You will have Internet access through the computer facilities of Syracuse University where classes will be held. There is a cost of .03 cents per page to print. Also at the Public Libraries in Florence students can check Internet, which is free, and printing, but there is a charge to print for each page. Check before you print.
There is no computer access for Internet/printing or e-mail services at our on-site office in Florence.
Some students did not bring their computers last year and they did not have any problems. Some students brought computers and had a hard time hooking up. So to bring or not to bring a computer is entirely up to you.
But if you wish to bring your computer, please read this checklist of things to check out before you leave. Checklist for your computer
It may be possible for you to have your own e-mail connection, but that requires that you bring a computer with you to Florence. If you are interested in doing that, please read "Getting Online in Europe". There is no requirement of a computer for any academic activity on the summer program. No machine with a memory can be used in the exams. You also must obtain your class professor's approval to bring a computer into class to use.
There are plenty of Internet Cafes around Florence, check them out once you have arrived in Florence. Ask our Florence Administrative Assistant, where you may be able to find others.
Or check out Florence Cyber Cafes - 15 locations in Florence. Find one close to where you will be staying.
There is also a company called "Bumble Bee E.Mail Services" that provides e-mail services for students staying in Florence. They are in the "Oltrarno" area and they are totally English speaking (according to them). The following costs are estimates for their services according to them:
Receiving e-mail: est $20 U.S.
Writing responses to your e-mail: est $3.50 U.S. per 1/2 hour
Just writing an e-mail to someone: est $4.00 U.S. per 1/2 hour
There are no restrictions on the number of messages in the above time or whether you write to multiple addresses.
Internet access for either web-based e-mail or for Telnet connections:
est $6.00 U.S. per 1/2 hour
They even offer a monthly "newsletter" telling you of coming events, etc. Suggestions for escaping Florence and seeing Italy off the tourist circuit., where to eat, shop, and general difficulties that you might have.
Contact bumble@dada.it
Just a reminder that you should not use your regular e-mail account that you use in the States. If you sign up for e-mail anywhere there is a possibility of your address being sold to other companies and you may receive unwanted junk mail. So be careful. If you have to open an account that you will only be using during the summer, close out the account right before you leave.