Florence High School Program

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• Florence High School Program

Study Abroad Italy and Florence University of the Arts are pleased to offer high school students from all academic backgrounds the possibility of earning college credit and living for four weeks in one of the most treasured centers of art, culture and history in the world. Students will experience the Italian culture hands-on while participating in a variety of classes in the arts and humanities in this summer enrichment program. Florence University of the Arts (FUA) is located in the historic center of Florence, just steps from the splendid Piazza Santa Croce.

The SAI Summer High School Program includes a full staff dedicated to the student group; 1 staff member for every 7 students. In addition, staff members will stay with students in accommodations (one staff member for every 10 students at night), in order to be available 24 hours per day. The planned events and excursions offer students a rich social and cultural experience, combined with the opportunity to study in Florence.

• One-week in Tuscany; a Cultural Introduction to Italy followed by Three-weeks in Florence.
• Two courses at Florence University of the Arts (All courses are taught in English. Courses require a minimum of 8 students. Students are requested to indicate an alternative course selection.)
• Students will receive Florence University of the Arts college credit for courses taken.
• Classes are held Monday through Thursday (9-11; 11:30-1:30; 3-5)

• Ages 15 to 18
• GPA 3.0 or Higher
• Currently Enrolled in High School
• Personal Statement
• 2 Letters of Recommendation

Application Fee: $ 90
Security Deposit: $ 300
Program Cost: $ 6,950

STEP 1 (Applying)
Summer I Application Deadline: April 18, 2012 - STILL ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR 2012!
Submit application with a non-refundable $90 Application Fee (not included in program cost), Transcript, 2 Letters of Recommendation, and Personal Statement. Online applications will not be processed until application fee and all required materials are received.

STEP 2 (Acceptance Deposit)
Notification of acceptance status will be sent to you by email within one week of receiving a complete application. Within 2 weeks of email acceptance a $500 NON-REFUNDABLE confirmation deposit + $300 security deposit (not included in program cost) must be paid to SAI in order to secure your enrollment. Acceptance letters will include instructions and program payment dates.

STEP 3* (Payment 1)
Payment equal to 50% of the Total Program Cost must be paid 90 days prior to check-in date
Summer I Due: March 19, 2012

STEP 4* (Payment 2)
Balance of Program Cost is due 60 days prior to check-in date
Summer I Due: April 18, 2012

*$150 Late fee added to late payments. Late applications will be accepted on a space-available basis.

• One week in Tuscany and Three weeks in Florence
• 2 day excursion to Rome
• Two 3-credit, 30-hour courses
• Airport pickup and return
• Accommodation in student apartments with Live-in Residence Assistants
• 2 Meals per day (lunch + dinner)
• Afternoon Activities
• Weekend Activities
• HTH Health Insurance (including full medical coverage, medical emergency evacuation)
• 24 Supervision and Support
• Lab Fees
• Museum Pass
• Orientation Session
• Information/Orientation Folder
• Cell phone for each student, with free incoming calls
• Free Internet access at school facilities in Florence

Program cost does not include: counseling services, airfare, personal expenses, some meals.

Students select 2 courses from the list below, plus one alternate course.

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  Introduction to Digital Photography

  Time: TBA

  This course will introduce students to the digital photography world with particular focus on updated techniques and how they can be incorporated into classic fine art photography. The course will explore the use of state-of-the-art computer software and techniques. The instructor will guide the student in learning to master photo computer software and how to control the scanning of a picture, transparency and negative to make a good quality digital print. Elements of photo composition and graphic design, photo history, and relationships with other art mediums will also be addressed during the course. FUA’s Digital Laboratory is equipped with the most updated computers, software and peripherals.
  Prerequisites: There are no mandatory prerequisites. Basic photography experience will be helpful. A digital camera of at least 3.0 mega pixels with an optical zoom lens 3X or more is required.

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  Fashion Design - CANCELLED

  Time: CANCELLED

  This course is an introduction to creative design development and fashion design skills. Topics include: design processes of trend research, storyboard compiling, color story, fabric selection, draping design concepts, design innovation and the 2-D to 3-D development of creative ideas. There will be assigned projects in all of these areas. Students will also be introduced to the basics of fashion illustration. Students prepare for their design collections by exploring the roles of research, design development, and editing in the fashion design process. Emphasis is placed on the application of design development, and editing in the fashion design process. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge of key fashion categories, markets, and price points.

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  Food, Culture and Society

  Time: 3:00 – 5:00
  Location: APICIUS, Via Guelfa 85

  This course is targeted towards students with an interest in Italian food traditions, society, and culture. The main focus consists of what is generally defined as “made in Italy” culture and style in post-war Italy. Also covered are the relationships between Italian traditions, folklore and contemporary Italian society drawing from examples including festivals, food, tourism and economy, and the influence of foreign civilizations. Students will be asked to regard the subject of food outside of the context of ingredients and the procedures used to create a dish; we will instead examine a large scale context in which food is either featured as a main component or an integral element in cultural situations. Thus the student is asked first and foremost to observe the presented material across an anthropologic lens that roves over the entire Italian peninsula.

