FAQ

There are many art supply stores in Florence where you will be able to find most of your necessary supplies. Cost of supplies in Italy vary slightly from the U.S. You may wish to bring some basic supplies (ie: paint brushes, sketchbook, etc) with you but it is not necessary.

Tentative class schedules will be sent by email approximately 2-4 weeks before classes begin. Finalized class schedules will be distributed in Florence during the Academic Orientation.

If housing with SRISA, you will receive a housing and arrival information email approximately 2-4 weeks before the program begins with more arrival details. When arriving at the airport on check-in day you will be greeted by a SRISA staff member who will direct you either to the SRISA arrival campus (Via San Gallo 53/red) or to your apartment address. Taxis are located outside of both the airport and train stations. The cost of a taxi is usually 10-12 Euro from the train station and around 25 Euro from the airport. Check the calendar for your specific check-in date. Office hours are from 9am–5pm Monday through Friday.

*Important: If you are arriving before the check-in date, arriving after hours, or over the weekend you are responsible for reserving accommodations at a hotel. You can write to SRISA’s housing coordinator for more information at housing@srisa.org

We recommend you do as the Florence airport is conveniently located to the city center. It is a quick 20-30 minute taxi ride and around 25 Euro. While flights may be slightly cheaper through larger airports such as Rome or Milan, there are longer commute times once on the ground and high bus/train transfer fees to calculate into the overall cost.

Before leaving home contact your bank to inform them that you will be traveling abroad. They will tell you if your card is compatible with Europe’s systems and may even give you an international pin code. You can also check that your card has the “Cirrus” logo on the back. You should also inform you bank of your travels abroad so that they do not place a block on your card for “unusual activity.”

You will inevitably lose quite a bit of money in the exchange of your currency to Euro directly in Florence. We do not advise bringing your home currency for exchange as a primary means of financial support while abroad. Although there are exchange offices all over Florence, they charge a hefty commission in addition to the daily exchange rate.

A more economically convenient option is directly withdrawing from an ATM. While you will be charged an international usage fee, generally between 3-5%, ATMs (“Bancomat” in Italian) base their exchange rate off of the current market value making them a preferable method of retrieving Euro.

If you prefer to have some Euro before starting your travels, you may also order Euro from your home bank before departing.

Although the exact amount will vary greatly between students, we recommend budgeting at least 25 Euro per day for your entire stay. Again, this amount will vary greatly depending on individual spending habits. If you plan on traveling during your time in Florence, try to take these travel expenses into account before you leave.

You may request an itemized estimated semester or summer budget from admissions@srisa.org.

One of the perks of studying in Italy is the ability to travel. You may not get to see the whole of Europe in a single semester, you should choose quality over quantity. This semester can be you dipping your toe in the water of traveling abroad. With cheap airlines, trains and also buses you can travel across Europe easily. Plan the cities you want to visit before leaving.

Remember that you don’t have to leave Italy to see some amazing cities. Milan, the fashion capital of the world is only a couple of hours away. Rome, the eternal city, is again, just a couple of hours away. You could also choose to take a bus and go visit Fiesole, twenty minutes from Florence and an Etruscan treasure trove with magnificent views over the whole of Florence.

Finally, you can expect to have lots of fun. Florence is a cosmopolitan and exciting city with lots of activities to enjoy. It is also a melting pot with different cultures and people from all over the world coming together. You can explore both it and surrounding cities, and their various iconic landmarks, and take part in cultural activities.

Studying at one of the Italy study abroad programs is an unforgettable experience. You will come away with a deeper understanding of Italian culture, make lifelong connections, and develop personal and professional skills. You can also expect to develop your language proficiency, SRISA offers you support so that you can learn the basics and then practice with both locals, faculty and other students.

Most courses offer on-site visits to museums and exhibitions, allowing you to see first-hand these iconic masterpieces. There will also be day trips which will give you the opportunity to see other places. These are added into your course fees so you don’t have to worry about extra costs. It is also very easy and cheap to reach other European countries from Italy allowing you the opportunity to travel.

