Gap Year & Semester Program

Creative Exploration in Florence

The SRISA Gap Year/Semester Program in Florence, Italy, offers recent high school graduates a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore art, culture, and academic growth. This transformative experience invites participants to reflect on their personal and academic goals, build independence, and prepare for their next steps in college or other purposeful paths.

Students immerse themselves in the vibrant artistic traditions of Florence, focusing on Studio Arts, Design, and Liberal Arts & Sciences while living like locals in one of the most inspiring cities in the world. Through experiential learning and cultural exploration, SRISA Gap students gain the skills and confidence to shape a fulfilling future.

Program Highlights

Specialized Pre-Arrival Advising

Before arriving in Florence, students receive personalized academic guidance to design their ideal schedule. They can choose from a wide selection of courses in Studio Arts, Design, and Liberal Arts & Sciences, either focusing on a single area of interest or creating a multidisciplinary curriculum.

First Year Writing

A dynamic course preparing students for college-level writing, using their experiences in Florence as creative and expository inspiration. This course is intended to fulfill college-level writing requirements.

Portfolio Advising

Individualized sessions with SRISA Studio Art and Design faculty to prepare strong art portfolios for college admissions.

Housing

Students live in shared Florentine apartments with fellow SRISA Gap and college students. This arrangement provides independence, cultural immersion, and a glimpse into university life abroad, making the transition to future college living seamless. See the Housing page for more information.

Program Overview

SRISA offers a rich academic and cultural experience tailored to students in transition between high school and university. The program combines academic courses, studio practice, and on-site learning in Florence and other Italian cities, providing an unforgettable foundation for creative and academic growth.

Classes are taught in English, with Italian language courses available for cultural enrichment.

Academics & Courses

The program offers both semester-long and academic year options, designed for flexibility and exploration. Students enroll in 12–13 credits (4 classes) per term, allowing them the opportunity to immerse themselves in their study-abroad journey.

*SRISA’s courses are accredited through our School of Record, Maryville University (link). It is the student’s responsibility to confirm college credit guidelines, requirements, and alignment with degree course planning with the institutions of Higher Education to which students are interested in pursuing degrees. Students are advised to research admissions policies regarding courses taken post-high school and how they may affect application status and transfer of credits.

Popular course areas include:

Studio Arts: Painting & Drawing, Printmaking, Photography, Book Arts, Sculpture
Design: Communication, Fashion, Interior, and Graphic Design
Art History & Liberal Arts: Italian Language, Literature, History, and more

Fall and Spring Semesters

Fall Semester: September – December (15 weeks, 12–13 credit hours)
Spring Semester: January – April (15 weeks, 12–13 credit hours)

Both terms include opportunities for excursions, museum visits, and hands-on experiences that bring classroom learning to life.

Classroom Structure & Instruction

Academic Lecture Classes

Meet twice a week, totaling 3 contact hours. These courses combine lectures, discussions, and site visits, requiring additional reading and writing outside of class.

Studio Classes

Meet twice a week, totaling 6 contact hours. These practical, hands-on sessions include demonstrations, critiques, and on-site work at Florence’s cultural landmarks.

Registering for Courses

Complete the Course Registration Form.
Italian Language is not required, but is highly encouraged for the enriching cultural benefits.
Students may enroll in a maximum of four (4) Studio courses per semester.
Students must provide alternatives to their first-choice courses due to potential conflicts, or their course registration will be considered incomplete.

Terms

January 12 – April 30, 2026 – Spring 2026 term is 15 weeks long and students enroll in 12-16 credit hours.

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Lecture Classes: These classes meet every day for a total of 45 contact hours. Classes combine in-class lectures, discussion, and on-site visits and instruction. Most academic courses are reading and […]

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Lecture Classes Lecture classes meet twice a week for a total of 3 contact hours per week. Classes combine in-class lectures, discussion, and on-site visits and instruction. Most academic courses […]

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