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Frequently Asked QuestionsEDUCATIONAL QUESTIONSPRACTICAL QUESTIONSHOUSING QUESTIONSHELPFUL WEB LINKSFor VISA information EDUCATIONAL QUESTIONSHow do I register? back to top Students enrolling directly through the LdM North American Office may send in the application via mail, fax, or email. Acceptance forms and registration information will follow the receipt of your application. Students enrolling though LdM affiliates should contact those institutions/providers directly for enrollment and registration procedures. Where is LdM located? back to top LdM has campuses located in Florence, Rome, Tuscania and Venice, Italy. The LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office is located in Austin, Texas. What is included in the Total Program Cost? back to top Tuition for one of the following: - 3 credit elective or 4 credit Italian for January intersession program - 12-16 credits for semester programs, including 3 Cities and ICTC programs - 3 credit elective or 4 credit Italian for summer programs - 12-16 credits per semester for academic year program Housing in double occupancy student apartment Utilities up to $75/month Student medical insurance and international assistance, unless otherwise stated 24 hour emergency line to advisors (health issues) Grade report from LdM and if necessary, a United States accredited university transcript from Marist College Welcome and Farewell reception Free mobile telephone or international SIM card Internet access (in LdM student apartments and campus WIFI) Pre-departure guide On-site orientation Student services including cultural and social events (some for additional fees) Special interest clubs (some require additional fees) On-campus library facilities Post-program evaluation Access to an LdM Advisor Revenue stamp and assistance in preparing documents for Permit of Stay Advice on acquiring a VISA For 3 Cities Program, group bus transfers from Tuscania-Rome and Rome-Florence or Rome-Venice. For specific information on costs, consult http://www.lorenzodemedici.org/dates_fees/. What additional costs can I expect? back to top Airfare Excursions Permit of Stay application fee and services through Eduitalia (more than 90 days stay) Declaration of Presence application fee and services through Eduitalia (less than 90 days stay) Books, lab and material fees, academic field trips Transportation in Italy Meals and laundry Phone service/calls $300 Housing Deposit (refundable) Some cultural events Housing between fall and spring semesters for AY students For specific information on costs, consult http://www.lorenzodemedici.org/dates_fees/. Does LdM offer Semester and Summer study abroad programs, Certificate or BA Degree programs? back to top LdM offers both Semester and Summer study abroad programs for college level students. LdM also offers Certificate programs, as well as a BA Degree program. All courses are taught in English with the exception of the Italian language courses which are offered in Italian. Students will take a placement exam upon arrival for all Italian language courses, unless the student is at the beginning level. Language courses are offered for the beginning level student to the advanced level student. The study abroad program offers courses from applied arts, sciences, liberal arts, communications and business disciplines. All courses are taught in English. Only the Italian language courses are taught in Italian. The Certificate program is a highly specialized two years program designed for students with academic and/or practical experience in their field seeking to broaden their formative experience by participating in selected artistic projects. Students will have an opportunity to participate in creative projects, commissioned by prestigious museums (for example, the Restoration department items have been received from the Uffizi Museum and the like) and renowned professionals and companies operating in the fields offered by the programs. No income is provided. Courses are recognized by various colleges, universities and institutes within the United States. The BA Degree program is a four-year degree program offered by Marist College and is mainly designed for international students. Transfer applicants with completed course work at foreign universities and US students with completed associates' degrees are encouraged to apply. Marist College is based in NY but offers this program as a satellite degree program through LdM. Upon completion of this program, students will receive a Bachelor's degree from Marist College. US students from four-year institutions are eligible only with the permission of Marist College. What are the requirements for the semester, intersession, and summer study abroad programs? back to top Students should have a minimum 2.80 overall GPA Students should be at least entering their sophomore year One academic letter of recommendation is required *Please contact the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office if you do not meet one of these criteria for additional information and instructions. What are the requirements for the Certificate program? back to top Students must have a minimum 2.80 overall GPA One academic letter of recommendation is required Students must have a solid background in one of the following areas of Restoration and Conservation, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design, Film, Archaeology, Theatre, Graphic Design, Photography, Museum Management, Culinary Arts. What are the requirements for the BA program? back to top Incoming Freshmen must have a minimum of an 87 High School average Transfer applicants from foreign universities must demonstrate TOEFL and possess a 2.80 overall university GPA or its equivalent Students must not be currently enrolled in a United States University. Students must present their SAT or ACT scores. Students should have a composite SAT score over 