The International Studies Institute (ISI Florence) was established in 2001 as an independent private educational organization serving as an American center for higher education in Florence, Italy.

In 2005, ISI Florence founded the Consortium for Public Universities whose members include Pennsylvania State University, University of Connecticut, University of Virginia, University of Maryland, and University of Melbourne (Australia). The Institute also maintains academic affiliations with Roger Williams University, Rutgers University, Connecticut College, Marywood University, Arizona State University, along with many others, and collaborates with the Università di Firenze on a number of academic initiatives, including conferences, publications, and architecture workshops.

The Institute welcomes new institutional partners whose students will make a positive contribution to the ISI Florence student body by exhibiting the maturity, enthusiasm, and commitment to gain the most from the study abroad experience.

At ISI Florence, students flourish in a safe, stimulating environment, enjoying a unique educational experience in a truly exceptional city. Students make full use of Florence as a living laboratory during their semester, summer, or academic year abroad. They walk the same medieval cobblestones as Dante, gaze upon the stunning masterpieces of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and practice their Italian in the shadow of Brunelleschi’s dome. The Institute offers academic programs rooted in the liberal arts tradition—a fitting tribute to the birthplace of the Renaissance—and boasts a distinguished faculty and world-class student services team.

Locations
Palazzo Rucellai – Via della Vigna Nuova, 18
Palazzo Bargagli – Lungarno delle Grazie, 22
ISI Florence Facilities

The Academic Programs
Semester, summer and full-year study abroad programs are available, offering a wide variety of courses in art history, architecture, food studies and sustainability, fine and studio arts, Italian language, cultural studies, history, literature, philosophy, international business, political science and more.

Recognition and Accreditation
Coursework at Umbra is underwritten by Roger Williams University which maintains membership in AACUPI (the American Association of College and University Programs in Italy) and accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

Our Focus on Community Engagement
ISI Florence focus heavily on community engagement activities. We offer course with service learning components, academic internships, seminar and practicums, volunteer programs, independent research, and other activities that bring ISI Florence students together with the local Italian student population and the community at large. We strive to connect our community with the city of Florence through curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities. After studying at ISI Florence, students consistently say these are the experiences that had the greatest most meaningful impact on their time abroad.