FAQ

1. What are the requirements to apply?
All students applying to SRISA must meet the following requirements:

Students must be at least 18 years of age
Students must have a high school diploma, or equivalent G.E.D.
Student must have maintained a 2.0 in all college work attempted.
Students must submit most recent transcript (either high school or college transcripts) to the Registrar’s Office along with their application.

2. Do I need to submit a portfolio or samples of my work with my application?
It is not necessary to submit a portfolio with your application. However, if you would like to submit one, you are more than welcome to.

3. Do I need to have previous art experience or an art background to attend Santa Reparata?No, it is not necessary to have an art background or any previous art experience. Although many of our students are art majors, we have students from varied backgrounds who wish to receive an introduction to art.

4. Does Santa Reparata offer financial aid or scholarships?
At this time, Santa Reparata does not offer any financial aid or private scholarships, but there are several other options for Santa Reparata students.
Oftentimes your financial aid from your home institution can be used at Santa Reparata, including federal and private loans and scholarships. Usually this option is available through a Consortium Agreement between your home institution and Santa Reparata. Simply contact the financial aid and study abroad offices of your college to see what the process is for your specific school.

5. How much money should I budget for my time abroad?
Although there is no exact amount we can give a student, we recommend budgeting at least $15-20 per day for your entire stay in Florence. Again, this amount will vary from student to student and individual spending habits. If you plan on traveling at all during your time in Florence try to take these travel expenses into account before you leave. You may request an estimated semester or summer budget from the registrar here.

6. Where should I exchange my money in Florence? When changing money it is always best to do so at a bank. Although there are change offices all over Florence, they charge a commission and their exchange rate is usually high. You can also withdraw money directly from an ATM (Bancomat in Italian), because the exchange rate between banks is based on the current market value. Also, to avoid losing money from transaction charges, it is best to change large sums of money at one time.

7. How do I know if my ATM/Check card will work abroad?
Before leaving home contact your bank to inform them that you will be traveling abroad. They will tell you if your card is compatible with Europe’s systems and may even give you an international pin code. You can also check that your card has the “Cirrus” logo on the back. But remember do not limit your funds to one form (i.e. debit card, travel checks, or credit card).

8. What should I do once I arrive in Florence?
Once you arrive in Florence you will want to take a taxi to the school to check into housing. Taxis are located outside of the airport and train stations. The cost of a taxi is usually 10-12 Euro from the train station and 20 Euro plus luggage from the airport. You will have the taxi take you to Via San Gallo 53-red, where a staff member will get you checked in and accompany you to your apartment. Check the calendar for your specific check-in date. Office hours are from 9am – 7pm Monday through Friday.
*Important: If you are arriving before the check in date, arriving after hours, or on the weekend you are responsible for reserving accommodations at a hotel. You can find a list of nearby hotels on the Santa Reparata website.

9. When will I receive my housing assignment?
Students arranging housing through Santa Reparata will be sent housing information by e-mail 1-2 weeks before classes begin. If you have questions about housing you can also contact our Housing Coordinator here.

10. When will I receive my class schedule?
Class schedules will be given out in Florence during the Academic Orientation.

11. Should I buy my art supplies in Italy or the U.S.?
There are many art supply stores in Florence where you will be able to find most of your necessary supplies. Cost of supplies in Italy vary slightly from the U.S. You may wish to bring some basic supplies (ie: paint brushes, sketchbook, etc) with you but it is not necessary.

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