Description

** Early Bird Discounts: Receive discounts for Spring if you apply by Sept. 15 and for Summer and Fall if you apply by Feb. 15! Check the Athena Study Abroad for details.**

Athena Study Abroad was designed to meet the needs of any student who wishes to attend a small university overseas, in order to gain the most culturally rich and authentic immersion possible. These programs are especially attractive to small-school students, because the search for these students to find study abroad programs which cater to their unique wants and needs is often difficult.

Athena programs are different in that students are enrolled at small schools overseas in an effort to maintain the personalized service throughout the semester that Athena prides itself on providing. Unlike many other study abroad programs, Athena offers its students programs that are focused on intense, cultural immersion which puts them in touch with the locals of their host country, elements of the host culture, and other international students from around the world to ensure a well-rounded, diverse experience.

Athena's partner school in Italy, Lorenzo de' Medici (LDM) is a private institution located among several buildings in the center of this charming Renaissance city. The campus' main building dates back to the 13th century and, before being renovated, was originally a convent and church. Medieval frescos and sculptures still adorn the walls and ceilings of the classrooms, ensuring a beautiful and historical holistic experience for students - both in and out of the classroom.

LDM is equipped with modern computer and language labs, comfortable classrooms, knowledgeable faculty, diverse course offerings (from language or theater, to archaeology or history). One of the primary missions of the Lorenzo de' Medici School, which has been operating its main campus in Florence for more than 30 years, is to promote global education through authentic cultural immersion programs and a diverse international student population.

Housing:
Housing is in conveniently located apartments, complete with living area, 2 to 3 bedrooms, bathroom and fully-equipped kitchens, where students can prepare their meals. Most of the bedrooms are double-occupancy rooms, a few are single-occupancy rooms. Kitchen and bathroom are usually to be shared with other students. Apartments are located in close proximity to the school and the city center. A 10 to 15 minute bus ride is sometimes needed.

Cafeteria/Meal Cards:
LdM has a cafeteria/bar that offers students pasta at lunchtime, pastries and espresso/cappuccino, salads and sandwiches, snacks, fruit, candy and drinks.

LdM Meal Card:
* 10-meal card costs 45 euro (4,50 euro each meal)
* 30-meal card costs 120 euro (4 euro each meal)

Each meal includes:
* a large portion of the "dish of the day" (i.e pasta or vegetables or salad, etc..)
* 1 soft drink (Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Fruit juice, etc..)
* 1 cappuccino OR espresso

Field Trips (Semester Only):
Two trips are included (destinations vary by semester). Possible locations include:
* Venice
* The Alps, Verona and the Garda Lake
* Nice, Monte Carlo and the French Riviera: Cannes, St. Paul de Vence
* Food, Wines, and Art of the Renaissance: Assisi, Orvieto, San Gimignano, Montalcino
* Venice and the Courts of the Renaissance: Mantua and Ferrara
* Rome
* Portofino and Cinque Terre
* Capri, Sorrento and Pompeii
* Arezzo, Cortona, Montepulciano, and Pienza

Summer Options:
* Super-Intensive Italian (June, July, August)
6 credits of intensive Italian language

* Electives: 3 or 6 credits (June, July)
Select 1 or 2 elective courses from a wide variety of course offerings

* Studio Art Workshop (June, July): 6 credits

I. June Sessions
a) Florence and Southern Italy Restoration Workshop (2 weeks in Florence, 2 field weeks)

b) Florence and Carrara Marble Sculpture Workshop (3 weeks in Florence plus 1 field week)

II. July Sessions
a) Florence and Southern Italy Watercolor Workshop: Color and Light (3 weeks in Florence plus 1 field week)

b) Florence and Southern Italy Restoration Workshop (2 weeks in Florence, 2 field weeks)