Welcome Letter from the Director

Dear Students,

Welcome to Italy, and welcome to the School in Italy. The C.V Starr Middlebury School in Italy has a rich history having been founded in Florence in 1960 and being one of the first Italian programs that enrolled students in the local university system. Your time abroad will be an opportunity to learn about and become a part of Italian life. Students should not consider their time in the program as study abroad, but as life abroad!

The School in Italy center or sede, Sede Capponi, is located in Florence. It is a short distance from the academic heart of the city in a bustling Florentine neighbourhood that will allow students to be immersed in Italian life. The Sede is but one small part of what should be considered your campus, the city of Florence. Graduate students in Florence will be able to choose from courses offered at the Sede and the Università degli Studi di Firenze thus having access to a wide range of options that will allow students to satisfy the requisites for the specialization they have chosen.

The neighborhood is full of small cafés, shops, and services essential to university life so, while studying, eating or just getting around, students will be able to marvel at the architectural and artistic beauty that is Florence.

Florence is a special place, rich in history and in cultural opportunities. You are strongly encouraged to take full advantage of the museums, galleries, theaters, music, lectures, and the many exhibitions that are offered each year. Participating as much as possible in the activities of this cosmopolitan city will greatly enhance your overall Italian experience. Immerse yourself in the city and you will come away with an experience that reflects Florence today.

Along with its benefits, however, life in Italy can present challenges. It requires independence, maturity and a sense of humor that will enable you to accept the inevitable difficulties and frustrations that go along with living in a different culture. For example, be prepared to change some of your study habits since libraries in Italy have limited hours and generally close by 7 p.m., and to adjust to an environment that will seem less structured and efficient than the one you are used to.

The School in Italy staff will make every effort to help you get settled in Florence and will advise and assist you with any problems you might have during the course of the program. Ultimately, however, it will be up to you to make the most of your experience abroad.

We hope that you will find this year in Florence, and your studies at the School in Italy, to be stimulating, enjoyable, and very worthwhile.

Rosa Cuda, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Director
C.V Starr Middlebury School in Italy