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Florence University of the Arts
High School Summer II 2020
3 - 4 weeks / 6 - 9 credits
SAI and FUA are pleased to offer high school students from all academic backgrounds the possibility of earning 6 - 9 college credits and living in one of the most treasured centers of art, culture and history in the world, Italy. Students will experience Italian culture hands-on while participating in a variety of classes in the arts and humanities in this summer enrichment program. Students in the 3 week high school summer program can choose to add the 1 week program add-on traveling course, Cultural Introduction to Italy, extending their program to 4 weeks.
Application: closed
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
2 Academic letters of recommendation
Italian privacy consent form
NOTE: Due to the uncertainty surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, SAI has cancelled all Summer 2020 in-person programs. Please consider SAI’s Virtual Summer 2020 programs.
Program Dates
July 19, 2020 – August 7, 2020
dates may differ as a result of add-ons
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 15 to 18
Academic Year: Currently enrolled in high school or recent graduate.
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
High School GPA:* 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 500+ (paper-based), IELTS: 5+, OOPT: 50+, or equivalent.
Business and Economics
Digital Imaging and Visual Arts
Fashion, Accessories and Tech
Fine Arts
Food and Wine Studies
Global Studies
Hospitality
Italian Studies and Linguistics
Journalism, Communication, and Publishing
Liberal Arts
Life Studies / Human Services
Digital Imaging and Visual Arts
Fashion, Accessories and Tech
Fine Arts
Food and Wine Studies
Global Studies
Hospitality
Italian Studies and Linguistics
Journalism, Communication, and Publishing
Liberal Arts
Life Studies / Human Services
3.0 Credits
Marketing | Course #: BUMKFM280 HS | Open
Pre-requisite:
This course is an introduction to marketing and merchandising concepts in the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on the apparel and accessory industry in Italy. Students learn terminologies specific to the field. Topics include the meaning of the "brand" in today's consumer market, how to forecast trends, the product supply chain, the vertical business model and outsourcing, visual merchandising, advertising, different forms of in store and non-store retail, consumer behavior and profiles, and store location and design. On-site visits to fashion retailers in Florence are an integral part of this course with suggested field trips to local designers as well as to fashion museums such as the Gucci Museum. Other topics include: Product development cycle of the fashion industry: the initial forecast, consumer analysis, marketing plans, sourcing and presenting the product. The importance of retail marketing and experience shopping - visual merchandising through analysis of store layout. The course will also cover market research and target customer identification, visual merchandising, direct marketing, internet and social media, and traditional advertising, and will focus on how to generate media attention through public relations (press relations, press kit releases, sponsorships, events, etc.).
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY FOH and a journalism project with Blending.
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY FOH and a journalism project with Blending.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Photography | Course #: DIPHFP140 HS | Open
Pre-requisite: A 35mm SLR or 35mm viewfinder film camera is required for this course.
This course involves theoretical and practical aspects related to film photography. In addition to lectures, coursework will take place both outdoors in the city of Florence and in the darkroom. Students will learn how to use the camera correctly, how to expose film, and the basic principles of black and white photography and composition. In addition, students will be given a broad overview of the history of photography. Students will work on two projects and a final portfolio. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. This course features a a 15-hour faculty supervised journalism project (Mon-Fri) with Blending. Mandatory Field Learning in Vicenza. *The class is cross listed.
Contact Hours: 45
This course introduces students to photography with a particular focus on reportage and travel photography perspectives of this medium, offering a chance to explore the world through a camera viewfinder. Key course topics include learning to express a sense of place, capturing mood/feeling, and shooting a variety of subjects ranging from daily life to landscapes, urban settings, cultural portraits, festivals, and rituals. The course will be divided between outdoor field practice and learning introductory digital techniques. This course is recommended for students majoring in Communications, Journalism, and Tourism. Basic photography experience and knowledge will be helpful but not necessary. (not sure if needed) This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. NOTE: This course is for beginners. The first half of the course will be devoted to understanding camera functions and basic printing. During this period assignments will emphasize basic camera functions in manual mode.
