Resources for BOSP Florence Students
Travel, Diversity, and Wellness Resources for Students Studying in Florence
Travel Resources
Diversity and Identity Resources
Students should understand that conditions at overseas locations are different and they can present difficulties and challenges not encountered on Campus. Students should be prepared for a varying level of lodging, lack of amenities, a new climate, new foods, and having less privacy and personal space than they are used to on the home campus.
While in Florence, it is important to consider personal identity and how it might fit within Italian culture. We believe that all individuals have the right to study abroad, but we also believe that everyone has a responsibility to understand the challenges that they might face abroad as a cultural outsider. It is wise to try and understand the culture, customs, and expectations so as not to find oneself in an uncomfortable or even a potentially dangerous situation. It is important to be open and learn about the host culture as much as possible on a daily basis. It will help in ensuring a successful and rewarding experience here!
- Diversity Abroad focuses on raising awareness among students from diverse economic, educational, ethnic, and social backgrounds in order to provide equal access to study abroad.
- Italian Antidiscrimination Office (UNAR): If you are a victim or witness of discrimination and you need help you can contact the UNAR call center 800901010.
LGBTQ+ Students
It’s important to know as much as possible about LGBTQ+ culture in Italy in order to have a positive and successful experience in Florence. For LGBTQ+ students, this includes understanding the country’s laws and culture toward sexual identity. Below are some good resources to consult and to garner information on the status quo in Italy and in Florence.
International Gay and Lesbian Human Rights Commission (includes LGBTQ+ information by country)
- IREOS Firenze – Comunità Queer Autogestita
- The focus of IREOS is on issues such as culture, health, wellness of the LGBTI+ population in Florence and Tuscany, furthermore, it focuses on the processes of self-help, self-management, and empowerment of LGBTI+ people in our community.
- Azione Gay e Lesbica is an NGO working for equality, dignity, rights and quality of life of lesbians and gays.
Women Abroad
In order to have a positive and safe experience abroad, during your time in Florence, whether traveling independently or in a group, it is important to know the culture, laws, and social issues regarding women.
Stanford Campus-Based Services
U.S.-based Counselors can only practice in the state in which they are licensed. This means that some Stanford Home Campus resources, such as CAPS, are limited in what they can provide for BOSP students. However, there are many other Home Campus resources that you can still access during your time away:
- The Bridge Peer Counseling Center is Stanford’s anonymous 24/7 student run peer-counseling center, staffed by trained undergraduate and graduate Stanford students. You can contact The Bridge at +1 650-723-3392.
- Vaden offers Well-Being Coaching and Nutrition Counseling to provide students with a supportive partner to design your own vision for well-being. You can contact the Well-Being coaches at yourwellbeing@stanford.edu.
- The Weiland Health Initiative promotes mental health and wellness across the spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations through education, training and clinical services. You can contact the Weiland Health Initiative at +1 650-723-2005.
- The Office for Religious & Spiritual Life (ORSL) is available to provide pastoral care to the Stanford community. Pastoral care is confidential and provided by spiritual and religious leaders.
- The Confidential Support Team (CST) offers support to Stanford students impacted by sexual assault and relationship violence. You can contact the CST at +1 650-736-6933.
- Stanford’s Dean of Students Office provides individualized student support and guidance. You can contact them at +1 650-723-2733 or send an email to deanofstudents@stanford.edu.
- First-Gen and/or Low Income (FLI)
Florence-Based Services
- English-Speaking Psychological Services in Florence
We have a team of English-speaking mental health professionals available to students. - Alcoholics Anonymous
St. James, Via B. Rucellai 9, Firenze
Tel: +39 338 389 1301 or +39 339 634 5884
englishaaflorence@gmail.com
Meetings open on request (non-alcoholics are requested not to share) - Drug and Alcohol Addiction Services (Ser.T)
Ser.D Presidio Via Borgo Pinti 68r, Tel: +39 055/6934430
Ser.D Presidio Lungarno Santa Rosa 13, Tel: +39 055/6935667