The John Hall Venice Course: European Culture and Tradition

On the day of A level results, I decided to defer my place at Bristol and take a gap year. I already knew about the John Hall course, everyone I knew who had done it had said how incredible it was – everyone I asked just had immensely good things to say. Having now taken the course, it was great to know that it lived up to its expectations and more. It's the perfect mix of culture, interest and pure fun. I started the course knowing a few people and have come back with incredible life-long friends.

Living with each-other for 6 weeks builds a special bond that I know will last a long time. Venice itself is just the most beautiful place to stay and getting to know it is special, you become a local really. I can't wait to go back. The pure excitement of living in a hotel - going out to lunch and eating dinner all together every day. So much excitement and joy.

The chosen lecturers were charismatic, easy to listen to and incredibly inspiring. I thought I went in with a good knowledge of history of art but l've come out with not only more, but a desire to learn more. It was a perfect mix of social and intellectual fun. The bonds people built were so strong, there were floods of tears at the departure gates on the way back. It's something that I will never forget and holds a special place in my gap year experience and life!