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Florence, Italy bridge and surrounding city

Florence 40th Anniversary

Florence, Italy, International Program

Pepperdine’s program in Florence, Italy has offered students an immersive academic experience since 1985. The program began in temporary locations before calling Villa la Macine home, in 1987. Seaver College students have been proud to call this iconic city their home away from home (Viale Milton 41) — the location provides a unique opportunity to explore Florence's historic center, museums, and the Santa Maria Novella railway station, as well as a lively shopping area. 

 

Florence Grand Reunion

Waves Weekend | October 4, 2025

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Florence program, Pepperdine will host the Florence Grand Reunion at the Brock House on Saturday, October 4, 2025, during the annual Waves Weekend event. We invite Florence program alumni, faculty, staff, and friends to return “home” to reminisce and reconnect with their former classmates. Elizabeth Whatley (’84), director of the Florence International Program, will be there to welcome alumni and join in celebrating this special anniversary.

students overlooking Florence from atop

Picture-perfect views in Florence

Villa di Loreto exterior in Florence

Our cherished Villa di Loreto

rug activity with students holding Persian and Ottoman rugs

Learning about Persian and Ottoman rugs

 

Pepperdine International Travel to Florence

Summer 2026 | July 8–July 12

Pepperdine Alumni Affairs is excited to invite you on a one-of-a-kind alumni trip back to Florence, Italy, Wednesday, July 8 to Sunday, July 12, 2026!  Rediscover one of the world's most renowned centers of art, literature, history, and culture. Experience the beauty and history of Florence like never before, with the opportunity to stay at the iconic Villa Di Loreto and immerse yourself in the timeless magic of this remarkable city. More details to follow. 

 

 

The Florence Impact

 

Elizabeth Whatley

Elizabeth Whatley

"It has been 40 great, glorious years of the Florence program.  I would like to personally invite you to come celebrate with us in Malibu in October and in Florence in July.  I hope to see you soon at one of our reunion events.  Ci vediamo Presto.”

—Elizabeth Whatley (’84)
Program Director, Florence Program | Seaver College International Programs

 

 

Florence Memories

Aerial view of the city of Florence
  • Aerial view of the city of Florencesunset from Piazzale Michelangelo
  • student studying by Ponte Vecchio in Florence
  • students walking in Florence on cobblestone street
  • Students holding ice cream cones toasting to Florence in front of historic building
  • Florence IP students with the Italy flag
  • Students with hands in the air on a rooftop in Florence overlooking the city
  • aerial view of Duomo and the city skyline
  • stained glass in the villa
  • Students sitting at Piazzale Michelangelo Steps
  • sunset from Piazzale MichelangeloAerial view of the city of Florence

Postcard views, real-life memories! Taking in the timeless beauty of Florence from a Pepperdine vantage point.

View More Florence Memories

 

 

Support Florence Students

To commemorate the 40th anniversary, an exciting initiative is underway to raise additional scholarship funds for the Pepperdine study-abroad experience. By increasing scholarships, we can ensure that even more young scholars can expand their educational horizons through a year or semester in Florence. Your gift would mean a world of difference for current and future Waves.

Please consider partnering with us to increase funding for Florence student scholarships and help transform lives.

Support Florence Seaver I.P.

 

 

Share Your Florence Story

Many alumni of Pepperdine's international programs recognize the transformative, cross-cultural experience of living and learning in a place far from home. A pivotal part of that journey is the relationships you build with the group of students who experience it with you. In commemoration of the 40th anniversary of the Florence program, all alumni are invited to connect with their fellow program participants by joining the Pepperdine Florence Alumni Facebook group and sharing memories from your time abroad.

Connect and Share on Facebook

Pepperdine Florence Alumni