Snapshot
Dates
| Term | Application Deadline | Program Start | Program End |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer Session 1 2026 | 1 February | 25 May, 2026 | 25 June, 2026 |
| Summer Session 2 2026 | 1 February | 29 June, 2026 | 29 July, 2026 |
| Summer Session 1 & 2 2026 | 1 February | 25 May, 2026 | 29 July, 2026 |
Check API's website for program dates.
Do not make travel arrangements until you have been officially accepted by API/LdM and they have shared key dates with you.
NOTE: Students may participate in study abroad anytime after freshman year (or completing 24 college credits post completion of high school). Students may apply to a program during freshman year but must have completed freshman year in good standing to participate in the program.
About Program
Summer in Florence, Italy
Lorenzo de Medici Institute (LdM)
Acknowledged as the birthplace of Western culture, you’ll find that Italy’s traditional attitudes prevail among this modern, industrialized nation. While Italy has continued to progress, it has kept its magnificent artistic and architectural legacy intact.
This Mediterranean country has many remnants of the Roman Empire and is also home to the greatest number of United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Sites in the world. It borders France, Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia. It has a diverse climate—most of it with hot, dry summers and cold, damp winters in the North. Italy’s population is 61.3 million, and the land area is slightly larger than the state of Arizona. You’ll find that Italians love food, sports, and value family greatly. You’re sure to enjoy your time learning and living the culture in this beautiful country.
Florence, located in the renowned region of Tuscany, is situated on the banks of the Arno River, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Italian countryside. To study and live in Florence is to walk the streets of Dante, Brunelleschi, Giotto, and many other contributors to the arts and humanities. Here, you can soak up culture and history while studying in buildings from centuries past. Florence is perhaps best known as one of the birthplaces of the Italian Renaissance at the end of the 14th century. It is a city that welcomes visitors, scholars, artists, and students to walk her streets, relive past discoveries in the arts and sciences, and glimpse the rich history that permeates every inch of the city.
The Lorenzo de’ Medici campus is primarily located in a 13th-century convent in the heart of Florence. The facilities have been modernized, and the city surroundings offer students a canvas on which to learn, create, and challenge themselves in both academic and personal endeavors. Over 400 courses are available in a wide variety of subjects across the arts, humanities, business, and international relations. Founded in 1973, Lorenzo de’ Medici offers the opportunity to study under experienced instructors in the unparalleled surroundings of Florence.
Academics
Lorenzo de Medici Institute (LdM)
You can choose from a wide array of Arts, Business and Humanities courses taught in English, or study Italian language. You will take one or two courses per session and recieve 3-6 credits. (Note there is an additional fee to take 2 courses during one summer session.)
LdM offers 3 summer study options:
- Summer Session 1 (late May to late June)
- Summer Session 2 (early July to early August)
- Summer Sessions 1 & 2 combined (late May to early August)
- Learn about summer course offerings in Florence
- Search Lorenzo de Medici courses already reviewed at UMD
NOTE: Study abroad courses must be reviewed prior to program participation so that you know how they will contribute to your degree progress.
To request disability accommodations, please contact International Programs and Services at [email protected] or 218-726-8764.
Cost Information
- Compare these program costs to UMD's cost of attendance for an academic year.
- View a list of all UMD Study Abroad program costs.
If you do not see a cost estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the cost has not yet been determined. Please note cost estimates and fees may change depending on international economic factors. UMD Study Abroad delays the posting of final fees until enrollments, inflation, and exchange rates are determined in order to provide the most accurate pricing. We strive to post final fees by October 1 for Spring programs, March 1 for May/Summer programs, and May 1 for Fall and Academic year programs.
What’s included in the program fee?
- Personalized advising
- Pre-departure orientation
- Tuition
- Entry visa assistance
- On-site Orientation
- On-site staff support
- Housing
- Foreign transcript issuance
- Grade posting at UMD
- Foreign course evaluation at UMD
- CISI - international travel, health, and security coverage
- Re-entry support
These estimated costs do not include the $50 application fee.
Scholarships & Financial Aid
Scholarships
- Study Abroad Scholarships
- API Scholarships
- Note: Credits taken on study abroad programs cannot be used toward the Bulldog Bundle.
Financial Aid
Consult with One Stop to see how financial aid can apply to study abroad.
- Receive guidance about all things money-related
- Ask for estimates and budget samples
- Learn when and how financial aid is disbursed
- Ask about other scholarship opportunities & loan info
Plan your budget
Download this Study Abroad Budget Planning Form to estimate costs. Create duplicates to compare this program with others.
Housing
API students in Florence will live in apartments located within the historic district of Florence. Apartments are typically a 25-30 minute walk from the school. Some API apartments can house as many as 10 students, although most students will share a room with only 1-2 other students. Students can opt for a single room for an additional fee.
Travel Documents
- You are required to have a passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a passport or your passport will expire within 6 months after you will return from abroad, apply for a passport as soon as possible. It can take 2+ months to receive your passport after applying. You can apply for a new passport on-campus at the UMD Passport Acceptance Facility.
- An Italian visa is not required for programs less than 90 days.
- Roundtrip airfare should only be purchased after official acceptance from the foreign university
Contact
Alum
Want to talk to someone who's completed the program? Contact the alumni below.
Apply
Before you click on the "Start my application" button below, make sure you know how to identify the correct program by searching for the:
- Program Name: UMD - API Summer in Florence, Italy: Lorenzo de' Medici - Summer;
and the - Term (e.g. Summer 2026)
A $50 non-refundable application fee will be billed to your One Stop account upon submission of an application.
After you apply
- After approximately 20 minutes, you will see checklist items for you to complete.
- It is recommended that you complete the checklist items within a month of applying, as applicable. Pre-departure Orientation details will be sent closer to the event date (usually April for fall/summer applicants and November for spring/winter break applicants).
- Your UMD Program Contact will review your application materials.
- You must complete the Confirmation of Participation form to confirm your participation.
- Once we receive your confirmation, your UMD account will be billed a confirmation deposit.
If you decide you cannot participate, you must log in to the online application system and submit the "Cancellation Request form."
Program health and safety information
is available at GO SAFE.
