Art History Abroad | The Autumn European Gap Semester Program

I did the fall semester program in 2021. It was without a doubt one of the best choices I’ve ever made. From the very beginning, the group was steeped in such historicity, in some part because of the cities we visited, but more so due to the stellar tutelage we received from the AHA team. Learning never felt like a chore, and they helped me develop an entirely new lens through which to look at the world. The social aspect was even better, and I’ve kept in touch with many in the group. You’re sharing in some of the most beautiful places and memories that most will never have the opportunity to experience, and I can speak for any member of the group when I say that we’d redo it in a heartbeat if given the chance.

My experience of the Art History Abroad program was one that I will forever be grateful for and always remember. Although I experienced many once in a lifetime opportunities that I was so excited for, like the private tour of the Vatican, and St Marks in Venice, my time with the program was marred by a series of disappointments and mistreatments that left a lasting impact on me and my mental health. Despite my strong beliefs and opinions as an American woman, I found myself consistently belittled and made to feel inadequate by the (very) British staff. The communication barriers and lack of understanding hindered any meaningful connection between us, and many of the other participants. Moreover, the staff's judgmental attitude towards normal American behaviors, such as occasional vaping and late-night outings, only served to create a toxic environment of slut-shaming and personal attacks.

The pinnacle of disrespect came when the 65-year-old male director stooped to calling me derogatory names, while the tutors failed to provide the necessary support or engagement. Name calling, specifically towards women, may be apart of British culture that I am personally unaware of, but I was called a “bitch” and my friends, “cunt” and “simple minded”, and for a program to be built around the “conduct code” of anti-bullying, they clearly have a lot of work to do in their own administration. Their inability to communicate effectively and their demeaning behavior led to a sense of failure and dehumanization. The shocking use of offensive language towards participants, such as referring to a friend as a derogatory term (cunt), further exemplified the lack of professionalism within the staff.

Not only did the staff offer conflicting messages by encouraging drinking while simultaneously shaming participants for “indulging”, but they also failed to create a safe and supportive environment for personal growth. Accusing someone of “being a drinker” is not effective, and extremely dangerous. That was a term that was used time and time again against be, and to belittle me. My overall experience with the program was infected by the constant degradation and mistreatment I, and many of my friends endured, leaving me feeling unsupported and undervalued.

In conclusion, the program's staff exhibited a disregard for participants' well-being and failed to uphold the standards of professionalism and respect. Despite their efforts to knock me down and make me feel like less than human, and question my place in this world, I came to the realization that true personal growth and support lie elsewhere, away from the judgmental attitudes of the 'intellectual' British. It is imperative for future participants to be aware of these shortcomings to make informed decisions about their involvement with the program.

The female staff greatly deferred from what I experienced from the males that were in the admin. They were all amazing.

Do not do this program if you are a strong minded, confident, outspoken American woman: you will be attacked

AHA is the one gap year program that truly allows students to immerse in culture and learn powerful lessons in history and life. Tutors form real, lasting connections with both students and the history being taught. I did AHA the fall semester of my gap year in 2021 and know the friendships I made will last me through life. The program completely changed me. I met some of the most influential people in the field of art history, saw history in a way I never could have previously, and was allowed to experience the true culture of every place we traveled to. I saw the Sistine chapel completely empty at 6 in the morning, ate incredible meals in a small vineyard outside of San Gimignano, saw the ceiling of San Marco Basilica light up at night, and shared unforgettable conversation with friends and locals. I’m left with friends who are family, tutors I can always reach out to, and a confidence that only could have been drawn from living the way I did. The people involved with AHA are wonderfully unique and intelligent individuals, and any person willing to be open to the full experience will grow.

It is challenging to articulate the extent to which Art History Abroad shaped my gap year and the time after it. If you are ready to absorb as much knowledge, culture, and joy as possible, Art History Abroad is the program for you. The tutors are excited about their disciplines and even more excited to share it with the students. The friends I’ve made are still some of my closest friends, and hold such a special place in my life. From private tours of galleries in London, sketching in the hilly landscape of Tuscany, and spending days walking through Rome’s history-steeped streets, it is truly an experience to treasure for a lifetime.

These are the truths I came away from my course with:
The art I saw on this course pales in comparison to the people I got to see it all with. Every church I walked through was only divine because of those who taught me to look up and smile at the stars on the ceiling. The joy in art is allowing yourself to be moved, even if it means crying in crowded galleries. Living a good life revolves around allowing yourself to love those around you, and letting them love you. Strangers you have very little in common with can become your most beloved friends.

AHA gave me a million gifts, but these are the ones most precious to me. This course is beyond worth it.

AHA was an incredibly valuable experience for my education and growth as a person. I was given so many exciting opportunities throughout the semester, and ended up with not only a greater appreciation of art and culture, but some of my best friends. The access to the European art world this program provides is unmatched. I was able to experience so much that I would have never thought possible. Additionally, there was a great balance of learning and fun. I found we had the freedom to explore cities on our own and experience the world as young adults, while also being given plenty opportunities to learn. I would recommend AHA to anyone looking for a different kind of educational semester centered around immersion and first hand experiences.

Art History Abroad surpassed all of my already high expectations. As an introvert, I was worried that I would be overwhelmed with the fast paced nature and social elements of the course. I was happily proved wrong. Instead of being overwhelmed, I became more comfortable and outgoing. The course is perfect for people who love learning without the pressure of exams. I still find myself using the skills I was taught, even now that I have returned home. An experience like this does not end when it’s over; it stays with you. I cannot recommend this program enough. Not just from an interest in travel and art history standpoint, but also the impact it had on my self discovery.

A year ago I would never have been brave enough to do something like this, but I am beyond grateful that I did. I worried my anxiety would hinder my ability to enjoy the program because of its fast paced nature and many sociable elements, but I was so wrong. Even beyond their incredible teaching, the tutors were incredible supports throughout the entire course. Instead of being overwhelmed, I became more excited, engaged, and extroverted. This program is an incredible experience not just for art history education and cultural immersion, but self discovery.