Experience FLY in Florence
Experience life and learning in Florence, Italy, where academics are enriched by centuries
of art, history and culture. Through the FLY program at Florence University of the
Arts, you’ll earn credits toward your Stony Brook degree while immersing yourself
in one of Italy’s most iconic cities.
Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers a wide variety of courses in the humanities, fine arts, social sciences, business and natural sciences. FUA has a highly qualified and dedicated international faculty, a large proportion of which is of Italian nationality, and an international student body. FUA offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, such as city walks, film viewings, and sports nights.
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Location |
Florence, Italy |
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Duration |
One Semester |
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Program Details |
Fall Semester: late September to mid-December |
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Application Deadline |
Fall Semester: May 15- Extended to June 10 |
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Language of Instruction |
English |
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Eligibility |
Newly admitted first semester SBU Freshman |
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Living Arrangements |
FUA student housing |
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Visa Requirements |
An entry visa may be required for non-EU citizens and may depend on your passport country of issuance. US Passport holders do not require a visa for this program. Students holding other passports should verify with the Italian Consulate. |
The FLY Italy program is open to students from most academic majors and disciplines!
Stony Brook University Academic Advisors will help students build their first semester
schedule from a list of approved courses to ensure degree progress begins on FLY.
Students will be registered both at Stony Brook University and FUA. The SBU FLY team will enroll students in the appropriate study abroad placeholder course (FSY) at Stony Brook. Students will work with the FUA Program Director to enroll in their selected courses at FUA.
Curriculum Options:
- Standard program: ISITIB165 Intensive Italian for 6 credits taken daily in Sessions II and III plus three additional lower-level courses taken on three different days
- Students who have already fulfilled beginning levels of Italian: Five lower-level classes distributed over four different days
- Students specially approved by SBU to take upper-level coursework: A portion of the FLY curriculum may be substituted by the upper-level options indicated here
Academic Policies
- Students should only enroll in the pre-approved courses.
- Students must maintain full-time status while abroad. (Equivalent to a minimum of 12 SBU credits and no more than 17 SBU credits each semester.)
- Grades earned during FLY will not calculate towards the student's cumulative GPA, but will appear on their transcript. At the end of the FLY program, students will need to submit their FUA transcript to the SBU FLY team for credit transfer.
- Students may not register for courses on a pass/fail basis.
- All participants will receive GLO and EXP+ credit in addition to requirements fulfilled by their coursework.
We are committed to ensuring you have the best possible experience during your FLY program! While at FUA, you are still a Seawolf, and our SBU and on-site staff have developed programs and events to build your connection to SBU and ensure a smooth transition when you return to main campus.
Orientation
Virtual FLY Orientation
Before your arrival to FUA campus, the SBU FLY team will provide a comprehensive orientation
on what to expect from your FLY program. Parents/guardians are welcome and encouraged
to attend! Topics covered include:
- Course Registration
- Safety, Health, and Wellness
- Health Insurance
- SBU Resources While Abroad
- Staying Connected to SBU
FUA Orientation
Once you arrive in Florence, our on-site team will welcome you to campus and instruct
you on your next steps:
- FUA Campus Tour
- Registration and Course Changes
- Student Resources at FUA
- Safety, Health, and Wellness
- The SBU Experience
Housing Options
All FLY Italy participants will be housed in shared rooms in apartments in the historic city center, within a 20-minute walk of a university facility. The apartments are each unique, but will include the following features: common living space with kitchen, multiple occupancy bedrooms, one bathroom for every four students, internet access, air conditioning, and a washing machine.
Student housing is within Florentine neighborhoods, therefore you will have local neighbors and become a member of your community.
Single rooms are available for an additional fee on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Students MUST reside in program-provided housing.
FUA Housing
Cultural Experiences
The FLY Team and local staff are preparing unique cultural activities and SBU experiences for FLY students at FUA. Check back for more details.
Red Hot Fridays
FLY is bringing this SBU tradition to FUA! Every Friday at SBU, students, faculty,
and staff can be seen wearing red around campus. FLY students are encouraged to wear
red or SBU logo gear to show your school spirit! Be sure to tag @sbustudyabroad on Instagram repping your school colors!
Fall 2025 activity schedule coming soon!
Tuition and fees for the FLY program will be billed directly in SOLAR as outlined
in the general program details. Students are also responsible for expenses associated with international travel
and living abroad, including airfare, housing, meals, books, and personal expenses.
FLY Italy Cost Sheet
* All costs subject to change at any time.
All FLY and SBU communication will be sent to your Stony Brook University email address. Check your SBU email account regularly for important communication!
Program Contact
FUA Resident Coordinator contact details will be provided after program orientation in early June.
SBU Contact
Mariam Isack
flyiap@stonybrook.edu
mariam.isack@stonybrook.edu
Emergency Contacts
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Phone Number |
Service |
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112 |
Emergency (Police, Ambulance, Fire) |
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118 |
Ambulance |
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115 |
Fire Department |
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113 |
Police |
Students Admitted to Other U.S. Institutions
Admitted elsewhere but hoping to start your college journey abroad this fall?
If you’ve been accepted to another U.S. college or university but are unsure whether you can begin in the U.S. this fall, Stony Brook’s Freshman Launch Year (FLY) program offers a unique alternative. Begin your first semester at one of Stony Brook’s global locations, earning transferable college credit in a dynamic international setting. These credits can be applied toward a Stony Brook degree through a simplified application process, or transferred to your original institution with an official Stony Brook transcript.
View step-by-step application guide
New Applicants to Stony Brook University
Missed the regular deadline but still hoping to start your college journey this fall?
If you didn’t apply to Stony Brook by the First Year deadlines (January 15 for Fall, November 1 for Spring), you still have an opportunity. Through our Freshman Launch Year (FLY) program, you can begin your college journey at one of Stony Brook’s global locations with a special application window. You’ll earn full academic credit while gaining international experience before transitioning to the main campus.
View step-by-step application guide
Admitted Students at Stony Brook
Admitted to Stony Brook but want to begin abroad this fall?
If you’ve already been offered admission to Stony Brook, you may choose to start your first semester through our Freshman Launch Year (FLY) program at one of Stony Brook’s global locations. You’ll earn full academic credit while gaining international experience before transitioning to the main campus.