ECU Tuscany: Spring 2026

Join us for on an unforgettable journey this spring semester in Tuscany! After a longer winter break, we will depart from the States in February, arriving in Italy when the village of Certaldo Alto is beautifully quiet and welcoming us with open arms. The Tuscan winter weather is reminiscent of North Carolina; warming in March and becoming fresh, bright, and colorful as spring blooms in April.

Our program begins with a three-day stay in Rome, where we get to know each other while exploring iconic sites such as the Vatican, the Colosseum, and the Pantheon. Throughout the semester, we will take group trips to Florence, Siena, Orvieto, Lucca, Cinque Terre, and the Amalfi Coast.

In addition to our group excursions, students will enjoy a five-day spring break for independent travel, allowing you to explore at your own pace with new friends. You’ll also have the chance to enjoy long weekends to travel to destinations of your choice.

The program concludes in the enchanting city of Venice, where we will experience the romantic canals and surrounding islands in glorious weather, with the delightful scent of blooming wisteria filling the streets and less tourists than during the summer months. Studying in Italy during winter and spring offers peaceful streets and a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the culture with fewer crowds and cooler temperatures.

Don’t miss this chance to create memories you will treasure for a ECU Tuscany Spring 26 Application

Application Instructions

Spring Semester 2026

There will be TWO application review cycles, on dates listed below. If the program fills after the first review date, applications will close. If the program is still not full after the second cycle, applications may remain open until filled. We often have wait-lists for this program, so apply soon.

Priority Application Review

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: June 15, 2025
• NOTIFICATION DEADLINE: On or around June 30, 2025
• COMMITMENT DEADLINE within 2 weeks of receiving acceptance letter)
• If the program fills during this application period, further applications will be closed.

Late Application Review

• APPLICATION DEADLINE: August 15, 2025
• NOTIFICATION DEADLINE: On or around August 30, 2025
• COMMITMENT DEADLINE: within 2 weeks of receiving acceptance letter)

Application Instructions

• Fill out the ECU Tuscany: Italy Intensives application
• Be sure you answer all questions and that your application is COMPLETE
• It will be listed pending until all signatures and questionnaires are filled out.
• Please carefully complete  the 200 word statement of interest in your own words, about your own personal experience -with no AI assistance.
• Completed applications will be reviewed, and you will be notified of your application status by the dates listed above.
• If you are accepted, you will be emailed a letter explaining how to confirm your spot with an online payment of the $75.00 application fee and the $200.00 housing deposit. These payments must be paid within the two weeks of acceptance, or you will be moved to the waiting list.
• While you are waiting for your application to be reviewed, you should be preparing to make the application fee and the $200.00 housing deposit that will confirm your spot – you will have only 2 weeks after acceptance to make that payment before being moved to the waitlist.

Cost for the Spring 2026

$11,800 + $75 study abroad administrative fee

Cost includes:

• Transportation to and from airports in Italy
• International health insurance while abroad-no copay and no deductible
• Lodgings and utilities in beautiful apartments in Certaldo
• Lodgings on all overnight trips
• Tuition
• Transportation on all school trips in Italy
• Dinners on all class days
• Breakfast and dinners on overnight trips
• Museum entrances and tours
• 3 days in Rome
• 3 days in Venice
• 3 days in Cinque Terre
• 2 days in Lucca
• 5 days on the Amalfi Coast, Naples, Pompeii, and Umbria
• Day trips to San Gimignano, Bagnoregio, Volterra, Florence, Siena, and Orvieto
• Entrance to Cinque Terre National Park on the Mediterranean

Students budget for their own lunches and breakfasts in Certaldo. Our apartments have washing machines and full kitchens available for cooking and grocery prices are very reasonable. Group dinners are provided on all scheduled class days as well as both breakfasts and dinners on all overnight trips.

Spring 26 Payment Schedule

• Upon Acceptance – $75.00 non-refundable study abroad administrative fee due along with $200.00 non-refundable housing deposit.
• November 1, 2025 – $2,300 payment due
• Spring Tuition Deadline – $9,300

Students can pay the full amount at any time after acceptance and up to the final payment date of July 13, 2025. If you are on financial aid, we will know, and your program payments can be delayed until the aid is awarded.

Spring 26 Itinerary

Do not book flights until you hear from the director to do so. We need to arrive at about the same time to take advantage of group transportation from the airport.

Dates below might change due to lodgings availability- do not make travel plans without consulting the director.