STUDIO ARTS COLLEGE INTERNATIONAL

HOW TO PREPARE TO STUDY AT SACI IN FLORENCE & WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN YOU ARRIVE

Before you leave, travel, after you arrive, & more...

saci-florence.edu MISSION

saci’s mission is to provide undergraduate and graduate students with a challenging, life- enhancing experience in the center of florence in traditional and contemporary studio arts, design, conservation, and art history. students directly access centuries of italian culture through a wide range of courses of academic excellence. saci engages in leading areas of research and exploration, interacts with the community through artistic and social programs, and prepares students to excel in their chosen field.

welcome to saci! c ov er p ho t o: c o c oa l a ne y, s aci ‘18

CONTACT INFORMATION specifically requested. Single rooms have an an Italian host family in Florence. It is the additional fee; refer to the SACI website for best housing option for those seeking Please leave contact information with your fee information. to understand the Italian culture and parents or guardian in case of an emergency. the way of life in Florence, and strongly Messages can be taken for students in Apartments are situated throughout the recommended for students who wish to Florence: Tel. (39) 055-289948; e-mail: info@ city, and you will experience living in Italian improve their knowledge of the Italian saci-florence.edu. Messages can also be neighborhoods where you shop in the area language. relayed through the SACI office in New markets and meet the vicini (neighbors). All York: (212) 248-7225; e-mail: admissions@ apartments are within walking distance of In a homestay double, students share a saci-florence.edu. SACI uses e-mail for both buildings (20 minutes maximum). Most room with another SACI student. For a correspondence with students. Make apartments do not have elevators, so be supplemental fee, single rooms in the sure that your e-mail address is updated prepared for stairs! host family’s home may also be available. with SACI and that you check your inbox Host families provide breakfast every day frequently! In addition, please make sure Heating in Italian apartments and homes and five dinners a week. All homes have that the SACI NY office has a valid mailing is maintained at a lower temperature than internet access. address for correspondence with you after in most US homes and is turned on at a the term has ended. date set by the city authorities. follows Some homestays are in the historical energy-saving laws that allow heating to center and within walking distance to HOUSING be on for 9 hours a day only. Since utilities both buildings (20 minutes maximum), but are very expensive in Italy, water, electricity, others may be in the greater Florence area SACI offers apartment living or homestay and heating should be used carefully. The and well-linked by public transportation. options. housing fees allow for a reasonable use of utilities. While they will call the homestay “home” SACI Apartments for a full semester, students are requested All SACI apartments are non-smoking Florence can be cold in the winter, so be sure to follow the rules of the host family. apartments. Student apartments may have to bring warm pajamas and a sweater to one, two, or three bedrooms (each bedroom keep yourself comfortable at home should FOOD with single or double occupancy). Every you be staying in Florence during the winter apartment has a kitchen and bathroom, months. You might also want to bring a pair The kitchens in student apartments are heating and hot water. They all have Wi-Fi of slippers since most apartment floors are fully furnished with kitchen utensils to capability and are completely furnished; uncarpeted. make it possible for you to prepare your sheets, blankets, pillows, dishes, pots, etc. own food. SACI is just around the corner are provided. The only things not provided All housing fees must be paid in advance. from the central market, where you can are towels. It is not possible to provide The housing contract must be signed and find on the lower level, an incredible choice housemate information prior to arrival in returned or housing may not be available of fresh vegetables and fruits, meats, Italy; all housing information is given to you upon arrival in Florence. The apartments fish, and cheese, while the upper floor is the day of arrival in Florence. are exclusively for our students. Italian devoted to food and beverages with cafés law prohibits overnight guests in student and restaurants. Most Italians go to the Please note that “single room” means a apartments. SACI staff will help you find local alimentari (food store) to buy their single bedroom in an apartment with other guest accommodations if you are expecting daily milk and bread. These neighborhood students. Kitchen and bathroom facilities visitors. stores are not only convenient, but a way of are shared. “Co-ed housing” means that everyday life. the same apartment will likely be shared by Homestays both male and female students, although During the Fall and Spring terms, homestays Near the school there are also a number bedrooms will be not be co-ed unless allow students to share everyday life with of good inexpensive eating places. Please see the SACI Student Handbook for important medical records and information how many books you purchase. Also, how further information regarding markets and that may be necessary during your stay. much traveling you do while in Italy will restaurants. affect expenses greatly. Please note that it can be difficult to fill You can expect to spend $10-$l5 per day prescriptions not issued by an Italian doctor, Beyond tuition, fees, and housing, a stu- on food if you prepare your own meals and medicine that is mailed to you will al- dent’s normal monthly expenses for food, and pay attention to menu planning when most surely be stopped at customs. Be sure books & supplies, toiletries, medicines, shopping. Eating in restaurants, of course, is to bring a supply that will last for your entire weekend travel, cell phones, and entertain- considerably more expensive. stay abroad, and pack it in your carry-on. ment range between $1,000 and $1,500.