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  Florence Sketchbook

  Time: 9:00 – 11:00
  Location: DIVA, Via Magliabechi 1

  This course is designed to take full advantage of the student’s unique experiences living and studying in the city of Florence. With on-site inspiration channeled into artistic creativity, students will draw on location at sites of historical significant and visual interest ranging from architectural masterpieces, landscape vistas and medieval streets to formal gardens, street markets and Renaissance fountains. Slide lectures will document the rich history of how Florence and its environs have attracted and inspired visiting artists for centuries. Students will develop individual sketchbooks with the aim of building up source material for future projects.

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  Beginning Italian Language

  Time: 11:30 – 1:30
  Location: SQuola, Via dell'Oriuolo 43

  This course develops basic conversation, reading and writing skills. Equal focus will be given to grammatical structures, vocabulary and conversation skills. Students will develop a vocabulary that will enable them to engage in simple but useful everyday conversations, thus enhancing and supporting their Italian experience. Emphasis will be given to oral expression of practical vocabulary and newly acquired grammar structures. This level is for absolute beginner students who have never studied Italian before.

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  Intermediate Italian Language

  Time: TBA
  Location: TBA

  This course develops basic conversation, reading and writing skills at an intermediate level. Equal focus will be given to grammatical structures, vocabulary and conversation skills. Students will develop a vocabulary that will enable them to engage in simple but useful everyday conversations, thus enhancing and supporting their Italian experience. Emphasis will be given to oral expression of practical vocabulary and newly acquired grammar structures. This level is for students who have studied Italian before and already have beginners knowledge of the language.

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  Dance Workshop - CANCELLED

  Time: CANCELLED

  This course is primarily concentrated on choreography, the creative process and the analysis of movement. Different themes are addressed which reflect the contemporary and the ancient culture and art of Tuscany. Students will compose and work on original dances. Basic principles of composition and the techniques of choreography will be used to explore themes which range from Medieval arts and society to the relationship between space and the body: how to express space by using one's body, and how the human body can create different types of space to communicate different meanings: the study of the expressiveness of body movement and the relationship between the interior world and external appearance.

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  Introduction to Art History – From the Romanesque to Mannerism

  Time: 9:00 – 11:00
  Location: FUA, Corso Tintori 21

  This introductory course is aimed at students who have little or no background in the history of Western Art. Before examining the beginnings of Renaissance art which took hold in Florence in the early years of the fifteenth century, students will be given a broad overview of Greek and Roman art and architecture the emulation of which is fundamental to understanding the cultural revolution of the Renaissance. Through on-site visits to medieval churches and palaces in Florence, students will early on become become familiar with the Romanesque and Gothic styles in which the first Renaissance painters, sculptors and architects had their roots and from which they were dramatically to diverge. Since site-visits are a significant part of this course, the focus will be on Florentine artists who will include: Masaccio, Donatello, Brunelleschi, Fra Angelico, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. By way of comparison consideration will also be given to other art centres in Italy such as Venice, Siena and Ferrara. As well as analyzing the style and subject matter of works of art, students will learn about the techniques of painting and sculpture and comparisons will be made with techniques in other countries in the same period, for example the use of oil paints in Flemish painting.

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  The Italian Soccer Experience - CANCELLED

  Time: CANCELLED

  Saul Steinberg famously observed that it is impossible to understand America without a profound knowledge of baseball. The same could be said for Italy and soccer; for many ‘calcio’ and Italian society are inextricably intertwined and “the beautiful game” is never just a game. This course traces the history of Italian soccer and the personalities – players, trainers and managers – who have shaped the game. The technical aspects of Italian soccer – rules, tactics, strategies, psychology, and training – will be explored during the training hours. A field trip to the Coverciano museum of soccer and the world-renowned coaching school forms an integral part of the course.

In addition to the hands-on activities and excursions for each course, students participate in supervised social, cultural and athletic activities in the afternoons Monday through Friday each week.

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  Sports Activities

  Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

  It’s already a proven fact that exercise is good for you on multiple levels. First and most obvious is that physically challenging oneself leads to a healthier and fitter body. The endorphins produced during a workout are emotionally motivating. Isn’t it true that after the burn and sweat you always feel happier and more energized? Participating in various sporting activities can also help emotionally/spiritually. Taking the time to jog, swim, kick or jump allows you to clear your mind. Focusing on the physical routine eliminates outside distractions and cultivates an inner peace. We want to provide our students with a safe, friendly, monitored environment. We will be offering volleyball, basketball or football (soccer). For the solo athlete who wants to strap on his headsets and run like the wind, no worries. There’s a traffic free zone for you.

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  Discover Florence Walking Tours

  Time: 6:00pm – 8:00pm

  These tours are designed to broaden students’ Italian experience through a wide range of cultural activities on a variety of subjects that have shaped historic and contemporary Italian culture. We are going to visit the hills around the city, but the walks will include experiences on such topics as food, arts, ancient and artisanal crafts and historical parks of Florence. These activities, beyond providing fun and relaxing moments, will deepen students’ understanding of the culture and physical surroundings they encounter during their period of study in Italy. The first walk will start with a visit to an ice-cream lab in the center of Florence, with the aim to educate students about the differences between good, healthy ice cream and the bad ones. Just to give and example, another walk will take students to a goldsmith lab, where they will have the possibility to admire the production of a unique handmade ring and to learn the traditional techniques of processing gold. The walks will extend to incredible journeys through Florence, unveiling the modernity and other secret stories of the city.