1650 or ACT score over 24. Students must have completed 17 units, of which 15 must be in academic subjects. Transfer admissions are competitive for US students enrolled in four-year universities or colleges. If you are enrolled in a four year institution in the US, please contact the Marist College admissions office or the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office. What makes LdM Special? back to top Lorenzo de Medici (LdM) started its life in 1973. During these years, we have made the maximum effort to enforce the quality of our academic standards and services. Now we offer a wide range of high-quality academic programs to suit the needs of a large and diverse student population coming from all over the world. LdM is one of the largest and leading study abroad Institutions with its centers in Florence, Rome and Tuscania. LdM has established prestigious collaborations with Italian and International universities and currently has a working faculty of approximately 150 dedicated and qualified instructors from Italy and the world. Course offerings cover a wide range of subjects from anthropology to political science and from business to mathematics. LdM supplements traditional teaching methods by using the unrivalled opportunities that Florence, Rome and Tuscania offer for investigating the history and culture of Italy and Europe. Art programs stimulate and develop the individual creativity. LdM prides itself on its years of experience of offering vocationally oriented courses in Fashion, Archeology, Studio Arts, Film and Communication, Restoration, Performing Arts, Graphic Design, Culinary Arts and Allied subjects. As a result of our environment and teaching methodology, LdM students thrive and find that they are able to succeed in the workplace. How is LdM accredited? back to top LdM is registered and authorized in Italy by the Ministry of Education, University and Research (decree dated December 2, 1989), to operate schools in Florence (Prot.n.: 3768/C.20), Rome (Prot.n.: 316) and Tuscania (Prot.n.: 1013/P). (Ministero dell'Istruzione, dell'Universitý e della Ricerca [MIUR] ) Lorenzo de'Medici has been approved by the US Middle States Commission on Higher Education as a Branch Campus of Marist College, with particular note on the quality of LdM facilities and academic environment. The School holds memberships in the Association of Schools Teaching Italian as a Second Language (ASILS), the College Consortium of International Studies (CCIS), the European Association for International Education (EAIE), the EduItalia Consortium (EDUITALIA), the European League of Institutes of the Arts (ELIA), FEDE (Federation of European Schools), FIYTO (Federation of International Youth Travel Organizations), and WYSE (World Youth Student & Educational Travel). What additional activities does LdM offer? back to top LdM provides its students with exceptional recreational opportunities within and beyond the cities of Florence, Rome and Tuscania. These include student clubs, guided visits to historic sites, social activities (for example, dinners at characteristic local restaurants, allowing students to sample Italy's exceptional cuisine), seasonal festivals, special events and conferences, field trips, theatre, concerts, and much more. (Some of these events require additional fees paid by the students) What are the language courses like and are there any opportunities to practice Italian language skills at LdM? back to top The language methodology used at LdM is action oriented and aims at a harmonious development of the main linguistic skills. The small number of students per class and the varied teaching techniques enable each student to be an active participant in the learning process. The language is always presented in context, allowing the student to put what has been studied into practice immediately. In each course, the main language skills -- listening, speaking, reading and writing -- are developed gradually through a wide range of activities. During class, students will develop communication strategies, expand and use vocabulary, improve listening skills, work on grammar, and develop reading and writing skills. Speaking skills are practiced daily through varied teaching techniques (dramatization, role-play, oral presentations, and open discussions). These language patters will be taught within a cultural context that will help students become familiar with the most significant elements of Italian cultural life. The language department also helps students find Italian students interested in conversation exchange so that they can meet weekly and work on their language skills. Can I participate on multiple programs or multiple semesters? back to top Yes, students may participate on multiple programs at multiple sites during multiple semesters. You may also be interested in our new One Semester - Three Cities program where students study for approximately 1 month at each of our LdM campuses ... Tuscania, Rome, and Florence! Contact LdM Enrollment Services for additional details. Can I defer my admission to another term? back to top This determination will be made on a case by case basis. You must submit your request in writing to the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office. Depending on when it is submitted, the circumstances behind the submission and if housing has already been secured, will determine the viability of deferring. How do I extend my stay while in Italy? back to top You must contact your home college or university first to make sure that you will be allowed to extend your stay. Next, you must request to extend your stay through the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office or through the LdM office in Italy. You may need to return to the U S to renew your study VISA. You should contact the Consulate or the Embassy in order to determine how you should proceed. When will my classes be held? back to top Most