CLOTHING MONEY ILLEGAL DRUGS

Florence generally enjoys good weather with It is a good idea to bring some European The penalties for violating drug laws a fairly mild range of temperatures. However, currency with you to avoid the hassle of overseas are severe, and your foreign in the winter months it can get cold, so searching for a bank or ATM machine when passport cannot protect you if you get into you should plan to bring warm coats and you first get off the plane. We suggest trouble with the law. While you are in Italy, sweaters. Plan to layer clothing in order to bringing at least the equivalent of $300- you are subject solely to its laws; you are not adjust to the different seasons. Be sure to $600 in euros to pay for transportation protected by the law of your home country. bring one light rain garment and/or umbrella from the airport to your apartment, food, Remember, the least violation of drug laws and comfortable walking shoes because other supplies, and your Permit of Stay, etc. can mean jail for you in almost every country. you’ll be out in the elements more than you during your first two weeks in Florence. (We Keep away from drugs that you are not may be used to at home. recommend bringing or using small bills. It authorized to have. Average temperature ranges in Florence are: is very difficult to find storeowners who will accept or give change for large bills.) This 39-76° F Spring ELECTRICAL APPLIANCES 60-95° F Summer should also cover the initial expenses for supplies, food, bus tickets, etc. The easiest 50-83° F Fall In Italy, electrical appliances run on way to get money while in Europe is to use 32-54° F Winter 220 volts. If you are bringing electrical your ATM or debit card to withdraw money appliances that run on different voltage, it’s from your home bank account. You may MEDICAL CARE best to take a converter and adapter with need to obtain an international PIN from you. Though many hair dryers and other If you require any prescriptions, bring a your bank prior to departure. appliances advertise built-in adapters for supply of the medication with you AND European voltage, often they blow out or the prescription with both the generic and Please see the Money Transactions section short out the apartment’s electrical system. the trade name of the medication clearly of the SACI Student Handbook for further It is strongly suggested that you buy a safe written on it, and also an explanation of information. We do not advise students to Italian appliance in Florence and divide what the medication is for. Although most open a bank account while in Italy since the the expense among housemates (price medications can be found in Italy, some, costs usually outweigh the benefits. approximately $25). If you bring a laptop such as Adderall, are not available and computer, please make sure that you have you should bring supplies from home (not BUDGETING YOUR STAY the proper surge protector and adapter. have it shipped). Be sure to pack important Wireless computer access is available at medication in your carry-on luggage to avoid No two people have the same financial SACI, and there are electrical outlets in the problems should your luggage be delayed. needs. Costs vary greatly depending on which courses you take, what kind of (and SACI library for laptops. If you have any medical condition that is how much) food you eat, how many films, liable to recur, please bring with you any concerts, and other events you attend, and WIFI / TELEPHONES

