Florence One Health Program
One Health Fellowship
The One Health Fellowship program is designed to highlight the connections between human health, animal health, and our environment. It’s all about encouraging students to work together across the globe to improve healthcare in a way that’s good for people, animals, and the planet.
This program focuses on teaching about major issues like climate change, the well-being of all living beings, and zoonotic diseases. It aims to make students more aware of these important global topics and equipped with real-life experiences in both human and veterinary healthcare settings.
This combination of different perspectives and experiences aims to contribute to creating a future where healthcare professionals collaborate effectively across different fields to find novel solutions to existential threats.
Top choice for:
- Comprehensive understanding of healthcare
- Public health and human-animal interactions
- Animal behavior and inter-species interactions
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Program Structure
The One Health Fellowship combines experiences in human healthcare, veterinary medicine, environmental health, and conservation.
The first week is dedicated mostly to human medicine, with 20 hours of clinical shadowing at Careggi Hospital. Friday is dedicated to the topics of conservation, wildlife rescue, and environmental health.
The second week focuses on animal health, working alongside veterinarians and animal rescue specialists in different settings.
Shadowing at the Hospital
The program includes a broad variety of shadowing options, covering both surgical and medical areas at Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Careggi. Founded in the 14th century, the hospital has played a significant role in the development of medicine over the centuries. The hospital’s historical significance makes it a fascinating place to learn about the evolution of medical practice.
Careggi Hospital has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the years, and today it is a modern facility with state-of-the-art medical equipment and technology. The hospital is known for its comprehensive range of medical services, and is home to one of the largest and most advanced emergency departments in the region. In addition, the hospital is also a major research and teaching center. It is affiliated with the University of Florence, and many of its doctors are also professors at the university. Its excellent reputation has not gone unnoticed, as it was ranked as one of the 250 best hospitals in the world by Newsweek, a testament to the exceptional level of care provided by the hospital.
Shadowing Veterinarians at Rescues and Sanctuaries
In terms of veterinary medicine exposure, you will enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime experience, engaging with a wide variety of rescued animals and gaining valuable insights into their care and rehabilitation. At the heart of this journey is the Italian Horse Protection nestled in the picturesque Tuscan village of Montaione where you will fully immerse yourself in the enchanting realm of equids. Ohana rescue will share the stories and treatments of its 220 farm animals while Oasi Lipu Massaciuccoli natural park and clinic will delve you into the world of migratory birds, wildlife first aid. Engaging in additional museum-related activities and participating in conservation projects will further enhance your comprehension of biodiversity and research.
In addition to the veterinarian shadowing, you will have a chance to visit the world renowned La Specola Museum where you’ll be guided through an immersive experience of human anatomy, comparative anatomy, and zoology.
Discover Florence
The cradle of the Renaissance, as Florence is often regarded, is one of the most fascinating cities in the world. The art capital of Italy boasts an exceptional artistic heritage, one of the oldest and richest historic centers, and some of the most famous museums in the world. It has been the birthplace of Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Machiavelli, Dante, and many others. Situated on the Arno river, Florence also boasts one of the most iconic and distinctive landscapes, thanks to its surrounding typical Tuscan hills. Surprisingly small as it is, the Tuscan capital looms large on the world’s ‘must-see’ list because it’s a city that amazes, seduces, and stays in your heart.
Housing in Florence
Our housing options ensure a comfortable and secure stay during the program. You may stay in apartments, hotels, or other comfortable accommodations, all guaranteed to be clean and safe. Most commonly, participants stay in shared apartments with double rooms, equipped with amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, and even kitchens and living rooms. These accommodations are in central and safe areas of Florence, close to essential facilities. While housing quality may vary, we carefully select providers to maintain high standards of safety, cleanliness, and comfort. Your stay will allow you to fully immerse in the study abroad experience while enjoying a convenient and pleasant living space.
2025 Summer Programs Dates and Fees
Term I
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June 22 - July 5
Term 2
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July 6 - July 19
The program begins on a Sunday, with housing available from that day. Shadowing starts on the following Monday and concludes on Thursday of the final week. The program officially ends on a Saturday, with housing provided until then. However, Friday is reserved for packing and personal tasks, allowing for an optional Friday checkout if preferred.
Included with the fees
- Shadowing ≈ 20 hours per week
- Workshops and seminars
- Accommodation
- Airport pick-up and check-in upon arrival
- Daily breakfast plus 9 meals (lunch or dinner)
- Medical and travel insurance
- Transportation
- 1 excursion outside of the city
- 2 cultural immersion tours and activities
- Pre-program and post-program support
- 24/7 on-site support
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