courses are held Monday through Thursday with a few Fridays being reserved for mandatory make up classes. Please consult the Academic Calendar for further details. What happens if a class is closed or if there is a time conflict? back to top LdM application procedures require you to choose alternate courses. In case any of the courses originally selected are not available, you will automatically be enrolled in an alternative course that you listed and/or be moved to a different section in order to level course enrollment. Can I change my mind about my course selection once I arrive? back to top Once course selections have been made, (including alternatives) only one course can be changed upon arrival in your host city depending on course availability. This variation to the course schedule can be done only once and only during the FIRST WEEK of classes and before Final Registration. Section changes are considered course changes. Once within your host city, you should see your advisor for the appropriate form in case you need to add/drop a course. Once this form has been filled out and signed, it must be returned to your advisor, who will then receive final approval from the Registrar. As soon as classes start, and if you drop one or more classes, you will not be entitled to a refund. Can I take a course pass/fail or audit a course? back to top No, LdM does not offer courses on a Pass/Fail basis. Auditing is not permitted. What happens if I withdraw from a class after the add/drop period? back to top After the first week of the semester, or after orientation for summer sessions and the January intersession, students will be able to drop a course but will receive a "W" on their grade report and/or transcript for each course that is dropped. After 9 weeks from the beginning of the semester programs, and after the second week of classes for the summer and intersession students, students will receive a W/F grade on their grade report and/or transcript for each course dropped. Can I get course descriptions and syllabi? back to top Yes, all course descriptions are available here on the LdM North American website within each city section. Course syllabi are available upon request. Please contact the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office at info@lorenzodemedici.org to request one. Does LdM accept scholarships offered through students home universities? back to top LdM will accept all forms of grants and scholarships from the students' home institutions. Please check with your home institution about transferability of funding sources. We will do everything possible to facilitate the use of the students' scholarships and grants including signing consortium agreements (agreements between institutions so that scholarship money can travel) with the students' home universities. There are also specific loans and grants available for study abroad. Students should inquire at their home institution study abroad offices. Can I get a price breakdown for my program? back to top Yes, LdM can provide you with a price breakdown for financial aid which includes the cost of tuition, housing, medical insurance, etc. Are there additional fees once I arrive in Florence? back to top Yes, there are some additional fees such as textbooks, class field trip costs, lab fees (including studio arts classes) and possible excursion and cultural visit costs (if students decide to participate on these visits). Does LdM grant scholarships? back to top LdM does offer scholarships that are merit and need based. For an application, please inquire at the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office in Texas. How can I receive U S credit for my study abroad program? back to top Students enrolled at affiliate institutions who enroll directly through their home institution will receive US credit via their home institution. Some LdM affiliate programs accept outside students and it is possible to receive a US credit through that affiliate program. Students enrolling through LdM Student Services + Academic Relations have the option to receive either the Lorenzo de' Medici transcript or the Marist College US transcript for their coursework/transfer of credit. Students seeking transfer of credit must confirm the transcript requirement with their home institution according to the guidelines stated in the LdM Transcript Request Form. Students may not change the transcript type once classes have begun. Furthermore, Marist College cannot issue a transcript retroactively for a student who originally requested the LdM transcript for his/her studies. What types of cultural activities are included in the programs? back to top There are several activities offered throughout the semesters. Activities include Italian movie nights, guided tours to the most important museums and landmarks of Florence, Rome and Tuscania, pizza night, lectures on Italian culture, soccer games, day trips to nearby towns, etc. (Students will have to pay an additional fee for some of the activities). What type of students computers are available for word processing and accessing the internet while in my host city? back to top All locations have a student center that is fully equipped with PC's available for word processing. All facilities also offer computers with internet access and in Florence; wireless internet service is available as well. All computer and internet access is free of charge. If I don't speak Italian, can I still attend an LdM program? back to top Students can absolutely attend an LdM program if they do not speak Italian. It is recommended that the students take Italian while at LdM but all courses are offered in English. The only courses offered in Italian are the Italian language courses. Does it matter what my major is and what can I study while at LdM? back to top LdM has received tens of thousands of students over its 30 year history and these students have been from all disciplines