English in Florence: American Writers and Artists Abroad
June 30, 2025 – July 24, 2025

American writers and artists loved Florence and often went there to write, paint, and sculpt.

Travel and residence abroad was an essential part of their aesthetic education and creative development. Especially in the nineteenth century, the old world (and Italy in particular) served as the site of significant artistic education, exploration, and adventure.

This summer Travel Study program offers an opportunity to read American novels and short stories that were written in Italy, or that set their stories there or featured expatriate American writers and artists as characters, or all of the above.

This program examines the experiences of some of the most important American writers and artists who spent time in Florence, the beautiful Tuscan city where the Italian Renaissance originated. The program also includes an overnight excursion to Rome, the seat of the Roman Empire and a place of significance for Western civilization.

Info Session: Summer Travel Study in Florence
Wednesday, March 5 at 4:00 pm
Kaplan Hall 193

Program Director

Professor Christopher Looby, UCLA Department of English
Visit UCLA Study Abroad to register and learn more at our upcoming info session:

Curriculum: 10-14 units

• English 199-Individual Studies (optional 4 units)
• English 119-Literary Cities (Florence) (5 units)
• English 177-Interdisciplinary Studies in American Culture (5 units)