Frequently Asked Questions

Application

Can I apply online?
Yes, the application form online is at www.giotto.us/admit.html. There is a link there to a PDF version of the application, which you can fill out on your computer and send by email. You may fax or email the application but it won't be complete without the recommendations, slides or CD and application fee.

Which program should I apply for?
It depends on your schedule, your training, and what you are hoping to accomplish. If you are in art school already, the School program is probably for you. If you have been out of art for a while, CE may be the most appropriate. If you want to just work and not go to classes, Residence is the best. If you only have a short time, either Residence, CE, or the 2-week Landscape Seminar might be your choice. If you are not sure you can send in your application without indicating your preference, and later we can discuss the options.

Is there sculpture in the Residence Program?
The sculpture facilities are available for use, but there is no instruction in the Residence Program.

Should I send the application now or can it wait?
It's better to send the application in now, since the program is small and space is limited. If your references have not arrived it's ok to send them in separately.

When will I find out if I am accepted?
Usually the applications are reviewed on the 15th of every month, and responses go out within three days. We may hold your application for review on the next decision date. If the application is received close to the beginning of a session, we will review it as soon as it comes in, and give you a response as soon as possible.

What kind of work goes in the application?
12 slides in a slide sheet or photos (slides are preferable) of your recent work with your name, size of the work, and TOP indicated on each slide, or a CD. School applicants should include at least four slides of drawings.

Can I send my slides by email?
Please do not email images. If you have a website you can put the URL on your application, but we would still like to see slides.

My teacher recommends me very strongly, do I have to apply?
Yes.

Can I speak with someone?
Of course, you can either call the office (+39 075 8780072) or leave a message on the toll-free US voicemail / fax (866-449-3604) or email to make an appointment to talk.

Can I contact any former students?
Yes, but we would like to see your application first.

Can you give me a preliminary acceptance before I apply?
Students who are currently studying with our faculty can have a preliminary acceptance, but it is still conditional; we will still need you to send in the completed application.

Can I send the recommendations separately?
Yes. Your references may also phone, fax or email your recommendation. Please make sure your references include their mailing address.

Do I need a passport to apply?
No.

What is the application deadline?
There are no application deadlines, but keep in mind that the program is small and space is limited. We recommend that you apply early.

Can I register now?
First you must send in the completed application.

Can I send photos or a CD instead of slides?
Slides are preferable, CD's are ok, and CE applicants may send photos.

Can I see the work of former students?
You can see some work on the gallery page.

Can I mail my application to the US?
Yes, before June 1 please mail your application package to:

International School of Painting, Drawing and Sculpture
PO Box 9483 New Haven, CT 06534 USA

After June 1 please send your application to the Italy office.

Qualifications

Do I need a degree to come to the school?
No.

How old do you have to be to come to the school?
There are no age limits. Last year's ages ranged from 17 to 67.

I'm a self-taught artist; can I still come to the school?
Please send in your application and we will review it.

I am self-taught, how can I get letters of recommendation?
You may send letters of recommendation from employers, or other artists.

Do you have courses for a high school student?
High school students who are serious about studying art are welcome to apply.

I don't work from life, can I still come?
Yes.

Are there courses for beginners?
Beginning undergraduate students may find the School program appropriate. Adults who are interested in returning to art may find CE to be a good choice.

What are the ages of the students?
We have had people from 16 to 77. In 2005 the ages ranged from 17 to 67:
Average age in May = 41
Average age in June session = 30
Average age in August session = 33
Average age in Sept. = 49

Where do the students come from?
2005 demographics:
Australia (2), Canada (5), France (1), Great Britain (1), Guernsey (1), India (1), Ireland (1), Israel (12), Netherlands (1), New Zealand (1), Poland (1), Serbia and Montenegro (2), Singapore (1), Spain (1), Switzerland (1), USA (39): Alabama (1), Arizona (1), California (12), Connecticut (1), Florida (1), Illinois (7), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (1), New Jersey (3), New York (2), Ohio (2), Pennsylvania (1), Texas (3), Washington (1), West Virginia (1).
NB: some participants overlap sessions (stay for more than one session). Some participants fall under more than one category, i.e. a Korean citizen living in Chicago.

Financial

Do you know where I can get a scholarship?
Try doing a Google search for grants.

Can I come as a work-study student?
There are some work-study opportunities to FORMER STUDENTS. If you are a former student and are interested, please contact the school.

Are there any discounts?
Bring a friend to the Residence program and get 10% DISCOUNT (250 Euro). Your friend must also apply and be accepted a full 3-week session. Other discounts are available to groups of 4 or more. Please email the school for more .

How much does the program cost?
The basic fees include tuition, studio space, room, three meals a day, group trips, and ground transportation from and to Rome on the first and last day of each session. Residence, CE, and Seminar fees include a single room. For School programs, the additional charge for a single room, when available, is 100 Euro per week.