including, business, art, medical, communications, and law to name a few. LdM's curriculum is one of the most diverse in Italy. It has one of the largest base of courses offered in its country. What happens if I miss class? back to top Attendance is mandatory for all courses. Students who stop attending one or more courses without having formally dropped them will receive an "F" in those courses. Students who miss 20% of the course contact hours will have their final grade lowered by one full letter grade. Students who miss more than 20% of the course contact hours will not receive credit for the course/s that have been missed and their final grade/s will be "F"(s). How do I get a transcript once I have finished my study program? back to top Prior to departure, you will complete a transcript information sheet through the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office. Upon your return to the United States, your official grade report/transcript should be sent to your home institution within 4-6 weeks. All program fees must be paid in full in order for your transcript to be released. Do you offer a payment plan? back to top Yes, LdM offers students a payment plan option. There is a fee associated with this plan and you must be paid in full prior to departure. Please contact the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office in Texas for additional details. PRACTICAL QUESTIONSAm I allowed to have a part-time job while studying? back to top With your Student Visa and "Permit to Stay," you are allowed to work a maximum of 20 hours per week. However, LdM strongly advises students to focus on studying and not on working. The LdM academic program is demanding and includes homework assignments, readings, studio and lab assignments, and exams). When do I need to arrive in Italy? back to top Students need to arrive on the official housing move in dates within each city. This is usually the day before classes and the on-site orientation begins. What happens if I arrive late or early? back to top If you arrive early, you will need to secure a hotel or hostel for your stay. Contact the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office for additional information and suggestions for hotels, etc. If you arrive late, proceed to your study city. You must contact either the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office or the LdM office in Italy to inform them of your arrival time if you are arriving late. If you are delayed and will be arriving in the middle of the night, please stay in a hotel and contact LdM-Italy the following morning. What do I need to do prior to departing the U S? back to top Once you have been accepted into the program, you should apply for your Passport purchase your airplane ticket and then apply for your VISA. Once you have sent your VISA application to the Consulate, you should begin to prepare for your departure. This includes reviewing the options for obtaining a Eurail Pass, International I.D. card, Bank card (Pulse card), etc. We will send you the LdM pre-departure checklist and information you will need when you arrive in Florence, Rome or Tuscania. This information will help you to remember what you need to do, what you need to pack and most importantly how to prepare for how you will feel once you arrive in Italy. How does the mobile phone work? back to top With their acceptance materials, LdM students will receive additional information regarding their free mobile phone rental contracted through Platform 3000. Students will register online to receive their phone (and corresponding number) either prior to their departure from their home country or at orientation in Italy. Students may be responsible for shipping fees depending on location and/or registration date. How do I apply for my VISA to enter into Italy? back to top Students should expect that the process will take anywhere from 4-8 weeks from the time the application is submitted to the Italian Consulate so please apply just as soon as you have been accepted to the program. Student VISA procedures are complex and all regulations must be followed. If you are going to go in person to the Consulate in your permanent address region, you will need to make sure that you have ALL of the proper documentation with you. You must check with the Consulate in your permanent home address region for their requirements as requirements often vary from Consulate to Consulate. Here is what you will need to request when you initially contact the Consulate: First, you must request a student VISA application from the Italian Consulate in your permanent address area. Please contact the LdM North American Enrollment Services + Academic Relations Office for information regarding the Consulate for your area. Second, students must complete the VISA application and gather all necessary documents that will need to accompany the application, such as a letter of financial guarantee, your Passport, etc. It is very important that you supply all necessary documents with the application. Third, students must review their application for accuracy and have all questions answered prior to submitting the application. An inaccurate application, can take an extra 4-8 weeks to have reviewed! Students need to apply for a Multiple entry VISA! Fourth, submit your application on time. Helpful VISA websites: www.esteri.it/eng/2_11_6.asp?chr=S (look under Stati Uniti) www.esteri.it/visti/index_eng.asp When should I make my travel arrangements? back to top Students are responsible for their own travel. You should plan to arrive on the official housing move in date and depart on the official housing date of departure. There are several student agencies you can check with and other sites on the internet such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. What should I pack? back to top Additional information will be given you the students upon acceptance to the program. But, students should not