All SACI apartments have Wi-Fi capability. However, SACI apartments are not equipped with telephones. This decision has been made by the landlords as a result of large unpaid bills left by students in the past. This problem can be resolved by renting or purchasing cellular phones in Italy. Some phones bought in your home country can provide service in Europe, but these tend to be more expensive than phones rented or purchased with plans arranged in Florence. Information on cell phone providers will be provided during Orientation and can be found on the SACI website. Most pay phones in Florence require a scheda telefonica (phone card) which can be purchased from coffee bars. MAILING / SHIPPING / STORAGE Please see the SACI Student Handbook for Sculptors more communications information. Bring your favorite tools if they are not too To reduce the hassle of traveling with a bulky. heavy load of luggage and having to pay Storage space is not available at SACI except extra for transportation of their bags, some for students enrolled in the Fall term who Jewelers students send seasonal clothing, books, etc. will be continuing at SACI in the Spring term. Bring any jewelers’ supplies, tools, drawing a month or more before leaving. If you need Only these students are permitted, during and other materials you may already own. to bring more than your suitcases allow, be the break between the Fall and Spring terms, The rest can be purchased in Florence. warned that the shipping process can take to store personal items at SACI. up to a few months and is expensive. Don’t Photographers pack anything essential in this pre-shipment. SUPPLIES & MATERIALS Bring a non-automatic camera. The materi- DHL and Fed Ex are both mail services that als listed below can be found in Italy, but students and their families have used in the Once in Florence, your instructors will pro- may be less expensive in the US. Make past. SACI uses DHL to send all packages vide you with art supply lists detailing what certain that your camera is in good working between the Florence and New York offices, is required for your SACI courses. A number order—repair work in Italy is costly and slow. and many families find this to be the most of these are available on the SACI website in If the camera has not been used for a num- reliable service. It is usually best to send the course syllabi and on the MySACI dedi- ber of years, have it professionally cleaned packages via air mail rather than surface cated website for admited students. at a qualified dealer’s or repair shop. Do not mail, although it is more expensive. (A letter purchase photo paper in the US because the You may want to bring any special art tools may take 3-10 days to get from Florence to size differences create problems. In addition, you use. In general, however, art supply the US. Packages sent surface mail may if photo papers are opened for examination stores are very well stocked. Your SACI ID take 8-11 weeks; packages sent air mail by security officials at airports, they may no card will entitle you to discounts at many art may take 2-4 weeks.) Please be advised that longer be usable. Recently, film purchased in stores. The SACI Student Handbook has a list almost all packages mailed from the US will the US has been damaged by metal detector of recommended shops, as well as a list of be subject to Italian customs inspection x-rays in US airports, so it would be prefer- supply terms in Italian which will be useful and duties. In order to avoid paying a tax on able to purchase film in Italy. when you purchase your art supplies. the value declared, please ask friends and Photography Equipment List: relatives sending you packages from home Painters to claim “personal items” of a value less than Bring supplies if you have a specific brand • 35mm SLR camera with manual capacity 20 euros. preference, but comparable products can and interchangeable lenses. “Manual” means that the shutter and aperture In addition, please note that the following be found for a good price in Italy (with can be manipulated independently items will automatically a) get stuck at the exception of some less traditional of each other. It would be handy if you customs, b) be subject to inspection, c) products like oil sticks). Cotton canvas is can independently change the ISO/ASA require special paperwork and payment of a readily available and good quality linen is overriding DX encoding. You may use tax in order to get released: surprisingly affordable. Take advantage of the chance to try Italian paints, and avoid autofocus cameras as long as they have a • prescription drugs lugging your own. manual exposure system. There are many • over-the-counter drugs cameras that fit this description. Your • vitamins, chewing gum, and energy Printmakers local photo store sales representatives drinks/bars You will find excellent inks and papers can be very helpful in this area for • any cosmetic item (that includes available in Italy. suggestions. shampoos, lotions, make-up and toothpaste!)

