Will I earn university credit?
Medical Italian and The Italian Healthcare System are part of our accredited curriculum and carry university credit on a Unicollege transcript. Wellbeing & Foundations of the Health Professions is a graded certificate course with full syllabus and contact hours: whether it transfers as credit is your home institution's decision, and we give you every document that review needs.
What exactly will I do in hospitals?
Guided small-group experiences totalling about 45 to 48 hours over the four weeks (three afternoons a week), in the settings the hosting hospital's medical direction authorises: simulation centres, teaching facilities, structured observation, and ward observation where the hospital agrees to it. The exact shape for your cohort is written in your offer. We do not promise ward access a hospital has not signed.
Will I get individual shadowing?
That is our stated goal. Individual shadowing requires a full observership agreement, which Italian hospitals grant only after a working relationship is in place. We are negotiating those agreements now, with 2027 as the target: each cohort receives in writing exactly what is signed for its year, and the day a hospital signs more, the program grows with it.
What does it cost?
Founding-cohort places are deliberately affordable and all-inclusive except flights and meals: one price, confirmed in writing before any payment. The full fee and a fixed payment schedule are stated in the program brief.
What if I need to cancel?
The cancellation policy is part of your written offer, with clear dates: a full refund window, a partial one, and a final deadline - tied to the same payment schedule you sign. No surprises buried in terms and conditions.
Where do I live?
In Florence, in our own campus residence - up to 55 students, furnished rooms with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, shared kitchens and laundry - included in the program fee. In cities without a university residence (Naples for the 2027 pilot; Milan and Turin from 2028), housing is arranged by the program in selected partner residences at dedicated rates, with a meal-voucher network at partner restaurants - confirmed in writing in your offer.
Do I need a visa?
U.S. citizens visiting Italy for up to 90 days generally do not need a visa. We confirm the current entry requirements for your specific case during application - before you book anything.
Is this program insured?
Yes: accident, third-party liability and international health cover are arranged by the university and included. The details are stated in your written offer.
Benedetta and Francesca, program team - the people who actually answer your emails.
