Would 1000% do this program again in a heartbeat. I miss it every single day!
To any student who is even contemplating studying abroad: go for it. Studying abroad with SAI at Florence University of the Arts for a full 15-week semester was one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my life and if I could have stayed longer, I absolutely would have. Florence University of the Arts was an incredible place to study and learn. The courses were engaging, hands-on, and deeply connected to Italian culture, which made the academic experience feel immersive and unique. Learning in a city so rich in history, art, and culture added so much depth to every class. Academically, my experience was unlike any class I had taken before. My first course, Florentine Art Walks, met for three hours each class period and was spent entirely walking through the city and Florence itself was our classroom. Other courses included cooking labs, tastings, field trips, and hands-on projects focused on Italian food, wine, and culture. All of my courses transferred directly back to my home university and counted toward my degree requirements, which made the experience both enriching and practical.
This was my first time living abroad, and no two days were ever the same. Between SAI day trips and Viva Experiences included in the program, hands-on classes, and weekend travel, every week brought something new and meaningful. Some of my favorite moments came from SAI’s Viva Experiences, like touring the marble quarries in Carrara, while others came from adventures I planned independently with friends I met abroad, such as pasta making classes, wine tastings, vineyard tours and even driving vespas through the Tuscan hills. I also loved the small, everyday experiences like grabbing a cappuccino with a classmate, cooking dinner in our apartment with my 5 roommates, or exploring local markets and the city in general. I met so many incredible people from all over the world, many of whom I still keep in touch with today. What truly set this experience apart was the consistent support from SAI. From pre-departure preparation and orientation to ongoing check-ins while abroad, SAI was always there for health concerns, safety issues, and even random travel questions. Having an in-person SAI office in Florence that students could easily stop into made a huge difference and knowing there was always someone local available for guidance and reassurance helped me feel confident and cared for throughout the semester.
Studying abroad with SAI didn’t just shape my semester but it completely changed how I think about my future. Before going abroad, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take with my major. Living and learning in Florence helped me gain clarity, confidence, and a new perspective on my education and career goals, which I am incredibly grateful for. I first learned about SAI through my university’s Education Abroad Office, and because the program is affiliated with my university (as well as many others), I felt confident in my decision from the start. I will absolutely be recommending SAI to anyone considering studying abroad!
What was the most unfamiliar thing you ate?
The most unfamiliar thing I ate abroad happened during my very first week in Florence through an SAI Viva Experience. We signed up for a market tour of Mercato Centrale, where an SAI staff member met us and walked us to the tour guide, and we explored the market while learning about Florentine food traditions. During the tastings, I tried trippa alla Fiorentina and saw how lampredotto was made, both traditional Tuscan dishes made from beef stomach. Trying tripe was definitely outside my comfort zone and something I’ll never forget, but it ended up being one of the best ways to learn about Florence’s history, culture, and relationship with food.
One of my favorite dishes I discovered in Florence was coccoli, which we also tried during the same SAI Viva Experience. Coccoli are small fried dough balls typically served with prosciutto and cheese, and they were a simple but unforgettable introduction to Florentine cuisine. I loved the tour and trying these dishes early on helped me understand how deeply food is tied to daily life and tradition in Florence, and it encouraged me to stay open-minded and fully embrace the local culture throughout the rest of my time abroad!
