Art History Abroad | The Autumn European Gap Semester Program

If you are even remotely considering joining AHA – Do it! You won’t regret it.

I joined the course having next to no knowledge of art history nor any intention of pursuing it in the future, and I can say with absolute certainty that choosing AHA was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

The tutors are all amazing. In addition to being some of the coolest human beings I have yet to encounter, they are all brilliant in their own way and offer unique and exciting ways to understand the information and to connect with the art pieces and places.

Not only have I walked away from the course with an in-depth understanding of European art and architecture within the historical context, but I have also gained an appreciation for the Italian culture – the beautiful way of life. Furthermore, in just eight weeks, I have become extremely confident as a person and international traveler, have formed life-long friendships, and have made memories I will take with me for the rest of my life.

My original intention for going on this three month long trip around Europe was to learn as much as I possibly could about art history, visit countless art museums & galleries and maybe enjoy the different cultures I was exposed to as well. Not only did I achieve my original goals but I also did something that I didn't expect to do. learn as much as I possibly could about art history. I made unforgettable bonds with people from all over the world. This is kind of a crazy thing for me because I usually am painfully shy and suffer from anxiety which made me a nervous wreck the first few days in London. I remember calling my father saying "I don't think I can do this etc." but after maybe a day or two I never had thoughts like that again. In fact my dad jokes that he barely heard from me after that just because I was so busy having the time of my life. Another huge positive to this trip is that I grew as a person, especially into someone who is incredibly independent. I am actually incredibly confident in my abilities to navigate a train system (especially if it's the London tube), take a taxi on my own etc. This again is a huge development for me because of how anxious I usually get about stuff like that. Another really funny thing about this trip was that I was incredibly nervous about the two weeks of homestay in Montepulciano. Like it was the thing that I kept going back to and worrying about. But it actually turned out to be probably one of my favorite parts of the trip. You're in one of the most beautiful little towns in Tuscany, taking really fun Italian classes, cooking classes and then you pick olives in the Tuscan countryside. Like who does all that in two weeks! The trip went by way too quickly and I will cherish every single memory and bond formed. Even the one where I was crying to my dad over the phone on the very first day.

To be honest I had absolutely no interest in art history before going on this trip and my mother forced me to do it. However I will be thanking her till the day I die for pushing me into AHA because it was by far the most incredible gap year experience. It perfectly combined intellectual stimulation with an unbelievably fun social life with a group of tight knit peers. Each tutor blew me away with their breadth of knowledge about art history and they inspired me to become absolutely fascinated by what each European city had to offer.

I entered the course knowing no one else on the trip yet quickly became best friends with all of the other students and tutors. Each day was jam-packed with cultural activities, varying from art museum exhibit tours to wild boat trips on the Thames. At night we explored other cultural aspects of the cities whether it be concerts, comedy clubs, or night clubs. Your happiness is always the top priority of the AHA tutors and the ensure that throughout the entirety of the trip you are in pure bliss. The highlight of my trip was the home stay in Montepulciano. Not only did we go olive picking at a Tuscan home but we did wine tastings and cooking classes. The food is so good it will make you cry. Get the pici for every single meal.

I would recommend AHA to anyone and everyone. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity and will completely change your life for the better. Don't spend your gap year any other way, I promise you will NOT be disappointed.

I will always remember AHA as one of the best experiences of my life. I learned so much in the three months I was on the program, not only about Art History, but about European culture. The other students and tutors were the most interesting, unique and fun people I have ever met. Also the opportunities we had on this program were amazing. We were able to see things that the average tourist would not have access to. I would honestly give anything to do this program again or even to have another experience like it. I would highly recommend this program to anyone who likes to travel.

Travel is vital. The world I knew before my time at AHA was small, sheltered even. All cookie-cutter houses and theoretical adventure. I hoped to travel, but I was unsure how and where and when. It wasn't until I did some research that I came upon Art History Abroad. There's a strong sense of community between the students and the tutors. Real friendships form among the hours spent meandering through museums and traipsing through unknown cities. Those three months I spent with the wonderful, hilarious, insightful people involved with AHA will remain a benchmark in my life.

The Semester Course was truly the highlight of my gap year and ever since returning home I have wished I could do it all over again! This unique experience is an immersion into European culture, and introduced me to everything from art history to good food and wine in amazing locations. I shared my three months with a group of passionate, like-minded people from all over the world whose ideas and continuing friendship contributed to making the trip unforgettable. The relaxed learning environment with incredibly friendly and knowledgable tutors not only provided an excellent foundation for further study in any discipline, but encouraged an appreciation for visual culture that is enduring. The course changed my perception of the world and I cannot go a day without recalling an anecdote or fact learnt!

Highlights: olive picking, italian classes in Monti, cooking classes in Monti, the wine tasting night in London was a lot of fun

Difficulties: there should be more free time, like for dinner and maybe during the day, some of the hotels did not have great wifi so it was difficult to keep in touch with people back home

I definitely had a bit of skepticism as I flew over to London to start the trip. However, I can honestly say Art History Abroad was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The bond between fellow gappers and the amazing knowledge and welcoming knowledge of the tutors quickly became apparent. By the end of the trip a sort of melancholy sets in that it will soon end. But, the knowledge and friends I gained during this trip has been invaluable to me. I'd recommend this trip for anyone, no matter their intended career path.