Art History Concentration
About ISI Florence
Established in 2001, ISI Florence is a study abroad program rooted in the liberal arts tradition and internationally recognized for the high caliber of its faculty and wide range of student services. ISI Florence is committed to providing students with a safe and rewarding educational experience of exceptional quality both in and out of the classroom and is supported by endless opportunities for cultural immersion and exchange. True to its extraordinary setting in the cradle of the Renaissance, ISI Florence aims to inspire students to strive for learning which will make their semester abroad a life-changing experience.
With several thousand years of civilization woven into its legendary urban texture, Florence embodies all that the Renaissance sought to bring back to life. Bordered by its famous countryside of pine- and cypress-dotted hills, lush vineyards, and olive groves, the Florence of today is an innovative European cultural center, as well as a university city. While living in Florence, students will have the opportunity to walk the same medieval streets as Dante, look upon the great works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci, and stand within the massive halls that housed Medici businesses, all built on top of Roman and Etruscan ruins. Iconic Via Tornabuoni offers insights into Florence’s thriving love of fashion in the shadow of Brunelleschi’s great dome, Santa Maria del Fiore. Surrounded by statuesque relics of the Renaissance and the push of progress, Florence offers both depth of ancient character and a melding of past, present, and future.
Why Study Art History in Florence?
The Institute runs a number of semester and summer courses relative to art history. Florence's history of vibrant art and architecture, as well as its modern recognition as the capital of fashion design, make it an ideal location for art history students to experience some of the world's most well-known artistic marvels first-hand. ISI Florence works hard to give students hands-on experiences in their areas of interest. For example, students interested in art history will often enroll in one of ISI's Practicum courses which allow participants the opportunity to work either for 120 hours in the Palazzo Vecchio (Florence's city hall) Museum or for 60 hours in some of Florence's most popular churches. By working in these unique, high profile locations, students get the chance to share their love of art history with English speaking visitors while learning more about the impact of these locations on the Italian national identity and Florentine local identity.
Curriculum
The semester program consists of an Italian language course (all levels available) and free electives from the Institute's offerings. To participate in the Art History Concentration, students must enroll in at least three of the courses below:
- The Art of Florence: Exploring Visual Culture
- Architecture in Italy: History and Preservation
- History of Italian Design
- Special Topics in Art History: Leonardo
- Special Topics in Art History: Michelangelo
- Special Topics: The Villa and The Garden
Community Engagement and Volunteering Opportunities
As part of our initiative to help students gain valuable cross-cultural experience in an international environment, we promote many opportunities for community engagement, including credit-bearing internships, volunteer work, and service-learning activities. These projects give students invaluable hands-on understanding and extraordinary out-of-classroom exposure to the culture, language, and people of Italy.
The Internship and Practicum Courses are ideal for students who would like to give back to the local community, broaden their intercultural awareness and see different social contexts from a more comparative, global standpoint.
Also, the numerous volunteering options available at ISI Florence are a rewarding way of integrating with the city and, at the same time, improving one’s Italian language skills through cultural dialogue and hands-on experience.
Student Services
The student services team at ISI Florence provides all students with a strong support system from the moment of arrival to the day of departure. Staff members are on hand to offer information and assistance so that students can make the most of their time abroad. Health and safety are of the utmost importance to us. Students are coached in personal safety, and the student services staff is available 24/7 to address illnesses, injuries, and any other needs that require special attention.
Living Accommodations
Students share apartments with other program participants. All apartments are located in the historical center of Florence and within walking distance of ISI Florence facilities. The apartments come with a fully equipped kitchen, communal living space, and wireless Internet connection.
ISI Florence Highlights
- State-of-the-art centrally located facilities
- Expert and dedicated international faculty and staff
- Pre-departure and arrival assistance
- Comprehensive orientation program
- Informative student handbook and APP (For Apple & Android OS)
- Fully-equipped student apartments in the historic center of Florence
- Extra- and co-curricular field trips and volunteering
- Practical Italian language courses and workshops
- Wi-Fi access in apartments and at the Institute
- Emergency hotline available 24/7
Application
All students are required to submit a completed application and submit current transcripts and meet all prerequisite requirements. Admission is selective.
Apply now to begin the application and review process and discuss the program with an admissions specialist.
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