Arts in Florence
Italy
3 or 6 credits in arts
May 21 – June 15, 2007
Professor Alex Bostic
abostic@vcu.edu
$2,965 + airfare + VCU tuition
Registration deadline: April 13, 2007
Download printer-friendly program description [PDF]
The Office of International Education and the Department of Communication Arts in the School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University are pleased to offer a unique opportunity to study onsite in one of the world’s foremost cultural capitals. Florence is a quintessential Italian town with cobblestone streets, art museums on every corner filled with some of the most historical and impressive pieces created by man, quaint cafes and galleries, and grand piazzas where you can watch the world go by. There’s something to view around every corner – whether it be statues, fountains, churches or something as simple as a picturesque, winding alleyway.
Course and credit options: Students may register for 3 or 6 VCU credits through COAR 491: Studio Topics in Communication Arts.
Course description: This course will engage students in drawing from a myriad of opportunities of Italian scenes including street scenes, landscape and monuments. A variety of drawing techniques and media will be employed such as pencil, oil pastels and watercolor.
Program Cost: $2,965 + airfare + applicable VCU tuition
The program fee is $2,965 and includes the following:
- Accommodations
- Italian health insurance
- Study tours and admissions
- Weekend excursion to Venice
- On-site Program Director support
- Application fee and deposit
- Pre-departure orientation
- VCU administrative fees
- International Student Identification Card
The following are NOT included in the program fee. Students are responsible for:
- Airfare
- VCU tuition and fees
- Most meals
- Passport application fee
- Personal expenses during the program (estimated at $1,000)
- Anything not specifically mentioned above
Please budget for these additional expenses.
Activities and excursions: The program will include museum visits and study tours, most notably an overnight excursion to the historic and breathtaking city of Venice. Venice is considered an architectural marvel, one that has been discovered to be in jeopardy of sinking. Participants also will have the opportunity to join other excursions to a variety of memorable Italian locations or may spend their weekends enjoying the marvels of Florence.
Accommodations and meals: Housing will be arranged on a double occupancy basis in two-bedroom apartments, about a 15-minute walk from the Art Institute of Florence. Students may prepare meals in their apartments or eat at the Art Institute of Florence or in cafes and restaurants in the city.
Tuition: Tuition is charged separately and additionally at standard VCU rates for in-state students and at a 40 percent discount for out-of-state students. Estimated costs, based on current tuition per credit, are as follows: undergraduate in-state, $179 (per 3-credit class: $537); undergraduate out-of-state, $401 (per 3-credit class: $1,203); graduate in-state, $379 (per 3-credit class: $1,137); graduate out-of-state, $533 ($1,599 per 3-credit class).
Airfare: Airfare is not included. Participants are responsible for their own round-trip travel arrangements from the United States to Italy. Professor Bostic will assist participants in identifying a low-cost option for the group. For the best fares, purchase your ticket prior to April 15.
Application deadline: April 13, 2007. Applications will be accepted until the deadline, or until participant space is full.
Eligibility: Students must have a 2.0 GPA to participate in this program. All majors are welcome, as well as non-VCU students.
Payment of fees: The nonrefundable registration fee of $50 is due upon registration. A nonrefundable deposit of $200 is due two weeks after receipt of acceptance packet. Students who register after April 1 must pay the deposit and registration fee together upon registration. The balance of the program fee and the tuition costs (based on the number of credits taken) will be billed separately through VCU Student Accounting after May 2007. (Both amounts may be billed at the same time.)
Financial aid: Eligible VCU students may apply for need-based financial aid to participate in this program. Contact VCU Financial Aid, Ginter House, Room 110B; call (804) 828-6669 or e-mail faidmail@vcu.edu. VCU offers its students a limited number of scholarships for study abroad participation. Contact VCU Education Abroad or click here for further details.
Passports: If you have a passport, make sure it is valid for at least six months after your return date. If you do not have a passport, apply early because the processing time is up to eight weeks. For more information on how to apply, visit http://travel.state.gov.
Program directors: Alex Bostic, professor of communication arts, has been at Virginia Commonwealth University for the past 15 years. Professor Bostic has led multiple study abroad programs for the university, including programs in Italy to Florence and Gualdo Tadino. He is a professional illustrator, and has been drawing and painting for more than 25 years. Professor Albert Epshteyn, of communication arts and the art foundation departments, will also join the program. He graduated from Tolstoy Pedagogical University as well the Art College in Russia. Professor Epshteyn’s expertise is in figure drawing.
Every effort is made to provide updated and accurate information at the time of publication. The sponsors reserve the right to make necessary changes to the programs and costs.