Packages should be sent to the following address:

Student’s Name c/o Studio Arts College International Palazzo dei Cartelloni Via Sant’Antonino, 11 50123 Florence, ITALY

From the US, SACI’s telephone number in Florence is 011-39-055-289948. School- related faxes can be sent and received in the SACI front office. From the US, SACI’s fax number in Florence is: 011-39-055- 2776408. If you wish to send or receive a non-school-related fax, there is a shop for this purpose: Copisteria X, via San Gallo, 72/r, Florence, Italy (tel: 39-055-215367; fax: 39-055-215367). Discounts are available for SACI students. • 50mm lens or zoom with 50mm setting PORTFOLIO SACI will have Orientation activities planned • 20 rolls of black and white 400ASA Kodak for your first days in Florence to help you film (can be bought in Italy for about the Students who wish to register for courses settle in and get to know the city and the same price). Examples are: Kodak Tri-X at the Intermediate or Advanced level, who school. If you are arriving at the Florence 400ASA; Kodak Tmax 400ASA; or Ilford have not previously submitted electronic airport, bring a well-stocked carry-on HP5 400ASA; DO NOT PURCHASE C-41 images during the application process, must (clothes, toiletries, medication, etc.), since or film with the designation CN, such bring on the first day of class a minimum the arrival of luggage to the as Kodak T400cn or Ilford XP1. These of six images or a video of work already can be delayed for one to four days. are specialized films designed to be undertaken in these areas of study. processed in color chemicals at one-hour Group Flight Arrivals labs and are unusable for the courses. FIELD TRIPS & EXTRA-CURRICULAR If you are traveling on a SACI group flight, • Ilford anti-static cloth you will be greeted at the airport in Florence • Negative sleeves and binder ACTIVITIES and given a complete Orientation packet, including your apartment keys (if you are For Color Photography: Weekend field trips are organized both as in SACI housing). Students will then be part of the Renaissance art history courses sent in taxis to their respective apartments. • DSLR (digital single lens reflex) with and as general Italian culture trips. They are Students are responsible for paying the manual settings or (in case you prefer obligatory for students taking Renaissance cost of the taxi ride; please be sure to have to photograph with an analogue camera art history courses. Any empty places on at least 30 euros on you for the taxi ride into and to scan your negatives) 35mm the buses are made available to non-class Florence. camera with manual mode. members on a first-come/first-serve basis. A deposit of 50 euros is required from each The Florence airport is very small. It takes Video Students student to participate in these field trips, a while to gather an entire group flight and Video production is taught in black and and is refunded at the end of the term disseminate all of the important information white and in color; you do not need to bring unless the student does not go on a field trip to students. Please remember to be patient videotape or equipment with you. for which he or she signed up. Each term once you first arrive. there are one or two field trips open to all students. Other class trips take place, such Independent Arrivals BOOKS as one to Carrara for sculpture students. If you are traveling on your own to Florence, you should plan to arrive on the same day SACI’s library holdings include over 13,000 SACI organizes exhibitions every term as students on the SACI group flights. Come books, monographs, periodicals, and featuring local and international artists. to SACI (via Sant’Antonino, 11) where you exhibition catalogues—virtually all in Additionally, evening events are planned will be given a complete Orientation packet English—in the areas of art and art history, which in the past have included lectures, which will include your apartment keys (if literature, and criticism. If you would film nights, and food and Italian culture you are in SACI housing). You will not be prefer to buy required texts in Italy to avoid outings. allowed to move into SACI housing before having to carry them from the US, you can this day. If you plan to arrive earlier, you will inquire about prices and reserve texts via For the sports-inclined, there are city-run need to reserve a hostel or hotel room well e-mail at Paperback Exchange, an English- swimming pools, as well as soccer, rugby, in advance. language bookstore in Florence. You will be and baseball fields. Other activities include responsible for picking up and paying for boating (crew work or single sculls on the Regular office hours at SACI are Monday- the books. Remember to tell them you are Arno), tennis, skiing, and horseback riding. Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, the a SACI student since you will get a discount. Students also may become members of office will be open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm The e-mail address is [email protected]. one of the many gymnasiums in the city for Orientation the first two days of the term. which offer training in karate, judo, kendo, If you know that you will be arriving before You should check the course syllabi on the gymnastics, etc. or after these hours—or after the first day SACI website to learn which texts are re- of Orientation—please let the SACI staff in quired and recommended for the courses in Most SACI faculty and staff are fully Florence know when you will be arriving so which you plan to enroll. In most instances, bilingual and will assist you in making your that special arrangements can be made, if you will not have to buy texts before classes time at SACI and in Florence educationally possible. Please note: If the hotels are full, begin. Usually it’s a good idea to wait until and culturally fulfilling. SACI’s conversation the staff at the tourist information center at the first day of class before purchasing exchange program helps students to meet the train station can help you to find a place required texts. If you do have to purchase a Italians with interests and hobbies that to stay that is within your price range. text before the first day of class, you will be often parallel their own. notified by SACI that this is the case. Useful Travel Information TRAVEL Train timetables can be found at www. STUDIOS trenitalia.com or www.italotreno.it/en. The US government has detailed information Remember that Europe uses military time Access to studios is available to the for students studying abroad. Please visit indications (a 24-hour clock). This means fullest extent allowable by Italian law and www.travel.state.gov for more information. that from 1:00 pm in the afternoon to insurance restrictions. Every term, an open Students from other countries should midnight times are designated as follows: Life Drawing session is offered one evening check their own government websites for 1:00 pm is 13:00, 2:00 pm is 14:00, etc. Train each week. information. times will be indicated as such, so be careful when reading train schedules. For example, Getting to SACI from the Rome conveniently right at the airport where you a 2:30 pm train arrival will be listed as Airport will catch the People Mover extension to the arriving at 14:30 or a 7:45 pm train departure www.adr.it main Pisa station. If the train is not running will be listed as departing at 19:45. From the Rome Fiumicino - Leonardo da from the airport and there is no available Vinci airport, there are trains to the main bus (Airport Bus Express buses run from Tickets and supplements for fast trains train station, Roma Termini. Tickets can be the airport to the train station and they are (Frecciarossa, for example) should be bought at the ticket office before you board cheap and convenient), take a taxi to the purchased before boarding; if purchased on the train. The trains leave every 30 minutes main Pisa Centrale railway station, and the train from the conductor, you will have from outside the terminal where you buy the you will probably be able to catch a train to to pay an additional fee. Make sure that, tickets. From the Rome Ciampino airport Florence. Ask at the biglietteria for a one- before you get on the train, you stamp your (where most charter flights land), there is way ticket to the main Florence train station, ticket in the small validation machine at the local city bus which leaves you at the Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Firenze the beginning of the platform. If you do not end of the “A” line of the subway. The subway SMN). Before you get on the train, stamp stamp your ticket, you will be fined on the will then take you to the main train station. your ticket in the small validation machine train. Rome-Florence by train is approximately at the beginning of the platform. For train an hour and a half on a fast train. Other schedules, see www.trenitalia.com or www. italotreno.it/en. Getting to SACI from the Florence trains can take more than 3 hours. Ask Airport at the biglietteria for a one-way ticket to the main Florence train station, Firenze www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en CULTURAL ORIENTATION Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN). Trains The school is a 20-minute taxi ride from that stop in Florence may have their final the Florence Peretola Amerigo Vespucci Stereotypes destination indicated as Bologna or Milano You’re all familiar with it. It stalks the dark airport, and taxis wait just outside the (). Before you get on the train, stamp corners and lit squares of cities all over the terminal (cost: approximately 20-25 euros, your ticket in the small validation machine world. Camera hanging around its neck, depending on the quantity of luggage). The at the beginning of the platform. For train sneakers on its feet, and map in hand—it’s most inexpensive and convenient way to schedules, see www.trenitalia.com or www. the Obnoxious Tourist! As much as this may reach the city center from the airport is the italotreno.it/en. offend (although, of course, you are not the T2 tram line. The tram departs approximately obnoxious tourist), stereotypes pervade every 4 minutes from just outside the airport. everyone’s perceptions. To combat this type Tickets can be bought from automated ticket Getting to SACI from the Pisa Airport www.pisa-airport.com of stereotype, don’t play into other people’s machines located at the tram stop (the The Pisa Galileo Galilei airport is just over expectations of your behavior. Instead of display language can also be set to English). an hour from Florence, depending on the becoming upset and hostile when things Don’t forget to validate your ticket in the train. The airport train station is located don’t go your way, smile and keep your sense machine once you’re on board the tram to