Contact Hours: 90
3.0 Credits
Photography | Course #: FAFPFP140 HS | Open
Pre-requisite: A 35mm SLR or 35mm viewfinder film camera is required for this course.
This course involves theoretical and practical aspects related to film photography. In addition to lectures, coursework will take place both outdoors in the city of Florence and in the darkroom. Students will learn how to use the camera correctly, how to expose film, and the basic principles of black and white photography and composition. In addition, students will be given a broad overview of the history of photography. Students will work on two projects and a final portfolio. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course features a a 15-hour faculty supervised journalism project (Mon-Fri) with Blending. Mandatory Field Learning in Vicenza. *The class is cross listed.
This course features a a 15-hour faculty supervised journalism project (Mon-Fri) with Blending. Mandatory Field Learning in Vicenza. *The class is cross listed.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Visual Communication | Course #: DIVCDF190 HS | Open
Pre-requisite: A basic knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite, or other similar software is highly recommended.
This course centers on visual communication design as a human communication problem and focuses on essential aspects of the profession and of the education of designers. The visual communication designer works on the interpretation, organization, and visual presentation of messages. Sensitivity toward form should go hand in hand with sensitivity toward content. Visual designers concentrate their work on the effectiveness, appropriateness, beauty, and budget of the messages. Through a series of tasks and exercises, the ubiquitous presence of visual communication principles will let the student see the many aspects of shape, color, space, typography and movement more compellingly as manifestations of one coherent medium. Topics include the study of space, color, frame, layout theory through the principles of Gestalt Psychology and other fundamentals concepts. The course will focus primarily on the basic computer programs for visual communication from the Adobe Suite. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri)in the FUA community.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri)in the FUA community.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Accessory Design & Technology | Course #: FTADSR210 HS | Open
The fundamental aspects of accessory design allow students to learn drawing and rendering techniques, which illustrate materials and textures for handbags, belts, gloves, shoes, and hats. Starting from sketches and basic technical drawing techniques, students develop skills that enable them to apply diverse drawing methodologies.
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY BOH
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY BOH
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Fashion Design & Technology | Course #: FTFDSC315 HS | Open
This hands-on course will develop the fundamental skills and techniques of sewing and garment construction. Course topics feature the approach to mechanized and manually-processed techniques involved in the creation of simple cotton garments. An understanding of the use of basic patterns, cutting techniques, seams and finishings will allow students to approach simple prototyping projects. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY BOH and fashion event.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY BOH and fashion event.
Contact Hours: 90
This course is an introduction to marketing and merchandising concepts in the fashion industry. Emphasis is placed on the apparel and accessory industry in Italy. Students learn terminologies specific to the field. Topics include the meaning of the "brand" in today's consumer market, how to forecast trends, the product supply chain, the vertical business model and outsourcing, visual merchandising, advertising, different forms of in store and non-store retail, consumer behavior and profiles, and store location and design. On-site visits to fashion retailers in Florence are an integral part of this course with suggested field trips to local designers as well as to fashion museums such as the Gucci Museum. Other topics include: Product development cycle of the fashion industry: the initial forecast, consumer analysis, marketing plans, sourcing and presenting the product. The importance of retail marketing and "experience shopping" - visual merchandising through analysis of store layout. The course will also cover market research and target customer identification, visual merchandising, direct marketing, internet and social media, and traditional advertising, and will focus on how to generate media attention through public relations (press relations, press kit releases, sponsorships, events, etc.).
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY FOH and a journalism project with Blending.
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at FLY FOH and a journalism project with Blending.
Contact Hours: 45
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.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) for art exhibit. Mandatory Field Learning in San Gimignano.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) for art exhibit. Mandatory Field Learning in San Gimignano.
