- Siena, Italy
In Italian culture, life and art are inseparable. Countless examples illustrate this: the still-life quality of window displays in Florence, the artisanal care taken by a Sienese stoneworker replacing part of a medieval byway, the sculpted harmony of the Tuscan countryside. We cannot experience these essential qualities of Italian life in a classroom. Only with time and careful observation can we begin to absorb the richness and rhythm of life, and art, in Italy. This program focuses on the art and architecture of Tuscany and central Italy and in particular the beautiful historic city of Siena. Students take an art history course and a studio art course, each taught by UT faculty. The courses focus on art, history, and experience as well as students' artistic responses to these experiences. While Siena is our home base, visits to other cities such as Florence and Rome serve to frame student experiences within a broader view of Italy.
Sponsored by College of Fine Arts
Course(s)
-
ARH F331J
- Art and Experience in Central Italy: Art and Pilgrimage
and
ART 379T / ART F319T - Sound, Action/Artists Book in Italy and
ART F352K - Transmedia for Nonmajors
Academic Information
Students earn 6 hours of in-residence credit upon successful completion. Course grades are factored into UT GPA.
Faculty
Ann Johns, a specialist in Italian medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, has been the program director and art history professor since 2006. Hannah Spector is an Assistant Professor of Practice of Time&Technology within the Studio Department. They are an interdisciplinary visual artist, poet, and composer.
Language(s) of Instruction
English
Eligibility
- Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee acceptance
- Good academic standing (undergrad GPA 2.0 min, grad GPA 3.0 min).
- UT enrollment during spring semester preceding the program.
- Open to ALL majors. No art background required.
Service Learning/Internship
- Service Learning - No
- Internship - No
Housing
Students will be housed in hotels in Rome and apartments in Siena.
Open To
Students from all colleges and schools
Program Cost
Program fee for 2026 is $6425. $500 non-refundable deposit. Fee includes program activities, some meals, housing, and local transportation. Scholarship applications are due by December 1, 2025.
Dates:
- Program: June 4, 2026 to July 11, 2026
- Instructional: June 4, 2026 to July 10, 2026
- Final Deadline: December 1, 2025
Application Code
353004
Program Coordinator
Kassey Rocha
Additional Resources
Program Website
Scholarships
Instagram
Financial Aid
Fin Responsibility Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Information Session
Video
Make an Appointment
Video
Next Step
Plan on attending an info session in the Fall! Oct 15, 2025 *** BIG deal!5-6pm ART 1.120 Pizza included! Oct 22 5-6pm Zoom, Nov 5 5-6pm, ART 3.210, Nov 19 5-6pm ART 3.210. For more info, contact Katelyn Catino at katelyn.catino@austin.utexas.edu