avoid possible fines. For more information, p ho t o: r ach a el her r er a , s aci ‘16 see: www.gestramvia.it There is also a Vola in Bus shuttle bus to the Florence Santa Maria Novella train station, which is a five- minute walk from SACI (cost: 6 euros).

Getting to SACI from the Milan Airport www.milanairports.com/en From the , there are direct shuttle buses to the central train station, Milano Centrale, and the trip takes about one hour (cost: approximately 10 euros; www.malpensashuttle.it/en). From the Milan Linate airport, there are also buses to the central train station. Milan- Florence by train takes approximately one hour and forty-five minutes, and trains are fairly frequent. Frecciarossa trains are the fastest. Ask at the biglietteria for a one-way ticket to the main Florence train station, Firenze Santa Maria Novella (Firenze SMN). Trains that stop in Florence may have their final destination indicated as Napoli (Naples) or Roma (Rome). Before you get on the train, stamp your ticket in the small validation machine at the beginning of the platform. For train schedules, see www. trenitalia.com or www.italotreno.it/en. Re-entry Just as important as culture shock, and in many ways more difficult to deal with, is re-entry; i.e., your return home at the end of the SACI program and your sojourn in Italy. It might seem strange to start thinking about your return even before you’ve left, but it is a good idea to be familiar with the phases of re-entry: alienation, reversion, and integration.

The first phase is perhaps the most shocking for people returning from an extended period abroad. Before you leave Italy, you may experience mixed emotions—anxiety and apprehension as well as sadness at the prospect of leaving your new home.

Upon your return home, however, you will most likely feel a sense of elation and relief to be back in your native culture where everything is supposed to be familiar. “Sup- posed to be” is the key phrase here, because

p ho t o: c o c oa l a ne y, s aci ‘18 you will have become so familiar with your new culture that you may become slightly of humor. You’ll find it easier to make friends yourself upset by the smallest of problems. uncomfortable with your own culture and when you are a patient and caring person Finally, you will begin to adjust to the fact feel as if you do not belong in it any longer. and not just another “obnoxious tourist.” that many things in the new culture are just different from what you are used to and that These feelings of alienation will begin to slip Buongiorno. Parla Inglese? learning to live with the differences is part away as you become able to incorporate Remember, when in Italy, the native of the international experience. This, in turn, both cultures into your life. As with the initial language is Italian. Don’t worry about leads to your acceptance of the new culture phases of culture shock, keep your sense of speaking Italian fluently. However, when you and your new-found biculturalism. humor and be patient, and eventually you initiate a conversation with an Italian person, will adapt and re-integrate back into your it is polite to initiate the conversation in The most upsetting part of your adjustment home culture. Italian. Learn how to say a few important will be soon after your initial euphoria wears phrases in Italian. Often when people off and you find yourself annoyed by almost hear you struggling in Italian with a foreign everything in the new culture. To get through Conclusion accent, they will be happy to speak with you this, it is important for you to remember that Try to take it easy during your first days in in English (most Florentines understand you are just going through a phase of culture Italy! You will be in a different country with at least a few basic English phrases). They shock and that there are ways to make a different culture and language, and it is probably won’t mind that you do not speak things easier for yourself. normal that you will need time to adjust. Italians are generally friendly and will make Italian fluently, and your efforts to speak First, always keep your sense of humor. every effort to understand what you are their language will be appreciated. The SACI There is no better remedy for cultural trying to say. Student Handbook contains some of the faux pas than to be able to laugh them off. vocabulary you may need on a daily basis Second, be adaptable and willing to try new The Italian language is not difficult to learn, to run errands. It’s recommended that you things—you may surprise yourself by liking and if you make the effort to learn at least bring an Italian phrase book as well. At them! Finally, be patient and use your com- basic questions and phrases before you the beginning of each Fall and Spring term, mon sense—culture shock cannot be “cured” travel, you will be a step ahead and find that SACI offers free classes in Survival Italian overnight, but over time you will find cultural your efforts will be appreciated. Keep in for students who are not enrolled in Italian differences educational and enjoyable. Also, mind during your stay in Florence: make an language courses. refresh your memory about the history and effort to blend in and learn about Italy and current events of your own country. Culture Shock the Italians instead of searching for the US The best thing you can be aware of before The above information should give you a in Italy. you travel abroad is that everyone suffers good introduction to cultural orientation. from culture shock in some way, shape, Remember, a smile, a laugh, and an open SACI instructors and staff will be as or form. There are four stages in culture mind go a long way when trying to adjust to supportive as possible as you adjust to shock: euphoria, irritation, adjustment, and another culture. Keep in mind that learning your new home and find your footing in your acceptance. Typically, first you will be thrilled to fit in is a two-way street; you must give classes. If you need help with something, and exhilarated to be in a new and foreign as much to your new friends and home as ask! We look forward to having you with us country. Then you will begin to discover they give to you. This will help you make your in Italy and sharing the experience of Italy differences in the new culture and find experience as enjoyable as possible. with you. Check List

