FUA Expands Academic Horizons with the Launch of the Cinque Terre Riviera Program
Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is pleased to announce the launch of the *Cinque Terre Riviera Program, an exciting new academic destination debuting in *Spring 2026 on the stunning Ligurian coast.
Based in the historic center of La Spezia, the program extends FUA’s experiential learning model beyond Florence, offering students a unique opportunity to engage with one of Italy’s most celebrated coastal regions while pursuing their academic studies.
The program will feature a diverse selection of courses spanning the humanities, Mediterranean studies, marine and coastal studies, environmental studies, engineering, food and wine studies, poetry, and more. Students will have access to semester-long and short-term sessions designed to integrate academic learning with the cultural and environmental richness of the Cinque Terre area.
The La Spezia campus is strategically located within walking distance of major landmarks and transportation hubs, including La Spezia Centrale train station, Piazza Garibaldi, Castello San Giorgio, and the waterfront promenade connecting students to Portovenere and the Cinque Terre villages.
As with all FUA locations, students will benefit from fully supported housing options, including shared student apartments and homestays, equipped with essential amenities and Wi-Fi access. A partial meal plan is included, and comprehensive student support services remain available throughout the program. Students will also have access to English-speaking healthcare providers and 24/7 emergency assistance through the Student Life Department.
Alongside the expansion to the Ligurian coast, FUA continues to enhance its Florence-based academic offerings. New courses introduced during the 2024–25 academic year included innovative experiential learning opportunities such as Crime and Mystery History Walks in Renaissance Florence, Green Florence Walks, Health and Fitness Walks, Wine Windows and Wine Business Walks, and Gardens of Culture: Climate, Cities, and Wellness. Additional new courses scheduled for 2025–26 include Introduction to Business Strategies, iPhoneography: Florentine Walks, and Discovering Florence: Secret Language Walks.