Summer in the Italian Riviera (in English) - ISEP Direct
PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS
• Enjoy your summer on the sun-drenched Italian coast in La Spezia, the gateway to the colorful villages of Cinque Terre. Start your mornings with a cappuccino, walk past pastel facades on your way to class, and end your evenings strolling along the harbor.
• Earn 3-6 credits taking English-taught courses in business, Italian language, cultural studies, visual arts, and more. Each course includes 45 contact hours and structured independent work over the session.
• Spend three- or six-weeks on FUA’s newest campus that combines the breathtaking beauty of the rugged Ligurian coastline with strong student support, hands-on academics, and an authentic taste of Italian life.
LIFE ABROAD
A city rich with culture and history, La Spezia is easy to explore by foot, bus, bike share, or boat. Sip espresso at one of the many cafes before class, and in the evening, catch a train to the famous Cinque Terre, where you can dine seaside, stroll through the vineyards, or simply watch the sunset from the beach.
Experience & Cultural Engagement
Begin with a Cultural Introduction to Italy by the Educational Field Learning (EFL) team orientation who will assist you with any orientations questions you might have. Study subjects ranging from Italian culture and visual arts to hospitality and business, then engage with the city through coordinated activities and guided exploration of local landmarks. The university further supports your experience through Educational Field Learning, including an immersive, structured visit to Genoa’s UNESCO-listed old town.
Live & Dine
Enjoy living in FUA’s modern and newly built off-campus apartments, located within a 35-minute walk to class and the city’s historic center. Connect with new friends in shared apartments that house up to 10 students and include a shared kitchen, laundry facilities, and air conditioning.
For meals, you can make use of your apartment's well-equipped kitchen after shopping for groceries at Piazza del Mercato, La Spezia’s daily market, where you can get fresh seafood, regional produce, and Ligurian specialties. If you prefer not to cook, drop into a neighborhood osteria to sample traditional dishes like testaroli al pesto, stuffed anchovies, or savory chickpea farinata, and don’t miss seasonal gelato flavors such as fig, lemon, or honey.
Explore the Italian Riviera
Reach Cinque Terre’s five cliffside villages in 10-20 minutes by train, or spend the afternoon in Portovenere, Lerici, or along the Apuan Alps. La Spezia serves as the perfect base to travel throughout northern Italy and Europe, with several locations — including Rome, Milan, Venice, Nice, and Geneva — accessible by train.
What We Love About La Spezia
We love that you can get a true taste of Italian culture near some of Italy’s most picturesque sites while taking interesting courses connected to the economic and cultural heart of this fascinating port city.
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (3 Weeks)
See ISEP Direct budget and estimated expenses (6 Weeks)
Course Description
This summer program in the Italian Riviera specializes in academic courses that highlight the local culture of La Spezia and Cinque Terre with additional courses in Fashion Marketing, Food and Wine Studies, and Psychology, all taught entirely in English. To truly immerse yourself in the local culture, we highly recommend enrolling in one of the many Italian language courses, such as Italian Language for Beginners or Intensive Italian; more advanced students can also improve their language skills.
Credits Earned
Students who complete the program in good standing can expect to earn 3-6 U.S. credits, depending on the Summer Session selected. Most courses are worth three credits each.
If you use financial aid, please speak with a qualified financial aid advisor to understand your academic obligations and the requirements for using financial aid.
Summer Session I (Courses span 3 weeks)
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Supply Chain and Operations Management |
Introduction to Fashion Marketing |
Travel Writing |
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Italian Language Beginner |
Food, Wine, and the City: Riviera Neighborhood Walks |
Riviera Sketchbook |
Field Learning: Genova |
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Summer Session II (Courses span 3 weeks)
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International Trade |
International Marketing |
Social Psychology |
Journal Writing Walks |
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Italian Language Intermediate I |
Exploration of Wine Culture in Italy |
Food, Wine, and the City: Riviera Neighborhood Walks |
Riviera Villas and Gardens Walks |
Summer Session Courses (Courses span 6 weeks)
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Supply Chain and Operations Management |
International Trade |
Introduction to Fashion Marketing |
Fashion Merchandising |
International Marketing |
Field Learning: Genova |
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Culture Shock: Cross Cultural Psychology |
Social Psychology |
Riviera Villas and Gardens Walks |
Art, Food, Fashion, and Wine: Creative Advertising of Italian Destinations |
Journal Writing Walks |
Travel Writing |
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Italian Language Beginner |
Intensive Italian For Six Credits (Beginner) |
Italian Language Intermediate I |
Riviera Sketchbook |
Exploration of Wine Culture in Italy |
Food, Wine, and the City: Riviera Neighborhood Walks |
For detailed instructions on how to search for all available courses, please click on the "other academic conditions" dropdown link below.
Academics
Other Academic Conditions
PROGRAM DATES
This is a 3 or 6-week program.
NOTE: Arrival is always on a Monday and Last day of housing is always on a Sunday.
Sample Summer Calendar 2026
Summer Intensive Session A (6-Week Session)
- Mon May 18 - Students arrive
- Tue May 19 – Orientation
- Wed May 20 - Classes start
- Thu Jun 25 - Classes end
- Fri Jun 26 - Housing check-out (by 10am)
Intensive Session I (3-Week Session)
- Mon May 18 - Students arrive
- Tue May 19 – Orientation
- Wed May 20 - Classes start
- Thu Jun 04 - Classes end
- Fri Jun 05 - Housing check-out (by 10am)
Intensive Session II (3-Week Session)
- Mon Jun 08 - Students arrive
- Tue Jun 09 – Orientation
- Wed Jun 10 - Classes start
- Thu Jun 25 - Classes end
- Fri Jun 26 - Housing check-out (by 10am)
COURSE SEARCH
1. Using the link under Website for Course availability, select 2025-2026 to search for Summer 2026 courses.
2. Then, in the Session Drop down menu, select the appropriate term (Summer) Session I 3 Week, Session II 3 week, or Session A 6 week Intensive Semester.
- Session I and Session II courses run for exactly 3 weeks each.
- Summer Session A courses will span across all 6 weeks.
- Students should only select and apply to one summer session from the three sessions offered. It is not possible to enroll in Session I and Session II. Students wishing to stay in Florence for 6 weeks should enroll in Summer Session A.
3. Under "Program Selection" select "5Terre Riviera-La Spezia"
4. Courses are listed by Department
5. Clicking on the course title will bring up the course description
CREDIT LOAD
The ISEP program fee covers up to 3 credits for Session I or Session II and up to 6 credits for Summer Session A at FUA. Any fees associated with taking more than 3 or 6 credits (in the respective term) are the responsibility of the student. Additional fees will be billed by FUA directly. Please message your ISEP Student Services Officer to inquire about the extra cost and process.
PASSPORT: All students must have a valid passport to participate in this program. If you do not have a valid passport, we suggest you start the application process as soon as possible.
VISA/RESIDENCE PERMIT: As the Summer program lasts less than 90 days from start to finish, US citizens will not be required to obtain a visa to participate. Students of other nationalities should check to see if a visa is necessary to participate.
Semester & Prices (based on your filters)
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