Interested in spending your summer in Florence? Below are the two distinct scholarship opportunities for The American University of Florence's Summer Pre-College program!

 

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Pre-College Program Scholarship — Summer 2026

Duration: 3-week session

Application Deadline: June 10, 2026
*Please note that late applications may be taken into consideration at the discretion of the AUF faculty senate.

 

AUF is now offering Summer 2026 Pre-College Scholarships to highly motivated high school students (ages 16–18) interested in exploring university-level studies in Florence. The scholarship aims to introduce students to academic life in an international environment, fostering both personal and professional growth. The Session IV scholarship covers half of the program cost for the 3-week Summer 2026 Pre-College Program. Applicants must demonstrate strong academic performance, motivation, and interest in their chosen field of study. Required materials include a letter of intent, a financial circumstances statement, a faculty recommendation, and recent transcripts. Scholarship recipients are expected to participate fully in all classes, workshops, and weekly involvement with the university's Communications Office while maintaining good standing under the AUF Student Code of Conduct and Academic Policy.

 

Eligibility:

• Enrollment in or completion of high school (ages 16–18)
• Strong academic performance and motivation
• Review of need-based factors
• Demonstrated interest in the chosen field of study

How to Apply:

*Applicants must submit the following via email to admissions@auf-florence.org including

• A letter of intent (maximum 500 words) explaining how studying at AUF the international experience will support their future goals.
• One letter of recommendation from a faculty, or counselor.
• Financial Circumstances Statement: Students provide a 300-word statement outlining their financial situation, any special circumstances, and the reasons they are seeking need-based support.
• Most recent academic transcripts.
• Scholarship Recipient Involvement:

 

Scholarship recipients are expected to engage fully in all aspects of the Pre-College program, including attending classes, workshops, and scheduled activities. Recipients will collaborate with the Communications Office weekly to share their program experiences through blogs, web articles, and social media content at. This may include creating reels, photos, and written reflections that highlight their journey throughout the program, as well as contributing to projects with CEMIs such as Pomario and Sorgiva.

 

Scholarship Requirements:

• Complete all academic and experiential components of the program (up to 5hr/w experiential engagement hours at Pomario and Sorgiva).
• Actively participate in all activities and responsibilities associated with being a scholarship recipient.
• Maintain appropriate attendance and conduct throughout the session.
• Adhere to the AUF Student Code of Conduct and Academic Policy.
• Respect housing regulations and staff supervision.
• Submit all required payments (deposit, fees) by the deadlines listed in the program invoice.

*Failure to meet these requirements may result in the termination of the scholarship and/or loss of academic credit.

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Resident Assistant (RA) Scholarship — Summer 2026

 

AUF is seeking motivated, energetic, and responsible students to join our team as Resident Assistants (RAs) for the summer Pre-College Programs. Reporting to the Student Life Department, the RA will serve as a live-in advisor, counselor, administrator, leader and role model for students enrolled in the four-week summer program.

AUF offers two separate Pre-College Sessions during the summer of 2026. Applicants must be available for both sessions.

 

Please note these important dates for the Summer 2026 Resident Assistant Scholarship:

RA Training Period: Wednesday, June 10 - Friday, June 26

3-Week Pre-College I: Monday, June 29, 2026 to Friday July 17

3- Week Pre-College II: Monday, July 20, 2025 to Friday, August 07

*The RA position begins on Wednesday, June 10 (with RA arrival into Florence on Monday, June 08) and ends on Friday, August 07.

 

Application Process:

 

Send resume, cover letter and two references (one from an Italian language/culture instructor) to admissions@auf-florence.org by Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Selected applicants will be notified by Wednesday, May 27, 2026.


*Applicants are responsible for renewing their permit of stay before the expiration date. The cost of renewal is at the expense of the student.

 

Duties and Responsibilities:

 

The RAs will live together with the students enrolled in the Pre-College Program in order to create and maintain a healthy environment for the resident community and help each student achieve their personal, academic, and social goals.

 

Connection to the Student Life Department:

• Serve as a liaison between residents and the Student Life Department.
• Attend weekly SLD staff meetings to discuss upcoming activities and any resident issues.
• Check emails and messages often, and keep in regular contact with Student Life coordinators.
• Administrative duties including assisting with check-in, paperwork, and money management.
• Educator and Community Promoter.

RAs must be able to:

• Understand and educate students about applicable policies and regulations.
• Be knowledgeable about university resources to help students integrate into the campus community.
• Plan, promote and participate in social and recreational activities, specifically evening activities and Educational Field Learning activities.
• Be familiar with local events and activities and encourage students to explore the city and surroundings in order to promote cultural integration and understanding.
• Act as a peer advisor and Supervisor/Emergency responder.
• Act as a positive role model for both students and fellow staff members by not participating in questionable or unethical behavior.
• Perform as a mediator in conflicts among residents and staff, within the limits of personal capabilities and referral to supervisor.
• Respond appropriately to students in crisis – physical, emotional – through assessment, referral to experienced professionals and follow-up.
• Ensure conformity to university regulations including curfew, behavior and housing policy.
• Carry emergency phone at all times, respond immediately and appropriately.

 

Resident Assistants should be available to participate in training with the Student Life Department during the month preceding the program start and preferably from the end of the Spring semester. Training will take place over 20 hours per week and is designed to introduce the RA to the different aspects of working school life and the responsibilities, duties and procedures involved.

 

Duties during training may include, but are not limited to:

• Preparation of orientation and marketing materials
• Accompanying students during visits and field trips (under supervision of staff)
• Budgeting for pre-college student expenses (i.e field trips, breakfast)
• Assisting with check-in for summer students and orientations
• Assisting with the organization of Student Services activities
• Front desk duties

Competencies:

• Leadership potential as shown through past leadership experiences
• Flexibility
• Creativity and positive energy – offers new or different solutions to solve problems or meet student/school needs
• Commitment to personal growth
• Sensitivity and genuine concern for other students
• Strong interpersonal, critical-thinking, and communication skills
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• Strong time management skills

 

Applicants must have completed at least one semester of Italian language or culture coursework and have prior experience living in Florence. A letter of recommendation from an Italian language instructor must be submitted as part of the application. Candidates must be in good academic standing and, where applicable, must have reported to the Italian Immigration Service and hold a valid permesso di soggiorno (residence permit), particularly if an enrollment letter is required to extend an existing permit.

Applicants must not have any current judicial restrictions and may not hold another position during the period of the scholarship.
The RA will benefit from a scholarship which will allow them to receive a 3-credit transfer of PS CS LS 300 Learn and Serve. The RA will be issued a letter of enrollment and international health insurance for residence purposes if needed. The scholarship will include accommodation in Florence and during working field trips and a partial meal plan for the duration of the program. This is an excellent opportunity for personal growth and the development of transferable skills.

 

Learn More here