All the courses are taught in English but you also have the chance to study Italian in this program abroad. There are many benefits to studying the language as you will be able to immerse yourself in the culture and feel a part of the local community. Being able to converse with the locals allows you to really benefit from studying abroad.

There are many advantages to these programs to study abroad, in addition to gaining a unique educational experience, as a student you have the opportunity to explore a new culture, you will learn to be more independent, gain a better understanding of different cultures, and figure out how to problem solve, improve your communication and acquire knowledge from the various different situations you will find yourself in.

Italy study abroad programs are many, but SRISA is one of a kind thanks to the courses provided and our talented faculty. The length of the course is four weeks during the Summer Semesters and 15 weeks in Fall and Spring. The price of each course is listed on our website allowing you to find the program that suits you and your budget.

SRISA offers you the chance to study Fine Arts, Liberal Arts and Design. Choose from our various modules, Photography, Digital Imaging, Printmaking, Illustration, Book Arts, Painting, Drawing, Art History, Architecture, Sculpture, Textiles Design, Fashion Design, Wine Marketing, and much more. Browse our programs to find the one that suits. 

Studying abroad is a unique experience for students who are looking for an opportunity to expand their knowledge and immerse themselves in a new culture. Italy, especially Florence, is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students.

Santa Reparata International School of Art is a renowned art school offering the participant the opportunity to learn new skills, and improve on old ones all while enjoying the magic that is Florence. The school is located in one of the most inspiring places in the world, this city has been home to so many important artists, Da Vinci, Michelangelo and Botticelli to name just a couple.

Why not grow your professional skills by looking at our summer study abroad internships! Interning in Florence is the perfect way to make the most of your time here and will also help you in your career. Here at SRISA we do everything we can to get you a suitable internship that will service you and your future career needs. It will be in a field of your choice and either internally within the institution or with a local business.

An internal internship here at SRISA will help you in various areas like marketing, curating, social media, and photography. You will work alongside professionals who will not only offer their valuable time and experience but will prepare you for working life in the professional world. In the past students alongside working with SRISA staff have created marketing materials including videos, limited-edition screen-printed products, photograph student and artist events that are happening in and around the school such as SRISA gallery shows.

There is also the possibility to learn in various locations around Florence. The employer will depend on both your skills and your availability. Previous candidates have interned in art galleries, art museums, graphic design studios, and in photography, journalism, and marketing. We can also support you in building your own study abroad summer internships.

All courses are taught in English, except for Italian language classes. We offer American university-level undergraduate courses in Studio Arts, Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Design. The Fall semester runs from August to December and the Spring Semester from January to April. Both semesters are 15 weeks long and students enroll in 15-16 credit hours.

Not only will you be learning in class, but the entire city will be your language lab. Take advantage of the numerous open-air markets, restaurants, pizzerias, and cafés to practice your Italian. Make the most of this outdoor study space to live like one of the locals and learn to speak like one too.

SRISA study abroad student life incorporates all aspects of study abroad, which goes beyond academic life. It also includes partaking in local traditions and festivities, social interaction, and, most importantly, cultural immersion. International students will also mingle with Italian students thanks to various cultural activities organized by the University.

During your study semester abroad, you will be able to expand your knowledge and understanding of the world. You will delve into the history and culture of this magnificent city. When it comes to art, Florence has so much to offer from masterpieces dating back many centuries to contemporary art. There is never a lack of exhibitions or works of art to see. Museums are not the only place with art: walking down the street you are sure to stumble upon iconic landmarks, like the dome atop Florence’s cathedral.

Florence is one of the most sought-after destinations for international students in semester abroad programs. SRISA offers a unique experience for students who want to learn in a supportive and creative environment. A study semester abroad at SRISA is the perfect moment to embrace a student experience like no other.

Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) offers the chance for you to learn from our experienced faculty. Their role is to help you to continue to grow in your education. We offer a range of courses in disciplines such as painting, sculpture, photography, fashion and much more. Beyond academics, our staff are there to help you with the day-to-day navigation of Florence and all it has to offer.

Why not grow your professional skills by looking at our summer study abroad internships! Interning in Florence is the perfect way to make the most of your time here and will also help you in your career. Here at SRISA we do everything we can to get you a suitable internship that will service you and your future career needs. It will be in a field of your choice and either internally within the institution or with a local business.

