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Experiential Learning Opportunities
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Global Business Consulting
Florence, Italy
About the Program
Consulting Project Focus Area: SME Manufacturing
The Business Consulting program with associated experiential learning equips you to work as a practitioner in a real-world organization. In Florence, you’ll immerse yourself in the heart of Italy’s manufacturing industry, working closely with small and medium enterprises (SMEs). As part of a consulting team, you’ll explore the intricacies of local manufacturing processes, from strategy and vision to production and sales. This hands-on experience gives you a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and tradition that underpin Italian business, while also enhancing your ability to solve operational challenges.
The Business Consulting project with a focus on SME Manufacturing allows you to gain practical insights into the unique aspects of Italian business. You’ll develop consulting skills that enable you to support local enterprises in maintaining their competitive edge, both locally and globally.
Requirements
Overview
Florence
early Jan 2026 - late Apr 2026
$19,195
12 - 16
Deadlines
10/1/25
11/1/25
Requirements
Eligibility
All Levels
1 year as a registered college student by the time of application
2.5
Where You'll Study
CEA CAPA Florence Center
The CEA CAPA Florence Center provides instruction in the disciplines of liberal arts, business, and social sciences, with courses that turn the city of Florence into a living classroom. Here, you'll c...
CEA CAPA Florence Center
The CEA CAPA Florence Center provides instruction in the disciplines of liberal arts, business, and social sciences, with courses that turn the city of Florence into a living classroom. Here, you'll choose from a wide array of courses offered in English, actively improving your language skills while settling into daily life in a city rich in culture and history.
Designed to exploit the educational opportunities that make Florence and Italy remarkable, programs feature courses in art history, anthropology, business, history, gender studies, Italian language, management, marketing, political science, and sociology. Lessons incorporate activities that take you out of the classroom and into the city and community to visit museums, local businesses, food markets, artisans’ workshops, and immigration centers. CEA CAPA Florence Center faculty are committed to fostering intellectual and cultural growth, encouraging you to apply classroom learning to daily life experiences and draw connections between formal and informal lessons. Active study allows you to gain a historical, social, and commercial understanding of Florence and Italy, while developing an international cultural fluency that can help you succeed in our increasingly globalized world.
CEA CAPA Florence Center courses will urge you to critically reflect upon and articulate your own national, cultural, and social identities. Active class participation provides the opportunity for interaction and collaboration—both critical factors in academic and professional success.
Transcript Information
Courses at the CEA CAPA Florence Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Accreditation
Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Florence Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Florence Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH.
Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a student-focused, comprehensive university that’s fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The agreement between CEA CAPA and UNH follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and satisfies the rigorous requirements of the University's institutional accreditor, making credits earned at the CEA CAPA Florence Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. Learn more about UNH's service as the School of Record for CEA CAPA
Grading
Professors at the CEA CAPA Florence Center carefully evaluate students' work and progress throughout their academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance.
The following grading scale is in use for CEA CAPA center-delivered syllabi:
| DESCRIPTOR | ALPHA | NUMERIC | GPA | REQUIREMENT/EXPECTATION |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Outstanding (High Distinction) |
A | 93+ | 4.0 | Maximum grade: In addition to description for grade "A-", the participant shows detailed understanding of materials about which he or she can show independent analytical ability. This means the ability to question an issue from different perspectives and evaluate responses in an objective manner. |
| Excellent (Distinction) |
A- | 90 - 92.99 | 3.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook/class hand-outs/class notes, and the work shows a high level of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion, and demonstrates a well-developed capacity for evaluation. |
| Very good (High Credit) |
B+ | 87 - 89.99 | 3.3 | Shows evidence of a capacity to generalize from the taught content, or the material in literature, or from class lectures in an informed manner. Also, the work demonstrates a capacity to integrate personal reflection into the discussion and an appreciation of a range of different perspectives. |
| Good (Credit) |
B | 83 - 86.99 | 3.0 | The work is well-organized and contains coherent or logical argumentation and presentation. |
| Good (Credit) |
B- | 80 - 82.99 | 2.7 | Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook and/or notes, and there is evidence of additional reading. |
| Average (Good Pass) |
C+ | 77 - 79.99 | 2.3 | The work demonstrates a capacity to integrate research into the discussion and a critical appreciation of a range of theoretical perspectives. Also, the work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and its theoretical implications and demonstrates evidence of additional reading. |
| Adequate (Pass) |
C | 73 - 76.99 | 2.0 | Shows clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond. A deficiency in understanding the material may be compensated by evidence of independent thought and effort related to the subject matter. |
| Below Average (Borderline Pass) |
C- | 70 - 72.99 | 1.7 | Shows some understanding of the material in the textbook and notes. A deficiency in any of the above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought related to the subject matter. |
| Inadequate (Borderline Fail) |
D+ | 67 - 69.99 | 1.3 | Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes. |
| Poor (Fail) |
D | 60 - 66.99 | 1.0 | Besides the above for D+, participant has not shown interest or engagement in the class work or study. |
| Poor (Fail) |
F | <60 | 0 | Shows little or no understanding of any of the material. |
Classroom and Information
- Classes are taught by international faculty, and hired by CEA CAPA according to UNH standards.