Contact Hours: 45
Recent decades have represented a dramatic change in the way we approach food. Food facts and information that are constantly updated and the ethics of sustainability have deeply influenced the worldwide awareness of food as the primary source of a healthy lifestyle. Italy has always stood out for its genuine cuisine characterized by fresh seasonal ingredients, an abundance of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, and a distinct respect for food. This course will provide students with a complete overview of how food can be the basis of wellness, along with the practice of a positive lifestyle. Particular emphasis will be placed on seasonality, whole foods, and freshness, and contemporary innovations and traditional customs will be analyzed for the production of dishes and snacks that are both tasty and healthy. Course topics will also introduce students to the fundamentals of nutrition in order to better understand the aphorism We are what we eat and how this motto aligns with the Italian culinary tradition. Students will also complete a survey of the different dietary recommendations that have been researched and developed to examine how the field of dietetics is directly affected by social implications. Through hands-on experiences and on-site activities, students will experience the fundamentals of wellness-oriented cuisine and lifestyles.
This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Three days of food labs, one day of a walking tour.
Food labs Mon-Tue-Thu, walking tour Wed. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community. Mandatory Field Learning at Pruneti
*This course is crossed listed
This class includes experiential learning with CEMI. Three days of food labs, one day of a walking tour.
Food labs Mon-Tue-Thu, walking tour Wed. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community. Mandatory Field Learning at Pruneti
*This course is crossed listed
Contact Hours: 45
The continuous growth of nutritional awareness worldwide has brought nutrition to be one of the fundamental subjects in constant evolution during the last decades. This course provides students with basic nutrition concepts and focuses on the overview of the requirements and functions of protein, carbohydrates, lipids and the major vitamins and minerals that are determinants of health and diseases in human populations. Emphasis will be placed on the role of nutrition in growth and health through the life cycle and the role of diet in the development of chronic diseases and the maintenance of a good health status thanks to a balanced food consumption. The course offers an overview of food policies, food education and an analysis of nowadays eating habits. Students will also learn the guidelines for the balancing of a vegetarian diet and understand how to read a food pyramid.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project at Fedora FOH.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project at Fedora FOH.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Food & Culture | Course #: FWFCFC340 HS | Open
Location: APICIUS, Via Guelfa 85
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. Lectures will be complemented by student cooking labs and/or tastings.
Mandatory Field Learning in Modena. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community.
*This course is crossed listed
Mandatory Field Learning in Modena. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community.
*This course is crossed listed
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Food & Culture | Course #: FWFCFF347 HS | Open
Pre-requisite:
The city of Florence is a veritable mine of food and cultural experiences spanning from the kitchens of the Medici family, to the rustic regional cuisine of Tuscany, to growing rituals such as aperitivo, and high profile restaurants recognized internationally. The aim of this course is to introduce students to the food, street, and culture scenes that set Florence apart from other metropolitan cities, encourage the discussion of the historical weight of its storied past on the food culture of today, and construct a topographical map that indicates the pinpoints of Florence's thriving gastro-cultural activities. Lectures will be complemented by student cooking labs and tastings.
This course includes cooking labs, tastings, and visits. This is a Food and Culture course, not a CA/BP lab course. Food labs emphasize the food culture of Italy and are not based on professional cooking techniques.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project.
This course includes cooking labs, tastings, and visits. This is a Food and Culture course, not a CA/BP lab course. Food labs emphasize the food culture of Italy and are not based on professional cooking techniques.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Anthropology | Course #: GSANCI202 HS | Open
The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden ones awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and is aimed to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic architectural and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. FLORENCE ONLY
This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community. Mandatory Field Learning at Medici Villas.
*This class is cross listed
This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community. Mandatory Field Learning at Medici Villas.
*This class is cross listed
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Hospitality and Tourism Management | Course #: HPHTIE200 HS | Open
This introductory course provides students with the basic knowledge in the operation, coordination, and management of special events, and an overview of the major segments of the event industry. This course is designed for those who wish to explore the event industry for the first time with the purpose of developing their event management capabilities starting from a beginner level. Throughout course duration, students will have the opportunity to participate in a variety of real events held on campus in order to apply information acquired during class to a realistic context. During the course, students will gain first-hand experience by analytic observation through participation in a variety of events organized on campus. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at Ganzo FOH and special events at CEMI. Projects may take place in the evening.