An internal internship here at SRISA will help you in various areas like marketing, curating, social media, and photography. You will work alongside professionals who will not only offer their valuable time and experience but will prepare you for working life in the professional world. In the past students alongside working with SRISA staff have created marketing materials including videos, limited-edition screen-printed products, photograph student and artist events that are happening in and around the school such as SRISA gallery shows.

There is also the possibility to learn in various locations around Florence. The employer will depend on both your skills and your availability. Previous candidates have interned in art galleries, art museums, graphic design studios, and in photography, journalism, and marketing. We can also support you in building your own study abroad summer internships.

When you make your mind up about what you would like to study, we can also then provide you with your accommodation. SRISA Housing gives you the chance to stay in a typical Florentine apartment within walking distance of the school. You will see what it is like to live as a local.

When you choose to stay with us you also get the opportunity to meet new people as you will be living with students from the school. You can request to live with someone that you already know but sometimes it is more of an adventure and experience if you choose to live with friends that you have yet to meet.

The housing cost includes rent, utilities (within reason), check-in service, staff assistance and also administrative fees. You can choose from multi, double or single occupancy rooms, a private apartment or you can arrange your own accommodation. All of the apartments are equipped with all you need to make your house a home.Studying a year abroad will help prepare you for life after your college education. You will become independent, know how to mix with people from other cultures, learn a new language, adapt to different situations, and these are all traits that will help you in your career.

SRISA’s facilities are spacious and well equipped, from the printmaking studio, which is one of the best-equipped and most broad-ranging print facilities in Italy, to the photography studio with its darkroom and alternative processes darkroom. Photography is not only a skilled creative medium but also a great way to document your year abroad. Students will be able to learn what it takes to be a working studio artist as well as how to use our 3D and 4D studios.

Through a mixture of academic lectures and studio classes from our talented faculty you will come away with well-rounded knowledge and experience in your chosen subject. Not only will your academic and artistic abilities flourish, but you will also get a chance to learn about yourself and who you are.

SRISA’s facilities are spacious and well equipped, from the printmaking studio, which is one of the best-equipped and most broad-ranging print facilities in Italy, to the photography studio with its darkroom and alternative processes darkroom. Photography is not only a skilled creative medium but also a great way to document your year abroad. Students will be able to learn what it takes to be a working studio artist as well as how to use our 3D and 4D studios.

Through a mixture of academic lectures and studio classes from our talented faculty you will come away with well-rounded knowledge and experience in your chosen subject. Not only will your academic and artistic abilities flourish, but you will also get a chance to learn about yourself and who you are.

Here at SRISA we do everything we can to get you a suitable internship that will service you and your future career needs. It will be in a field of your choice and either internally within the institution or with a local business.

An internal internship here at SRISA will help you in various areas like marketing, curating, social media, and photography. You will work alongside professionals who will not only offer their valuable time and experience but will prepare you for working life in the professional world. 

There is also the possibility to learn in various locations around Florence. The employer will depend on both your skills and your availability. Previous candidates have interned in art galleries, art museums, graphic design studios, and in photography, journalism, and marketing. We can also support you in building your own study abroad summer internships.

Life in summer study abroad Florence is not only about the campus where you study. Your life outside the classroom will include academic study, social interaction with friends from around the world, local festivities, and cultural immersion. You will take away amazing memories of having been involved in a new community and interacting with your newfound language skills. It will be easy to find Florentines to mingle with during the summer as people take advantage of the good weather and tend to stay outside.

Our campus is situated in the heart of Florence, just a stone’s throw from many important historical monuments. Summer school in Florence will not only be about classroom learning but will also offer you an opportunity to experience Italian culture, learn about the history of art and architecture, and explore a new city. Florence will become your extended campus and you can practice your language skills at the local pizzeria or café.

When taking summer art classes in Italy your study space can be anything from the Uffizi Gallery to the Medici Chapels. As a student, you will not be confined just to SRISA’s campus, but rather have the chance to explore the vast collections of over thirty museums and countless churches containing masterpieces. Even just taking a walk during your time here as a summer study abroad program student you can walk the same streets as Leonardo Da Vinci, take in the breathtaking views from Piazzale Michelangelo and more, all within walking distance of your home away from home.

