The Accademia dell'Arte (ADA) provides an intensive period of training, studying, and performing in Italy for students currently studying and training in theatre, vocal arts, and dance. Students experience the marvelous tapestry of Italian culture while gaining insight and experience in the world of European performing arts. The school is located within the grounds of the Villa Godiola, the Accademia’s permanent home on a promontory overlooking the walled city of Arezzo, in the heart of Tuscany. Student visits to the elegant opera houses, churches, and historic piazzas of the region provide further occasions for performance during some of the programs.
Academics
Academic calendar: Students can study at the Accademia dell’Arte during fall semester, spring semester, or during the summer. The typical program dates are:
Fall: early September – early December
Spring: late January – late April
Summer: late June – late July or early August
Courses: Area of study, coursework, and performance opportunities vary from semester to semester, though the “Semester in Physical Theatre” and Semester in Dance” are regularly offered. Four-week summer programs in intensive physical theatre, intensive dance, and occasionally opera, are also available. Courses are instructed in English, and each program typically includes enrollment in beginner or intermediate Italian language courses. See course offerings for the upcoming term on the program website.
Grades/credits: Students must take a full course load of 15 credit hours during semester programs and must earn a "D" or better to be awarded academic credit. Grades will appear on the student's transcript and figure into the cumulative GPA.
The Office of Student Services is the primary resource for accessibility questions and services.
Housing & Meals
The Accademia dell'Arte makes its permanent home in the Villa Godiola on the outskirts of Arezzo. The Bishop Angelo Ricasoli originally built the villa in 1391 as his personal residence. In later centuries the villa was transformed into a seminary, making it an ideal place for study. The villa is a 25-minute walk from the center of Arezzo and its historic Piazza Grande, combining a rural Tuscan setting with urban amenities. Walking is a common mode of transportation among locals and visiting students, though taxis are also available.
The villa includes a large formal garden, two residence halls, a large rehearsal hall, theatre space, classrooms, and indoor/outdoor dining. Weekday meals are eaten communally at the villa and prepared by Italian cooks. Students are responsible for their weekend meals and may prepare food in the kitchenette on site or explore the restaurants of Arezzo.
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The program fee includes ADA tuition, housing, and most meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner from Monday through Friday). Students should be prepared to pay the non-refundable program deposit directly to ADA following their acceptance to confirm their participation. The remainder of the program fee will be applied to the Hendrix student account. Hendrix charges an administrative fee of $500/semester abroad, excluding summer programs.
Normally, all federal and state aid applies for semester programs, but Hendrix scholarships do not. Students are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Financial Aid with any questions about their aid package. Hendrix also offers a special scholarship opportunity to students who have been accepted to the program. The scholarship application is administered by the Office of International Programs.
Non-billable expenses students should budget for include roundtrip airfare, passport and visa fees/travel (if required), some meals, incidental expenses (local transit, textbooks, etc.) and personal expenses.
Application Procedures
Students must first submit an internal application for study abroad. Internal applications are due in early November for the upcoming summer abroad and in early February for the upcoming academic year abroad. The Committee for International & Intercultural Studies (CIIS) reviews all applications and clears students to move forward in the application process. Approved students will receive a Study Away Student Handbook and instructions for submitting the program-specific application directly to the partner institution for consideration. Partner institutions make all final admissions decisions.
GPA requirement: Not specified
Entry Requirements
All travelers are required to have a valid passport. U.S. citizens pursuing the fall or spring semester in Italy must also obtain a visa before they depart the U.S. The Consulate General of Italy in Houston has consular jurisdiction for permanent residents of Arkansas and students attending school in Arkansas (subject to change). The Accademia dell’Arte and the Office of International Programs at Hendrix provide supporting documentation and general guidance, but it is each student’s responsibility to research their entry requirements based on their personal circumstances and obtain a visa, if required, following official acceptance by the partner institution.
International students who are not U.S. citizens will need to research the entry requirements for citizens of their country. F-1 visa holders must discuss maintaining status with their Designated School Official in the Office of International Programs.
Program & Country Resources