NECA Florence | Accredited Study Abroad Program in Florence, Italy for U.S. Students

Why Choose NECA?

NECA — New Etruria College Association — was founded to give university students a high-quality, U.S.-accredited academic experience in Florence, Italy, combining rigorous coursework with direct immersion in Italian art, history and culture.

Small class sizes and expert local faculty mean every student gets individual attention, while our central location puts the Uffizi Gallery, Piazza del Duomo and all of Tuscany right at your doorstep. After decades of experience, NECA has also expanded into Educational Guided Tours and Alumni Programs.

✓ U.S. university credit, transferable to your home institution

✓ English-language instruction, with optional Italian language courses

✓ Guided cultural excursions included in the program

✓ Transcripts issued by Northern Arizona University, USA

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What is NECA Florence?

NECA — New Etruria College Association — is an accredited study abroad program in Florence, Italy, built to meet U.S. university academic standards. It combines rigorous coursework with direct, everyday immersion in Italian art, history and culture, so you study Florence while living in it.

Is the program accredited, and will my credits transfer?

Yes. NECA programs are accredited through Northern Arizona University (NAU), USA. After you successfully complete your exams, NAU issues an official transcript listing course titles, course numbers, grades and credit hours, sent directly to your home institution for transfer evaluation.

Who can apply, and how are students selected?

You don't need to come from a school with its own study abroad office to apply. Selection is based on academic achievement, seriousness of purpose, and individual stability and maturity — living abroad takes real commitment to be rewarding both academically and personally. NECA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age or disability.

What subjects can I study at NECA?

Courses are grouped into five areas: Art History / Architecture / Studio Arts, Business / Economics, History / Political Science / Sociology, Italian Studies, and Liberal Studies / Humanities. All courses are taught in English, except the Italian language courses, which are taught in Italian. NECA can also customize courses for students who need credit in a specific field.

How many courses do students usually take?

Most students take 4–6 courses during a semester, or 1–3 courses during a summer program. Most courses are worth three credits; Elementary and Intermediate Italian courses are worth four. We recommend getting any extra courses pre-approved by your home institution before departure.

Can I get a scholarship to study with NECA?

Yes. Every applicant can apply for the NECA Scholarship by submitting the online application plus a 200-word essay on why they want to study in Italy — it won't cover the full cost, but it reduces it. Members of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars (NSCS) and Honors students can also apply for dedicated scholarships. (Note on terms: costs and award amounts are confirmed on the official site and application portal.)

Do I need my university's approval first?

You should confirm your NECA courses fulfill your degree requirements and check your home institution's transfer procedures before you depart, so credit transfer goes smoothly once your NAU transcript arrives.

What language are classes taught in?

English, for every course except the Italian language courses themselves (Elementary Italian 1–2, Intermediate Italian 1–2), which are taught in Italian and are worth four credits each.

Are cultural excursions included?

Yes — guided cultural excursions are built into the program, alongside classroom study, so coursework and on-the-ground experience in Florence and Tuscany reinforce each other.

Does NECA offer more than semester programs?

Beyond semester and summer academic programs, NECA also runs Educational Guided Tours and Alumni Programs, built on the same decades of experience organizing study abroad in Florence.

Where exactly is NECA located?

NECA Florence is based at Via Scipione Ammirato 98, 50136 Florence (FI), Italy — Central European Time (UTC/GMT +1) — a short ride from the historic center.

How do I start my application?

Apply directly online through the NECA application portal. Use the contact form below if you have questions first — our team will follow up with next steps and a call.