The following fully supervised activities and excursions are included:

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  Rome

  Dates: June 17th - 19th

  Description:
  This legendary capital of the Roman Empire and current political capital of Italy is one of the most visited cities in the world. Students will visit the Coliseum, Spanish Steps, the Forum, the Pantheon, the Trevi Fountain and St. Peter’s Basilica in Vatican City.

  Sunday, June 17th -
  Arrive in Rome. Meet all students at the hotel and check-in, HOTEL SELENE. Welcome dinner: Ristorante “GALLINA BIANCA". Orientation.

  Monday, June 18th -
  Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the hotel to walk to the Colosseum. Guided tour of the Colosseum and Forum, the center
  of political, commercial and judicial life in ancient Rome. Free time for lunch. Walking tour of the city center, covering: Pantheon, Piazza Navona , Trevi Fountain , Piazza Colonna , Spanish Steps. Return to the hotel. Dinner: Ristorante “DA FRANCESCO”.

  Tuesday, June 19th -
  Breakfast and hotel check-out. Sightseeing bus tour around the city, covering all the main attractions. Free time for a lunch break. Afternoon Departure for Cultural Tour of Tuscany.

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  Cultural Introduction to Italy: Tuscany

  Dates: June 19 - 24, 2012

  Description:
  This experience offers an in-depth exploration of the villas, garden, parks, and seaside areas of Tuscany. Students will discover the unique locations in central Italy such as farms, marble quarries, medieval villages during this week of travel-study. Students will be on assignment as travel scholars exploring a cultural introduction to Italy and will be led by a FUA professor.

  Itinerary:

  Tuesday, June 19h –
  Afternoon departure by bus to Capalbio and visit the “ Giardino dei Tarocchi ” , an esoteric sculpture garden based on tarot cards, designed by architect Niki de Saint Phalle in the 80s. Free time for lunch. Transfer by bus to the RESIDENCE POGGIO ALL'AGNELLO, www.poggioallagnello.it. Dinner at the Residence.

  Wednesday, June 20th -
  Breakfast and hotel check-out. Bus transfer to vineyard Vincenzo di Vaira (Bolgheri) with lunch. Transfer to Versilia and hotel check-in: HOTEL DANY, www.hoteldany.com

  Thursday, June 21st -
  Breakfast in hotel. Bus transfer to the marble quarries in Carrara. Transfer to Pietrasanta and free time for lunch. Visit of Pietrasanta and its sculpting studios. Group dinner at the beach: BAGNO STEFANELLA 8 (Cinquale).

  Friday, June 22nd –
  Breakfast in hotel. Viareggio and its Architecture, Business & Tourism. The Cittadella del Carnevale , the Promenade, the History. Free time for lunch. Return to Cinquale. Time for beach at BAGNO STEFANELLA. Free time for dinner.

  Saturday, June 23rd -
  Breakfast in hotel. Lifestyle, Beachtowns, Coastal Culture, Fashion, Markets. Location: Forte dei Marmi, Tonfano – BIKE TOUR.
  Free time for lunch. Return to the hotel. Farewell buffet dinner at Hotel Eden

  Sunday, June 24th –
  Breakfast and Hotel Check-out. Final Review and Presentations. Free time for lunch. Afternoon Departure to Florence.

While in Florence student accommodation (half board) is located in the city center, a few steps from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and Palazzi facilities. Students enrolled in our program are offered a safe and relaxing accommodation, fully equipped and monitored 24/7 by their live-in RAs (counselor). In some cases, depending on enrollment numbers, housing in hotels may be an option.

Students will alternate in groups to enjoy some of the best restaurants in Florence, exploring the culinary culture of Tuscany.

The SAI Summer High School Program is fully supervised and includes a professional staff dedicated to the student group. One staff member is provided for every seven participants, and students enjoy the benefits of SAI’s exceptionally strong support network. In addition, staff members stay in student accommodations alongside the group in order to be available 24 hours per day. One staff member will be present for every ten students after hours. SAI Staff will assist students throughout the duration of the program to provide advice, support and encouragement.

Check-in day is considered the start of the term. The Confirmation Deposit is NOT REFUNDABLE. Further Program Cost liability is based on the date on which a formal cancellation request is received in writing. If a cancellation notice is received:

• 60 – 46 days prior to start of term student is liable for 10% of program cost.
• 45 – 31 days prior to start of term student is liable for 20% of program cost.
• 30 – 8 days prior to start of term student is liable for 50% of program cost.
• 7 days or less prior to start of term student is liable for 100% of full program cost.

Security Deposit and refunds will be paid within 60 days of term’s end, providing all accounts are paid in full. Any monies owed to SAI, its academic institutions or any agent, contractor or program partner (including Student Cells), will be deducted from monies owed to the student by SAI. Transcripts will be withheld until all accounts are paid in full.