*Note: Our Undergraduate Fall 2021 study abroad programs, including the Florence program, have been cancelled. Applications for the Florence Semester and Summer Programs are closed.
The Sam Fox School offers undergraduate students in art, architecture, and design the opportunity to spend a semester studying in Florence, Italy, the birthplace of Western cultural modernity. Classes make use of the rich artistic and cultural environment, urban and architectural history, and contemporary aspects of Florence, as well as the surrounding Tuscan countryside. At the beginning of the semester, tours and slide lectures orient students to the city.
Instruction takes place on the campus of Santa Reparata International School of Art, located in the central area of Florence. Courses and studios are taught by Washington University faculty and local faculty. Instruction is in English, except for language classes.
When to Apply
Students apply in their second year of study. You can find active links above or through sa.wustl.edu.
Prerequisites
Students going abroad in the semester need:
- 1 semester of Italian language
- 3.0 GPA
- Good academic and behavioral standing with the university
- To complete their online application on time
- To attend mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation meetings and complete required University paperwork before they go abroad
Art+Design
The College of Art's semester-long program of study in Florence occurs in the junior year. The curriculum includes intense studio work in addition to Italian language, Renaissance art history, and Italian art and design culture.
STUDIO ART AND FASHION DESIGN
Studio Art and Fashion Design students study abroad in the fall of their junior year. They apply in the fall of their second year; current second-year students should apply here>>
Each student takes 15 credit hours in Florence. Classes are:
Studio Art
- 3 credits Methods & Contexts 1
- 3 credits Art Practice
- 3 credits art elective
- 3 credits art history
- 3 credits Italian language
Fashion Design
- 3 credits Patternmaking
- 3 credits Textile Design (or other Special Topics in Fashion)
- 3 credits art elective
- 3 credits art history
- 3 credits Italian language
COMMUNICATION DESIGN
Communication Design students study abroad in the spring of their junior year. They apply in the spring of their second year.
Each student takes 15 credit hours in Florence. Classes are:
- 9 credits Communication Design Major Elective
- 3 credits art history
- 3 credits Italian language
Architecture
Architecture students study abroad in the fall of their senior year. They apply in the spring of their second year.
This program offers a full semester curriculum:
- 6 credits design studio
- 3 credits architecture seminar
- 3 credits art & architecture history
- 3 credits Italian language
Check out the student website for the fall 2016 architecture program>>
Housing
Students live in apartments in the city center that are fully furnished and shared between 3 to 6 students. Single and double rooms are available. Housing costs during the program average about $1,000/month for double occupancy rooms, $1,200/month for single occupancy rooms—the fee includes utilities.
Field Trips
Field trips are organized by faculty to destinations throughout Italy and Europe including to Venice for the Venice Biennale (fall and summer) and Milan for Fashion Week (fall).
Tuition & Financial Aid
Tuition is the same as on-campus WashU tuition. If you receive financial aid, the same financial aid package applies when you study abroad for the semester in Florence. Students are responsible for paying for airfare to Italy, activities fee, supplies, international health insurance, visa application fee, international phone, etc. A detailed cost estimate sheet will be provided with acceptance to the program.
Upon acceptance, a $500 deposit must be made to hold your place in the program.
Preparations
Students must attend mandatory Pre-Departure Orientation meetings before going abroad. Pre-Departure Orientation will be scheduled by the Coordinator of Special Programs. Students must have a passport valid for 6 months after the end of the semester abroad. A study abroad visa is required for the semester program. The University will assist with the visa application process during Pre-Departure Orientation.
Summer
The Florence summer program is open to students of any major and any level. Click here to learn more.
For more information, please contact:
Courtney Cushard
Coordinator of Special Programs
courtney.cushard@wustl.edu
314.935.4643