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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.
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...
The CEA CAPA Florence Center provides instruction in the disciplines of liberal arts, business, and social sciences, with courses that turn the city of Florence into a living classroom. Here, you'll c...
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.
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.
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
CEA CAPA Florence Center
The CEA CAPA Florence Center provides instruction in the disciplines of liberal arts, business, and social sciences, with courses that turn the city of Florence into a living classroom. Here, you'll choose from a wide array of courses offered in English, actively improving your language skills while settling into daily life in a city rich in culture and history.
Designed to exploit the educational opportunities that make Florence and Italy remarkable, programs feature courses in art history, anthropology, business, history, gender studies, Italian language, management, marketing, political science, and sociology. Lessons incorporate activities that take you out of the classroom and into the city and community to visit museums, local businesses, food markets, artisans’ workshops, and immigration centers. CEA CAPA Florence Center faculty are committed to fostering intellectual and cultural growth, encouraging you to apply classroom learning to daily life experiences and draw connections between formal and informal lessons. Active study allows you to gain a historical, social, and commercial understanding of Florence and Italy, while developing an international cultural fluency that can help you succeed in our increasingly globalized world.
CEA CAPA Florence Center courses will urge you to critically reflect upon and articulate your own national, cultural, and social identities. Active class participation provides the opportunity for interaction and collaboration—both critical factors in academic and professional success.
Transcript Information
Courses at the CEA CAPA Florence Center are transcripted by the University of New Haven (UNH), CEA CAPA’s School of Record.
Accreditation
Courses taught at the CEA CAPA Florence Center have been designed in conjunction with, and approved by, the University of New Haven (UNH). In addition, faculty appointments have been approved by UNH. After the successful completion of a session at the CEA CAPA Florence Center, you will receive credit for your work from UNH.
Located in Connecticut, the University of New Haven is a student-focused, comprehensive university that’s fully accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE). The agreement between CEA CAPA and UNH follows the highest standards of good practice in education abroad and satisfies the rigorous requirements of the University's institutional accreditor, making credits earned at the CEA CAPA Florence Center easily transferable to US-accredited institutions. Learn more about UNH's service as the School of Record for CEA CAPA
Grading
Professors at the CEA CAPA Florence Center carefully evaluate students' work and progress throughout their academic session. When calculating final grades, instructors consider written and oral exercises, homework assignments, attendance, classroom participation, and exam performance.
The following grading scale is in use for CEA CAPA center-delivered syllabi:
DESCRIPTOR
ALPHA
NUMERIC
GPA
REQUIREMENT/EXPECTATION
Outstanding
(High Distinction)
A
93+
4.0
Maximum grade: In addition to description for grade "A-", the participant shows detailed understanding of materials about which he or she can show independent analytical ability. This means the ability to question an issue from different perspectives and evaluate responses in an objective manner.
Excellent
(Distinction)
A-
90 - 92.99
3.7
Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook/class hand-outs/class notes, and the work shows a high level of independent thought, presents informed and insightful discussion, and demonstrates a well-developed capacity for evaluation.
Very good
(High Credit)
B+
87 - 89.99
3.3
Shows evidence of a capacity to generalize from the taught content, or the material in literature, or from class lectures in an informed manner. Also, the work demonstrates a capacity to integrate personal reflection into the discussion and an appreciation of a range of different perspectives.
Good
(Credit)
B
83 - 86.99
3.0
The work is well-organized and contains coherent or logical argumentation and presentation.
Good
(Credit)
B-
80 - 82.99
2.7
Participant shows understanding of literature beyond the textbook and/or notes, and there is evidence of additional reading.
Average
(Good Pass)
C+
77 - 79.99
2.3
The work demonstrates a capacity to integrate research into the discussion and a critical appreciation of a range of theoretical perspectives. Also, the work demonstrates a clear understanding of the question and its theoretical implications and demonstrates evidence of additional reading.
Adequate
(Pass)
C
73 - 76.99
2.0
Shows clear understanding and some insight into the material in the textbook and notes, but not beyond. A deficiency in understanding the material may be compensated by evidence of independent thought and effort related to the subject matter.
Below Average
(Borderline Pass)
C-
70 - 72.99
1.7
Shows some understanding of the material in the textbook and notes. A deficiency in any of the above may be compensated by evidence of independent thought related to the subject matter.
Inadequate
(Borderline Fail)
D+
67 - 69.99
1.3
Fails to show a clear understanding or much insight into the material in the textbook and notes.
Poor
(Fail)
D
60 - 66.99
1.0
Besides the above for D+, participant has not shown interest or engagement in the class work or study.
Poor
(Fail)
F
<60
0
Shows little or no understanding of any of the material.
Classroom and Information
Classes are taught by international faculty, and hired by CEA CAPA according to UNH standards.
Faculty are (at least) bilingual in English/Italian and represent diverse backgrounds.
Periodic exams, homework assignments, and final exams are administered.
Attendance in all classes is mandatory and monitored by each professor.
You’ll attend class with other CEA CAPA students, not with native Italian students.
Teaching styles in Italy may differ from those in the U.S. Be prepared to adapt to different classroom structures and coursework expectations.
Language and elective course sizes range from eight to 25 students. Small class sizes mean greater individual attention from instructors.
Amenities
Student Lounge
Study Area
Counseling Services
Student Health Services
Travel Books & Resources
Computers
Printing Facilities
Internet Access & Wi-Fi
Academic Advising
Language Learning Services
Language Exchange with Local Students
Cultural Engagement
Dining Facilities
13-16
Credits
Program Structure & Courses
Enroll in 1 CEA CAPA core course, 1-3 CEA CAPA courses and 1-2 SRISA studio art courses. CEA CAPA language courses meet for 60 contact hours/4 credits; CEA CAPA and SRISA courses meet for 45 contact hours/3 credits; and SRISA studio art courses meet for 45-90 contact hours/3 credits.
Each semester, you may earn a total of up to 16 credits (up to 240 contact hours).
CEA CAPA language courses meet 4 times per week, Monday-Thursday. Elective courses generally meet 2 times per week, Monday-Thursday; some SRISA classes may only meet once per week. Active learning components required by your courses may be scheduled for Fridays.
Prior to departure, you will select your preferred courses and indicate your estimated Italian language level. After you arrive in Florence, 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.
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.
*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.
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
Independent Living
While CEA CAPA highly recommends that you choose one of our Florence housing options provided, you also have the option to arrange independent housing. If your ideal housing scenario includes living in a particular neighborhood, having specific amenities or living with a specific person as your roommate, then independent housing could be just the ticket for you.
Use the online housing application form to request permission for this option no later than the application closure date. If your request is approved, you will receive a rebate for your housing payment, however CEA CAPA will not provide you with any assistance setting up independent housing. Keep in mind, rebates are not granted to students who move out of their CEA CAPA housing or choose to pursue independent living arrangements after the application closure date.
Typical Commute
N/A
Meals Included
N/A
Roommates
N/A
Unit Amenities
N/A
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.
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.
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.