• Students must be at least 18 years of age.
• Students must have a Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent.
• Student must have maintained a 2.5 GPA* in all college work attempted.
• Students must be able to fluently speak, write, and take exams in the English language.
• Student must submit their official academic transcripts to the Admissions Office along with their application.
• Student must submit their resume or CV.
• Students must submit a portfolio of 15-20 images.
• Students must submit a list of artwork details.
• Students must submit an Artist Statement.
• Students must submit 2 Letters of Reference.
• * Students with a GPA lower than 2.5 may petition for acceptance by submitting a letter of intent, a sample portfolio with 5-10 images of work or 2 writing samples, and 2 letters of recommendation along with their enrollment application.

Applicants should complete the online application, indicate that they are applying for the Post-Bacc Program, and submit the following items to admissions@srisa.org: 

• 15-20 images of artwork created within the last 5 years
• List details with Title / Date / Dimensions / Media
• Artist Statement 
• Curriculum Vitae 
• Letter of Reference 
• College Transcripts

See Dates and Fees for program start and end dates.

• Application Type: Rolling 
• Application Due: April 15
• Notification to the applicant: June 1
• Confirmation of participation due by the applicant: June 15

Application Materials: 

• Current resume/CV
• Two letters of recommendation
• 10 images of your artwork made in the last 5 years in a single PDF file
• Optional: list describing the 10 images
• Biography (250-350 words)
• Artist statement (350-500 words)
• Letter of intent (500 words): Describe why you would like to take part in the one year Work-Exchange Artist Residency at SRISA, the project you would like to develop during your residency, and what you feel you can contribute to the SRISA community. 

Please refer all questions to info@srisa.org

SRISA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, political beliefs, or marital, veteran, or disability status in the administration of its educational or admissions policies.

A year residency runs from September through August (Fall through Summer). See Academic Calendar for program start and end dates.

SRISA offers fully equipped studios for painting, photography, sculpture, and fashion design, along with lecture rooms and digital labs.

Through SRISA’s cultural activities, workshops, and language support, students easily engage with locals, enhancing their immersion experience.

Yes! SRISA’s field trip coordinator will assist in planning excursions to cities like Rome, Venice, and other major Italian destinations.

You should speak with your study abroad office, advisor, or registrar’s office. You will need to check to see if your University accepts the SRISA transcript directly or if they require the transcript from our school of record, Maryville University in St. Louis. Additionally, many Universities require their students to complete a course equivalency form for approval before departure. You may request syllabi from us to assist with this approval process.

Yes. Students with a GPA lower than 2.5 may petition for acceptance by submitting a letter of intent, sample portfolio with 5-10 images of work or 2 writing samples, and 2 letters of recommendation along with their enrollment application.

SRISA does not offer financial aid. However, frequently your financial aid from your home institution can be used at SRISA, including federal and private loans and scholarships. Usually, this option is available through a Consortium Agreement between your home institution and SRISA. Simply contact the financial aid and study abroad offices at your institution to see what the process is for your specific school. Although quite competitive, SRISA does offer a few scholarship opportunities based on merit, need, and diversity. For more information, see our scholarships page.

No, it is not necessary to have any previous art experience. Although many of our students are art majors, SRISA welcomes students from varied backgrounds who wish to receive an introduction to art or participate in our Liberal Arts program.

It is not necessary to submit a portfolio for general application. However, if you would like to submit one, you are more than welcome to do so.

Exceptions may include: those applying for the Post-Baccalaureate Program or petitioning to take an advanced level course without the collegiate pre-requisite.

All students applying to SRISA must meet the following requirements:

• Students must be at least 18 years of age
• Students must have a high school diploma, or equivalent G.E.D.
• Student must have maintained a 2.5 GPA in all college work attempted
• Students must submit most recent transcript (either high school or college transcripts) to the Admissions Office along with their application

Even though Italy has a socialized healthcare system, participants of SRISA must have health insurance coverage for the duration of their program.