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at Ganzo FOH and special events at CEMI. Projects may take place in the evening.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Italian Cultural Studies | Course #: ISISCI200 HS | Open
One week of on-site field learning in different locations. Starting in Rome then traveling north and arriving in Florence. The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This one-week intensive course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden one’s awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and aims to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic, architectural, and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. This class includes field learning hours. Field learning is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multi-fold components of Italian Culture through direct experience.
Mandatory pre-departure readings must be fulfilled prior to program start. Lectures and learning activities held in different locations. This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students.
*This class is crossed listed under different departments.
Mandatory pre-departure readings must be fulfilled prior to program start. Lectures and learning activities held in different locations. This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students.
*This class is crossed listed under different departments.
Contact Hours: 45
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.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at the Ludoteca.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at the Ludoteca.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Italian Language | Course #: ISITII201 HS | Open
Pre-requisite: One semester of Italian language or equivalent. Unofficial transcript submission required.
This course builds on and extends fundamental skills developed in the beginning-level course. Emphasis is placed on developing fluency skills and integration of language and culture through more extensive reading and writing. Upon course completion, students will be able to express polite requests using the Present Conditional and develop their language ability by using direct and indirect object pronouns. This course is aimed at students who already have a basic vocabulary of Italian and some knowledge of elementary language structures.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at the Ludoteca.
This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at the Ludoteca.
Contact Hours: 45
The first of a two-part series on magazine production, this course gives students a professional magazine production experience as an academic course. Students, under the supervision of faculty members, will curate every phase of production brainstorming, design, writing, photos, editing, layouts, production, and distribution of a professional lifestyle magazine produced by the institution. The magazine and its semiannual format will represent the student's approach to living in Florence and topics such as the arts, gastronomy, travel, style, city scenes, etc. from a cutting edge perspective that seeks to challenge and go beyond the surface of a city. Course projects and activities will interact with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of FUA's campus press Ingorda. This project requires additional hours outside of regularly scheduled class times. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
*The class is cross listed
*The class is cross listed
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art History and Architecture | Course #: LAAHAH210 HS | Open
This introductory art history course will take students through Italian and European art from the classical Greek and Roman periods up to and including the eighteenth century. Special emphasis will be given to Florentine and Italian art of the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries and to the "Golden Age" of the Renaissance. The course is aimed at students who have not taken a history of western art course before. Lectures will alternate with on-site teaching in Florence including architectural walking tours and visits to relevant museums, churches, and palaces.
Mandatory Field Learning in Mantova.
Mandatory Field Learning in Mantova.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Art History and Architecture | Course #: LAAHCI202 HS | Open
The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden ones awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and is aimed to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic architectural and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. Florence only.
This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students. Mandatory Field Learning at Medici Villas. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community.
*The class is cross listed
This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students. Mandatory Field Learning at Medici Villas. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community.
*The class is cross listed
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
English Composition and Creative Writing | Course #: LACWLM330 HS | Open
The first of a two-part series on magazine production, this course gives students a professional magazine production experience as an academic course. Students, under the supervision of faculty members, will curate every phase of production brainstorming, design, writing, photos, editing, layouts, production, and distribution of a professional lifestyle magazine produced by the institution. The magazine and its semiannual format will represent the student's approach to living in Florence and topics such as the arts, gastronomy, travel, style, city scenes, etc. from a cutting edge perspective that seeks to challenge and go beyond the surface of a city. Course projects and activities will interact with the journalism activities of Blending, the magazine of FUA's campus press Ingorda. This project requires additional hours outside of regularly scheduled class times. This class includes experiential learning with CEMI.
