Study Abroad

The Opportunity of a Lifetime! There’s a wide world waiting for you out there!

Success in the field of visual arts depends not only on technical expertise, but also on your breadth of experience and depth of insight. Marywood encourages all art students to experience first hand the global nature of our cultural tradition.

Your classmates, professors, and Marywood alumni can help you select the ideal program for you in the country of your choice. We offer opportunities to spend a semester, a summer session, or even a short study tour in:

Italy
France
Spain
England
Ireland
Scotland
Australia
and more!

Studio Art Centers International (SACI)

The centerpiece of our study abroad program is Marywood’s Italian Campus for outstanding art students at the AIFS Study Center in the heart of Florence, Italy. Students may apply to study in Florence for a semester or summer session. Once there, you can choose from a full curriculum of courses: drawing, painting, fresco, printmaking, sculpture, ceramics, photography, video and filmmaking, graphic design, interior design, illustration, jewelry, art history, museology, art conservation, and more. This program includes field trips to important locations throughout Italy. All courses are taught in English, so it’s easy to assimilate to Italian culture.

Interested in Study Abroad?

Study abroad experiences can be tailored to individual comfort levels so students get exactly what they want from the experience. The amount of time spent overseas could range from a few weeks in the summer to an entire academic year. Students can choose to live with host families, among foreign students, or surrounded by other Americans. Programs are modestly priced, and scholarships and financial aid are also available.

If you’re interested in finding a study abroad program that fits what you’re seeking, the Office of International Affairs, located in the Liberal Arts Center, Room 220, can help you find a program. The process of applying for overseas studies starts whenever you’re ready.

What Students Are Saying

“When I returned home from a semester abroad in Italy, people were asking me the simple question, “how was it?” I found it difficult to answer this seemingly easy question. I could not formulate the words to express this fascinating experience because there are too many wonderful things to explain; the glorious food, the unique customs, the beautiful languages. The list in infinite. It was a surreal feeling to actually be in a beautiful country that was merely a foreign dream to me last year. I would gaze in amazement as I walked past famous sculptures and buildings on my way to class everyday. The hundreds of famous artworks I was able to see in person was a wonderful learning experience and have influenced my own work. My professors in Florence were marvelous as well and they have each influenced my life immensely. I will forever be grateful for this opportunity that has opened up my mind to a world so intriguing.”

—Mandy Snody, Art Therapy Major/Art History Minor, Studied in Florence, Italy

“Studying abroad is truly a once in a lifetime experience. It pushes you out of your comfort zone and provides countless opportunities to make lifelong memories. It was incredible to be completely submerged in a new culture, travel the world, and to study and see new things. Studying abroad is an awesome learning experience you just can’t get at home, and I’m forever grateful for my experience.”

—Caitlin Metzger, Graphic Design Major, Studied in Florence, Italy

“I had the amazing opportunity to spend ten days in Italy in conjunction with my ART-436 Ancient Greek Art and Architecture class over Spring Break. Spending this time abroad with my friends and classmates allowed me to personally experience sights such as Valley of the Temples, the Colosseum, Pompeii, and the Vatican. The ability to see the art and architecture in Italy made the class material come to life. Spring Break trips are so wonderfully unique because you still have the ability to see so many different places and try so many new things, but still be back on U.S soil a week later! My passion for art history and art furthered from this once in a lifetime experience that I will never forget!”

—Amanda Hinkle, Arts Administration and Art History double major, Business Administration minor,Studied in Rome, Italy

“I studied abroad my spring semester of my junior year in London, England. By far, it was the most incredible experience of my life. Not only did I make lifelong friends from all over the world, I was able to travel to ten different countries, be inspired by my surroundings, and fully immerse myself in a new culture. Studying abroad will absolutely change your entire perspective on life in a positive way. Realizing that your small corner of the world is not all that life has to offer will open your eyes. Once you get a taste of adventure you’re never going to want to stop learning and exploring. London was such an incredible city with so much to do and with travel being so affordable and easy abroad, you can easily explore country after country. I cannot talk about how important I think it is to go abroad. The opportunity to have the freedom of being a student in another country only comes once and the time is now.”

—Shannon Atwell, Graphic Design Major, Studied in London, England

“I was fortunate enough to study abroad in Lisbon, and it was truly one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Having just completed my freshman year as a newly declared art student, I had no idea what a day in the life of an art historian could entail, but with every passing day abroad, I found myself being drawn more and more to the work I was doing. I was so inspired, not only by the incredible culture I was immersed in, but also by the extraordinary passion of the faculty leaders and by the field work itself I was lucky enough to be participating in. It really solidified for me that this was what I wanted to study and pursue for the rest of my life. Now, after having stepped outside my comfort zone like this, I approach my work with more confidence. It was an absolutely invaluable experience, and I would not trade it for the world!”

—Emma Pilon, Ceramics Major, Arts Administration Minor, Studied in Lisbon, Portugal

“Studying in Florence, Italy was a life-changing experience in such a variety of ways. I cannot begin to explain how much I learned, both in and out of the classroom. One of the best parts of studying abroad is the way it teaches you to appreciate the beauty and culture of other places in this world. The friendships I made, the experiences I had, and the artwork I saw was invaluable. I want to go back to Italy as soon as possible, and if I had the chance to study abroad again I’d take it in a heartbeat!”

—Jennifer Kadragich, Graphic Design Major, Studied in Florence, Italy

“Studying abroad is absolutely indescribable. It is one of those experiences that alters your perspective on the world and your future. My time in London and backpacking all over Europe has given me such a passion for traveling and reemphasized my love of art and design. Studying abroad is such an incredibly unique opportunity. It gives you confidence in your work, challenges your ideals, and allows you too see corners of the world you never thought possible. To anyone who is considering studying abroad I would say take the risk. It will be the most exciting and rewarding adventure of your life!”

—Elizabeth MacNeal, Graphic Design Major, Art History Minor, Studied at Richmond University in Kensington, London, England

“Going across the world, wherever it may be, is a scary experience yes, but as soon as you get there, you know you did the right thing. Never in my life have I seen so many spectacular sights, artworks, and buildings and eaten such delicious FOOD! It was very enriching on so many levels, that I will continue to want to see more and more of the world until I’ve seen every corner. Even returning to home can turn into an adventure because you feel as though you have knew eyes to see with, knew hands to experience with, and a new mind to take it all in through. I absolutely loved every second.”

—Samantha Faul, Art Therapy Major, Painting Minor, Studied in Italy

“Having the opportunity to study Painting and Printmaking at the Glasgow School of Art during my junior year was instrumental in reshaping my artistic identity. At the GSA, I was given my own studio space and was able to not only open dialogue with my peers and tutors, but also with guest artists from both the UK and US. While abroad, I was able to make invaluable discoveries through travel and experimentation, as well as make lasting connections. The opportunity for European travel was amazing. It was so exciting to experience Dublin, London, Berlin, Amsterdam, and Barcelona. On a trip to Italy, I was able to visit Rome and Florence and was thrilled to experience the Biennale Art Festival in Venice firsthand. Based on my experiences, I believe the impact studying abroad can have on an artist is pivotal in their perception of just how powerful and significant art is globally.”