Florence, Italy (J-Term)
FLORENCE: CRADLE OF THE RENAISSANCE
Program Dates: Program will run again in January 2026. Exact dates TBD.
Application Information: Applications will be open August 1-September 29, 2025. For any questions or more information on how to apply to this program, please contact the faculty leaders listed below.
Academic Focus: Art and Art History
Students in this J-term course will have the chance to explore Florence, Italy - the city recognized as the cradle of the Renaissance - as a city and region, from ancient settlements to the 21st century. During this program, students will:
- Explore Florence's art and history, focusing particularly on works from the Renaissance by Michelangelo, Donatello, Botticelli, and Artemisia Gentileschi;
- Study Florence's religious and political heritage, including the Florentine Republic and the Medici family, and Florence's role in modern Italy;
- Familiarize themselves with local Italian food and culture by residing in the Medieval city center, blocks away from the Duomo.
- Visiting museums, churches, palaces and parks;
- Creating a 10-12 minute oral presentation during the trip in addition to an accompanying handout on this topic;
- Recording the activities of the trip in a written and visual travelogue;
- Taking a cooking class and learning how to cook with an Italian chef
Eligibility: Open to all majors. Student must be in good academic standing and have a minimum 3.0 GPA at the time of application (and maintain that GPA minimum until the semester before the program). Limited slots available.
*Because of the location and the nature of our activities, it is critical that the students that participate in this J-term course are prepared physically, emotionally, and mentally for the experience. Florence's medieval center, where housing and most class activities will be located, is a pedestrian-only location. As such, you will need to be able and willing to walk at least two miles without difficulty.
Faculty Leaders: Genevieve Hendricks (hendricksrs@hollins.edu)
Stephanie Gibson (gibsonsm@hollins.edu)
Approximate total cost per student: $3,000 for program fee. Does not include airfare, passport fees or personal expenses.
Funding Opportunities: Hollins provides the opportunity for study abroad scholarships for students with demonstrated financial need. Scholarships to study abroad are not guaranteed and require a student be admitted into a study abroad program and complete the scholarship application process. Please note: any scholarships awarded will only be applied to the term the student is going abroad. Any study abroad scholarship related questions can be directed to elapps@hollins.edu.
For further questions, contact the faculty leaders for this program.
below: a view of Florence from a rooftop