Study Abroad Office

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. Students live in local apartments, travel throughout Tuscany and Italy, and experience Florence as a student of Art, Liberal Arts and Design. Open enrollment allows students to pick and choose the courses that best fit each students' degree plan and interests.

We offer 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.

At SRISA we believe that a balanced curriculum of fine art and academic courses provide the most comprehensive experience for students who have chosen Florence as their place of study. Course offerings in Liberal Arts and Culture Studies complement the studio disciplines to provide students with an intellectual framework and historical context for their creative work. Within each discipline, course activities present a combination of traditional approaches and new technologies for the pursuit of artistic ideas.

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, Interior Design/Architecture, Italian Studies, 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.

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.