When students study abroad at , Villa Rossa becomes their home. Here are five things you need to know about this beautiful campus, and how to make the most out of a semester in Italy.
Campus is Larger Than You Think
On the outside, the Villa Rossa may look like a small building planted on a corner, but it is so much more than that. The moment you open the main doors, you truly get a glimpse into how amazing this building really is. The main building has over three floors, including a mezzanine level, and is full of winding staircases and lively classrooms. In between the main building and the library, students can enjoy a wide-open courtyard. Students use this area to socialize, study and have a snack in between their classes. The library, which is full of books covering a wide range of subjects, is also full of cute study nooks and classrooms where students can study quietly. It’s hard not to appreciate and enjoy such a beautiful campus!
Get to Know the Staff
Professors, admin and general staff at the Villa Rossa are all phenomenal people, and getting to know them will only make your time in Florence more meaningful. They know all of the best food dives, the best day to visit the markets, where the English-subbed movie theatres are, and the best non-touristy spots all around Florence! While you are there, ask them what their favorite restaurant is, favorite café, and favorite spot with the best views! Professors also host office hours multiple days a week, so if you ever need help in a class, they are always there to help you.
The Location is Perfect
Because Florence is such a tourist destination, the city center is always packed with locals and tourists most days of the week. The Villa Rossa is located right outside the city center, in a local and quiet location within Piazza Savonarola. This allows students to enjoy the tranquility of the Piazza without all the noise of tourists. The Villa Rossa is about a 10 minute walk from the Duomo, which is basically the very center of Florence. Not to mention, it is a 5 minute walk to the closest train station, Campo Di Marte. Since Florence is such a small city, it is very easy to walk from place to place, and the Villa Rossa’s location is a great meeting point for friends, whatever the occasion may be.
There’s a Wide Range of Courses to Choose From
There is a wide range of courses offered at the Florence Center. Courses ranging from architecture, political science, and philosophy all the way to History of Art and Illustration are offered at the Villa Rossa. With Florence being such an antique city, a lot of the courses focus on the historical or artistic aspects of Italian culture. The Florence Center also offers courses in economics and international business, so students are really able to study a wide variety of topics during their time there. Students are also able to take courses at the local university, the University of Firenze. There, students can participate in courses offered in either English or Italian alongside local Italian students.
There is Always Something To Do
The Villa Rossa hosts activities for students and staff almost every day of the week, from special-guest lectures and aperitivo social events, to student mixers with local Italian students. These activities are held to help students get a better grasp of Italian culture, and really, who doesn’t love refreshing appetizers? There are also activities for students after classes end that students can sign up for. Whether you are interested in fashion, food, or architecture, the Florence Center has activities for all interests!
Written by Bailey Davis ’23, Maxwell School of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Syracuse Florence Center 2019