ISI Florence Semester Courses

Choose a Curricular Concentration program track, or undertake the General Studies Program, selecting three to four electives from a wide array of disciplines. All students are required to enroll in one Italian language course. 

Because there are so many ways to create a semester at ISI, we encourage you to work closely with your program advisor during the pre-departure period to determine a curricular focus that meets your goals and objectives.

  • Please review your courses with your academic or study abroad advisor to ensure they will transfer back to your home school and that you are following your home school’s policies.
  • Please be flexible – we can’t guarantee specific courses. If your participation in the program depends on a particular course, be sure to make a note on your online course form.

General Studies - Build Your Own Program

  • Students enroll in a minimum of 12 credits and a maximum of 17 credits.  General Studies course options are explained further here.
  • You may take a mix of courses from across all of the available disciplines to build your perfect semester. 
  • One Italian language course is required, and the courses are available from beginner through advanced. 
  • Optional Arcadia Internship: Complete an internship placement arranged by Arcadia that allows you to work virtually and earn academic credit alongside your ISI courses. See the Internship Placement Guide for information about placement possibilities, including organization locations throughout the world. 

Curricular Concentrations

Special Academic Options

  • Independent Research options are available for 3-6 credits as part of the General Studies Scholars program. This is independent work under the supervision of a faculty member that you’ll plan for prior to departure.
  • Community Engagement – internship and practicums for credit will get you out in the local Florentine community to build your career readiness skills for life post-graduation.
  • Global Leadership Program – develop and enhance leadership competencies by completing special activities under the guidance of a faculty mentor to earn a not-for-credit digital certificate from ISI.
  • Arcadia Internship Cornerstone Course  – You must enroll in the Internship Cornerstone Course if you select an Arcadia Internship placement.

    COURSE ID TITLE CREDITS SEMESTER SYLLABUS
    OVEI INPR 210 Work in Thought and Action 4 Fall/Spring PDF

Special Considerations

  • Students must take at least one Italian language course. Your Italian language course will be finalized after a placement test during orientation.
  • You cannot enroll in online courses: Arcadia University is unable to process credits of online courses offered at the ISI due to transcript & Title IV reporting constraints.

Choosing Your Courses

Refer to the ISI website for course choices and availability. Most courses use a textbook or a “reader,” a packet of information compiled by the professor. Books and readers will be available for purchase at the ISI or at local copy shops and bookstores. You will receive more information regarding locations and costs on arrival.

when completing your course preferences form:

  • Review all course information for the program carefully.
  • Be sure to include any required courses, including Italian Language.
  • Secure approval for at least 6 elective courses.
  • Please list courses in order of preference.

Enrollment Process

Official course registration will take place upon arrival. The online course form you submit to Arcadia prior to acceptance is not set in stone.

Miscellaneous Fees

Your course may require academic excursions and other activities that have additional fees associated which are not included in your program fee. Please be sure to consult the ISI course pages to learn if your courses have associated lab fees.


Grade Scale


Grade Scale for ISI Florence - AACRAO EDGE

The following information is vetted and provided by the American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) on the Electronic Database for Global Education (EDGE).

Percentage U.S. Equivalent Student Performance
93 - 100% A Excellent
90 - 92% A- Excellent
87 - 89% B+ Good
83 - 86% B Good
80 - 82% B- Good
77 - 79% C+ Average
73 - 76% C Average
70 - 72% C- Average
67 - 69% D+ Passing
63 - 66% D Passing
60-62% D- Passing
59% or less F Fail (no credit)
Intellectual property copyright AACRAO EDGE.