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Studio Art & Fashion Design
Florence, Italy
About the Program
Designed for both art and non-art majors, this program challenges you to transform your Italian experience into art. Choose from printmaking, fashion design, painting, drawing, and more; close instruction by practicing artists encourage your contemporary work in response to Florentine traditions. Italy’s history, culture, and art are typical themes of complementary elective courses. Studio art courses are taught at our partner institution, Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA). Semester students attend courses both at SRISA and the CEA CAPA Florence Center; over the summer you will take courses only at SRISA. At the end of your program, you will exhibit your work at SRISA’s highly visible art gallery.
Requirements
Overview
Florence
5/20/25 - 6/20/25
$6,995
6
Deadlines
2/15/25
3/15/25
Requirements
Eligibility
All Levels
High School Graduate
Some courses may have prerequisites.
2.5
Where You'll Study
Santa Reparata International School of Art
Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) is an independent, non-profit institution established in 1970. SRISA upholds a strong reputation in studio art and liberal arts instruction, and is c...
Santa Reparata International School of Art
Santa Reparata International School of Art (SRISA) is an independent, non-profit institution established in 1970. SRISA upholds a strong reputation in studio art and liberal arts instruction, and is comprised of two campuses near the historic convent of San Marco.
SRISA’s hands-on studio art and lecture courses provide an enriching study abroad experience in the city where the Renaissance began. Your classes will expose you to Florence’s rich cultural heritage and encourage you to use Florentine artistic tradition to inform your own work. In addition to the fine arts, SRISA has also created a department dedicated to the study of design.
As a CEA CAPA student at SRISA, you’ll have access to drawing, painting, fashion, and photography studios, as well as printing presses after classroom hours. Computers are available for design courses, as is an extensive library.
Maryville University & SRISA Course Numbering System
Maryville University and SRISA have a slightly different system for numbering courses. In general, lower division courses correspond to 1st and 2nd year courses at the U.S. university level. Most of these courses do not require pre-requisites. Upper division courses correspond to 3rd and 4th year courses at the U.S. university level. These courses require either a pre-requisite or a placement exam.
|
Maryville University Course Numbering System |
SRISA Course Numbering System |
|
100-299: Lower Division Courses |
1000: Lower level, Freshman |
Credit Transfer Information
SRISA curricula and class schedules follow a U.S. university model. Credit transfer is ultimately determined by your home university. Please consult with an academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
Transcript Information
As SRISA alone is not an accredited institution, SRISA has a School of Record relationship with Maryville University in St. Louis (accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools), which grants credit for courses successfully completed at SRISA during the semester and summer academic programs. In addition to the SRISA transcript, you’ll receive a Maryville University transcript representing the work completed at SRISA. While CEA CAPA recommends using the Maryville University course code designations and transcript for credit transfer purposes, it is at the discretion of your home institution to determine the transfer of credit for SRISA courses. Please check with an academic advisor at your home institution for transferability of SRISA/Maryville University credit.
Accreditation
SRISA is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education as an educational institution. SRISA is affiliated with a School of Record, Maryville University in St. Louis, which is fully accredited through The Higher Learning Commission, North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Grading
Grade conversions from CEA CAPA partner institutions abroad to a US grading scale are determined in consultation with our School of Record and benchmarked with other peer institutions in the field.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Please note that CEA CAPA can only recommend grade conversions to students’ home institutions—it is ultimately at the discretion of the home institution to convert grades from abroad to students’ academic records.
For further information or details about grade conversion for a particular host institution, please reach out to our Registrar at registrar@ceacapa.com.
Classroom and Information
- International SRISA faculty teach your studio, language and elective classes.
- Assessment is based on participation, exams, and individual and group projects.
- Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams will be administered.
- Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor. Students missing more than 20% in a course will receive an automatic “F”, failing grade for that course on their transcript.
- Teaching styles in Italy may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
- Class size ranges between 10 and 20 students.
- You will attend class with fellow CEA CAPA students and other North American students.
