Semester Study (Spring)
Spring : Study Abroad in Florence, Italy
What is it?
The semester abroad in Florence, Italy is the same course work as sophomore spring semester at Washington University College of Art in St. Louis except students are studying in the city that spawned the flowering of the Renaissance. Students take two core classes, one art elective, Renaissance art history and an Italian language class. Art professors are from the St. Louis campus. All classes make use of the rich environment of Florence and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. At the beginning of the semester tours and slide lectures orient students to this magical city. All students will reap the most benefit from the semester in Italy as we require at least one semester of introductory Italian before students arrive in Florence.
Who can attend?
To be considered for enrollment in the semester abroad in Florence, Italy, students must have:
- Sophomore standing in the College of Art BFA program
- GPA of 3.0 or better
- Satisfactory progress in freshmen coursework
- Successful completion of one semester of introductory Italian language prior to spring semester of the Sophomore year
Tuition and Costs
Cost is about the same as study in St. Louis plus your air fare to and from Italy. Tuition is approximately the same as on-campus tuition plus a $500 administrative fee and a $65 internet fee. Housing, food, art supplies, and funds for non-required trips and museums* are additional costs and will be similar to those on campus in St. Louis (perhaps 5% more and related to the value of the Euro). Students are responsible for their own transportation to and from Florence. Students who are receiving financial aid will be eligible for aid based on the projected costs of this program (contact Office of Financial Services at 314.935.5900).
Tuition and administrative fees are billed through Washington University’s Office of Student Billing (314.935.5786). Florence housing payments are billed through the College of Art (314.935.6500).
The Selection Process
The demand for the Florence semester abroad program is great and the College of Art wants to be sure all students who are selected are well-prepared for the academic and personal challenges of studying in a foreign country.
Students apply in the Spring semester of the Freshman year. Students must submit a one-page letter if intent--a one-page essay answering the question: "Why do you want to attend the Florence Program"? In addition, applicants must provide two letters of recommendation from Washington University professors.
The essay, GPA, letters of recommendation and Italian language grade of C (or plans to enroll in Italian language) are criteria to invite students for interviews and portfolio reviews of 5-7 pieces completed at the College of Art. Individual 10-15 minute interviews/portfolio reviews are scheduled in late February. Notification of acceptance will follow in March.
Preparation for Florence Study
Students attend a required one-credit Study Abroad Seminar, F20 Art 2661, during the Fall semester in preparation for the experience. Topics include passport, visa and flight information, Florence and Italian culture and customs, money issues, supplies to bring, health care, safety, emergency contacts, bus and train travel, telephones, hotels, what to do if…and students have the opportunity to get to know each other. Failure to attend will result in dismissal from the program.
Transportation to Italy
Because of the varying points of departure and individual travel schedules, students arrange their own transportation.
Housing
Groups of 2-5 students share apartments located within a city block of the school facilities. Students can walk anywhere in the old city within 20 minutes. Apartment costs vary slightly, averaging about 800 Euro per month for four months. An extra month’s rent is collected for a refundable damage deposit. Apartments are furnished with kitchens where students can do their own cooking.
Classes
A full load of classes is scheduled: two studio classes, Renaissance art history, Italian language, and an Art and Culture class. Students should be prepared to work hard, beginning with a two-week intensive Italian orientation. Classes will be held in several locations: at our own space, the Language School Centro Fiorenza, and on-site in museums and churches. Entrance fees for classes on these sites will be covered by tuition.* Language classes may include English-speaking students from other universities, but other classes will be College of Art students only.
Passport and Student Visa
Students obtain their own passports before September. Students apply for student visas as part of the required Semester Abroad Seminar class taken during the Fall semester.
Health Insurance
The required Washington University Student Health Insurance provides coverage to students on campus in St. Louis and also while studying abroad. Students should check any family insurance policies for coverage of health care in Europe. Additionally, an (approximately $65) Italian health policy is a required purchase within one week of student arrival in Florence. The College of Art has access to English-speaking doctors, dentists, and mental health professionals in Florence.
*Note: There may be field trips resulting from unforseen opportunities. In these limited situations, students may need to buy a bus or train ticket or pay an admission charge. All costs are limited and reflect the exchange rate between the dollar and the Euro.
Watch a QuickTime movie about the program (5.7 meg)
NEW : Look through the current students' blog!
Inquiries and Registration:
314.935.4643, mbruce@wustl.edu
Study Abroad Program
College & Graduate School of Art
Washington University in St. Louis
Campus Box 1031
One Brookings Drive
St. Louis, MO 63130-4899
© 2008 School of Art