It is important to check with your medical provider and insurance company to understand what expenses they cover in Europe. We recommend students purchase short-term travel insurance to supplement their current medical plan. Travel insurance covers these four basic areas:

1. Medical/health problems
2. Property loss
3. Trip cancellation/interruption
4. Emergency evacuation

Companies that have had positive feedback from students and local health providers include:

• HTH Worldwide
• GeoBlue
• AXA
• CISI

We have heard negative comments about ISOS from our partner healthcare providers in Florence. With mental health becoming a larger consideration for more and more people, we advise that you ensure the policy you choose covers mental health support while abroad as well.

Local Italian Health Insurance

Students studying for semester programs are required to have health insurance coverage in Italy for the application of their Permit of Stay. Students should check their current health insurance plan to see if it includes travel abroad. If it doesn’t, they may purchase travel insurance such as those described above (recommended) or local Italian Health Insurance (valid all around the Schengen Area). One such local plan is through Paffer. This plan covers students should they need to take a trip to the Italian emergency room (pronto soccorso) and may be used for minor issues as well as real emergencies, but usually not for private practices.

Medications and Doctors Visits

Students requiring special medications should carry them in their original pharmacy containers with the written prescription. Do not have medicine shipped to Italy, as it will be promptly stopped in customs. If students can’t bring enough medication to last their entire stay, they should have the written prescription to take to a doctor in Florence to process a local Italian prescription for additional medication. We recommend taking care of this immediately upon arrival.

There are 24-hour pharmacies in each section of the city and a nearby tourist clinic with English-speaking physicians. The normal charge is about 50-75 Euros per visit.

Each student is responsible for booking their travel to Florence. There are many options for purchasing your tickets, both online and through a travel agent.

We recommend flying directly into Florence airport for the convenience factor. International flights arriving in major cities such as Rome and Milan, Bologna, and Pisa are alternatives but will have other travel (train and bus) and hotel costs attached, so students should calculate these into the total travel cost.

Below are a few suggestions for students to explore for booking travel.

A few suggestions:

• www.skyscanner.com
• www.studentuniverse.com
• www.flycheap.com
• www.expedia.com
• www.lastminute.com

Airlines that offer student discounts:

Emirates
Turkish Airlines
Lufthansa
KLM
Air France

Being prepared and having a few options to get cash, make payments, and make purchases can help students have an enjoyable study abroad experience.

What currency does Italy take?

The countries of the European Union have the Euro as their currency. The Euro fluctuates depending on the international market. For the most up-to-date exchange rates use www.xe.com.

Changing currency in Italy

We do not recommend changing currency while in Florence. However, if you do, it is always best to go to a bank. Although there are change offices in Florence, they charge a commission with high exchange rates. This rule also applies to hotels, airports, and train station exchange offices.

Using credit cards in Italy

Credit cards are accepted all over Italy. Credit cards can also provide cash advances through ATMs. There will be a transaction fee (around $10 for the advance and 2-4% extra for foreign transactions). Having the option available can be a great relief in an emergency. To make cash advances with your credit card, contact your card company to obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN).

How to use your ATM (BANCOMAT) & debit cards in Italy

Before leaving home, check with your bank to verify that you have an international PIN code and that your card is compatible with Europe’s systems. You can also put debit and credit cards on your phone’s wallet.

A few things to note:

Most bank machines have a cash limit ($300, sometimes less). 

Transactions at ATNs (Bankomats) will carry a surcharge.

Most points of service have contactless payment.

Check which international banks your bank partners with to help ease some of the costs.

Deciding what to pack and prepare for studying abroad can be daunting. Follow SRISA’s handy pre-departure checklist for all the essentials you’ll need for your time abroad.