Amenities
Student Lounge
Study Area
University Library
Computers
Printing Facilities
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
Museum & Art Galleries
6
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Enroll in a 4-week session in June or July, or combine both months and take 2-, 3- or 4-courses. Course availability may vary by sessions as you are unable to take two studio art courses in the same 4-week session. SRISA studio arts courses meet for 90 contact hours/3 credits, while SRISA elective and language courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits.
If you choose the 1-course option, you may earn up to 3 credits (up to 90 contact hours); if you choose the 2-course option, you may earn up to 6 credits (up to 135 contact hours); in the 3-course option, you may earn 9 credits (up to 225 contact hours) and in the 4-course option, you may earn 12 credits (up to 270 contact hours).
During the summer, classes meet daily, Monday-Thursday. Studio art courses generally meet twice a day, while non-studio art courses meet once daily. Class times alternate between morning and afternoon meetings; if your class meets in the mornings on Mondays and Wednesdays, it will meet in the afternoons Tuesdays and Thursdays. This schedule allows you to take advantage of open museum and exhibit hours. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled on Fridays.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and indicate your estimated Italian language level. If you selected an Italian language course, you'll take a language placement exam to determine final placement. You will be enrolled into courses based on their availability. It is in your best interest to have multiple alternative courses approved by your home university prior to your departure due to course availabilities. To ensure that you receive credit for the language level you place into, have your home school pre-approve courses at several levels before you leave for Italy.
Please note that SRISA is affiliated with a School of Record, Maryville University in St. Louis, which grants credit for courses successfully completed at SRISA. As such, course details on the CEA CAPA website include both Maryville University and SRISA course information, including course code, subject area and course level, as recommended by each institution.
While CEA CAPA recommends using the Maryville University course code designations and transcript for credit transfer purposes, it is at the discretion of your home institution to determine the transfer of credit for SRISA courses. Please consult with your academic advisor at your home university on credit pre-approval guidelines.
All Levels Course Structure
Courses
The host institution has offered the following courses in the past. Please note that course listings will not be finalized until the start of the term.
*Courses with an asterisk indicate that the course has been associated with multiple subject areas.
Please click on the course title to view additional subject areas and detailed course information.
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 209 Sketchbook Studies: Italian Architecture and Interiors * | 200 | En | 90 | 3 |
| ARTH 261 Clothing and Society * | 200, 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ARTH 261 History of Italian Fashion * | 200, 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 313 Renaissance Drawing Techniques | 300 | En | 90 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Branding | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 260 Graphic Design Studio * | 200, 300 | En | 90 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 312 Painting Florence | 300 | En | 90 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ART 214 Discovering Florence Through Photography * | 200, 300 | En | 90 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ARTH 261 Clothing and Society * | 200, 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ARTH 261 History of Italian Fashion * | 200, 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ARTH 350 History of Contemporary Art | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| ARTH 370 Art History: The Italian Renaissance | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Neuroesthetics: Creativity and the Brain | 400 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Italian Luxury Industry | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ITAL 101 Italian I | 100 | It | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MKT 497 Marketing: The Italian Wine Industry * | 400 | En | 45 | 3 |
| Course Name | Level | Lang | Hours | Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Italian Food and Culture | 100 | En | 45 | 3 |
| PSYC 349 Discovering Florence: Culture and Lifestyle of its Neighborhoods | 300 | En | 45 | 3 |
Interested in taking your career to the next level?
Where You'll Stay
*Housing options may change and will be confirmed on the housing application form prior to the start of the term. Below are the housing options that have been offered in the past.
Apartment
Available:
Semester
Summer
Summer
Generally located in the city’s historic center, shared student apartments are suited to students who want to experience Florence independently. Cook scrumptious Italian meals with your roommates in your kitchen, explore the character of the neighborhood that surrounds you, and make your new apartment into a home.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Center: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
Meals Included
- N/A
Roommates
- 1-3 students per room
- 2-12 students per apartment (usually 2-10 with rare exceptions)
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
This housing option may carry a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Summer (private room): $500 - $1,200
- Semester (private room): $1,400 - $2,400
- Shared room: No additional fee
Apartment - Italian Roommate
Available:
Semester
Choose to live in a CEA CAPA apartment along with an Italian university student as one of your roommates. Your Italian roommate will be a true part of your Florentine experience and household, giving you the opportunity to engage more easily with the local community. By choosing to live with an Italian student, you will have a resource to help you make the most out of your time abroad--experiencing Florence and Italy through their eyes, too. The Italian roommate will live in an apartment shared with you and other CEA CAPA students.
