Marywood University Opens New Era of Global, Immersive Learning In Florence, Italy

Marywood University has opened a new location in Florence, Italy, an important expansion of the University’s global presence that brings academic learning to life in one of the world’s most influential centers of art, architecture, design, and culture. This initiative, called Marywood International: Florence, offers students immersive, discipline-specific academic experiences designed to deepen their knowledge, broaden their perspectives, and prepare them to lead in an increasingly interconnected world. 

“Marywood International: Florence reflects the expansion of our commitment to preparing students for leadership in a world that demands cultural awareness, intellectual agility, and professional excellence,” said Lisa A. Lori, J.D., President of Marywood University. “By placing students within Florence’s extraordinary academic, cultural, and professional landscape, we are transforming the way they learn. They will not simply study Florence—they will experience it as a living classroom. This initiative embodies the very best of Marywood’s mission: educating students to live responsibly in an interconnected world and preparing them to contribute thoughtfully to global communities through meaningful international engagement.” 

James Eckler, Academic Vice President and Dean of the Reap College of Creative and Professional Studies, emphasized the academic power of placing Marywood’s programs within an international setting. “This initiative allows our students to engage directly with the cultural and professional forces that have shaped—and continue to shape—their disciplines,” Eckler said. “Studying in Florence gives students a depth of understanding that cannot be replicated in a traditional classroom. They return with a stronger academic foundation, a broader global perspective, and greater confidence as they prepare to enter their professions.”

Marywood International: Florence currently offers programs in Architecture and Interior Architecture, with additional disciplines planned as the initiative expands. More than a traditional study-abroad experience, Marywood International: Florence allows students to continue making meaningful progress toward their degrees through rigorous, professionally aligned coursework integrated with the city’s history, culture, and contemporary life.

Just months after Marywood signed the lease for its new Florence location in March, more than 40 Marywood architecture students are now studying there. With dedicated studio space supporting the University’s award-winning architecture programs, the location transforms Florence into a living classroom, giving students direct access to centuries of architectural innovation, artistic achievement, and urban development. While studying in Florence, students reside in professionally managed apartments located in or near Florence’s historic center. Housing includes many amenities and maintenance support, ensuring a safe, comfortable, and reliable living experience abroad.

For more information about the Marywood University International: Florence, including program descriptions, housing details, and application timelines, contact James Eckler at jeckler@marywood.edu or visit mui.marywood.edu.