Make sure that your passport is valid for at least Do not forget your: o six months after the end of your stay in Europe. o • Airline tickets; If you have not already done so, return all required • Valid passport with student visa (if attending o forms that are on your MySACI account. in the Fall or Spring terms); • Packet of the stamped documents you Visa (required only for Fall and Spring term received along with your passport from the o study)—Begin to apply for your visa as soon as you Italian Consulate (Fall and Spring terms receive the visa information packet. only)—you must obtain these from the Italian Consulate prior to your departure for Italy. Contact Information—SACI uses e-mail for o correspondence with students. Make sure that Bring at least the equivalent of $300-$600 in your e-mail address is updated with SACI and o euros to pay for transportation from the airport that you check your inbox frequently! In addition, to your apartment, food, other supplies, and your please make sure that the SACI NY office has a Permit of Stay (Fall & Spring terms), etc. during valid mailing address for you to which to send your your first two weeks in Florence. program deposit refund at the conclusion of the term and end-of-year tax documents. ALWAYS keep copies of documents in a separate o and safe place and leave a set at home! Share Reserve a place on the group flight with this and all information with family members or a o Advantage Travel or call your travel agent to make contact person at home. independent travel arrangements.

Payment—Payment for the program must be If you have any questions, contact: o made according to the payment schedule unless o [email protected] other arrangements have been made with the SACI New York office. Refer to your invoice if you have See the SACI website for detailed information: any questions regarding payment dates. www.saci-florence.edu

Money—Did you set up your bank account for o international withdrawal and confirm that your ATM PIN will work?

SACI IS Recognized by the Italian Ministry race, color, national or ethnic FOR FURTHER INFORMATION A United States non-profit 501(c) of Foreign Affairs and the Italian origin, sex, sexual orientation, CONTACT (3) educational entity incorporated Ministry of Universities as a foreign gender identity, gender expression, Studio Arts College International in 1976 non-profit university-level program genetic information, age, disability, (New York) religion, political beliefs or veteran 454 W 19th Street A directly accredited institutional Students who would like to receive status or other basis prohibited New York, NY 10011 member of the National a copy of SACI’s accreditation, by law in matters of recruitment/ USA Association of Schools of Art and licensure, and/or approval should admissions, financial aid, housing, T: (212) 248-7225 Design (NASAD) send a signed request for such institutional services, programs or F: (212) 248-7222 material to SACI’s Dean. policies or terms and conditions of E: [email protected] Affiliated with Bowling Green State employment. University (BGSU) in Ohio, which NON-DISCRIMINATION Studio Arts College International is accredited by NASAD and by POLICY SACI prohibits any form of (Florence) the North Central Association of SACI is an equal opportunity retaliation against a complainant, Palazzo dei Cartelloni Colleges and Secondary Schools educational institution respondent, or any individual Via Sant’Antonino 11 and employer and does involved in any manner or degree 50123 Florence, Italy not discriminate or permit with any filing of a complaint T: (39) 055-289948 discrimination by or against any under this policy and process or as F: (39) 055-2776408 applicant, employee or student guided by other applicable national, E: [email protected] on the basis of an individual’s state or local laws.

www.saci-florence.edu 02_2020