Campus Life

Gonzaga-in-Florence is located in the center of Florence not far from the Duomo and looks onto the Giardino dei Semplici, a sixteenth century garden created by the Medici family. It is a few steps from Fra Angelico’s frescoes painted for the San Marco monastery and from Michelangelo’s David housed in the Galleria dell’Academia.

Gonzaga-in-Florence, which is housed in the Mozilo Center, provides students with all the facilities required for learning and socializing. The school is wired with the latest technology which includes twenty desktop computers. In addition, the center’s Martin Library collection consists of over ten thousand volumes.  For research, students have access to Gonzaga University’s Spokane campus Foley Library via twelve dedicated computers. A student lounge and fitness center are located on the lower level.

We provide many opportunities for the cultivation of spiritual and religious life. Florence continues its tradition as an international city and other denominations provide services as well, frequently in English.

While studying in Florence, you will live in an Italian boarding hotel (pensione) located close to the school in the heart of Florence. These hotels are run by Italian families who provide good food, safe living conditions, and support staff. The living arrangements are conducive to learning the language and to better understanding Italian culture. The hotels are carefully screened and most have hosted GIF students for numerous years.

Each hotel generally accommodates twenty to twenty-five students. Most of our pensioni are co-ed, although the rooms (double, triple, and quad) are gender specific.

Since the majority of the students usually travel during the three day weekends, the weekly meal plan, included in the program cost, consists of seven breakfasts, four midday meals, and three dinners.

Homestay options: No other experience can substitute the cultural and linguistic immersion that results from living with an Italian family. Interested? Apply early. Download the GIF Homestay Application (pdf) and submit to the GU Study Abroad office. Decisions regarding homestays will normally be made by March 31 for Fall and October 15 for Spring.