over-pack; they should pack as light as possible. If you would like to bring your laptop, please make sure that you bring the proper adaptor and current converter. Computers and internet access is available at all LdM locations in Italy. Hairdryers and other appliances can be purchased once you arrive into Italy. Can I store my stuff prior or after the program if I would like to travel? back to top Students are responsible for their luggage. If they need to store anything, they must locate storage on their own. Luggage cannot be stored at LdM or your student apartment. What do I need to do for money while I am in Italy? back to top The Italian unit of currency is the EURO. Bank notes come in 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 EURO denominations. Most banks have their own money exchange window. They generally offer the best exchange rates but also charge a commission. Many independent, non-bank exchange offices do not charge a commission, but offer lower rates of exchange. Banks are open Monday through Friday from 8:20 to 1:20 and again from around 2:45 to 3:45. They are closed Saturdays and Sundays. Students should have many ways to access money while in Italy. They should bring an ATM card, traveler's checks and a bit of converted money with them. Most students find that ATM cards are the best way to access cash. A credit card should also be brought to Italy. What is the average cost of living in Italy? back to top This is an extremely difficult question to answer as students' preferences vary greatly. Students who made it on a shoestring budget may have spent between $3,000-$4,000 per semester; while a lavish budget can be $6,000-$8,000 per semester. It depends on you and your specific needs/wants. At the time of your VISA application, your Consulate will identify a financial support minimum. In determining your potential expenses for the semester, you should calculate your expenses on campus (i.e. books, entertainment, meals, etc), while factoring in travel expenses, an emergency fund, and other excursions and supplies. The following is the result of a little research we carried out about approximate everyday expenses in Italy for an average student (Be sure to account for the exchange rate when planning your budget!): Supermarket: approximately 50 Euros/week Buses: 1 ticket costs 1.20 Euro and lasts for 1 hour from the time it is validated. You can purchase a 25 day pass for 22 Euros Taxis: about 30Euros/month-depending on use Trains: about 80-100 Euros/month-depending on your travel Pizza and a drink: between 8-20 Euros Dinner in a restaurant: between 15- 35Euros Public Laundry: wash 3.50Euros dry 3.50Euros Internet point: 10 minutes costs 1 Euro, 30 minutes costs 2.50 Euros, 1 hour costs 3 Euros, 24 hours costs 20 Euros, Weekly subscription 20 Euros, monthly subscription costs 75-80 Euros HOUSING QUESTIONSWhat do I need to do in order to secure housing through LdM? back to top You need to indicate on your application that you would like to secure housing through LdM. You will submit the Housing Selection Form upon acceptance to the Program. See Housing Information on the Downloads section for more information. If you select the student apartment option, you will also submit the required housing deposit of $300 with your Housing Selection Form. The housing deposit will be returned to you upon completion of the program and once all damage fees and program fees have been collected (usually within 30-60 days upon your return to the United States). What kind of accommodations will be available for me while I am in Italy? back to top At each of our sites, most students choose to live in apartments with other LdM students, as they are the most affordable and closest option to campus. Most of the apartments are just a 5-20 minute walk or short bus ride from LdM. The student apartments are usually composed of 2-4 bedrooms, a bathroom/s, a kitchen and a living room. Students are placed in double occupancy rooms and all apartments are furnished with bedding, towels, furniture and cooking utensils. Student beds are twin size beds that are approximately 35" x 47". Most apartments have washing machines, and hanging clothes to dry is more common than dryers in Italy. Students may select a single room for a supplemental fee; however, there are a limited number of single rooms available, and assignments are made on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information and other housing options, please refer to the Housing Information on the Downloads section. Can I choose my roommate? back to top Absolutely, students can specify his/her roommate requests on the Housing Selection Form. When can I move into my apartment? back to top Students will be allowed to move into their assigned apartment on the official housing move-in date (normally the day before classes begin). Check-out will be the day after courses end. When will I receive my accommodation address? back to top The student's housing assignment will be provided prior to the student's departure (usually 2 weeks prior to program start via email) and only after LdM has received the appropriate program payment/s or financial aid documentation. How do I receive mail? back to top We recommend that family and friends send regular letters via the U S Postal Service. Any packages can be sent via any of the shipping services or the U S Postal Service. We recommend that the packages state "For Personal Use Only - No Commercial Value" on them so that additional VAT is not charged. You should have your family and friends address your letters and packages as follows: For Florence: (Student Name) C/O Lorenzo de' Medici Via Del Melarancio, 6/r 50123 Firenze, ITALIA For Tuscania: (Student Name) C/O Lorenzo de' Medici Largo della Rocca, 7 01017 Tuscania (VT), ITALIA For Rome: (Student Name) C/O Lorenzo de' Medici Via XX Settembre, 4 00187 Roma, ITALIA |
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