowledgable and passionate which made the classes so interesting. I met so many new friends through the activities that were organized by the activity leaders who were both young and became close friends with the students by then end! There was a wide variety of activities for everyone and was one of the best memories from the summer. The housing was great and you live among locals, although some apartments are farther from the school than others. Overall, I would highly reccomend this program to anyone who wants an amazing summer!

Pros
  • Lots of support from faculty
  • Fair class schedule and workload
  • Very social with lots of cultural experiences
Cons
  • Some housing was better than others
44 people found this review helpful.
Response from CET Academic Programs

Hi Madilyn,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a feedback! Thrilled to hear that your summer term was amazing!!!

Questions & Answers

Hi Kimberly, After you're accepted to CET Florence, we provide a packing guide resource on what to bring and what not to bring. Generally, you just need a laptop for coursework, clothes, and personal items. Your apartments are fully equipped with linens, blankets, pillows, towels, and kitchen equipment, so there's no need to bring any of these supplies from the US. Get in touch with us if you have...

The program had no classes that were specifically geared toward education, but the year I went (2014) we were all given the opportunity to teach English to Italian elementary school students. This would be great experience for a teaching major. Otherwise, the program was focused on Italian language, history, politics, art, and architecture. So humanities-based in general, which of course is great...