Morgan State University - Summer 2027
Dr. Henrietta Wright
Exploring the African Diaspora in Renaissance Italy reveals a history "hidden in plain sight," where people of African descent were integral to the social and artistic fabric of cities like Florence, Venice, and Rome. While some entered Italy through the slave trade, many others were free or became freedmen, working as artisans, woodworkers, marble carvers, gondoliers, and even courtiers.
This program aims to immerse students in Italy’s cultural, luxury, and artistic landscape while exploring the significance of the African Diaspora. The four-week program is centered in Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance. Studente will take their course at our partner institution and live like a local in a shared apartment.
The Italian Luxury Industry 3-credit course will expose students to Italian luxury businesses and explore product development, communication, history, branding, through on-site visits. The program will be complimented with curated guest lectures and case studies highlighting the impact of Afro-Italians and Africans in the arts, re-defining what it means to be considered "luxury" in the 21st century.
Join the Summer Program in Italy
WHAT'S INCLUDED:
- 3-credit Course in Florence
- Student Housing will be in a shared room in a shared apartment. No two apartments are the same, as these are private residential apartments - not standardized apartment complexes. Accommodation includes a kitchen for preparing meals at home. Housing security deposit is included and is refundable if there isn't any damage.
- Roundtrip international flight to/from Florence
- Overnight Trip to Rome with walking tour of the city center; visit the Colosseum and the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. Two meals in Rome included.
- Day Trip to Venice
- Access to Black History Cultural & Art Center
- Welcome Dinner
- Farewell Dinner
- Group Cooking Lesson
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in DMV
- Roundtrip Airport Transfer in Florence
- Travel Medical Insurance for travelers 25 and under
NOT INCLUDED:
- Passport Fee
- €20 fee for the ETIAS - European Travel Information and Authorisation System)
- Any visa fees for non-US citizens traveling to Italy
- Airline seat preference; seats are randomly assigned unless you purchase a specific seat
- Out-of-pocket medical expenses
- Travel Medical Insurance for travelers over 25 years old* Higher premium available
- Cancel for any Reason Travel Protection Insurance, starts at $400
- Extra Trips, activities, or activity upgrades not listed on the itinerary
- Food & Meals not listed
- Single Room in a shared apartment ($400 extra, based on availability and not guaranteed)
CALENDAR
Week 1
- Class in Florence.
- Arrival and Orientation. Housing Check-in. Welcome Dinner
- Guided Tour of the city’s main sites.
- Lecture on ‘Africans during the Renaissance’ and the royal Medici Family, or related topic.
- Access to Black History Cultural Center.
- Travel by bus or train to explore Venice, a unique labyrinth city of canals and Gothic palaces, built upon an archipelago that once served as the wealthiest maritime bridge between Europe and the African and Byzantine worlds. History indicates that there were Black gondoliers in Venice.
Week 2
- Class in Florence. Visits to Luxury Businesses.
- Guest Lecture on identifying Black figures in art, reflecting a multi-ethnic Roman society.
- Travel to Rome to witness the classical and Baroque wonders of the sprawling "Eternal City". Enjoy a walking tour of the city center; visit the Colosseum and Vatican City.
- Includes one night in a hotel and two meals.
Week 3
- Class in Florence.
- Lecture on the "Black Italy" Movement; or related topic.
- Weekend - Free time; no class on Friday.
Week 4
- Class in Florence.
- Final Presentation and/or Exam.
- Farewell Dinner & Housing Check-Out.
Price
Payments and Cancellation Policies
Welcome to HBCUs Abroad - Where Learning Never Ends
At HBCUs Abroad, we believe that learning is a continuous process that should never end. Our mission is to provide high-quality adult education courses that are accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or experience. We offer a wide range of courses in various subjects, including business, technology, health, and more. Our courses are designed to help you acquire new skills, advance your career, and achieve your personal goals. Join us today and embark on a journey of lifelong learning!
Cancellation Policies
Cancellation Schedule - Free Cancellation until November 15, 2026
All cancellations must be submitted in writing via email to assist@hbcusabroad.org to be valid.
Credit card and processing fees are 100% non-refundable at all stages.
181 or More Days Before Departure
On or Before November 15, 2026
Full Refund: 100% refund of all funds paid to date.
180 to 121 Days Before Departure
November 19, 2026 – January 17, 2027
Refund: 750% refund of monthly installments paid to date.
120 to 91 Days Before Departure
January 18, 2027 – February 16, 2027
Refund: 50% refund of monthly installments paid to date.
90 Days or Less Before Departure
On or After February 17, 2027
Strictly Zero Refund: 100% of all paid funds, installments, and fees are fully forfeited. Any outstanding balance remains legally owed, as all vendor contracts are fully executed.
CANCEL FOR ANY REASON INSURANCE (CFAR)
HBCUs Abroad is partnering with Travel Insured International to offer an additional level of trip protection to you for academic travel. CFAR/IFAR Trip Cancellation policies are OPTIONAL additional trip protection. HBCUs Abroad is providing this trip cancellation information to you as a convenience and as an option. We do not endorse nor require any travel insurance protection or product to participate in our programs.
Prices for CFAR/IFAR starts at $407 and serves to help reimburse you in the event you have to cancel your travel plans. CFAR is a policy that protects your purchase before you depart for your HBCUs Abroad experience.
Here is an overview:
- Provides up to 75% reimbursement of your trip costs if you cancel 48 hours prior to the scheduled departure date of your trip.
- To be eligible for this benefit, you must purchase your plan within 14 days of when you make your first payment installment (not the registration fee), or your full payment if you're paying the entire amount at once.
- You must cancel at least 48 hours before your program start date.
Contact Us
Have a question about the Italy Program?
Reach out to our team via email, phone, or text fo
Email: assist@hbcusabroad.org or call 407-893-2041
Hours
Open today | 07:00 am – 05:00 pm |