Independent Residencies are open during the School sessions for the same price as the School session. Residents may take advantage of classes as they choose, and request faculty critiques.

All fees must be received no later than one month before the session begins. Fees are calculated in Euros and include 20% IVA (value-added tax).

School 3-week sessions
May 24 - June 14 € 2500
June 14 - July 5 € 2500
July 5 - July 26 € 2500
July 26 - August 16 € 2500

School 6-week sessions
May 24 - July 5 € 4800
July 5 - August 16

Artist's Residency and CE
April 19 - May 3 (3 weeks) € 2500
May 3 - 24 (3 weeks) € 2500
August 16 - 30 (2 weeks, including seminar) € 2000
Aug. 30 - Sept. 20 (3 weeks) € 2500
Sept. 20 - October 4 (2 weeks) € 2000

Seminar
August 14-30 € 2000

Can I pay by personal check?
US checks over $500 must be cashier’s or bank certified checks: personal checks over $500 will not be accepted.

Can I pay in cash?
Yes, but you must arrange it in advance since otherwise all fees must be received no later than one month before the session begins.

I have a house in the area, what is the price without residence?
School, Residence, CE and Seminar: 450 Euro per week.

Can I pay in US dollars?
Yes, payments in US dollars or other currency will be credited at the exchange rate of the day of deposit.

Can I pay by credit card?
You can pay by credit card with PayPal. If you use PayPal regularly you may be able to pay the whole amount. Email the school for details.

Accommodations and studios

Is room and studio included in the tuition?
Yes.

Can I have a single room?
Residence, CE, and Seminar fees include a single room. For School programs, the additional charge for a single room, when available, is 100 Euro per week.

Are there provisions for disabilities?
Accommodations, classrooms and transportation are not as well suited to serve the needs of people with disabilities as those found in modern cities. Please enclose a letter with your housing and insurance form describing your particular needs, and we will inquire as to whether your needs can be met. If not, we will do our best to find you a suitable alternative.

Can I stay in the hotel in Montecastello?
Yes, depending on availability. There will be an additional cost, please email the school for more information.

Can I ship supplies to the school?
If you want to ship art supplies, plan at least 4 weeks for delivery by mail or courier. You can use the postal system to mail your supplies back to the states at the end of your session, and it's not terribly expensive. Mail to yourself at the school, using your return address at home:

Your name
c/o International School
2, via Unita d’Italia
06057 Montecastello di Vibio PG Italy
for courier include telephone: 075 8780072

For customs, if you declare a value may be charged 20% of the sum of the postage PLUS the declared value. To avoid paying the 20% tax you must declare the minimum commercial value, usually $10. List all your items, but be sure to add "PERSONAL EFFECTS, NO COMMERCIAL VALUE" to the form. Use generic terms: instead of "24 tubes of oil paint", write "24 artist's colors".

Air mail takes about 10 days from the US and surface mail takes around 3-4 weeks. Choose air mail rather than surface to be sure you get it in time. Things slow down the closer they get to Montecastello. On the way back to the US, they speed up! I found when I shipped to myself back to the US there was only a week's difference between surface and air, but the price difference was significant. But surface mail to Montecastello took forever.

The alternative, taking the stuff with you, may cost more or even be prohibited, since there are new strict limits on weight per person these days. Some airlines now have a maximum baggage allowance of 50 pounds (23 kg) per checked bag and penalties per bag over that weight. Check with the airline or their website to see what the weight restrictions are. See also: USA Transportation Security Administration: Know Before You Go.

Faculty

Who is teaching in the Residence Program?
Please see the faculty list page for the most up-to-date information.

Credit

Can I get credit for the program?
While the school does not offer credit, our students do receive credits from their home schools for the work they have done here based on our transcript.

Do you have an MFA program?
No.

Is the school accredited?
We are not accredited but our students do get credits from their home institutions. The School of the Art Institute of Chicago, for example, gives their students 3 credits for each class here. Normally students will take 2 or 3 classes in a 6-week session (6-9 credits), but often as not they stay for the 13-week semester, so they would normally gain 12-18 credits for the summer.

Is any diploma or certificate granted?
Our students may receive credit from their home institutions for work done at the International School, based on a transcript. To receive a transcript, send $10 per transcript with your transcript request form (PDF file) to the school office.

Program

Do you have interior design, or photography, or watercolor, printmaking, computer graphics, cooking etc.?
No, at the International School of Painting, Drawing and Sculpture, we have painting, drawing and sculpture. And fresco.

Is Italian language available?
There is a language school in Todi, but we don’t offer Italian language. Everyone in Montecastello speaks it, though.

Are the courses taught in English?
Yes.