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at Ingorda for a journalism project with Blending. *The class is cross listed
This course features a 30-hour faculty supervised project (Mon-Fri) at Ingorda for a journalism project with Blending. *The class is cross listed
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Sociology | Course #: LSSOCI202 HS | Open
The study of Italian culture helps the student to acquire a deep awareness of both cultural unity and regional diversity. This course is intended to provide students with an in-depth introduction to Italian culture and to broaden the awareness and understanding of the role of cultural heritage in customs and lifestyles. Lectures will provide students with an organized, focused, and academic understanding of Italian history, art, architecture, food, religion, and culture. The course provides additional enrichment through basic notions of Italian language and terminology along with assigned readings and a final paper. On-site teaching is a significant part of this course and is aimed to provide the student with an incomparable experience of studying important sites of artistic architectural and social relevance in present-day Italy. Students are encouraged to observe the sites through active participation and to discuss their observations using specific and analytic social assessment skills. Florence only.
This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students. Mandatory Field Learning at Medici Villas. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community. *This class is cross listed.
This course includes an Italian language component for beginning-level students. Mandatory Field Learning at Medici Villas. This course features a 15-hour faculty supervised project in the FUA community. *This class is cross listed.
Contact Hours: 45
Program Add-On: Cultural Introduction to Italy course (1 week / 3 credits)
The 1 week Cultural Introduction to Italy course can be added to the FUA High School Session II program. The traveling course is comprised of field study and travel research on location in destinations unique for their local cultures, economies, histories, and societies. Students participating in this course arrive in Rome the week prior to their regular program start and spend one week participating in lectures, visiting historic and contemporary sites, tasting local gastronomy, and experiencing the culture of Tuscany. At the end of the week, students travel to Florence to complete their regular summer program. Please note: students enrolled in this add-on program arrive in Rome on July 12, 2020.
The High School Summer program is designed to give high school students the opportunity to earn college credit abroad. Students spend three unforgettable weeks living and studying in the heart of Florence. Students enroll in two elective courses for a total of 6 credits. The program includes staff dedicated to the student group: 1 staff member for every 7 students. In addition, staff members stay with students in accommodations (1 staff member for every 10 students at night), in order to be available 24 hours per day. The program includes planned activities and excursions for a rich social and cultural experience, as well as two meals per day. All courses are taught in English, and take students out into the city for first-hand experiences.
Course Registration
SAI students complete their course registration directly with FUA through the FUA student portal. Upon confirming enrollment in the SAI High School program at FUA, students receive information for creating their FUA student portal and selecting their classes. FUA courses are competitive and registration begins months ahead of the application deadline. Courses will fill rapidly and on a rolling basis.
Please note that students receive an Italian transcript from FUA for courses taken through this program. A US transcript can be added for an additional cost.
Course Changes
Students wishing to make changes to their class schedule prior to departure can do so directly by logging into their FUA student account. Students receive an email confirmation from SAI once the change is accepted. Students are permitted to make as many Add/Drop adjustments to their schedule prior to departure as needed. The last day to submit a schedule change prior to departure is approximately 6 weeks prior to departure. After the deadline, no changes can be made until the Add/Drop period in Florence at which time only one additional change can be made, no exceptions.
Please note that the deadlines below have been adjusted to reflect our revised Summer 2020 policies.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| May 9, 2020 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| June 4 2020 |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| March 15 2020 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| June 4 2020 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| July 19 2020* |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive into Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR). Airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 6:00pm, and students are transferred to housing. |
| July 20 2020 |
FUA Orientation Students are introduced to FUA, available resources, and their professors. |
| July 21 2020 |
FUA Classes Begin |
| August 6 2020 |
FUA Classes End |
| August 7 2020 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students check out of housing by 10:00am. Return transportation to Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR) is provided. |
* Students adding the Cultural Introduction to Italy course fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) on July 12, 2020. Airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to program check-in.
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $100 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: 3 weeks / 6 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI Signature Services (see What’s Included). |
$5,300 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Add-on: Cultural Introduction to Italy Course (3 credits) 1 week course prior to regular program, includes housing and travel expenses. |
$1,000 |
| US School of Record Transcript For students wishing to receive US college credit for their courses. |
$300 |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Please note that students who successfully complete this program will earn a $500 discount toward any future SAI Signature Services semester/quarter undergraduate programs.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$400 | $475 |
| Personal Expenses | $200 | $350 |
This is an SAI Signature Services Program; it includes full services!
