SPRING 2010 SEMESTER IN

FLORENCE, ITALY

January 30 – April 30 2010

Why study in Florence?

Study abroad can be an enlightening, maturing and always a life-changing experience. As students live in and learn to understand a different culture, they are challenged to re-examine themselves, their attitudes and their values. Florence (Firenze), in the heart of Tuscany, offers an unparalleled opportunity to students of art, history and literature to explore a wealth of museums, churches and culture in this most walk able of cities. For many, it is the loveliest city in Italy. Situated on the banks of the Arno River, this city of half a million people has an immense wealth to offer the discerning visitor -from the architecture of Giotto and the painting of Botticelli and Leonardo Da Vinci to the Ponte Vecchio, the 14th-century bridge across the Arno lined with shops, jewelers, goldsmiths and silversmiths. People from all over the world visit Florence's museums and churches, but the city is more than just a constant reminder of art history. It is a busy city throbbing with Italian vitality, a city for young people with cafes, shops and cinemas. Whether reliving the renaissance, indulging in opera or feeling the passion of an Italian soccer match, Florence is an experience worthy of discovery.

Why choose this program?

The Contra College Community College District (Diablo Valley College, Contra Costa College and Los Medanos College) offers this unique program to enable students to study abroad while making normal progress toward their degree objectives, earning 12-15 fully transferable units in courses taught by community college faculty and local guest lecturers. This program is offered in conjunction with other local community colleges in partnership with the American Institute of Foreign Study (AIFS), which provides transportation, living accommodations, and a wide range of student and instructional support services, including an optional preprogram tour of Europe. Students need not be currently enrolled at one of the sponsoring colleges in order to participate. Units earned will appear on transcripts from these fully accredited community colleges. Students will be living in shared apartments, conveniently located in the central area of the city.

The Semester in Florence program is offered every Spring semester.

What is the Florence Program?

A campus for the Contra Costa Community College District in Florence, Italy. Students from the District's colleges (Contra Costa College, Diablo Valley College, San Ramon Valley Center and Los Medanos College) and other community members can take credit classes while spending a semester living and studying in Italy. The program, which is offered in partnership with the American Institute for Foreign Study (AIFS), takes place during the spring semester.

Who are the faculty?

Courses are taught by faculty from the four participating colleges and other partnership campuses, and carry academic credit from your school. The CCCCD courses are taught by Los Medanos Art History Professor Ken Alexander. You can get a lot of great information on the program and location by accessing Ken’s Florence Blog (see link above).

What are the benefits of a Semester Abroad?

It's a wonderful opportunity to enrich your personal and academic life in an unforgettable experience. Living and studying in another culture will broaden your appreciation and understanding of this complex and ever-changing (and shrinking) world. You will have the opportunity to learn Italian and gain knowledge about Italian (and European) life, history and culture in an environment that will make all you study and experience come to life. The knowledge you gain, friends you make and people you meet will last a lifetime.

Florence's Cultural Program

Included in the basic program price is a cultural component that includes a weekly program of extracurricular activities including day trips accompanied by professional guides.

What are the Program Requirements?

* Open to students over 18 who have earned at least 12 college units with a GPA of 2.25 or higher
* Low cost flights, living accommodations, and London travel pass
* Earn 12-15 units which are transferable for Bachelor's Degree credit
* Special British Life and Culture series with field trips
* Financial aid available to eligible students who apply early

How do I apply?

Additional information on all aspects of the Florence Semester program is available in a brochure which contains the application and required forms.

To request a brochure and application, contact:

Study Abroad Office
Diablo Valley College
321 Golf Club Road
Pleasant Hill, CA 94523

(925) 685-1230 Ext. 2735 or e-mail: studyabroad@dvc.edu