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Florence Semester Program



The Sam Fox School offers undergraduate students in art, architecture, and design the opportunity to spend a full semester studying in Florence, Italy. The curriculum across programs involves intensive studio work in students’ chosen area of study, equivalent to the semester curriculum offered on-campus in St. Louis, complemented by courses in Italian language and architecture and art history.



About the program


Sam Fox majors and second majors (BS, BFA, BA) can study abroad in the semester. Your major determines when you take your semester abroad. See below for details. Second Majors in Art or Design can study abroad in either fall or spring of junior year depending on prerequisites. Minors in Sam Fox cannot attend the semester abroad program, but can attend the summer program. Students earn 15 credits in Florence. See each program below for specific classes taken in each major.

Students live in furnished apartments or dormitory style buildings in and around the historic city center. Apartments are shared between 3 and 6 students. Rooms can be single, double, or triple.

Field trips are organized by faculty to destinations throughout Italy, including to Venice for the Venice Biennale. Approximately 3 group field trips will take place during the semester abroad.

Students attend a preparation seminar before going abroad. To kick off the semester, we begin with tours, activities, and workshops orient students to the city. Local staff and faculty ensure students have the support they need throughout the program. Current students, learn more here.

Students obtain their own passports and the school helps with the visa application.


Architecture


Architecture students study abroad during fall semester of senior year. Students apply in the spring of sophomore year at sa.wustl.edu. WashU faculty join students in Florence to teach the architecture studio and seminar. Local faculty join for critiques.

Current Sophomores apply now for Fall 2025 semester abroad. Application Due March 15, 2024.

Architecture students take the following classes:

  • Architecture Studio | 6 credits
  • Architecture Seminar (300 level) | 3 credits
  • Italian Language | 3 credits
  • Art & Architecture History | 3 credits


Communication Design


Communication Design students go abroad in spring of junior year. They apply in spring of sophomore year. Local Florentine faculty who are experts in their field teach the classes. Students choose 3 courses from a pool of 5 illustration and graphic design courses. Past course offerings have included Branding & Identity, Experimental Typography, Methods: Verbal to Visual, Strategies on Site: Sketchbook, and Making Meaning.

For BA students, the 3 credits in Art & Architecture History can count as Art History & Visual Culture credit.

Current Sophomores apply now for Spring 2025 semester abroad. Application Due March 15, 2024.

Communication Design students take:

  • Com Des Major Elective (300 level) | 9 credits
  • Italian Language | 3 credits
  • Art & Architecture History | 3 credits


Studio Art & Fashion Design


Studio Art and Fashion Design students go abroad in fall of junior year. They apply in fall of sophomore year. Local Florentine faculty teach courses on the campus in the historic city center. For BA students, the 3 credits in Art & Architecture History can count as Art History & Visual Culture credit.

Applications are currently closed.

Fashion Design students take:

  • Patternmaking | 3 credits
  • Fashion Major Elective | 3 credits
  • Sam Fox School Elective | 3 credits
  • Italian Language | 3 credits
  • Art & Architecture History | 3 credits

Studio Art students take:

  • Art Practice | 3 credits
  • Methods and Contexts| 3 credits
  • Sam Fox School Elective | 3 credits
  • Italian Language | 3 credits
  • Art & Architecture History | 3 credits