Welcome to the Early Modern Studies Program’s month-long study abroad course in Florence, Italy. The course is open to all King’s and Dalhousie students. Students at other universities are also welcome to apply.
Course Description
Ever dreamt of studying abroad in Italy? Spend a month living and learning in the heart of Florence in this immersive residency course. Florence will become your classroom as we step inside its town halls, churches, palaces and museums to explore the art, literature, philosophy and politics of Renaissance Italy (1280–1580).
Information Session November 26
Photo by Jonathan Körner on Unsplash
Under the auspices of the Early Modern Studies program, “Early Modern Art, Literature, and Politics in Florence, Italy” is a one-month, 6-credit hour residency taught entirely on-site. This course offers students the unique opportunity to consider the civic, ecclesiastical and domestic spheres of Renaissance Florentine life through daily visits to the city’s town halls, churches, palaces and museums. Students will gain an explicit familiarity with the developments in and the historical-cultural context of early modern art, literature and thought through lectures as well as assigned readings. Students will also have the chance to visit the most prominent museums and sites (and some of those less well-known) in and around Florence, and to spend a day in Lucca. These site-visits will supplement text-based morning seminars, and will involve student exercises in visual analysis, interpretation and research.
Dates
May 4–29, 2026
Accommodations and Seminar Location
Nestled in the heart of Florence’s vibrant Oltrarno district, Casa Santo Nome di Gesù is far more than a hotel—it is a living chapter of Florentine history. Located on Piazza del Carmine, just steps from the Brancacci Chapel, the lively piazza of Santo Spirito and the Ponte Vecchio, it offers students the chance to immerse themselves in an authentic Florentine neighborhood, filled with artisan workshops, cafés and hidden treasures.
The building itself, once the Palazzo Rospigliosi-Pallavicini, traces its origins to the early fifteenth century. Over the centuries it passed through the hands of prominent Florentine families, each leaving their mark in elegant architectural details and frescoed interiors. In 1901, the palace entered a new chapter when it became home to the Franciscan Missionaries of Mary, who transformed it into a place of education and hospitality for the San Frediano community. Today, its grand staircase, restored frescoes, and historic courtyard still whisper stories of Florence’s noble past while opening their doors to travelers from around the world.
Meals
An ample breakfast is included with our accommodations, but students are responsible for all of their other meals. Students should budget approximately CAD $800–1,200.00 for meals and personal spending for the duration of the course.
The Oltrarno neighborhood around Casa Santo Nome di Gesù is full of affordable, student-friendly food options. Fresh breads and pastries are just around the corner at S. Forno and Il Santo Forno, while Mama’s Bakery offers coffee and quick bites. Piazza Santo Spirito, a short walk away, is lined with trattorias where you can share Tuscan classics. For everyday needs, small produce shops and a nearby Conad supermarket make it easy to pick up fruit, snacks, or groceries.
Travel Arrangements
Students are responsible for making their own travel arrangements to and from Florence.
Eligibility Criteria
Students must meet the following criteria to participate in EMSP’s Florence Study Abroad Course:
- Have completed 5 full academic credit courses at an accredited university or have permission from the instructor;
- Be in good academic standing with a cumulative GPA of 2.3 or above;
- Be eligible to register at King’s or Dalhousie for the period of the international experience.
Dates and Deposits
- Wednesday, November 26, 2025: Information session
- Friday, January 9, 2026: Deadline for applications
- Thursday, February 5, 2026: Deadline for Non-Refundable deposit $500.00
- February 2026 (exact date TBA): Course Registration opens*
* To gain permission to register, students who have been accepted into the course must have:
- Completed the Dalhousie International Centre’s Online Pre-Departure Orientation Session via Brightspace;
- Submitted the “Certificate of Completion” from the Pre-Departure Orientation Session to the EMSP Office;
- Paid their fees for all previous terms; and
- Paid the non-refundable tuition deposit of $500.00 to Student Accounts.
March 2026: TBA Final Deadline for Registration in the Course
Course Fees
| Tuition for a full-credit course | $1,860.00 |
| Program fee | $2,000.00 |
| Entrance fees for museums and tours | $300.00 |
| Accommodation (incl. buffet breakfast) | $3,200.00 |
| Total | $7,360.00 |
Other Costs – Estimated
| Plane fare | $1,700.00-2,000.00 |
| Meals and personal spending in Florence | $800.00-1,200.00 |
| Texts | $60.00 |
| Estimated Total | $2,560.00-3,260.00** |
**The exact total will depend on the student’s chosen travel options, personal spending preferences and the exchange rate.
Required Documents and Activities
- Mandatory online Pre-Departure Orientation Session (via Brightspace):
- Fill in form to register
- Take ~2 hour course on Brightspace, and complete required quiz
- Sign and upload the general waiver
- Sign the ROCA (Registry of Canadians Abroad)
- Upload copy of passport
- Receive a “Certificate of Completion” that must be submitted to the EMSP Office in order to receive permission to register in the course
- Passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the day we return from Florence
- Students are required to purchase Backpack Insurance (unfortunately, students cannot use personal or family insurance)
- Students must register their travel itinerary with iSOS service for emergency support
- Students must complete the Emergency Information Form
- Check Dal email address regularly for updates!
Here is the International Centre’s Pre-Departure Checklist
Financial Aid
You may be eligible for the Dalhousie University Study/Work International Fund (SWIF). From the Dalhousie International Centre’s website:
“Established by Dalhousie University as part of the Student Assistance Program, SWIF provides financial assistance to Dalhousie and King’s students who want to take part in an international placement. There is a maximum award of CAD $2,000 per applicant.”
Find out more about the eligibility criteria and application process for SWIF.
Questions?
Should you have any questions, please email the instructor directly at Justina.spencer@ukings.ca.
Dr. Justina Spencer
Assistant Professor
Early Modern Studies Program
University of King’s College
Third Floor, A&A Building
Banner Photo by Giuseppe Mondì on Unsplash
