SAI Programs Reviews

I studied abroad this past Spring Semester in Florence, Italy through SAI. I ultimately chose this program because they got their start in Italy--specifically Florence--so I knew they had experience and great connections with the city. I also chose this program because they offered a lot of Fashion-specific courses which fit in with my academic major. I loved how most of the FUA professors were not merely academics by trade, but rather experienced professionals in their respective fields. For example, my Fashion Marketing professor was the marketing director of her family's leather goods company and was able to provide a lot of insight, feedback, and suggestions with real world application and relevance. I also liked that our courses were supplemented with out of the classroom field trips, which helped to reinforce what we had learned about in class earlier in the semester. Prior to my study abroad experience, I had never traveled outside the United States so I was very nervous and unsure of myself, but after a few weeks I began to grow more independent and confident in myself. This was especially true, living and studying in a country where English was not the primary language. You have to learn to do your research (especially when traveling in or outside your home country) in advance because you can't rely on the Internet and smart phones the same way you can here! This experience made me appreciate a new culture as well as my own, and helped shed light on global issues and the different global perspectives regarding those issues. Lastly, it allowed me to travel to many different places in and outside of Italy giving me so many memories to last a life time!

I had the time of my life studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain and SAI was able to make that happen for me. They were helpful from the beginning till the end, and without them being my provider I would have been lost the entire time. My on-site program coordinator was amazing, and was loved by our entire group! There was one time when I locked myself out of my apartment and none of my roommates were there to let me in; they were all on vacation for the weekend. Mireia wasn't in the office that day because it was weekend, but I called her anyway to see if she would be able to help me. I was on the phone with her for about 5 minutes and she said that she would send someone to my apartment in 15 minutes to let me in! And sure enough, someone was there to help me back into my apartment thanks to Mireia. It was that easy and I got so upset over it because I thought I was going to be homeless for the weekend, but Mireia was willing to help immediately to get me back in the apartment.

That is only one of many stories I have about how SAI made my experience in Spain enjoyable and safe. I will never forget about my study abroad experience in Spain and SAI was a big part of making that happen!

There are not enough positive things that I can say about SAI! They made the entire process so simple. Before we departed, they assisted us every step of the way. They picked us up from the airport when we arrived and showed us to all of the train stations near our flat. Throughout the entire experience, they were there for us. We received weekly newsletters with things happening in the city, which kept us involved and really immersed us in the culture. I really enjoyed the excursions that SAI took us on as well, because we did things that I may not have had the chance to do otherwise. Overall, it was an amazing experience and I want to do it 1,000 times over.

The opportunities available at Sant'Anna Institute are unlike anything else in the world. The courses offered are so unique, the amount of internships you can apply for are mind-blowing, and the beauty of Sorrento is unforgettable.
There are courses available for almost every area of study, and many courses include educational and fun trips to a surrounding city or less-known area of Sorrento.
Sorrento, and SAI in general, are unique because of their extensive internship options. You can intern at Sant'Anna, a restaurant, a tourism company. a local sustainability organization, and many more. The internships and classes both cover a large range of interests and skills.
It is true that you could spend an entire semester exploring and traveling only within Italy. Whatever the case may be, Sorrento is a stop on the list for very good reasons. One of the most obvious is the Amalfi Coast being within in sight at almost all times. Slightly less well known are the hikes with amazing views, and hidden beaches and ruins that are the best spots to watch the sunset from. Mount Vesuvius becomes a familiar face in the morning, and an equal after you conquer the climb (which I highly suggest).
Sorrento has my heart and I cannot wait to return.

I studied abroad last fall in Barcelona and I am still to this day thinking about it constantly! I miss the streets, the shopping, the food and most of all the atmosphere! I wish everyday that I could go back to this place and finish out the rest of my college years at UAB in Barcelona. If it weren't for SAI, I would not have had the comfortable, safe experience that I did. I never felt more at home than I did in Barcelona and that is solely because SAI helped me feel at home. My coordinator was always helpful with directions and advice on the city and it was comforting to know that she was there to help us. My housing was incredible and made me really feel immersed in the culture. I can't wait for the day I get to go back to Barcelona and relive the best time of my life!

I cannot emphasize enough how much my semester abroad meant to me. Of course the Italian food and travel options were once in a lifetime, but so were the academics. Being taught by Italian professors in Italian buildings is something that I still cannot grasp that I did. Taking an art class in Florence, with such deep art history, is something that really stuck with me. I did not know much about art, but my professor showed us techniques in the Italian language that I could not have learned in the states. Not only did I learn how to do basic art, but I lived in it. Art was everywhere in this old city. While this art class only transferred back as a core class for me, I am amazed at how such a simple class really changed my perception on certain ideas. Not only did all my classes transfer back as credit to my home university, but the wonderful knowledge transferred back with me as well. SAI did a great job at helping me create a life within the artisan city by always being available and by showing me all the art around me. They were a great resource to use when I felt lost in the city or when I felt like I had seen all Florence had to offer. Their activities not only were created for fun, but indirectly also taught me about appreciation for the art around me.

My study abroad experience was one of my favorite semesters throughout college. There is not one thing I would've changed about my semester. SAI is an incredible program. They are so helpful and kind. Our Barcelona Program Coordinator, Mireia, was truly incredible. Mireia is so helpful and caring, she made the experience even better. I am so thankful that I ended up studying through SAI programs and had Mireia as my coordinator.

SAI Rome was a phenomenal study abroad experience to be a part of! Everything from picking us up at the airport upon arrival to determining housing was completed by SAI. They provided numerous excursions throughout Rome and Italy that were great experiences, including a weekend-long trip to Tuscany. They also were available at any time to answer questions about transportation or life in Rome in general. Would heavily recommend!

My semester at John Cabot University was a great experience. SAI was extremely helpful every week and was always there to help with things that I needed. My mom decided to send me a package and it got lost in the mail and Jess and Jordan helped me locate it and talk to the Italian postal service to get my package to me. I really enjoyed all the trips of the semester and learning about the Italian culture was great and SAI (Jess and Jordan) really opened our eyes to that! Cheers to a great semester!

Studying abroad with SAI programs was definitely the best decision. All of SAI's staff were helpful in answering the many questions I had leading up to my departure to Barcelona. Once here, Mireia has been very helpful and kind, and made the transition to living in another country as smooth as possible! I enjoyed the number and variety of different excursions Mireia and SAI provided us. I also really appreciate the smaller size of SAI's program, which allowed me to connect with my study abroad classmates on a closer level. If I have a friend or family member decide to study abroad, SAI will without a doubt be the first program I recommend, and Barcelona the first program!