Signing up for a semester abroad with us means choosing from three distinct (all incredible) locations: Florence, Italy; Fukuoka, Japan; or Lima, Peru. 

These are places we know and love—places where we have built community and nurtured relationships so that you can have a truly authentic experience, connect with locals, and be immersed in the culture. Each of these places has a different language along with its own distinctive culture, traditions, landscapes, food, and so many adventures waiting to be had.

Europe? Asia? South America? If it seems impossible to choose just one, we can relate! Our handy guide below can help you decide.   

FLORENCE, ITALY

Imagine yourself in Florence, the elegant “City of the Renaissance,” synonymous with art, architecture, beauty, fashion, and creativity. You’ll casually walk past the iconic Duomo, stroll along the River Arno and across the medieval Ponte Vecchio bridge, spot the street art that adds a creative edge to this historic city, spend long afternoons people-watching with friends at outdoor cafes, peer into leather workshops of local craftspeople, eat your fill of pasta and gelato, be brave and finally sample a lampredotto panino (because Florence) and catch spend endless nights catching spectacular sunsets over the city from the famous Piazzale Michelangelo.

3 FUN FACTS ABOUT FLORENCE

• Florence is one of Europe's most walkable cities, making it an eco-friendly place for those who value sustainable living. Locals also love bikes and electric scooters to help them get around.

• If you’re into fashion, Florence will inspire you and is a wonderful city for people watching. They even host one of the world’s most important men’s wear events, Pitti Uomo.

• Fascinated by history? Florence itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, meaning the entire city is protected for its cultural and historical significance! 

PLUS SOME BASIC DETAILS:

Average temperatures:
Winter (Dec–Feb): 35°F–55°F
Spring (Mar–May): 50°F–70°F
Summer (Jun–Aug): 70°F–90°F
Fall (Sep–Nov): 55°F–75°F;
Population: Approximately 380,000
Currency: Euro (EUR)
Official language: Italian

AND A FEW THINGS YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

Host institution: Florence University of the Arts (FUA)
Language of Instruction: English
Semesters available: Fall, Spring, Full Year
Housing: A shared room in a fully furnished apartment or with a hand-matched host family
Application requirements: 2.75 GPA
Program excursions & highlights: You’ll enjoy an included 3-day long weekend to Italy’s Northwest to explore Turin, Langhe, and the Alps, plus have access to some incredible course options that include internships, field learning, and hands-on experience in business, art, fashion, cooking, and more.

FLORENCE COULD BE THE STUDY ABROAD DESTINATION FOR YOU IF YOU…

...are interested in art, fashion, and historic architecture.
...think a perfect meal involves pizza or pasta (and finishes with gelato!).
...want to be in a small walkable city that is easy to navigate.
...think studying art or design surrounded by the works of Michelangelo and Da Vinci sounds like a dream.
...adore shopping in street markets, for everything from veggies to vintage to local crafts to flowers.
…would have fun donning an apron and learning to make fresh pasta or a tiramisu from scratch.
...have some beginner Italian language skills and/or a willingness to learn.
...would love to embrace a slower lifestyle and enjoy la dolce vita.
...can picture yourself getting lost in hidden alleyways and stumbling on creative street art or underground galleries.
...would love a great base from which to explore more of Europe.

FUKUOKA, JAPAN

Imagine yourself in Fukuoka, a city of culture where ancient Japanese traditions meet the intricacies of modern life. You'll feel a sense of serenity as you wander through ancient temples and stop to reflect in zen gardens, smile at quirky anime merch in the busy shopping areas, relax (or study!) on sandy beaches, zip up to the top of Fukuoka Tower for the highest viewpoint in town, dig into some of the best street food you’ve ever tasted in the cozy yatai food stalls that line the streets at night, and perhaps even trek up nearby Mount Hōman for a panoramic view over the city and the lush green landscape surrounding it. 

3 FUN FACTS ABOUT FUKUOKA:

• One of Japan’s fastest-growing tech cities, this is a great place for future entrepreneurs. New start-ups are popping up all the time and local tech festivals are perfect for curious and innovative creatives.

• Love seeing photos of cherry blossoms? If you’re abroad in the spring, it’s sakura season, and you’ll be in the thick of it. Head to Maizuru Park for an incredible place to experience the world-famous blooms.

• Fukuoka is a hotspot for fans of anime, manga, and Japanese pop culture. If this is you, you’ll be thrilled to find stores, like Mandarake or Animate Fukuoka, that are packed with rare collectibles as well as themed cafes and cosplay events. There’s even the Kitakyushu Pop Culture Festival for true enthusiasts.