- Faculty are (at least) bilingual in English/Italian and represent diverse backgrounds.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams are administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
- You’ll attend class with other CEA CAPA students, not with native Italian students.
- Teaching styles in Italy may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Language and elective course sizes range from eight to 25 students. Small class sizes mean greater individual attention from instructors.
Amenities
Student Lounge
Study Area
Counseling Services
Student Health Services
Travel Books & Resources
Computers
Printing Facilities
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Learning Services
Language Exchange with Local Students
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
12-16
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
The required Business Consulting course is comprised of both an academic course and a locally based business consulting project that will require you to meet with clients and conduct group work outside of class. You’ll have the opportunity to learn about your assigned company through in-person or virtual meetings and by visiting their facilities/operations, conducting market research, creating relationships, ideating proposals and solutions, all of which will culminate in a consulting proposal.
In addition to your 3-credit business consulting course and project, you will choose 1 CEA CAPA core course and 2-3 CEA CAPA courses to take from the catalog of course options available to you. This provides you with the opportunity to gain professional experience while also making progress toward your degree requirements and engaging in classes that afford a richer cultural experience.
Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits and elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. Overall, you may earn 12-16 credits. Courses generally meet 2 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you'll select your preferred courses. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availability. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Italy. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
In addition to your 3-credit business consulting course and project, you will choose 1 CEA CAPA core course and 2-3 CEA CAPA courses to take from the catalog of course options available to you. This provides you with the opportunity to gain professional experience while also making progress toward your degree requirements and engaging in classes that afford a richer cultural experience.
Language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits and elective courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits. Overall, you may earn 12-16 credits. Courses generally meet 2 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you'll select your preferred courses. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availability. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Italy. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Business Consulting | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Culture & Society * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Artistry: Timeless Creations from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Women, Art, and Culture in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Business and Entrepreneurship | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Value of Art: Art Management and Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19th Century Black American Women in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Analyzing & Exploring the City: Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence and the Florentines in Dante's Comedy and Boccaccio's Decameron | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Identities in Modern Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Cultural History of Florence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Italian | 300 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian I | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian II | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian I | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian II | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyzing & Exploring the City: Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Culture & Society * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Interculture and Migration: Identity, Borders, and Belonging | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Culture & Society * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Food Systems in a Globalized World | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Blood: Rivalries in the History of Art | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Italian Artistry: Timeless Creations from the Middle Ages to the Enlightenment | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Museology: The Art of Collecting Objects | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Renaissance Art History | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Secrets, Signs & Symbols in Italian Art: Exercises in Iconography | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Great Masters: Leonardo, Michelangelo & Raphael | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Women, Art, and Culture in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Family Business and Entrepreneurship | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Business of Food * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Value of Art: Art Management and Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Communication & Global Competence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Strategic Communication & Social Media: Theory & Practice * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19th Century Black American Women in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Analyzing & Exploring the City: Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Cinema & the City: Cinematic Representations of Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Contemporary Italian Cinema * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Food & Culture in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Composition Drawing * | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Economics | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Impact of Globalization on European Markets | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Florence and the Florentines in Dante's Comedy and Boccaccio's Decameron | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cinema & the City: Cinematic Representations of Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Contemporary Italian Cinema * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International