Internships in Florence: Student Life

Richmond Study Center

Located in the Palazzo Michelozzi, a 16th century palace between the Arno river and the Pitti Palace, the Richmond Study Center is a few minutes walk from the Ponte Vecchio, Piazza della Signoria, the Uffizi Gallery, the duomo and many of the great Florentine museums. Via Maggio is a famous street for antique shops in the historic center of town. The Center occupies the piano nobile or first floor above ground level. With its elegant, gracious rooms, the Center serves as a convenient, attractive, welcoming environment for students and teachers. The Center in Florence is equipped with classrooms, offices, a library, a computer lab and a student lounge. Free wireless Internet is also available during office hours.

Social and cultural program

A portion of each student's fee goes toward providing a subsidized social and cultural program. The social coordinator plans a rich variety of activities to introduce students to life in Florence. Events may include: performances at local theaters, operas, soccer games, ballets, dinner with Italians, cooking classes, wine tastings and visit to local exhibitions. All events are subsidized so students can sample Florence's exciting cultural life at bargain prices.

To further enrich the Richmond experience, staff also organize day-trips to other parts of Italy, giving students the opportunity to marvel at the fascinating Five Lands, explore the beauty of Medieval Lucca, visit the Leaning Tower of Pisa or admire the worldwide famous "Last Supper" in Milan. These trips are also subsidized, offering an inexpensive way to see Italy. Professional guides escort each trip to enhance the educational experience.

Transportation

Florence has an extensive public busy system to get to and from classes and housing. Many sites throughout the center of the town are accessible by foot. Interns use public transportation to get to work if necessary. Students should budget approximately 40 euros per month for a bus pass.