1. SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROGRAM
Using Florence as a Living Laboratory
Field Experiences | In-Class Teaching | Study Tours

2. HIGHLIGHTS
Our program looks at the complex relationships between humans and their
food. It invites students to explore the sustainability dimensions of how food
is produced, transformed, distributed, prepared, and consumed in Italy.The
program offers students unique opportunities to engage in a wide range of
hands-on experiences through study tours in Italy and field experiences at
local markets, soup kitchens, food transport companies, as well as grocery
stores and restaurants.
The SFESP is tailored for undergraduate students of agricultural and food
sciences, environmental studies, nutritional sciences, economics, business
administration, sociology, and history, as well as for those generally interested
in food and sustainability studies.
COURSES
Multimedia classroom lessons (in English), thematic workshops, project-
based group work, and a variety of out-door experiences comprising hands-on
activities are coordinated in an exciting and rich schedule to integrate
theoretical and experiential modes of learning. Our curriculum combines
social and natural science together with the humanities to analyze historical
and contemporary food systems in Italy through diverse disciplinary and
methodological frameworks.There are no pre-requisites.
For Fall 2015, the following classes taught by a multi-disciplinary team of
faculty are offered:
Core Courses
Foundations of Sustainable Food Systems. A Historical Perspective
ISI Florence faculty (45 contact hours), 3 credits
The Business of Sustainable Food Supply Chains in Italy
ISI Florence faculty (45 contact hours), 3 credits
Sustainability of Food and Environmental Systems in the US and Italy:
A Comparative Perspective
University of Connecticut and Rutgers University visiting faculty
(45 contact hours), 3 credits
Auxiliary Courses
Italian Language: The Florence Experience
ISI Florence faculty (60 contact hours), 4 credits
Cultural Literacy Workshop
ISI Florence faculty (8 contact hours), 1 credit
PARTNERS
The SFESP collaborates successfully with a variety of Tuscan farms, food
and environmental groups, food processing and retail companies, as well as
restaurants and chefs.
We hold partnerships with high governmental and non-governmental
organizations such as the Tuscan Regional Government and the prestigious
Georgofili Academy, as well as Navdanya International. Moreover, our program
collaborates with prestigious Italian universities as the Università degli Studi
Firenze, the Università di Bologna, and the Università degli Studi di Pisa.
Study Abroad in Florence, Italy | International Studies Institute WWW.ISIFLORENCE.ORG
SUSTAINABLE FOOD AND
ENVIRONMENTAL SYSTEMS PROGRAM (SFESP)
“Through hands-on experience working in various
food establishments throughout Florence, I quickly
became highly educated in Florence’s food scene,
how the food in Florence travels from the field to my
fork, not to mention more Italian language. Most
importantly, this week helped me foster new lifelong
relationships with local Florentines.”
JASON PABST ’14, Pennsylvania State University

3. THE ITALIAN EXPERIENCE
Florence is a world-renowned food capital. Its vibrant traditional food markets,
restaurants and grocery stores offer unique opportunities for engaging with
the local community and to explore the global-local linkages of food from
production to consumption through a historical and contemporary analysis.
Italy hosts numerous important international food organizations such as the
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations in Rome and
the European Food Safety Agency (EFSA) in Parma. In 2015, it will be the site
of the World EXPO in Milan with the theme “Feeding the Planet, Energy for
Life.” This offers unique opportunities for learning outside the classroom and to
critically engage with top international experts to address the big questions of
food systems and sustainability.
STUDYING IN FLORENCE
The little pleasures of Italian life—the espresso break, gelato, buying fresh
vegetables in mom and pop shops—as well as the Italian approach to time
become a natural part of the day. Join us for a true life-changing experience.
FIELD EXPERIENCE
AND STUDY TOURS
Through field experiences
and study tours, ranging
from one to four days,
students will have the
opportunity to learn
directly from Italian farmers
and producers, processors,
sales and marketing
professionals, and chefs
about the challenges of
sustainable food and
environmental systems.
“Problems cannot be solved at the same
level of awareness that created them.”
ALBERT EINSTEIN

4. Program Partners
INTERNATIONAL STUDIES INSTITUTE IN FLORENCE
Via della Vigna Nuova 18, 50123 Florence, Italy
Discover more. Visit us on the web at www.isiflorence.org.
The International Studies Institute in Florence offers a variety of programs,
perfect for any student who is eager to experience Italian life, culture, and
language in one of Italy’s most treasured cities. For more information, visit
www.isiflorence.org or write to us at info@isiflorence.org.
SFESP Director:
Peter Fischer, Ph.D.
pfischer@isiflorence.org
Florence Consortium Partners