• Bring comfortable clothes, shoes, and workout clothes if you plan on going to a gym or jogging. Count on doing a lot of walking.
• Pack sustainably: bring products that reduce packaging and waste.
• Bring electronic devices necessary for your classes. Check your syllabi to see what the professors require. And remember portablenchargers and adapters.
• Pack light and pack smart. Can you walk down the street and up at least two flights of stairs with your luggage? If not, you may want to consider lightening your load.
• Bring a backpack or bag that can fit under an airline seat for weekend travel. Cheaper airlines require minimal items you can carry on without paying baggage fees.
• Carry little to no valuables and designate a place to conceal them. Your passport, cash, and credit cards are most secure when locked in a hotel safe. When you carry them, put them in several places rather than all in one wallet or pouch. Avoid handbags and outside pockets that are easy targets for thieves. Use inside pockets and a sturdy shoulder bag with the strap worn across your chest.
• If you wear glasses, pack an extra pair. Bring them and any medicines you need in your carry-on luggage. Medicines may not be sent into Italy, so bring enough for your travels.
• To avoid problems when passing through customs, keep medicines in their original, labeled containers. Bring copies of your prescriptions and the generic names for the drugs. If a medication is unusual or contains narcotics, you may wish to carry a letter from your doctor attesting to your need for taking the drug. If you have any doubt about the legality of carrying a certain drug into a country, consult the embassy or consulate of that country first.
• Install WhatsApp on your phone, tablet, and laptop. Calling online with WhatsApp is free and one of the best ways to keep in touch with friends and family back home. Plus, we use this to keep you updated on important news and information.
• Consider bringing a voltage converter if necessary. You can purchase one while in Italy if you want to save space.
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, important documents, and the school’s contact information with family or friends in case they need to contact you in the event of an emergency.

Helpful tips for traveling

And, for the final roundup of how to prepare, pack, and carry important documents and information, follow our recommendations below.

Copies, Copies, Copies!

• Make at least 3 copies of your passport. Give one to your parents/guardian/spouse and keep 2 copies on you while abroad. Keep copies secure and separate.
• Make at least 2 copies of the front and back of credit and debit cards and your travel itinerary. Give one copy to your parents/guardian/spouse and keep one copy with you while abroad.
• If you haven’t already done so, e-mail a copy of your itinerary to housing@santareparata.org.

Money, Money, Money!

• Make sure your credit and debit cards are accepted in Italy. If your card has a Visa or Plus logo, you’re fine. But always check with your financial institution!
• Get your credit card and debit card overseas numbers in case of an emergency.
• Contact your company before leaving to let them know you will be overseas, or you may risk having a hold placed on your account.

Identify Yourself

• Carry your passport and photo I.D. in a secure place and easily accessible by you. You will have to present them at various points in your trip.
• I.D.s must have a photo, proof of age, and maybe even student status (this is not necessary, but a good idea for obtaining discounts).
• Carry a written prescription for each medication from your doctor and keep it in the original container. If possible, get enough of your prescription for the duration of your stay before you depart.
• Carry proof of insurance with you. Again, make sure to carry it in a secure place.

It’s in the Bag!

• Keep your purse, backpack, or bag with you at all times. Never leave your belongings unattended! Tuck bags firmly under your arm or wear them across your chest. Wear backpacks in crowded places on the front.
• Carry SRISA’s address and phone number with you wherever you go. Remember to leave this contact information with your parents/spouse/guardian. Please refer to the Pre-Departure Handbook for Emergency Contact Information.
• You might consider purchasing a guidebook about Florence and Italy at your local bookstore and research your destination to learn about the culture, travel, and more for a better experience.

During orientation, we will give out an extensive Student Handbook outlining places to shop, eat, and buy groceries, plus more great information that will be handy for your time in Florence.

The Florence Airport or Train Station to SRISA

When you arrive in Florence from the airport or the Santa Maria Novella (SMN) train station, take a taxi (conveniently waiting outside the door) to the school to pick up the keys to your apartment. The taxi ride from the airport is a fixed €28 to €32 depending on the time of day plus €1.20 for each bag. For light travelers, take the tram wich costs €1.70 and walk to SRISA San Gallo Campus.

To go to the school, ask the taxi driver to go to Via San Gallo 53/red (red numbers) Phone: 055-462-7374. After checking in and getting your keys, a staff member will accompany you to your apartment.

IMPORTANT!! Check-in Times: The office at SRISA is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday-Friday. If you arrive over the weekend or after business hours you must make your own arrangements to stay in a hotel. It is extremely important that you notify us of your flight number, arrival time, and date. If you do not have the information when you apply please notify us as soon as possible by email to: housing@santareparata.org. Before booking your ticket, remember to consult your housing information for specific check-in and check-out times.