Apartments are generally located in Florence’s historical center and are perfect for a student who wants to experience Florence as a local, making Italian culture and language a part of their daily life. Who better to learn from than your Italian roommate about: how to make an espresso, where to eat the best pizza, practice Italian, or how to make authentic lasagna? Fantastico!
*Note: There is one Italian university student per apartment, shared with 2-5 CEA CAPA students. This housing option has limited availability.
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Center: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 5-45 minutes commute (typically walking)
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
- 1-3 students per room
- 3-5 students per apartment
Unit Amenities
- Shared full kitchen
- Shared single-sex bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Internet access
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans provided
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Semester: $1,200 - $2,100
Homestay
Available:
Semester
Living with a local family allows you to learn so much about the Florentine lifestyle —and Italian family life in general —that you wouldn’t otherwise experience. A homestay will likely mean built-in friends, and will definitely mean that you won’t have to worry about what to make for dinner, how much you’re spending on food, or how you’re going to make your next meal both balanced and delicious! A homestay experience enhances your study abroad experience. Homestays are located in apartments either inside or outside Florence’s historical city center. While public transportation may offer a quicker way to school, you will still be within walking distance of the CEA CAPA Florence Center and the partner university.
Don’t worry about needing to speak perfect Italian before moving in with an Italian family: our host families are chosen for their interest in learning about you and your culture, and many have a working knowledge of English, too. While some families are empty-nesters, we do privilege younger families: both offer you an important connection with the Florentine community.
The homestay option will not hinder your freedom with a curfew, and you can even choose to live with a friend of your choice!
The additional fee covers the cost of your meals with your host family, and is nearly the equivalent of what students in standard CEA CAPA housing will pay separately for groceries and eating out (minus the fuss!).
Typical Commute
- CEA CAPA Florence Center: 20-45 minutes (including public transportation, if necessary)
- Santa Reparata International School of Art: 20-45 minutes (including public transportation, if necessary)
Meals Included
- Breakfast and dinner, 7 days per week
Roommates
- 1-2 students per room
- 1-4 students per Homestay (usually 1-2 with rare exceptions)
Unit Amenities
- Limited kitchen
- Shared-co-ed bathroom
- Bed linens included
- Towels included
- Washer only
- Radiator heating
- Fans available
Additional Fees
This housing option carries a supplemental fee which may vary based on housing inclusions (i.e. meals, amenities, etc.) as well as program length. Exact amount will be confirmed on the housing application form.
- Semester: $2,000 - $3,100
Excursions
Get out and explore! Excursions are offered for most semester, year, and summer programs. Semester students are typically offered between two to three excursions and summer study students are typically offered between one to two excursions. You'll receive a calendar of excursions during orientation; here are a few day and overnight excursions we've offered in the past.
What's Included in your Program
From housing to excursions, our programs include a variety of inclusions to enhance your study abroad experience! Here are examples that may be available in Florence. Inclusions vary by program – please contact our Enrollment and Advising team to find out what options are available for you.
- Personalized Pre-Departure Advising
- Visa & Immigration Advising
- Financial Advising
- Tuition and Registration
- Airport Pick-up
- Onsite Orientation
- City Tour
- Onsite Staff Support
- 24/7 Emergency Assistance
- Travel Medical Insurance
- International Emergency Service Support
- Welcome & Farewell Events
- Centrally Located Housing
- Wellness Activities
- Cultural Engagement
- Language Exchanges
- Volunteer Opportunities
- Excursions
- Host Institution Services & Amenities
- Official Transcript(s)
Sample Calendar
The calendar for this program is coming soon; please check back later.
Sample Budget
The sample budget is unavailable at this time. Please check back later or ask your CEA CAPA Admissions Counselor/Site Specialist for a comparable program's sample budget.