Faculty-Led Partner Testimonials

SRISA has partnered with over sixty institutions and agencies throughout the USA and Mexico and every year SRISA hosts over 35 visiting Faculty-Led programs from across the world at its Florence campus.

VCU Fashion in Florence Program Kimberly Guthrie, Associate Chair and Assistant Professor, VCU Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising

Thanks to one of my students who spent a fall semester at SRISA, the VCU Fashion in Florence Program was created. She told me how wonderful her experience was and thought that a summer program would be a wonderful way to give more students the opportunity to experience the beautiful city of Florence and work with the fantastic team at SRISA. Our program has run interrupted since 2008 as both a one month and two month program. The faculty and staff at SRISA are incredible to work with and eager to help in any way to make our programs successful.

Indiana University South Bend Susan L. Moore, Department Chair and Professor of Fine Arts, Ernestine M. Raclin School of Art, Indiana University, South Bend

For the past twelve years I have made made bi-annual trips to Florence, Italy with a group of students. Working with SRISA makes my trip so easy. I can focus of teaching and adventure, and know that the staff at SRISA can handle all the challenges of travel, the health and safety of the students.  We see the historical art of the Renaissance and the contemporary art of the Biennale in Venice. We see the shore of the Mediterranean Sea, and the hills of Chianti. We eat pizza, pasta and gelato! Through this travel and experience, students find their view of the world through the lens of their camera. Each summer, The directors and staff at SRISA make Florence seem like a home away from home. I am already looking forward to going back again.

Hardin-Simmons University Linda Fawcett, Professor of Art, Hardin-Simmons University

SRISA made possible an incredible experience for myself and my students. What I love the most about having a partnership with SRISA is that the faculty/staff form a close-knit ‘family’ unit that are available for everything, from travel advice/arrangements in Florence and throughout Italy, to cultural and shopping tips, to 24-7 immediate emergency response. It is important to me to know that SRISA has my back so that my responsibilities don’t become overwhelming. Faculty and staff are assertive and compassionate at the same time, and it is obvious that they all truly care about every student and visiting teacher. I have life-long friends at SRISA.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Art and Art History Karen Kunc, Cather Professor of Art, University of Nebraska-Lincoln Department of Art and Art History

I enjoy a long and successful collaboration with SRISA for our study abroad printmaking courses, enabling our students to blend in and benefit from SRISA’s experience, logistics, and organization. The studios are beautiful and open, housing is convenient and in interesting locations, and the city of Florence of course is unsurpassed! Each student has an amazing experience, and my teaching has interaction and growth because of this opportunity.