Undergraduate Studies

Italy

The College of Architecture at The University of Texas at San Antonio is pleased to present our study abroad program in Italy. The studio and travel program is based in Castiglion Fiorentino, an Italian hilltown located about one hour (by train or car) southeast of Florence, between Arezzo and Cortona. The students will study and reside at the Santa Chiara Study Center, a recently restored former convent overlooking the Tuscan countryside. The program provides students an opportunity to conduct their studies in a European setting. Through the experience of studying as well as living in a foreign country surrounded by masterpieces of art and architecture, the students’ cultural awareness will be expanded, self-reliance improved, and professional horizons broadened. The anticipated number of spaces available for the spring semester, 2009 is 14 - 16.

The program includes the following:
instruction (up to 12 credits hours)
trips

weekly day trips: weekly bus or train trips to nearby Florence, Siena, Assissi, Pienza, and Urbino.
south trip (overnight): a trip to Rome and site surrounding the city (three nights)
north trip (overnight): a trip to Venice and sites nearby the city (four nights)

museums
Most entry fees are covered when a part of an organized trip (see above)
accommodations
Dormitory accommodations (3-4 students per room) including showers, weekly changes of bedding, laundry coupons good for 6 lbs. of laundry per week,
meals
Continental breakfast (Monday – Friday)
Tuscan style lunch (Monday – Friday)
Dinner (every day)

not included: beverages at meals, lunches on field trips, studio supplies, books, toiletries, independent travel, and other discretionary spending.

faculty & curriculum
It is anticipated that one UTSA faculty member will teach the courses at Santa Chiara. It is also possible that, depending on available funding, Italian professionals / faculty could be involved in an adjunct capacity. The curriculum will be structured to maximize the opportunity to progress in the recommended degree plans, while at the same time allowing for the exploration of Italy. Students should consult with their respective degree program coordinator and their academic advisor to review how the program in Italy will fit their individual curriculum requirements. Students should also ensure that they will meet all of the necessary degree plan prerequisites before enrolling in this program.

schedule (approx.):
late January arrive in Castiglion Fiorentino, Santa Chiara
early May last day of reviews
Santa Chiara closes

budget (approx.):
program cost                   $6550
association fee       $100
damage deposit      $200 (refunded pending no damage and return of keys)
airfare                           $900 to $1050
personal expenses $1500 to $2000
insurance              as required
international ID       $25
passport               see rate at … us.gov
UTSA tuition           as per enrolled credit hours

Please check with the college for the most current costs (which vary based on currency exchange rate and other factors).