Can I work in acrylics?
Yes, but most of the other students will be working in oil.

I have a house in the area, can I come part-time?
Yes, here are the fees:
School: 400 Euro per week
Landscape Seminar: 750 Euro per week.

Can I just study drawing, painting, sculpture?
Yes.

Can I do independent study?
Yes, but we recommend that you schedule regular critiques with the faculty.

Are live models provided?
Yes.

What materials do you use?
Students generally paint in oil and draw with pencil, charcoal or chalk. Sculpture is in clay or plaster. See the art supply store list for supplies you can get at the School.

How many students are there?
School students usually number between 15 and 30.

Travel

What airport do I fly to?
To Rome, Fiumicino airport (FCO), also known as Leonardo da Vinci.

Can I rent a car?
You may rent a car for the summer from Hertz in Perugia, tel/fax +39-075 5002439. Ask for our neighbor, Rita Capociuchi. Also try Agostini Auto in Todi, tel/fax +39-075-8948082, speak to Stefano Agostini, delivery at the airport may be available.

Where is the school located?
Montecastello is about 130 km. north of Rome, a 2-hour drive, and about 2 hours from the Adriatic and Mediterranean coasts. We are right in the center of Italy. Take an Italy map and fold it twice, you will find Todi right in the center. See Google Maps for a closer look.

Do you have courses in New York, France, Miami, anywhere else?
No.

Do I need a visa to come to Italy?
See Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs web site for details. US citizens do not need a visa for visits for tourism of up to 90 days.

European Union citizens and non aliens do not need visas for any Schengen country. Fifteen countries make up the Schengen area: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxemburg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden. Exempt from obligation if the passenger holds a valid visa or residence permit from one of the EU Member States or one of the Parties to the European Economic Area Agreement of 2 May 1992, from Canada, Switzerland or the United States. Non-aliens are nationals of all the countries of the European Union and the European Economic Area: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom Cyprus, Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Estonia, Croatia, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia.

Nationals of the following countries do not require a visa for visits up to a maximum of 90 days, for tourism, on missions, business, invitations ought to take part in sports events:
Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Macao, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, South Korea, Singapore, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela. Nationals of San Marino, the Holy See and Switzerland do not require a visas in any case.

Nationals bearing ordinary passports of the following countries/regional configurations are subject to visa obligations:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belorus, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Chad, China, Colombia, Comoro Islands, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic), Côte d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican (Republic), East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Granada, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia (the Former Yugoslav Republic of), Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Northern Marianas, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian National Authority, Papua-New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Taiwan, (non-recognized territorial entity), Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia-Montenegro), Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Can I take it?
See Transportation Security Administration website for a list of prohibited articles.

Can I bring my laptop?
Yes. Look on the power supply for "Input: V 100-120-220-240." This means it works both in the US (110 Volts) and Italy (220). All you will need is an inexpensive international plug adaptor which you can buy at most airports. Look for a European two-pin plug (Europlug), or a German or Italian plug.

Can I check my email?
Yes, we have a satellite ADSL Internet connection and two computers at the school. If you have a laptop, bring an Ethernet cable and you can plug into the switch.

Family

Can I bring my spouse, girlfriend, boyfriend, child, pet?
Sorry, we don’t have accommodations for families. Check the hotel Il Castello for their rates, tel. 075 8780 061.

Can my spouse visit and take meals at the school?
Sorry, we don't make accommodations for meals for spouses, except on special days like gallery openings.

What hotels are there in the area?
Here is a short list, see this website for more: Todi district - hotels, holiday farms, restaurants.
Relais Il Castello - Tel. +39 075 8780061 (hotel in the village, no car needed)
Le Grazie - Tel. +39 075 8796041
Fattoria di Vibio - Tel. +39 075 874960
Istituo Crispolti - Tel. +39 075 8945337

Jobs

How can I teach in the school?
If you would like to send some information, please do so. We'll be happy to look at your work and resume. If you have a group of students that you would like to bring, please contact the school.

Can I come as a work-study student?
There are some work-study opportunities to FORMER STUDENTS. If you are a former student and are interested, please contact the school.

Can I come as a model?
Please contact the school with your resume and recommendations from artists or teachers you work with.

Schedule

Do you have classes in the winter?
No, we have sessions from May through September.

Can I come just for a one, two, five weeks?
If you have only one week, please consider the Landscape Seminar. If you can only stay for 5 weeks out of six, we will still have to charge you for 6. You may come to Residency on a weekly basis.

Can I stay for 6 months?
You can theoretically stay from May through September.

Do you have any classes that last for a year or more?
Some students return year after year, to continue their studies at the School. But we have sessions from May through September.

Sculpture

Is there rock carving, or bronze, ceramics, steel etc.?
No.