Finance | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sexual Identities in Modern Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A Cultural History of Florence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Political & Economic History of Europe in the Twentieth Century | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Policies of Organized Crime: Mafia and anti-Mafia in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Advanced Italian | 300 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian I | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Beginning Italian II | 100 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian I | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Intermediate Italian II | 200 | It | 60 | 4 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Global Workforce Management | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Dimensions of Organizational Behavior | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Marketing & Merchandising | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| International Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Viticulture & Wine Marketing | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Oil Painting * | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Beginning Watercolor * | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Photographic Storytelling: Italy Past & Present | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Photography in Florence | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abnormal Psychology | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Cross Cultural Psychology | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Psychology of Gender | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analyzing & Exploring the City: Florence * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Critical Perspectives on Italy: Contemporary Culture & Society * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Gender, Culture & Society in Italy | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Interculture and Migration: Identity, Borders, and Belonging | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Business of Food * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| The Policies of Organized Crime: Mafia and anti-Mafia in Italy * | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning Figurative Sculpture | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Generally located in the city’s historic center, shared student apartments are suited to students who want to experience Florence independently. Cook scrumptious Italian meals with your roommates in your kitchen, explore the character of the neighborhood that surrounds you, and make your new apartment into a home.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Center: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1-3 students per room
- 2-12 students per apartment (usually 2-10 with rare exceptions)
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
This housing option may carry a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Summer (private room): $500 - $1,200
- Semester (private room): $1,400 - $2,400
- Shared room: No additional fee
Apartment - Italian Roommate
Available:
Semester
Choose to live in a CEA CAPA apartment along with an Italian university student as one of your roommates. Your Italian roommate will be a true part of your Florentine experience and household, giving you the opportunity to engage more easily with the local community. By choosing to live with an Italian student, you will have a resource to help you make the most out of your time abroad--experiencing Florence and Italy through their eyes, too. The Italian roommate will live in an apartment shared with you and other CEA CAPA students.
Apartments are generally located in Florence’s historical center and are perfect for a student who wants to experience Florence as a local, making Italian culture and language a part of their daily life. Who better to learn from than your Italian roommate about: how to make an espresso, where to eat the best pizza, practice Italian, or how to make authentic lasagna? Fantastico!
*Note: There is one Italian university student per apartment, shared with 2-5 CEA CAPA students. This housing option has limited availability.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Center: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1-3 students per room
- 3-5 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Semester: $1,200 - $2,100
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Living with a local family allows you to learn so much about the Florentine lifestyle —and Italian family life in general —that you wouldn’t otherwise experience. A homestay will likely mean built-in friends, and will definitely mean that you won’t have to worry about what to make for dinner, how much you’re spending on food, or how you’re going to make your next meal both balanced and delicious! A homestay experience enhances your study abroad experience. Homestays are located in apartments either inside or outside Florence’s historical city center. While public transportation may offer a quicker way to school, you will still be within walking distance of the CEA CAPA Florence Center and the partner university.
Don’t worry about needing to speak perfect Italian before moving in with an Italian family: our host families are chosen for their interest in learning about you and your culture, and many have a working knowledge of English, too. While some families are empty-nesters, we do privilege younger families: both offer you an important connection with the Florentine community.
The homestay option will not hinder your freedom with a curfew, and you can even choose to live with a friend of your choice!
The additional fee covers the cost of your meals with your host family, and is nearly the equivalent of what students in standard CEA CAPA housing will pay separately for groceries and eating out (minus the fuss!).
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Center: 20-45 minutes (including public transportation, if necessary)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 20-45 minutes (including public transportation, if necessary)
Meals Included
- Breakfast and dinner, 7 days per week
Roommates
- 1-2 students per room
- 1-4 students per Homestay (usually 1-2 with rare exceptions)
Unit Amenities
- Limited kitchen
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Towels included
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans available
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Semester: $2,000 - $3,100
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Florence. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.