Program Site
The Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici is located in the heart of Florence, a city which is a living museum filled with the works of famous painters, sculptors, and architects. Florence and the Toscana region surrounding it offer the beauty of both its Medieval and Renaissance past. Nearby are beaches, mountains, and other Italian cities, including Rome, which is two hours away. The Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici, a private educational institution, has classroom buildings and offices in a renovated town villa, with fine studio space close by. Its language faculty are highly trained in teaching Italian to foreigners, and the art faculty are well know in their fields.

Academic Program Highlights
Program participants have the opportunity to study with Italian and international students from around the world, with Italian the common language for communication. Students may take 12 to 18 credits in a variety of disciplines, including one required course in Italian language, which is offered at all levels from beginning through advanced. No previous knowledge of Italian is required, and students may take classes in English or Italian, based on their level of proficiency. Classes are small, with strong emphasis placed on student-faculty interaction. Students elect one of the following two programs: Super-Intensive Italian Language (18 credits), or Liberal Arts and Studio Art (12 to 16 credits with one required Italian language course or a nine-credit Intensive Italian Language plus two non studio art courses).

The Studio Art program offered at the Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici has been cited as one of the finest studio art programs in all of Italy, and individualized instruction is given with strong emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship. Students can take foundation, intermediate, or advanced course work in silk-screen, weaving, architectural design/restoration, painting, drawing, etching, graphic design, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and video production. The Liberal Arts and Studio Art Program, however, offers a wide range of courses in several disciplines, including Italian Language and Literature, History/Political Science, Art History, and International Business, in addition to the Studio Art classes.

Program Duration
August 31 - December 18 (Fall)
may 25 - May 14 (Spring)

Application Deadlines*
April 15 (Fall)
September 15 (Spring)

*Note: Contact Rio Salado College for exact dates.

Recommended Credits
12 - 16 credits

Transcripts
For all courses taken at the Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici where there are equivalent courses in the MCCCD, the official record for those credits will be posted on the MCCCD, Rio Salado College, transcript.

Eligibility
A 2.5 GPA, official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose are necessary for admission to the program.

Student Life
As a complement to the academic program, students take day trips to nearby towns and may participate in optional field trips to Rome, Siena, Assisi, and Venice, which are led by faculty from the school. Students have three options for housing: furnished apartments at a residential hotel; an independent hotel for students (double or triple accommodations); or independent housing arranged through local housing agencies. The second option is strongly recommended for students who wish to share their experience with other Italian and international students.

Costs
The cost of a semester may vary as changes occur in the economies and currencies of the U.S. and Italy. The factors listed below are used to calculate program costs.

  • Tuition at Rio Salado College (assessed according to the student's residency status).
  • Program costs in Italy, including instruction, housing, application and orientation fees, insurance, books and field trips.
  • Transportation to Italy.
Financial Aid
Any financial aid for which students are eligible during the course of their study at Rio Salado College, including Pell Grants, can be used toward the cost of the program in Italy.

For More Information
Office of International Education
Rio Salado College
2323 W. 14th St.
Tempe, AZ 85281
(480) 517-8416
(480) 517-8849 Fax
Contact: Erma Abeyta, Director of International Programs
OIE@riomail.maricopa.edu