PLUS SOME BASIC USEFUL DETAILS:

Average temperatures:
Winter (Dec–Feb): 35°F–55°F
Spring (Mar–May): 50°F–70°F
Summer (Jun–Aug): 75°F–90°F
Fall (Sep–Nov): 60°F–75°F
Population: Approximately 1.6 million
Currency: Japanese Yen (JPY)
Official language: Japanese

AND A FEW THINGS YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

Host institution: Seinan Gakuin University
Language of Instruction: English
Semesters available: Fall, Spring, Full Year
Housing: On-campus dorms set up in suites (with private rooms that connect to a shared recreation and kitchen space) or off-campus apartments
Application requirements: GPA 3.0
Program excursions & highlights: You’ll enjoy a 3-day orientation at a ryokan with a view of Mt. Fuji, a weekend excursion to Mount Koya, and some regional day trips. You’ll even be partnered with a Japanese buddy at the university to make you feel more at home.

FUKUOKA COULD BE THE STUDY ABROAD DESTINATION FOR YOU IF YOU…

...want both traditional and modern Japanese culture.
...want city vibes, but in the laid-back style of Fukuoka that also includes mountains and beaches without the chaos of the megacities.
...are great with chopsticks, love noodles and seafood, and the idea of visiting street food stalls at night excites you.
...have some beginner Japanese language skills and/or a willingness to learn.
...find yourself drawn to the creative world of tech, start-ups, and entrepreneurship.
…are curious about the unique world of Japanese fashion, from streetwear to indie designers.
..are intrigued by Japan's traditional tea ceremonies, shrines, and Zen gardens.
...think experiencing cherry blossom season IRL sounds magical.
…consider yourself an anime, manga, or Japanese pop culture enthusiast, and can’t wait to hunt for rare anime merch.
...would love a great base from which to explore more of Asia.

LIMA, PERU 

Imagine yourself in Lima, the lively and exciting coastal capital of Peru, where vibrant street art mingles with colonial architecture telling stories of the present and the past. You’ll meander along the cliffs of Miraflores with epic views over the Pacific Ocean, wander through the historic city center discovering narrow streets and grand plazas, eat fresh ceviche and fascinating fusion dishes that blend flavors from across the globe, find inspiration in art galleries, pop into local markets for handmade textiles and artisanal treats, and make weekend plans to venture into the Amazon rainforest, trek through the Andes, or explore the mysteries of the Incan ruins in the Sacred Valley.

3 FUN FACTS ABOUT LIMA

• Lima has a huge and growing skateboarding culture! If you’re into skateboarding, you’ll find some amazing skate parks like the one in Miraflores where you can look out over the ocean. Surfing is also huge here!

• If you’re into healthy eating, Lima is a great spot for superfoods which have been part of Peruvian culture for centuries. Look for foods like quinoa, maca, and lacuma.

• Music fan? Lima has some of Latin America’s best festivals like Selvámonos and Festival Vivo x el Rock, where you can hear everything from EDM to traditional Andean music.

PLUS SOME BASIC USEFUL DETAILS:

Average temperatures:
Summer (Dec–Mar): 70°F–85°F;
Fall (Apr–May): 60°F–75°F,
Winter (Jun–Sep): 55°F–65°F,
Spring (Oct–Nov): 65°F–80°F
Population: Approximately 10 million
Currency: Peruvian Sol (PEN)
Official language: Spanish

AND A FEW THINGS YOU’LL NEED TO KNOW ABOUT OUR PROGRAM:

Host institution: Pontificia Universidad Catolica del Peru (PUCP)
Language of Instruction: Spanish
Semesters available: Fall, Spring, Full Year
Housing: With a hand-matched host family
Application requirements: GPA 2.5 + Intermediate Spanish
Program excursions & highlights: You’ll enjoy an included excursion to Cusco and visit each of Peru’s major regions—the rainforest, the coast, and the mountains, plus you’ll be able to participate in a volunteer and service-learning opportunity.

LIMA COULD BE THE STUDY ABROAD DESTINATION FOR YOU IF YOU…

...love the great outdoors, the ocean, jungle, and mountains.
...are a foodie interested in Lima’s fusion of indigenous, Asian and European flavors.
...want Lima’s urban energy, diversity, and historical charm.
...going for a morning walk or run with views over the Pacific Ocean sounds incredible.
...would love to attend live music festivals in a place where the local scene is diverse and exciting.
...you are a skateboarding or surfing enthusiast and enjoy other outdoor sports like hiking, cycling, or kayaking.
...want to explore Lima’s vibrant street art scene.
...have an intermediate Spanish language level and a willingness to continue learning.
...are looking for affordability, warmth and community vibes.
...would love a base from which to explore more of South America. 

If you’re still stuck on which is the best destination for you (because FOMO is real!), reach out and we’ll help you make the right decision. (And hey, you can always study abroad twice!).