Arriving in Rome

Flights into Rome arrive at the Da Vinci Airport at Fiumicino. From the airport there is a train that runs every 20 minutes to the Rome central train station called ROMA TERMINI. There may be a couple of stops along the way, at Roma Trastevere but stay on the train until the final stop at ROMA TERMINI. The ride will take about 35 minutes.

Once at the Roma Termini station, transfer to a train for Florence SMN station. Tickets for Florence can be purchased at either the airport or Roma Termini stations. 

Arriving in Milan

Malpensa is the international airport for trans-Atlantic flights arriving in Milan. The procedure for arrival in Milan is similar to the one for Rome. Take the Malpensa Express to Milano Centrale station then transfer to a train for Florence SMN station.

If you plan, you can buy tickets online on Trenitalia or Italo. There is also the Flixbus which takes longer but is budget-friendly.

Students should consult the Pre-Departure Handbook for more detailed information.

Arrival in Italian cities other than Florence, Milan and Rome

If students arrive in another Italian city (particularly for those traveling before school begins), the procedure is essentially like the one for Rome and Milan.

Buying train tickets in Italy

PLEASE NOTE: Italian train information, hours, and pricing can be found on Trenitalia or Italo.

• Tickets can be purchased online (see links above) or in the stations at the ticket machines or information booths (most of the train clerks at the station speak English).
• Buy a ticket to FIRENZE SMN (Santa Maria Novella) station, the main station in Florence.
• Locate the track (binario) the train departs from and at what time. This information is on the ‘PARTENZE’ timetable board located near the tracks. IMPORTANT: be sure to match the train numbers of the timetable and your ticket.
• If you are taking a regional train without seat assignments, VALIDATE the ticket by stamping it at one of the validation machines in the station, or if you purchased it online, check-in before the departure. REMEMBER to do this! There are large fines to pay the conductor if you do not validate your ticket before boarding the train.
• For the fast trains, like Italo or Frecca Rosa, you should have received an electronic ticket with a QR code and assigned seats. No need to validate, the conductor will scan your ticket during the journey.

When you arrive at Firenze SMN, take a taxi to the school as described above or walk if traveling light.

Other helpful transportation information in Italy

Storing Bags while at the Station

Many, but not all, train stations have places to store luggage — Deposito Baggagli. These are safe and easy to use, with the obvious exception of valuables such as cameras and purses, which should be kept with you.

Taxis – General information

The easiest places to find a taxi are at airports, train stations, or other major public spaces, where there are official taxi stands/stops.

The general Italian system is to call for a Taxi and dispatchers usually speak English. You will declare your location, and they will locate a taxi for you. They will then give you the name of the cab (ex: Milano 33), followed by the estimated time of arrival: usually 3-5 minutes.

Buses/Trams in Italy – General Information

There are buses and trams operated by Autolinee Toscana in Florence that are urban and exurbana (they go to different towns in Tuscany). You can download the app or use contactless payment for your tickets.

There is also the  Flixbus from Rome and Milan, and Sky Bus Lines Coronna from Pisa, which take longer but are budget-friendly.

We highly encourage living in the SRISA shared student apartments. SRISA housing allows for a comfortable home environment with other students on the program while at the same time enabling students to get out and enjoy the city center of Florence and all it has to offer. All apartments are pre-approved by the SRISA housing coordinator. That said, students are welcome to make housing arrangements independently from SRISA.

Apartments are equipped with WiFi, however, internet in Italy may be slower than you are used to back home.

No, SRISA shared student apartments are not equipped with A/C. If you have a health condition that requires A/C, you are welcome to inquire about our private apartments by writing to housing@srisa.org.

Yes. SRISA apartments are not equipped with bed sheets or bath towels so you will need to bring your own. We recommend picking up a cheap set that you can then leave behind in Florence. This allows for pre-planned extra space in your luggage to return home with those souvenirs and gifts you will acquire while abroad! Apartments will have heavy blankets and pillows.

