Florence - Acumen Abroad - DATA 2100

If you have any questions, you can contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu.

Experience the magic of Florence while advancing your Huntsman education! This immersive study abroad program offers the chance to complete DATA 2100: Data & Information in Business in a smaller, more intimate class setting, giving you personal interaction with your professor and close collaboration with classmates. As you build essential skills in data analytics and business decision-making, the city of Florence will be your living classroom. Explore world-famous landmarks such as the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, Uffizi Gallery, and Michelangelo’s David, all while soaking in the vibrant Italian culture and the glorious Tuscan countryside.

A highlight of the program includes visits to local technology companies, where you will see first-hand how data is collected, analyzed, and applied in real-world business settings. These industry visits will give you insight into the role of data in driving decision-making and innovation across organizations.

Your adventure doesn’t stop in Florence. Weekends provide opportunities to explore some of Italy’s most iconic destinations, including Pisa, Cinque Terre, Venice, and Rome, with their breathtaking scenery, historic landmarks, and unforgettable cultural experiences. Whether you’re wandering through Renaissance streets, enjoying gelato on the Arno, or exploring nearby cities, this program combines academic growth, global business insights, and cultural discovery into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Passport Requirement

You must have a current passport that does not expire before December 31, 2027 to participate in this program. If you need to get a passport or renew your passport, you must submit an EXPEDITED application by October 31, 2026 and provide proof of submission (an expedited application can take 6-7 weeks, with mailing time). If you just have to renew your passport, you can renew it online at https://travel.state.gov.

The USU Card Office in the TSC can assist you (appointment required).

An uploaded copy of your passport or proof of expedited application is due by October 31, 2026. This is REQUIRED.

Any questions, contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu

Program Dates

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026
Spring Semester: Required enrollment in BUS 2000: FOUNDATION INTL PROG-FLORENCE during the second half of spring semester (0.5 credit) - taught on TBD (section TBD and CRN TBD)
Summer Semester: Required enrollment in FLORENCE DATA 2100 during the summer semester (3 credits, regular tuition is credited towards program cost, section and CRN TBA)
Travel Dates: May 8 - June 1, 2027 (depart USA on Saturday, May 8 to arrive in Florence, Italy on Sunday, May 9 and depart Rome on Tuesday, June 1, to follow individual itinerary)

Program Requirements

Good academic standing
Minimum GPA of 2.75
Submission of a complete application
Submission of a copy of passport by October 31, 2026 OR proof of a submitted expedited passport application
Interview with program leader (to be scheduled once application is submitted)
Mandatory enrollment in BUS 2000: FOUNDATION INTL PROG-FLORENCE during the second half of spring semester (0.5 credit)–TBD (section TBD and CRN TBD)
Mandatory enrollmentin FLORENCE DATA 2100 during summer semester (3 credits, regular tuition is credited towards program cost, CRN and section # TBA, section # will be a 500 number that designates a study abroad course)
Ability to walk 60-90 minutes at a time, including on uneven surfaces. Ability to walk up stairs as elevators or escalators may not be available in buildings, metro stations, or cultural sites. If accommodations are needed, contact the USU Disability Resource Center.

Florence students in front of a fountain

Program Cost

Cost $3,700 (current estimate)
Participants purchase own airfare
The ETIAS Travel Authorization may be required for U.S. citizens traveling to the Schengen Area by May 2027 and is expected to cost approximately $25. Instructions will be provided on how to obtain it, if required.

What does the program cost include? Please read carefully.

Includes: $200 program deposit, shared program-arranged accommodations, program-related ground transportation, cultural experiences, business visits, breakfast & lunch in Florence, 2 group dinners, medical/evacuation insurance, regular tuition for 3 credits during summer semester for DATA 2100, classroom facilities with Wi-Fi, admin costs.
Does NOT include: travel to/from SLC airport, airfare to/from Italy, airport-dorm transfers, ETIAS (visa waiver) if required, Wi-Fi or other connectivity outside the classroom facilities, most dinners, spring BUS 2000 course credit, personal activities including weekend travel while in Italy, and any other personal expenses not detailed above.

If you require assistance purchasing your airfare, please contact our office at huntsmanglobal@usu.edu.

Scholarship Opportunities

Apply Now! You do not need to be admitted to a Global Learning program before applying for scholarships. We encourage students to apply for scholarships as soon as they submit their program application. Scholarship applications are processed in the order they are received, and funding is limited. Scholarships will be awarded days before the program withdrawal deadline on December 11, 2026.

Huntsman Opportunity Scholarship

All students with a declared major in the Huntsman School of Business and who have a minimum GPA of 2.75 are eligible to apply for a Huntsman Opportunity Scholarship. Scholarships are competitive and not guaranteed. Applicants are encouraged to be thoughtful and intentional in their responses to the short essay questions. Students are encouraged not to delay their application.

Opportunity Scholarship Overview

Liz Allred & JP Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship

Business and Spanish majors and minors with a minimum GPA of 3.0 are eligible to apply for an Allred-Spicer-Escalante Global Scholarship. Scholarships are competitive, and awards vary.

Global Scholarship Overview

Applications

Applications Open: Tuesday, September 15, 2026

Application Deadline: Saturday, October 31, 2026

Apply Now

Program Deposit: A $200 program deposit will be posted to your Banner account within three business days of submitting your application. Payment is due as soon as the deposit is posted and must be paid before you can be accepted into a program. If you are not selected to participate in a program the deposit will be refunded.

Final withdrawal from program without penalty is Friday, December 11, 2026.

Once accepted, it is your responsibility to notify us if you decide not to participate. You may withdraw from the program without penalty through December 11, 2026. After this date, your $200 deposit will become non-refundable and you will be responsible for the full program cost. We will begin making non-refundable program commitments shortly after this deadline, so your commitment to participate is considered final at that time.

Please contact huntsmanglobal@usu.edu with any questions.

Travel

Saturday, May 8	Depart for Florence, Italy, follow individual itinerary
Sunday, May 9	Arrive in Florence, get settled in
Monday, May 10	Morning class, afternoon study/free time, welcome dinner
Tuesday, May 11 – Thursday, May 13	Morning class, afternoon study/free time
Friday, May 14	Morning class, group excursion
Saturday, May 15 - Sunday, May 16	Free weekend
Monday, May 17 - Thursday, May 20	Morning class, afternoon study/free time
Friday, May 21	Morning class, group excursion
Saturday, May 22 - Sunday, May 23	Free weekend
Monday, May 24 - Thursday, May 27	Morning class, afternoon study/free time
Friday, May 28	Morning class, transfer to Rome, group excursion
Saturday, May 29- Sunday, May 30	Free weekend
Monday, May 31	Business visit in Rome, farewell dinner
Tuesday, June 1	End of program, follow individual itinerary

Lodging

Students will be housed in shared dormitory style rooms.

Visa/Travel Authorization

The ETIAS Travel Authorization may be required for U.S. citizens traveling to the Schengen Area by May 2027 and is expected to cost approximately $25. Instructions will be provided on how to obtain it, if required.
International students may be required to obtain a regular visa to enter the Schengen Area. Travel to consulates to submit the visa application could be required. Students would apply for the visa 2-3 months in advance. If you are an international student, please contact our office at huntsmanglobal@usu.edu to get additional visa information.