Events in Florence
Embrace a Florentine lifestyle and immerse yourself in Italian culture.
When you study at Kent State Florence, you will enjoy a comprehensive academic and cultural program. In addition to completing a full course load, you have many opportunities to get acquainted with Florence and Italy. Whether you’re in Florence for a few weeks or full year, don’t miss the opportunity to connect with your fellow Florentines, learn something new, and soak up the Italian culture!
Get Involved in Florence, Italy
Our ongoing events include activities that introduce students to Italian life and culture, art, history, food, and so much more!
Pre-departure Events for Committed Students
The Office of Global Education hosts events and informational meetings to prepare students for their time in Florence prior to their departure as well as upon arrival.
Pre-Departure Orientation
Prior to your education abroad experience, you will participate in a mandatory pre-departure orientation hosted by the Office of Global Education. During this orientation, you will be provided with information including but not limited to:
- International travel procedures;
- In-country resources;
- Health, wellness, and safety resources and information;
- Financial aid;
- Culture shock and resources to help prepare for living abroad.
Flashes to Florentines Pre-Departure Event Series
The Flashes to Florentines pre-departure series is open to all committed Florence students of any major or cohort. By attending these sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to learn what it’s like to live like a Florentine, practice your Italian language skills, and prepare yourself for your experience abroad. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet other students participating in the Florence program. Topics to be covered include:
- Traveling to Florence;
- Italian culture and living like a Florentine;
- Health and wellness abroad;
- A crash course in Italian language;
- Florence alumni panels - hear from other students about their experiences in Florence.
You can also review a wide variety of resources we’ve pulled together for you on our “Before You Go” page.
In-Country Orientation
Upon your arrival in Florence, you'll join another orientation designed to help you make the most out of your study abroad experience and achieve the following goals:
- Orient yourself to the city of Florence.
- Develop the awareness you need to observe and learn from different cultures.
- Discover the businesses, organizations, and other important places in Florence.
- Access the tools you will need to succeed academically, personally, and safely within KSU policies.
Upcoming Events in Florence
In a city as exciting as Florence, there’s always something going on! See our upcoming events below.
Event Name: Hike to Piazzale Michelangelo
Date and Time: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 10 a.m.
Location: Meet at Palazzo Vettori
Description: Join KSU Florence Staff members for a walk across the Arno River and up to Piazzale Michelangelo for incredible views of Florence. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and bring water with you.
Event Name: Florence Photo Walk
Date and Time: Friday, May 24, 2024 at 6 p.m.
Location: Meet at Palazzo Vettori
Description: Join Group Flight Leaders Desiree Dube and Dakota Varney for a photo walk of Florence. Desiree and Dakota will share tips and tricks for taking great photos and documenting your experience in a meaningful and aesthetically pleasing way. They’ll take you to several places in the city including the Duomo, to the Arno River via the Ponte Vecchio, and to Santa Croce. We recommend that you wear comfortable walking shoes and be sure to bring your camera or cell phone to capture some amazing shots along the way.
Event Name: Interfaith Roundtable - From “Amman Message” to “Human Fraternity”
Date and Time: Monday, June 17, 2024 at 4 p.m.
Location: Palazzo Vettori Lecture Hall
Description: This event is open to both students enrolled in the Florence Summer programs and the Florence community.
On-demand Lecture and Events
Kent State University Florence has a talented and diverse team of over 40 faculty and staff on-site.
In addition to live events and lectures, you can also kick back and enjoy our on-demand series to broaden your knowledge on a wide variety of subjects from ancient Italian art and literature to cutting edge topics such as AI.