SRISA apartments are spread throughout the city center in residential apartments within a 20 minute walk from campus.

There is an average of 4-6 students per apartment, although at times there are more or less.

Students arranging housing through SRISA will be sent housing information by email 2-4 weeks before the program begins. You can write to SRISA’s housing coordinator for more information at housing@srisa.org

All SRISA students who have requested and paid for a Maryville University Transcript will receive a transcript approximately one month after the completion of the program along with a Maryville ID. For additional Maryville transcripts, please follow this link to complete the Maryville transcript request or contact AcademicRecords@maryville.edu.

Request a Transcript here.

On the SRISA Enrollment Application students are asked if they wish to receive Maryville University credit.

Cost of Maryville Transcript

If students answer “yes” to receive a Maryville Transcript on the Enrollment Application, they will be assessed a transcript fee:

• $250 for semester programs (valid for up to two semesters plus two summer sessions within the same academic or calendar year)
• $200 fee for summer programs, in addition to the general tuition fees.

The transcript fee is non-refundable. If the students answer “no”, they will not receive a Maryville University transcript.

The first 5 SRISA transcripts are free of charge, after that, they are $10 each plus shipping.

Shipping costs are:

• No additional cost by regular USA mail, 5-10 days
• $30 Priority Mail USA, 1-2 days
• $50 Priority Mail Europe, 2-5 days

The following transcript request options are available to students that have completed coursework at SRISA.

1. SRISA Official Transcript (printed and mailed)
2. SRISA Digital Grade Report (sent by email)

Obtaining Credit:

Students may transfer credits from their studies at SRISA by obtaining transcripts from either SRISA or Maryville University in St. Louis, SRISA’s School of Record. Students should check with their home institution to see which transcript is needed for successful credit transfer.

For information on transcripts and associated fees, please see here.

No-credit:

Not all students who study at SRISA are required to obtain a transcript. Some students may choose to take courses for personal enrichment. Those students who choose to study at SRISA as non-credit seeking students may not switch to credit-seeking status after classes have commenced. All students must complete coursework and attend classes regularly regardless of credit status.

One credit hour indicates a minimum of 50 minutes of class time per week. Most academic course offerings are 3 credit hours, requiring 45 contact hours per semester. Studio Art courses are 3 credit hours that require 2 contact hours per credit hour per week for a total of 90 contact hours per semester. Semester Italian language classes are 4 credit hour courses, requiring 60 contact hours per semester.

Courses:
Divisions, course numbering system, credit hours, and grading system.
SRISA Course Numbering System

Hours attempted are the number of hours for which a student has received a grade of “A”, “B”, “C”, “D”, or “F”. The Hours Earned are the credit hours for which a grade of “A”, “B”, “C”, “D” or “CR” has been given.

Grades and Symbols:

All coursework completed or incomplete is recorded on a student’s transcript using the following codes.

A = (4.0 grade points) Outstanding
A- = (3.7 grade points)
B+ = (3.3 grade points)
B = (3.0 grade points) Above Average
B- = (2.7 grade points)
C+ = (2.3 grade points)
C = (2.0 grade points) Average
C- = (1.7 grade points)
D = (1.0 grade point) Below average
F = (0.0 grade points) Failure
W = (0.0 grade points) ”Withdrawal” indicates that the student was passing at the time of withdrawal.
WF = (0.0 grade points) ”Withdrew Failing” indicates failure at the time of withdrawal.
I = (0.0 grade points) “Incomplete” is not offered due to the nature of the school
EX = ”Expelled.”

Students may add courses through the first week of classes unless otherwise stated at the time of distribution of course schedules concerning a specific term. Students wishing to add a course after this deadline must request written permission from the Instructor and the Director’s office. A student may drop a class without receiving a W or a WF on their transcript within the first week of the classes. Students may withdraw from a class and receive a W or a WF until the week after the semester break. Students who cease to attend classes after this point will receive an F for the course. Students wishing to add or drop a class must submit a written request to the Director’s office. Students will not receive a refund for dropped classes. Classes added to a student’s course load must be paid for by the end of the first week of class or the student will be dropped from the course.  It is the student’s responsibility to contact their home institution about courses added or dropped.