A leading institution of innovation in study abroad education and student services in Florence and Cinque Terre, Italy.
Since 1997, Florence University of the Arts (FUA) has been innovating the study abroad experience in Italy and expanding the global horizons of international students. Initially founded with a focus on hospitality and food studies, FUA has since grown to feature two unique locations (Florence and Cinque Terre) and nine academic divisions covering diverse studies from the liberal arts to design studies and health sciences.
What sets FUA apart is a dynamic and US-style curriculum, and the mission’s goal to engage students as active participants in a learning environment that fosters continuous interaction with the local community and culture. With a commitment to personalized support, FUA ensures that students are fully equipped to thrive both academically and as global citizens deeply connected to the local Italian territory.
Florence University of the Arts promotes cultural integration through experiential learning that blends academic study with active engagement in the local community. Founded in a city shaped by ideas and innovation, FUA offers rigorous academic programs that develop curious, analytical students with a strong understanding of historical foundations and their relevance today.
The University encourages students to transform learning and cultural experience into practical and creative tools that contribute to both their fields of study and Florence’s cultural landscape. With high-quality academic and professional facilities designed to inspire creativity and growth, FUA extends learning beyond the classroom by fostering meaningful connections with the city’s multicultural communities and creative networks.
| Vision |
An American-style, community-centered education in Florence that brings together disciplines, cultures, and perspectives. FUA offers flexible, multidisciplinary academic pathways and encourages students to engage with the city both academically and socially. Through coursework and hands-on, service-based experiences, students connect with Florence’s history while actively participating in its contemporary life. The goal is for students to leave with a genuine, nuanced understanding of Florence and Italy-shaped by real cultural immersion and experiences that have a lasting impact. |
| Values |
A diverse and engaging academic curriculum taught by an international faculty across all FUA schools and disciplines. |
A learning model that combines lectures, workshops, seminars, and labs to support active learning and creative production. |
Modern, high-quality facilities located within historic palaces throughout Florence's city center. |
| Strong opportunities for students to engage with the local community through community engagement, service learning, extracurricular activities, and cultural integration projects. |
FUA’s facilities are designed to support rigorous academic programs while providing an inspiring and visually engaging learning environment. The university operates across six campus buildings situated in the historic center of Florence, a city recognized as an official UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Current Campus locations include:
Palazzo Bombicci Pontelli Guicciardini Strozzi - Corso dei Tintori 21
Palazzo Villani Stiozzi Ridolfi - Via Ricasoli 21
Palazzo della Giostra - Borgo Pinti 20r
Ex-Teatro San Gallo - Via San Gallo 45r
Quartiere Sant’Ambrogio - Via dei Macci 85r and 53
Villa Brilli-Peri - Via Guelfa 85
The campus network is deeply integrated with the Florentine and broader Italian community, serving as a distinctive resource that fosters cultural engagement and local immersion for students. Within the FUA Educational Model, the Learning and Space approach reflects FUA’s vision of an expanded learning environment that links academic spaces both on campus and throughout the surrounding community.
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FUA is dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive community of faculty and staff. Recruitment and hiring decisions are made without discrimination based on race, color, religion, nationality, gender, age, disability, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, political beliefs, or source of income. All applicants are evaluated fairly, with equal opportunity ensured, based on their qualifications, suitability for the role, and the level of the position.
All employment contracts at FUA comply with the Italian Contratto Collettivo Nazionale di Lavoro (CCNL) and follow the regulations applicable to private, non-denominational institutions under ANINSEI.
Interested candidates may submit their CVs to the FUA Human Resources Department at hr@fua.it.
PROFESSIONAL GROWTH
FUA views employment as a long-term collaboration and supports continuous professional development and career progression. Annual initiatives are in place to encourage staff and faculty growth. Any changes in roles or salary levels are evaluated carefully and implemented in accordance with the ANINSEI national contract guidelines.