Monmouth students can spend the fall semester or summer session at Lorenzo de’ Medici (LdM) in Florence, Italy. Living in the Renaissance city can feel surreal, as many students describe studying in such a beautiful and historic place as a dream. LdM is committed to delivering a high-quality international learning experience, helping students advance in their formal educational paths, develop their creativity, realize their potential, and empower themselves to make an impact. An important part of LdM’s mission is encouraging students to actively engage in the learning process through unique, experiential courses focused on Italian life and culture.
As a small, private educational institution, LdM enrolls students from around the world to live and learn in Florence’s rich, multicultural environment. Classes are often experiential and take place in traditional classroom settings, but also in galleries, gardens, palaces, churches, and museums.
Monmouth in Florence Program Includes:
- On-site orientation includes language workshops, culture discussions, and daily walking tours
- Exclusive to Monmouth students
- Two to four additional orientation days in Florence before the LdM group orientation, including follow-up housing and program orientation with dinner
- Additional excursions, day trips, meals, and accommodations are included in the housing fee
- Airport pick-up in Florence and taxi from orientation accommodations to apartment
- Furnished apartment accommodations with linen and kitchen packs included
- Summer group: welcome dinner in Florence; Fall group: welcome dinner in Florence and one day trip during orientation
- AIG Travel Insurance covering the full program duration
- 24/7 emergency, on-site staff, and mental health and wellness support via counselors accessible anytime
Student Housing
Monmouth students live in apartments located around the city and within a short walk to campus.
Italian apartments, especially in the historic centers, are located in antique buildings and will differ from what students may be used to at home. Many are on the second floor or higher within buildings that often lack elevator access. Although LdM maintains a standard for all apartments, no two apartments are alike and may vary in appearance, style, configuration, lighting, size/number of bedrooms, size/features of common space, living areas, and kitchen.
LdM apartments are in different buildings across various parts of the Florence city center, all within walking distance of the school. Standard bedrooms are double occupancy, with two single beds in the same room within a shared apartment. Students may request a single room (single bed in one room within a shared apartment), but availability is limited, so placement in a double room is common. Please be advised: shared apartments are not mixed gender.
All apartments are non-smoking, fully furnished, and equipped with bed linen, towels, pots and pans, kitchen utensils, basic appliances, washing machine, TV, and Wi-Fi. Apartments do not have a phone. Air conditioning is only offered during the Summer II session and is included in the housing cost. The rental period runs from housing check-in day to housing check-out day.
Student Life
Students can participate in a wide range of events offered throughout the semester. These activities help students explore Florentine and Italian culture in a casual and engaging way while considering students’ interests. All events are open to every student. Below are examples of the activities offered:
- Artisanal Handicrafts
- Discover high-quality artisan workshops and historical shops, immersing yourself in an authentic Florentine bottega (workshop). You will meet Florentine maestri and observe their unique artisan skills and techniques.
- Food and Cooking
- If you love food and want to experience an important aspect of Italian culture, explore how traditional products are made, learn simple Italian recipes, and taste traditional dishes.
- Museum Visits, Theatre Performances
- Want to visit some Florentine museums and discover their secrets? Interested in enjoying a night at the opera? You will have multiple opportunities to experience music, dance, art, and theatre performances.
- Florence Photo Walks
- During the Florence photo walk, you will tour the city with an experienced photographer, learning new techniques while discovering hidden spots and fresh perspectives.
LdM is dedicated to helping students to develop their intellectual, spiritual, cultural, social, vocational, and physical abilities. The LdM clubs coordinator, in collaboration with academic advisors, organizes and promotes leadership, community development opportunities, and participation in a wide range of student clubs.
In-depth view of the Artistic, Academic programs and Advising support systems
