School Information
May I sit in on a class?
Yes. Accademia Riaci and Information Centers are open Monday through Friday or Saturday from 10 - 5 pm. Call the office in Florence at 055-289-831 or in Tokyo, Japan at 03-5468-1400 and we will be happy to arrange for you to sit in on a class.
What is the policy for overseas students?
Accademia Riaci welcomes students from all over the world. The diverse background of Accademia Riaci's students creates a rich multicultural community that promotes the exchange of ideas and viewpoints. The staff is multilingual and ready to assist overseas students wherever they attend our programs.
What should I expect to do on the first day at school?
We will wait for you at 9 am at the secretary office.
Do I have to take an Italian Class?
No, you don't have to take an Italian class. However, if you take a Basic, Apprenticeship in One-Year/Master or Ceramics in Master offered only in Italian, you need to understand Italian.
Are there courses in English?
Yes! The summer, One-Year, Semester and Master programs offer a wide variety of programs in English. See our courses.
Do I get a diploma at the end of the course?
Accademia Riaci grants a diploma upon successful completion of the course.
What is the minimum and maximum course load?
Students will take a set number of courses in each academic program. All of the semester academic programs offered at Accademia Riaci are worth between 15-30 credits. During the summer, students earn 6 credits based on academic program.
How do I apply?
Please see here for the Academic Year and Semester Programs. Click here for the Summer Programs.
Do I need to have a portfolio?
For Master Course, you are required to submit a portfolio to be accepted into your major. If you are a transfer student you need to submit a portfolio to be accepted into a major at Accademia Riaci.
How many class absences are allowed? Absences are not allowed for any reason. 80% of class attendance is required for graduation.
How will my grades and transcript be sent to my home university?
Your grades will be sent to your address you provide us.
When will I get my transcript?
You will receive them within two months after you finish your semester.
How will I get to class?
You can walk or take local buses. No subway in Florence.
How long are the programs?
For the Academic Year Program, the program length is 9 to 12 months depending on your course. For the Semester Program, the program is between 4 to 5 months depending upon the Semester that is attended. The Summer Art Programs range from one to two months during the summer months. The Summer Cooking Programs range from one to twelve weeks during the summer months. Short Courses of Art range from one week. Students may choose the length of Summer Program that best fits their schedule and needs.
When is Application Deadlines?
Keep in mind each program has a different application deadline. For the Academic Year programs and Semester programs, the Admission Form and Enrollment fee needs to be received by Admission Office at least two months prior to the beginning of class .
For Summer Program, the Admission Form, tuition and fees needs to be received by Admission Office at least 30 days prior to the beginning of class.
IF YOU HAVE MISSED THE DEADLINE please contact Admissions Office. The program you are interested in may still have availability even though the deadline has passed.
Is the enrollment fee refundable?
Unless you are not accepted into the program, your enrollment fee will NOT be refunded.
It is the teaching method different that in my country?
The teaching method in Italy may be very different from those in your home country. This is a part of the experience of being a student in Italy. In each country the educational system has its own characteristics. Often students meet together in small groups to study together, getting in on one of these study groups is quite easy and will be very helpful in making the transition into a new school system.
Who are the local representatives?
The Local Representatives work to inform students a school information. They are motivated by the opportunity to work with young people from other nations, and they have a true cultural and educational interest.
Housing
Where will I live during the course?
Accademia Riaci can introduce you to safe, convenient, and affordable accommodations. You must book as early as possible to secure accommodations.
For summer cooking program, you will stay in shared-flat.
Do you have the dormitory?
No, we don't have one.
What are the meal arrangements?
We do not have a meal plan. Fresh foods are readily available in both grocery stores and indoor and outdoor markets throughout the city.
|
|
|
|
|
FAQ
|
Financial Information
Are there any Scholarships available?
Yes. Scholarship is available from all over the world. Some students can be given to whole tuition; others can be given to a part of tuition, which depending on your work level. If you would like to apply, please send the following items to admission office or Information Center:
Required document
 Accademia Riaci Application form
1-2 pages statement of objectives (Italian or English)
Portfolio of 12 Art works (CD-ROM preferred)
A portfolio description sheet listing each piece by number, size, medium and date completed.
2-3 recommendation letter from faculty, work supervisor, etc.
**You MUST write which course you apply. In case you don't write course name, we cannot send your documents to selection committee for scholarship.
Does Accademia Riaci provide financial aid?
There are currently no government funds or endowments available for financial assistance. However, students have consistently received financial assistance from private educational loan companies.
Can I work in Italy even if I am NOT Italian?
According to Italian law, as a student you can work in Italy less than 80 hours. However, you need to understand and speak Italian for sure.
Practical Information
Do I need a visa to study in Florence?
Yes. Accademia Riaci or our information center will send you visa information and instructions once you have been accepted into the program. All students can apply through the Consulate in person regardless of place of residence in your country. Because all consulates differ, it is very important that you call the consulate as early as possible to ensure that the process goes smoothly for you. Give yourself ample time because you will not be able to attend the program without a valid visa.
How can I access my email in Florece?
You may want to try to start a hotmail or other free account, where you can access any email account from anywhere.
How should I take money in Italy?
There are many different ways to access your money while in Italy. We recommend that you change some money to Euro prior to departure for unexpected expenses upon arrival and to get you through the first couple days. Money from US accounts can also be accessed at an ATM (or Bancomat) by using a Bank Card with the CIRRUS, Plus or Visa symbol. Using this card does require knowing a Personal Identification Number (PIN). Travelers Checks, Visa and MasterCard cards are all accepted in Italy.
Should I open a bank account?
If you like, you can. Keep in mind that you do not need to open an account to receive money from the U.S. bank in the States. Please ask a bank directly.
Should I bring my computer?
Computer usage in Italy is changing quickly. It is important to note that there is not phone service in any of the apartments, and therefore, there will not be any internet access in the apartments. Cyber-cafe's area readily available throughout the city if you wish to access your email there.
What can I do in my free time?
Florence is a city of endless possibilities! You can't possibly see all of the hundreds of historical monuments and museums that are located throughout Florence! Morning might find you taking espresso with the locals at a sidewalk cafe, sitting on the wall along the River Arno reading a book in the sun or watching the day's bread being made in a pasticceria. Spend the afternoon hiking in Fiesole, watching the tourists crowd around the Gates of Paradise or shopping in Mercato San Lorenzo. Eating an Italian meal, chatting at a wine bar, or dancing at one of the many discoteccas, are all activities that can take up your evening. You will travel to Rome, Milan and any other city in weekends. Do everything that you can, everyday, because your time abroad flies by!
What is the weather like?
The weather in Florence is comparatively mild. The summers are quite warm and often sticky. The winter brings the cold wind from the North. While the surrounding mountains get most of the snow, rain does fall frequently. Check out the page for the most up to date info on weather in Florence:See here.
What kind of clothes should I bring?
Comfortable warm clothes for the fall and winter, lighter clothes for the spring and a nice outfit or two for special occasions.
How much money do I need to live on each week?
It depends on what you want to do. Habits vary enormously from student to student. If you do not include travel or leisure expenditures but only the very basic needs to survive you can budget a minimum of 120 euro per week.
Does Italy have the same voltage as the United States?
No, the voltage in Italy is different, and we advise you not to buy transformers because generally they do not work properly, and you run the risk of blowing the fuse. It is better to buy hairdryers and other electric supplies locally.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Admission Office, Accademia Riaci, Via de' Conti 4-50123, Firenze, Italia; +39-055-289-831; fax: +39-055-289-831; e-mail: accademiariaci@accademiariaci.info
|
|
