JMU Semester in Florence - SIF

In their Italian culture class, SIF students visited the Florentine neighborhood of Le Cure, where they met with a local resident to chat about the changes the city has witnessed in the last years.
Walking back through the meandering streets of the city center, they enjoyed an authentic specialty: focaccia with salumi e formaggio!
Florence is a great place in Italy where to experience the weight of history, combined with the most beautiful architecture and amazing food.

The Semester in Florence program offers students various excursions to places all over Italy, including flagship stores of Italian brands and fashion museums. This summer semester, SIF students visited Eataly and the Ferragamo museum with their marketing class.

Founded in 2007, Eataly is a chain of food halls that include a variety of restaurants, food and beverage counters, bakeries, retail items, and a cooking school.
There is so much to do at Eataly!
Let’s stop and relax at the café with a cup of coffee all together first. Surprise surprise: you can also have an iced coffee!!
Ready for the lecture? Yes, but before it we stroll around the store and take a look at all the counters (cold cuts, meat, bakery), the wine section, the restaurant and the pizzeria . All the best of Italian food in one spot downtown Florence!

Ferragamo is an Italian luxury fashion house headquartered in Florence. They specialize in apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Here is what students had to say about the excursion:
“It was the first time for many of us to visit a fashion designer museum! I didn’t know what to expect, but it was a really interesting exhibit, very well curated, telling a fascinating story about Italian culture, art and craft.”

SIF alumni, what was your favorite excursion that you did while in Florence?

SIF students enjoying a day trip to Siena! 📚✈️

Immersed in the rich history and vibrant culture of this stunning city, combining learning with the adventure of study abroad is part of what makes this program so unique.

Since 2023, the EUPS program is honored to host its yearly ALUMNI DAY in Florence!

It’s a day of networking, that gives the opportunity to our alumni to share knowledge and expertise with the current cohort, while recalling memories and anectodes about their own time in Italy.

Alumni from various cohorts just returned to Firenze and participated in mentoring panels, before attending a lovely dinner with students, faculty, staff, and EUPS partners.

Thank you to everyone that came back, and we can’t wait to see more of you next year!

Welcome to our new SIF cohort! 🌍✈️ Get ready for an unforgettable adventure filled with new experiences, friendships, and growth. Let the journey begin!

In preparation for our new SIF cohort arriving next week, we are reflecting on our time with the Spring ‘24 cohort.

From the Big Event to visits to Pisa, Siena, Naples and Turin, these SIF students were actively involved in learning about and indulging in the culture of Italy.

SIF students, what’s your favorite memory from your time in Florence?

SIF students had the chance to explore the rich tapestry of history and culture in Turin and the Langhe region! 🏰 From Turin's regal past as the first capital of unified Italy, with its grand palaces and iconic Mole Antonelliana, to the picturesque vineyards and medieval villages of Langhe, there's something captivating at every turn. It is such a privilege to indulge in the region's culinary delights, from exquisite chocolates to world-renowned wines, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this enchanting corner of Italy.

JMU Florence students participate in the Big Event! The Big Event is one of our favorite semesterly activities where students give back to the community that hosts them throughout their program. This event has been organized at JMU in Virginia since 1982 and in Florence since 2014. Students pick up trash and remove stickers to contribute to the preservation of the UNESCO world heritage center of Florence.

According to students, “the Big Event is a wonderful way to give back to the community that is graciously hosting us during our time here. It helps me feel more connected to Florence and it’s history and helping the city was very rewarding.”

EUPS and SIF students spread their wings this spring break and traveled far and wide! ✈️🌎

Whether they remained in Europe with friends or spent the time with family, our students enjoyed their breaks full of new experiences! Here’s to unforgettable memories and endless adventure!

When you studied abroad at JMU Florence, what was your favorite trip that you took?

We are so excited to have this semester's faculty in residence with us: Dr. Gweynth Mellinger! As a former journalist, Dr. Mellinger uses her expertise in her courses in the JMU journalism concentration. Dr. Mellinger has many publications, including two press books under contract for 2024. In terms of her role as FMIR, she said ""It has been a thrill to be with JMU students in Florence this spring as they immerse themselves in the local culture and navigate their travel beyond Italy. Most college students are fortunate if they can take short trips outside the United States; the SIF program is an amazing opportunity to live in a beautiful place of historical significance for an entire semester.

“I can’t help but reflect on my own study-abroad experience as a college student and an earlier semester-long opportunity as a faculty member. The SIF program is superior in every way. The permanent staff manage the program and the historic Palazzo Capponi, they arrange our group excursions, and they create an important link with the local community. Every member of the team is committed to the personal growth of our students.”

Explore the timeless charm of Lucca and the iconic leaning tower of Pisa with the SIF students! 🇮🇹✨ Immerse yourself in the rich culture and histories of these enchanting Italian cities. From Lucca's ancient walls to Pisa's architectural wonders, every corner tells a story that resonates through the ages. We are so thankful that the SIF students get to experience these wonders each semester!

As part of their Italian literature class, SIF students participated in an excursion to the gardens of a historic Renaissance villa in the outskirts of Florence.

Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Tuscany lies the enchanting Villa Schifanoia, a haven where history whispers through every stone and beauty blooms in every corner.

Originally built in the 14th century, its name ‘Schifanoia’ translates to ‘escape from boredom’—a sentiment that resonates deeply as one wanders its timeless gardens and noble halls. From its Renaissance origins to the present day, Villa Schifanoia remains a testament to the enduring allure of Tuscan heritage and the eternal pursuit of beauty.

Make sure to go visit the Villa on days that it is open to the public 🏰🌿