- Program tuition
- Accommodation in student apartments with live-in Resident Assistants
- 2 meals per day
- Airport pickup and return
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- Comprehensive orientation to the host city and school
- 24-hour on-site supervision and support
- Daily extracurricular activities designed to help you discover Florence and Italian culture
- US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- $500 return high school student discount to use toward SAI programs
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
FUA offers a rich and varied calendar of extracurricular activities to suit the diverse needs and interests of students. Following is a sample of these activities.
Connecting Cultures City Walks
Through guided walks through the most significant neighborhoods of Florence, students gain an understanding between the past and contemporary Florence, maximizing their experience by venturing into areas they might not explore on their own and connecting with the community.
Sports Night
This activity is a great way to keep in shape while expanding your knowledge of Italian fitness culture. Soccer is the mainstay of Italian athletics and the focus of our sports night. Even if you are not an athlete, everyone is welcome to both have fun on the field or just cheer on your classmates from the stands.
Musing Club
This activity offers an opportunity for students to explore the world of music and performing arts in Florence. Opera events, visits and performances are all part of this special club. Interested in expanding your knowledge of music or just seeing an exciting performance? This activity is for you!
Aperiganzo/Aperiat
Students join weekly art openings, book presentations and talks at AperiGanzo. This is a great opportunity to meet artists, authors and mingle with fellow classmates, FUA professors and members of the Italian community.
Blending Journalism
Blending is a journalistic collaboration that offers students the opportunity to express ideas through investigative and creative writing and photography. Writers, photographers, copy editors and graphic designers who are excited about publishing their experiences and perspectives gained in Florence, as well as novice writers that just looking for a format to document their experience in Florence are all welcome. Summer editions include two newsletters.
COURSE ACTIVITIES AND PROJECTS
Courses in the schedule may feature one of the following two FUA learning methodologies that are an integral and mandatory component of the academic coursework. The methodologies are intended to engage students within the local culture and community through academically structured initiatives.
Experiential Learning
In addition to regular lecture hours, students will be involved in learning by doing through real projects and integration with the local population and territory in order to remove cultural and learning barriers as well as develop a strong likelihood for success in life. The experiential learning hours are fully supervised by instructions who track students step by step during their learning experience, monitor and advise according to student needs, and support student initiative. The unique learning model allows students to benefit from an all-encompassing educational experience based on theory and practice in real enterprises, learning of comprehensive operational processes, problem-solving, leadership, and management.
Field Learning
Field learning at FUA is a method of educating through first-hand experience. Skills, knowledge, and experience are acquired outside of the traditional academic classroom setting and may include field activities, field research, and service-learning projects. The field learning experience is cultural; because it is intended to be wide-reaching, field-related content is not limited to the course subject but seeks to supplement and enrich academic topics. Students will have the opportunity to integrate theory and practice while experiencing Italian culture, art, and community within the Italian territory. Faculty will lead students in experiencing Italian culture through guided projects and field experiences as planned for the course. Field learning will be developed through classroom preparation, follow up projects, and guided learning outcomes. Field learning will provide students with the opportunity to develop skills and appreciate the multifold components of Italian Culture through direct experience. Field education will advance student learning as a relationship-centered process.
Students enrolled in the high school program are offered safe and relaxing accommodations, fully equipped and monitored 24/7 by live-in Resident Assistants. Student housing is located in the city center, a few steps from the Duomo, Ponte Vecchio, and FUA classrooms in dorm-style accommodations. There are shared kitchens on each floor, air conditioning, and wifi throughout the building.
During the add-on pre-session course, Cultural Introduction to Italy, students are housed in various hotels along with their Resident Assistants.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law U.S. students studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Other Schools in Florence
About SAI
SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development and social responsibility. We concentrate our programs in Europe, with a focus on in-depth learning of individual European countries and their unique global role in the geopolitical economy, humanities, and in the arts.