- 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 331J
- Art and Experience in Central Italy: Art and Pilgrimage (VAPA, GC Flag)
and
ART 352J / ART 379T / ART 319T - Photography and Tourism: Observing Travel and Culture in Italy
Academic Information
Students earn 6 hours of in-residence credit upon successful completion. Course grades are factored into UT GPA. Students also receive the Global Cultures flag, and fulfills VAPA requirement.
Faculty
Ann Johns, a specialist in Italian medieval and Renaissance art and architecture, has been the program director and art history professor since 2006. Eli Durst is associate professor of practice and photographer.
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 Costs for 2025 are NOT yet confirmed* Program fee is estimated at $5550 and based on 2023 costs. Note the fee may increase once confirmed. $500 non-refundable deposit. Fee includes program activities, some meals, housing, and local transportation. COFA Scholarships - Coming Soon!
Dates:
- Program: June 5, 2025 to July 12, 2025
- Instructional: June 5, 2025 to July 12, 2025
- Final Deadline: December 1, 2024
Application Code
353004
Program Coordinator
Jane Thiele
Additional Resources
Program Website
Scholarships
Instagram
Financial Aid
Fin Responsibility Policy
Frequently Asked Questions
Information Session
Video
Make an Appointment
Next Step
Plan to attend an info session in Fall 2024 to learn more! Dates/times coming soon at the Information Session link below. For more info, contact Jane Thiele: jane.thiele@austin.utexas.edu