Florence - Acumen Abroad - DATA 2100

If you have any questions, you can contact Liz Allred at: liz.allred@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 November 15, 2026 to participate in this program. If you need to get a passport or renew your passport, you must submit an EXPEDITED application by December 2, 2025 and provide proof of submission (an expedited application will take 2-3 weeks). If you have to renuew your passport, you can renew it online at https://travel.state.gov.

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

A copy of your passport or proof of submission is due by December 2. This is REQUIRED.

Any questions, contact Liz Allred, Program Director of Global Learning, at liz.allred@usu.edu.

Program Dates

Application Deadline: Monday, October 31, 2025
Spring Semester: Enroll in BUS 2000: FOUND INT'L PROG-FLORENCE during the second half of Spring Semester (0.5 credit) - taught on Thursdays 4:30-5:45pm (section 010 and CRN 19338)
Summer Semester: Required enrollment in FLORENCE DATA 2100 (3 credits, tuition included as part of program cost, section and CRN TBA)
Travel Dates: May 6-30 2025 (depart USA on Wednesday, May 6 to arrive on Thursday, May 7 and depart Florence on Saturday, May 30 to follow your individual itinerary)

Program Requirements

Good academic standing
Minimum GPA of 2.75
Submission of a complete application
Submission of a copy of passport by December 2, 2025 OR proof of a submitted expedited passport application
Interview with program leader (to be scheduled once application is submitted)
Mandatory enrollment during Spring Semester in BUS 2000: FOUND INT'L PROG-FLORENCE during second half of Spring Semester (0.5 credit)–Thursdays 4:30-5:45pm (section 010 and CRN 19338)
Mandatory enrollment during Summer Semester in FLORENCE DATA 2100 (CRN and section # TBA, section # will be a 500 number that designates a study abroad course).
Ability to walk 60-90 minutes, 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 accomodation is needed, contact the USU Disability Resource Center.

Program Cost

Cost $3,700 (current estimate)
Participants purchase own airfaire

What does the program cost include? Please read carefully.

Does include: $200 program deposit, hotel accommodation (twin room), program-related ground transportation, cultural experiences, tips, medical/evacuation insurance, tuition for 3 credits in summer semester DATA 2100, admin costs
Does not include: airfare to/from Italy and transfer to Florence, WI-FI if not free at hotel, personal activities and other expenses including travel to/from SLC Airport, airport-hotel transfer Florence, travel authorization (visa waiver) if required, and any other personal expenses not detailed above

If you require assistance purchasing their round trip ticket, please contact Liz Allred, Program Director for Global Learning, at liz.allred@usu.edu.

Scholarship Opportunities

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 to not 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

Application Deadline: Friday, October 31, 2025

Apply Now

Final withdrawl from program without penalty is Monday, 2 December (this is earlier than all other programs, FYI). Once you are accepted, it is your responisbility to inform us if you have changed your mind. We will begin making non-refundable deposits as of 3 December so your commitment is required at this time.

Please contact Liz Allred at liz.allred@usu.edu with any questions.

Travel

Schedule

Wednesday, May 6	Fly to Florence
Thursday, May 7	Arrive in Florence and transfer to hotel
Friday, May 8	9am-12:30pm class, rest of day free (homework/explore)
Saturday, May 9 - Sunday, May 10	Free travel weekend
Monday, May 11 - Friday, May 15	9am-12:30pm class, rest of day free (homework/explore)
Saturday, May 16 - Sunday, May 17	Free travel weekend
Monday, May 18 - Friday, May 22	9am-12:30pm class, rest of day free (homework/explore)
Saturday, May 23 - Sunday, May 24	Free travel weekend
Monday, May 25 - Wednesday, May 27	9am-12:30pm class, rest of day free (homework/explore)
Thursday, May 28	Final class - Final exam, check out of lodging and transfer to Rome
Friday, May 29	Business visit in Rome, free afternoon
Saturday, May 30	End of program, follow individual itinerary

Lodging

Students will share a twin room.

Visa/Travel Authorization

International students may be required to obtain a regular visa). Students would apply for the visa in February. Liz Allred will provide instructions and basic assistance in obtaining these visas.