Studying at Santa Reparata International School of Art

Florence study abroad programs at Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) are a once in a lifetime experience. You will be studying and living in the heart of Florence, just minutes from the Duomo, you can even spot the dome of the cathedral from our campus in San Lorenzo.

Live like a local and travel through Tuscany and across Italy with the school. All lessons, aside from Higher Level Italian will be taught in English. With open enrollment you can pick and choose the course that suits your degree plan and both your short-term and long-term goals.

SRISA is one of the most renowned art schools abroad. It has various courses in fine arts, liberal arts and design. Study subjects such as book making and printing, fashion design, sculpting, photography and lots more. At SRISA we like to offer every one the possibility to study abroad in Italy.

SRISA Study Abroad Programs in Florence

Taking part in one of SRISA's study abroad programs in Florence is a once in a lifetime experience. SRISA offers a full-immersion experience in the heart of Florence, Italy. SRISA's students live in local apartments, travel throughout Tuscany and Italy, and experience Florence as a student of Art, Liberal Arts and Design. All classes, with the exception of Italian, are taught in English and courses follow the US University model of instruction.  Open enrollment allows students to pick and choose the courses that best fit each students' degree plan and interests. 

Programs Offered:

The Summer Program at SRISA provides students with a brief but intense study abroad experience. It is organized into two sessions: the first taking place from May to June and the second from June to July. During the summer terms, students may enroll for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 credit hours each session with a maximum of 1 studio art course per session.
SRISA Summer Program:
  • Summer A (4 Weeks) Total Credits: 3-6
  • Summer B (4 Weeks) Total Credits: 3-6
  • Full Summer Program (8 weeks — Summer A & B) Total Credits 6-12
Program Fees:
  • Studio Course, 3 credits, 90 contact hours: $2,055
  • Lecture Course, 3 credits, 45 contact hours: $1,590
  • Italian Language Course, 3 credits, 45 contact hours: $1,590
Learn more about SRISA Summer Florence Study Abroad Program.
Fall and Spring semesters are 15 weeks long and students enroll in 14-16 credit hours.
SRISA Semester Program:
  • Fall (September-December) Total Credits: 14-16
  • Spring (January-April) Total Credits: 14-16
  • Year Program (September-April) Total Credits: 28-32
Program Fees:
Fine Arts and Design Program: $8,495
  • 4 Elective courses (maximum 3 studio courses)
  • 1 Italian language course
  • Total Credits: 16
Liberal Arts Program: $8,495
  • 4 Elective courses (maximum 3 studio courses)
  • 1 Italian language course
  • Total Credits: 16
Learn more about SRISA Accredited Study Abroad Program in Florence.
This is a program for artists that are not seeking a degree but rather an opportunity to build and work on a professional portfolio. Post-baccalaureate students are guided through the transition from a structured academic curriculum to an established working practice. The program is specially designed for those artists who wish to build their portfolio for admission to graduate school in visual arts and for working artists who are looking for a new perspective on their own work and would like creative feedback. Learn more about SRISA Post-Baccalaureate Program.
Studio Monitor Art Residency at SRISA provides the opportunity for young artists to continue developing their personal body of work while at the same time gaining valuable experience in a role of responsibility within an artistic, academic setting.
  • The recipient will be provided with full access to the SRISA studios (outside of scheduled class hours) which hosts state of the art printmaking, photography, bookbinding, fashion design, painting and drawing facilities.
  • In addition, the recipient will have the option to take one (1) SRISA course per term at no cost.
  • The recipient will be invited to present an Artist in Residency Show of artwork completed during the residency towards the termination of the program.
In exchange for these opportunities, the recipient of the Studio Monitor Art Residency will be responsible for helping keep the main administrative and studio art campus open in the evenings and over the weekends. The Monitor is responsible for opening and closing the school and monitoring the people that enter and leave the premises. Some monitors may be asked to assist in the studios, on housing check-in, and during SRISA extra-curricular events. Monitors typically work 10-20 hours per week depending on the schedule, calendar, and events. Schedules are assigned at the beginning of each month.
The Studio Monitor Art Residency is a one-year position beginning either with the Spring or Fall academic semesters. A limited number of residents will be selected each year.
Note: Residents will be financially responsible for their own housing but may take advantage of SRISA housing options if they wish. Learn more about SRISA Art Residency Program.

Departments and Courses

SRISA offers a range of courses in the Fine Arts, Liberal Arts, and Design. Students are able to study across the disciplines, trying things that may be outside their major or furthering their skills in a particular subject. SRISA offers a wonderful blend of academic courses and Florence based subjects that embrace the experience of study abroad. All SRISA courses are accredited through Maryville University, St. Louis and follow the US credit and grading system. Courses are taught in English, with the exception of higher-level Italian courses.

The design department offers fashion, communication, and interior design. The culture of fast fashion is not one that we embrace. Each of the design departments is committed to ethical and sustainable design and how students can use design to leave their mark on the world of design, not on the world we live in.

