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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.
In the heart of the city’s historical center, CEA CAPA’s two centrally-located study facilities—Palazzo Galli Tassi and Palazzo Levi—hosts students steps away from Florence&...
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...
In the heart of the city’s historical center, CEA CAPA’s two centrally-located study facilities—Palazzo Galli Tassi and Palazzo Levi—hosts students steps away from Florence’s iconic landmarks, such as the Duomo, the Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio, and the Mercato Centrale.
The Florence Study Center provides instruction across a wide array of disciplines, including liberal arts, business, and social sciences. Courses are designed to leverage the city as an educational hub, incorporating activities that will take you beyond traditional learning environments. Whether it’s a class in front of Giotto’s belltower, a field trip to a coffee roaster, or your own commute into class, you will have many ways to explore the city center and Florence’s modern neighborhoods.
The CEA CAPA onsite team provides comprehensive support, guiding you through academics, internships, and personal growth while curating field studies, cultural activities, and excursions. These experiences foster collaboration among you and your fellow students, helping you create meaningful connections and lasting memories.
By blending enriching academics with experiential learning, the CEA CAPA Florence Center will equip you with global cultural fluency and skills essential for thriving in an interconnected world.
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
Santa Reparata International School of Art
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
12-16
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.
We offer different housing options to match your budget, preferences, and study abroad goals. 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.
Your housing abroad is more than a place to sleep, it's a place to feel at home.
Health & Safety
Health and safety are a top priority when selecting and reviewing program housing. When evaluating housing, CEA CAPA considers several factors including the surrounding location, commute time to academic or internship settings, as well as the condition of the building exterior and interior, common areas, the individual housing unit, and other living spaces. CEA CAPA works to ensure that program housing meets established minimum health and safety guidelines and aligns with best practices in the field.
Cleaning Services
Regular cleaning of communal areas for programs longer than 4 weeks.
Wi-Fi
Reliable internet access is included in every housing option we offer.
Students Per Bedroom
Typically 1–2 students per bedroom, with a maximum of 3 per room.
Commute Time
Housing is located within 60 minutes of campus by foot or transportation.
Temperature Control
Cooling and heating appliances are provided (AC not always included).
Kitchen Access
A shared space with basic utensils, refrigerator, freezer, and a stove, oven, or microwave.
Laundry
Access to laundry is guaranteed onsite or within walking distance. Drying racks included.
Study Space
A desk in your room or a table in a common area.
Storage Space
Practical, modest storage space for personal belongings.
Linens
Pillows, blankets and sheets.
Global Housing Standards apply to CEA CAPA-sourced housing only, beginning Summer 2026.
Housing provided by partner universities may differ slightly.
Apartment Shared Room
Live in an apartment located outside the Florence city center, with convenient access to public transportation for easy travel to all destinations. You'll share your bedroom with up to two fellow CEA CAPA students. You'll also share the apartment and kitchen with other CEA CAPA students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. Limited storage space available.
This housing option is included in the program price.
Additional Options
To elevate your study abroad experience, apartments within Florence's main ring roads are available for a supplemental fee. Supplemental fees may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Apartment Private Room
Live in an apartment located outside the Florence city center, with convenient access to public transportation ensuring easy travel to all destinations. You'll enjoy the comfort and privacy of your own bedroom. You'll share the apartment and kitchen with fellow CEA CAPA students, creating an instant community and a lively home base. Limited storage space available.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Additional Options
To elevate your study abroad experience, apartments within Florence's main ring roads are available for a supplemental fee.
Homestay
Semester Only
Live with a Florentine family to surround yourself with Italian culture. You will share your bedroom with another CEA CAPA student, and may share the homestay with other students, fostering an instant community within a local setting. This homestay includes breakfast and dinner 5 days per week. Limited storage space available.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
Additional Options
To further elevate your study abroad experience, you may select a private room in a homestay on your housing application for a supplemental fee.
The Florence Signature: Apartment with Italian Flatmate
Semester Only
Live in an apartment within the city center with a local Italian flatmate who will help you make the most of your experience in Florence. Enjoy vibrant shopping and local leisure areas within walking distance. You'll share your bedroom with your Italian roommate or up to two fellow CEA CAPA students. You'll also share the apartment and kitchen with other CEA CAPA students of all genders. Limited storage space available.
This housing option carries a supplemental fee that may vary depending on the included amenities as well as the length of the program. The exact amount will be provided on the housing application form.
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.