SACI: Studio Arts College International

After the first day of class me and a couple of friends decided to go out and explore for the first time all together. I was both extremely shy and excited. Towards the end of the night we all sat down at a table at a nearby Irish Pub. We all had our backpacks since we went straight from class, and everyone had their bags either beside them or near them. An hour later I realized that mine was gone, and that it had been stolen by either a gypsy or someone that steals things and sells them. Now let me tell you what was in there; my laptop, my wallet, and my keys. I'm not going to lie, I cried. A lot. I called my parents asking for help and assistance, my friends were extremely comforting and helped me the most. I had no way in getting into my apartment, and had to immediately cancel all my cards. My roommate came to my rescue and I slept on the couch since my bedroom door was locked. The next morning I filed a report with the police, and waited. Not even an hour later I got a call saying somebody found my bag! I rushed to the school to find two nice French girls who said they found it behind a car and thought it looked sketchy. They found me because my SACI ID was in there. Not to anybodies surprise, the laptop and all the cash has gone. I was in school and needed a laptop direly. So decided to put it upon myself to go buy a new one. The nearest Apple store was 30 minutes away in an area called Calanzano. I hopped on a train (after missing it 3 times because I wasn't sure it was the right one) and thought I was on my way there. Oh boy was I wrong. I got off on the wrong stop, and got back on, then got back off on the right stop. Finally! I was in the middle of nowhere, and when I called a taxi to take my to the mall which was a 20 minute walk, they hung up on me when I asked them in Italian if they spoke English. I called back and simply said where I was and where I wanted to go. As soon as the person said a word, a loud train came by and I didn't hear a thing. Great. What now? Well, a woman gets off her train and asks me where the mall is. I told her I was going there as well, but was in a situation. She called a taxi in Italian for me, and told me to wait 15-30 minutes for it. I was SO thankful for this beautiful woman! So I waited for the taxi. 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 30 minutes, an hour. No taxi. It was getting dark and my phone was dying soon so I decided to call it a day and head back home. Only problem was that I only had cash on me, and the ticket machines just took card. I was stuck. I then built up the courage to ask a man nearby if he could use his card to buy my ticket home, and I would give him the cash for it. He agreed, but he wouldn't take the money. I've never been so thankful for a stranger. I hopped on a train (the right one) and headed straight home. It never felt so good to be in a familiar place. As I was walking home I decided to sit down and take a breather in San Lorenzo. While sitting I was approached by a waiter that works in the restaurant next to where I was. He asked me questions about what I was doing in Italy, and some other things. He then offered me something to eat or drink at his restaurant, only to find out it was actually a bet he made with his friend! Nonetheless, I felt so grateful the for people around me and the people of Italy. I learned so much about myself that day that I wouldn't be able to learn any other way. I will never forget the people I encountered in the week and the impact they have on me, even if it's in the slightest. Don't be afraid to take risks. Breathe, always. And in the worst situations, there is always something to be thankful for.

I have always loved being creative but wasn't allowed to go to art school for college. So I went abroad to an art school. The professors tell you everything that you should have been told as a young artist but people just assume you know. You're right Romeo, I should be inspired by my own work.

Florence is a magnificent city with history and art around every corner in every building. Although some of the better known artworks or buildings are easy to find, others are hidden among side streets or in churches you would never think to step foot in. As an art history minor, SACI made it easy for me to see the art I have been learning about for years. The six-credit art history courses include a traveling component where the instructor takes you around Florence and other Italian cities to admire the work first-hand. It was truly a unique experience that I am so grateful to have had.

The studio courses at the school were amazing as well! They offer general art classes such as painting and drawing, but also give students the chance to learn not so common art practices, such as fresco painting and batik. Each of my instructors were approachable and had great knowledge of their subject matter. The majority of them are Italian natives, making the experience even more unique.

Along with other course exhibitions, the school held a juried student exhibition where any student could submit work for a potential spot in a gallery show. For me, this was brilliant. It lets students show their work among their peers, faculty, and other locals who were eager to see our talents.

SACI was helpful in many aspects throughout my semester abroad.

I constantly heard about culture-shock before going abroad, but can't say I ever truly felt it. Florence is such an easy city to adjust to, especially with the wonderful staff and facilities at SACI. Even when I went through a bad bout of being sick, the staff helped me find a doctor and get my health sorted out.

The two main buildings and the satellite studio are great environments to learn in. I was taught so much in my classes, not only about how to approach certain art styles, but also about myself. In addition, outside of the classroom I was constantly learning about the Italian culture, the art all around me, the food, etc.

SACI is a perfect fit if you're looking for an amazing semester/year abroad in a place that helps you grow through experience. Over four months, I changed and matured as an artist, as well as a person.

SACI is a program most valuable to those who are willing to take the initiative to further their academic and artistic development, as is any situation in life. Surely, the faculty at SACI are the heart and soul of the school-- they are truly supportive and inspirational. To this day, I feel a closer bond to certain professors there than at my homeschool.

Administration made it almost too easy to continue my studies in Florence for an extra semester!

SACI's main building is located is not a step too far from everything on your Florence-must-list, as it is in walking distance from practically everything, from Piazza Duomo to the Uffizi to the train station, Santa Maria Novella. The location of the Jules Maidoff building opens up other areas of the city that you might not have travelled to otherwise.

The language barrier was not an issue, as the intermediate class almost doubled my basic, beginner's understanding of the Italian language!

I truly found personal growth and self-discovery through my experience abroad.