Learn to paint in the land of great artists such as Caravaggio, Boticelli, da Vinci and the lesser known but not to be underestimated Artemisia Gentileschi. Your talent will be nurtured by our faculty. Take your paint brushes outside and be inspired by the magnificent surroundings.

Other courses on offer are Interior design, Book Binding, Photography, Art History, History and Politics, Textile Design, Interior Design and much more. For more information about courses offered, please browse the SRISA Course Catalog.

 

Fields of study:

  • Painting and Drawing
  • Printmaking
  • Book Binding
  • Photography
  • New Genres
  • Performative Ats

Visit SRISA Fine Art Department page.

Fields of study:

  • Art History
  • History and Politics
  • Italian Language
  • Italian Literature

Visit SRISA Liberal Arts Department page.

Fields of study:

  • Fashion
  • Textile Design
  • Communication Design
  • Interior Design
  • Jewelry

Visit SRISA Design Department page.

Studio and Lecture Facilities

Our students work in spacious and excellently equipped studios. Our printmaking, photography, painting, 3D and 4D facilities, as well as computer classrooms, are the best in Florence. You can take advantage of our facilities even after hours. The school stays open late and at weekends so that you can make use of our facilities when creativity strikes.

Study Abroad in Florence Italy and live like a local all while learning from our professional faculty and in fully equipped studios.

How does the grading system work?

You can try subjects outside your major or even further your skills in a particular subject. On offer you will find a mixture of academic courses and Florence based subjects that go perfectly with the study abroad experience. SRSIA is a partner with Maryville University, St. Louis and follows the US credit and grading system.

During the summer there is a short but jam packed 4-or-8- week program. There are two sessions offered here, May to June or June to July. Courses are worth 3-6 credits for a single session, should you choose to take part in the full two sessions, the credits are 6-12. Further information regarding the costs is available on our website.

You could also choose to study for a semester or a full year. The year starts with the fall semester from September to December and then the Spring Semester from January-April. Choose from or Fine Arts and Design Program which is worth a total of 16 credits or our Liberal Arts Program, also worth a total of 16 credits.

Transcripts

Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) is affiliated with Maryville University in St. Louis, which grants credit for courses successfully completed at SRISA during Fall, Spring and Summer academic programs.

SRISA students that meet Maryville University enrollment requirements and successfully complete their studies at SRISA may obtain a domestic transcript through Maryville University. Maryville University is fully accredited through The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.

Visit Transcripts page for more details.

Housing at SRISA

You don't have to worry about housing, we do it for you. SRISA arranges housing upon request for students enrolled at the school. It is a great opportunity for students to get to know one another while being immersed in the daily Italian life that greatly enriches their study abroad experience.

Pick one of the SRISA Housing Options that fits you best.

How can I study and work for SRISA at the same time?

Alternatively, for young artists wishing to expand their portfolio there is the possibility of the SRISA Studio Monitor Art Residency. Full access to the SRISA studios outside of school hours will be provided. They will also be invited to present an Artist in Residency Show to showcase their work and can take one SRISA course at no extra cost.

Does SRISA offer scholarships and how will I know if I can qualify?

Take a look at our criteria to see if you qualify for The SRISA Scholarship Program. This program is there to make sure that everybody has the chance to study abroad, regardless of their financial position. It is available for the student that has excelled academically, is artistically talented, that is under-represented or those that exhibit a financial need.

If you wish to study abroad in Florence, Italy and need a scholarship, take a look at the requirements needed to qualify. There are two types of scholarships, need based and merit based. Scholarships are offered for the Fall and Spring Accredited Semester Study Abroad Programs.

Here at SRISA diversity and inclusion are extremely important. We welcome everyone regardless of their race, gender identity, and background. Santa Reparata International School of Art is dedicated to making its campus a safe, happy and productive environment.

Field Trips

Travel is a big part of studying abroad. While in Florence students will want to take advantage of the many opportunities available to explore Italy and Europe. In addition to traveling independently, students participate in some or all of the travel opportunities that SRISA offers to sites all over Italy.

The variety of Field Trips offered by SRISA include:

View the full list of SRISA Field Trips in Italy.

On-site Visits and Activities in Florence

The city of Florence offers rich and abundant opportunities for cultural emersion and on-site visits. Viewed as the cultural heart of Europe, and the birthplace of the Italian Renaissance, Florence houses many of the worlds renown museums and art collections. In addition to Florence artistic patrimony, the city is also home to several of the worlds most important libraries and archives. When possible, classes meet on-site in museums or in the city itself and the SRISA Cultural program of lectures, events and workshops provide rich learning opportunities outside of the classroom.

Contact us for more information




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SRISA Staff

SRISA team members are always there to lend a hand, whether it be academically or personally, and do their utmost to ensure students have an unforgettable experience.

"The staff at SRISA is unbelievable, a real family who cares about every one of their students."

by Hannah Haakenson, SRISA Fall 2014-Spring 2015

"It's a wonderful school with a caring staff dedicated both to helping students improve their artistic skills and providing their students with the best study experience possible in Florence, Italy."

by Casey McKenna, SRISA Spring 2013

Read more Alumni Experiences