The City as Campus 

Palazzo Rucellai is in the very heart of Florence, and the city center is in many ways the Institute's campus. The language lab includes the out-door markets and shops; the cultural centers can be found in the palaces and piazzas; the cafeteria consists of the many trattorias, pizzerias and cafes, and the library includes the Uffizi Gallery and the Medici Chapels. Within walking distance of the Institute, students can explore the rich collections of more than thirty museums and numerous churches and palaces, or simply absorb the beauty of the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria, and the view from the Piazzale Michelangelo.

The center of Florence offers every practical amenity within a few short blocks of the Palazzo Rucellai. Students can find grocery and convenience stores, Internet cafés, buses, taxi stands, laundromats, post offices, restaurants and gelaterie!

Housing and Meals 
Students share apartments with other program participants. All apartments are within walking distance of the Institute and furnished with a fully-equipped kitchen, bathroom, bedrooms and communal living space. All apartments have wireless internet connections. Although apartments do not have fixed-line telephones, all students are required to buy or rent cellular phones. Whenever possible, the Institute tries to accommodate housing requests regarding roommates and special needs. The Student Services staff is available throughout the term to provide assistance with housing needs, maintenance and utilities.

Travel
To promote further discovery of Italy, the Institute also offers optional day trips within Italy.

Florence is an ideal departure point for independent travel throughout Italy and Europe. It is on the principal north-south train line in Italy, and most major European cities are easily accessible. The nearby Florence and Pisa airports operate daily flights to a wide variety of destinations. Sicily, Sardinia, Barcelona, Paris, London, Berlin and Prague are some of the fascinating places that are less than a few hours away.