Accredited Year Study Abroad Program in Florence, Italy

Thinking about studying abroad for a year? SRISA has the right program for you! 

A year study abroad program is a once in a lifetime opportunity that will take you out of your comfort zone and into a world of new experiences. You will meet new people, learn a new language and encounter different cultures all while living in the wonderful city of Florence. Both your college education and life skills will be enhanced thanks to this adventure.

Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) offers you a chance to pursue your major or minor or take a semester to try out something you are passionate about. You will leave with a domestic transcript document by Maryville University in St. Louis. They are fully accredited through The Higher Learning Commission, North Association of Colleges and Schools. 

How long do the semesters last and what programs are available? What credits will I get when I finish the course?

The year-long semester starts in September and runs until April. It includes the fall semester September-December which is worth 14-16 credits, then the Spring semester from January-April which is worth a total of 14-16 credits again. The whole year program is worth a total of 28-32 credits.

The programs included are the Fine Arts and Design Program which includes painting and drawing, printmaking, book binding, photography, new genres and performative arts. In the Liberal Arts Program, you will find Art History, History and Politics, Italian Language and also Italian Literature. Then in the Design Program the fields of study available are Fashion, Textile Design, Communication Design, Interior Design and Jewelry. All costs are available on the website.

Learn more about dates, fees, courses, field trips and activities offered for a specific term: 

OVERVIEW

Program Structure:

SRISA offers American University level undergraduate courses taught in English in a variety of areas of study. All classes, with the exception of Italian, are taught in English. Most students choose to study for one or two semesters. Fall and Spring semesters are 15 weeks long and students enroll in 15-16 credit hours.

Semester Programs:

  • Fall (September-December) Total Credits: 15-16
  • Spring (January-April) Total Credits: 15-16

Departments:

  • Fine Arts
  • Liberal Arts
  • Design
  • Italian

Subjects:

Photography, Digital Imaging, Printmaking, Book Arts, Painting, Drawing, Art History, Museum Studies, History, Music Appreciation, Politics and Social Science, Literature, Creative Writing, Cinema (Film Studies), Journalism, Fashion Design, Jewelry Design, Textiles Design, Italian Language (All Levels).

CLASSROOM STRUCTURE & INSTRUCTION:

Academic Lecture Classes:

These 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 are reading and writing intensive and will require a minimum of 6-9 hours of work outside of regular class-time.

Studio Classes:

These hands on courses meet twice a week for a total of 6 contact hours per week. Studio courses combine practical lessons, in-class demonstrations and slide presentations. When possible students go on-site to work or visit exhibits or museums of relevance to the subject being studied. All courses require outside work and in-class critiques, both group and individual. Advanced studio courses may require written assignments and many require students to keep a sketchbook.

Grading and Evaluation:

Students are graded using the American University model of evaluation.

Field Trips:

Most courses integrate on-site visits to museums and exhibitions and at times require day trips. These excursions are considered an integral part of the course curriculum and attendance is mandatory. The fees for these excursions are not included in tuition fees and students will be invoiced separately after the end of the add-drop period for these excursions along with general lab fees.

REGISTERING FOR COURSES:

To register for courses students download the Course Registration Form.
There is a form for Fine Arts and Liberal Arts programs.
Students registering for Fine Arts or Liberal Arts sign up for (1) 4 credit Italian Language course and (4) courses of their choice for a total of 5 courses and 16 credits.
Students may enroll in a maximum of (3) Studio Art courses per semester.
Students must provide alternatives to their first choice courses or their course registration will be considered incomplete.

Advantages of studying abroad with SRISA

SRISA’s facilities are spacious and well equipped. From the printmaking studio which offers the best-equipped and most broad-ranging print facilities in Italy to the photography studio with its darkroom and alternative processes darkroom. Learn what it takes to be a working studio artist. You can also learn to use our 3D and 4D studios.

Through a mixture of academic lecture classes and studio classes from our talented faculty you will come away with a well-rounded knowledge and experience in your chosen subject. You will also get a chance to learn about yourself and who you are.
When is the best time to choose one of the year abroad programs?

Most of the students that decide to study here are in their junior year of college or graduate school. Deciding when to do this all depends on you and what point you are at in your life. Year abroad programs depend on your goals and what you want to achieve from studying in another country.

SRISA is the ideal school for those of you that want to perfect your artistic talents and figure out how you can make a career from your passion. Studying abroad for a year while doing this takes you out of your comfort zone, therefore aiding your creativity. It is also ideal for those of you that are looking to develop your blooming creativity and want to enjoy a semester of creativity and learn a new language.

Where will I live? What does SRISA accommodation include?

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 cost of the housing includes rent, utilities (within reason), check-in service, staff assistance and also administrative fees. You can choose from a double occupancy room, single occupancy, 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.