Florence, Italy

• Intensive Italian Language
• Italian Cultural Immersion

Florence 4 Week Curriculum

Summer Discovery students may choose from 4 curricula for college credit and/or enrichment. Students choosing Curriculum A will enjoy the challenge of a college credit course (credit is optional) and the advantage of an enrichment course to improve skills and expand knowledge. Students selecting Curriculum B choose a college credit course (credit is optional) and the Princeton Review SAT Preparation Course. Students selecting Curriculum C select an enrichment course and the Princeton Review SAT Preparation Course. Students selecting Curriculum D choose two college credit courses (credit is optional). Students will attend dedicated Summer Discovery only classes or classes with other students from around the world at the Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici. Please note: most courses have outside of class homework assignments, and many have midterm and final examinations or final projects.

Italian Cultural Immersion College Credit & Enrichment Courses

These college credit (optional) and enrichment courses are offered in cooperation with Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici. The discovery of Italian culture is one of the keys to a successful international learning experience. We often use Florence and its environs as our extended classroom. Most classes are small and personal - encouraging constant student/teacher interaction. All Italian Cultural Immersion classes are taught in English and meet 4 days a week, Monday - Thursday, for approximately 2.5 hours. Please note: Most courses will have lab/materials fees that range from approximately 75-175 Euro, to be paid in Florence.

Intensive Italian Language

These college credit (optional) classes are taught by the renowned teachers of the Italian Language Institute of Florence at Istituto Lorenzo de’Medici. The Italian Language Institute of Florence has more than 30 years of experience teaching Italian to foreign students and has provided Italian language programs in Italy for many prestigious American universities. Classes are initially taught in Italian and English and progress to Italian only. These classes meet 4 times weekly, Monday - Thursday for approximately 1.5-2 hours. The Intensive Italian Language classes are taught at 3 different levels, from absolute beginner to advanced.

                                                                                                 
Optional College Credit: Students may choose to take designated College Credit courses for credit or not for credit. The decision must be made prior to June 1. There is absolutely no changing of credit/non-credit status after June 1. The workload/assignments are exactly the same whether a student takes a designated College Credit course for credit or not. Most students choose the credit option. There is an additional fee of $350 for one Course taken for college credit and $650 for two. Credit is conferred by Northeastern University in Boston, and is transferable to most colleges and universities nationwide. (The decision to accept/not accept credits rests solely with the college/ university you eventually attend). Students earn 3 college credits upon successful completion (a grade of C+ or better) of the course.

SAT/ACT Prep Course

This course is taught by certified Princeton Review instructors that accompany the program from the USA. The syllabus, materials, and diagnostic tests are the same as those used in the USA. These classes meet 4 - 5 times weekly, Monday - Thursday for approximately 2 hours, plus diagnostic tests.

The Best Teachers

All professors are fluent in English with higher degrees from major universities in the USA and Europe. Courses are taught by university professors and top Italian artists, artisans, and professionals. Classes are small, informal and personal - encouraging student/teacher interaction. Instructors nurture the creative process of education, developing not only skills and confidence, but also aesthetic awareness and conceptual abilities. The faculty of the Italian Language Department hold degrees from Italian Universities and are eminently qualified to teach Italian language and culture to students.

“Preparing for College and Life Workshops”

These once weekly workshops focus on contemporary issues and skills that are the keys to a productive high school and college career. Designed to help students bridge the gap between high school and college, workshops feature interactive discussions with peers and professionals about college admissions, decision making, tolerance, stress management, harassment, substance abuse, eating disorders, AIDS awareness, and more.

Grades and Evaluations

College credit and enrichment courses are graded on the traditional letter system of A, B, C, D and F. Students completing the Intensive Italian Language course will receive the Lorenzo de’Medici certificate. Official transcripts for courses taken for college credit are available by request from Northeastern University for future use.