LORENZO DE'MEDICI - The Art Institute of Florence
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The Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici is located in the heart of Florence, a city which is a living museum filled with the works of famous painters, sculptors, and architects. Florence and the Toscana region surrounding it offer the beauty of both its Medieval and Renaissance past. Nearby are beaches, mountains, and other Italian cities, including Rome, which is two hours away.
The Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici, a private educational institution, has classroom buildings and offices in a renovated town villa, with fine studio space close by. Its language faculty are highly trained in teaching Italian to foreigners, and the art faculty are well known in their fields.
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Academic Program Highlights
Program participants have the opportunity to study with Italian and International students from around the world, with Italian the common language for communication. Students may take 12-16 credits in a variety of disciplines, including one required course in Italian language, which is offered at all levels from beginning through advanced. No previous knowledge of Italian is required, and students may take classes in English or Italian, based on their level of proficiency.
Classes are small, with strong emphasis placed on student-faculty interaction. Students elect one of the following two programs: Super-Intensive Italian Language (18 credits), or Liberal Arts and Studio Art (12-16 credits with one required Italian language course or 9 credit Intensive Italian Language course plus two non-studio art courses).
Student Life
The Studio Art program offered at the Scuola Lorenzo de'Medici has been cited as one of the finest studio art programs in all of Italy, and individualized instruction is given with strong emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship. Students can take foundation, intermediate, or advanced coursework in silk-screen, weaving, architectural design/restoration, painting, drawing, etching, graphic design, photography, sculpture, ceramics, printmaking, and video production.
The Liberal Arts and Studio Art Program, however, offers a wide range of courses in several disciplines, including Italian Language and Literature, History/Political Science, Art History, and International Business, in addition to the Studio Art classes. A 2.5 GPA is required, and official transcripts, three letters of recommendation, and a statement of purpose are necessary for admission to the program.
As a complement to the academic program, students take day trips to nearby towns and may participate in optional field trips to Rome, Siena, Assisi, and Venice, which are led by faculty from the school. Students have three options for housing: furnished apartments at a residential hotel, an independent hotel for students (double or triple accommodations), or independent housing arranged through local housing agencies. The second option is strongly recommended for students who wish to share their experience with other Italian and international students.