SAI Programs Reviews

I found SAI through their program book in my school's Study Abroad Office. I even looked at applying to JCU on my own, without being SAI, to save money and the application looked straightforward. But SAI's support extends beyond just living in Rome, starting with the visa process. Program coordinators do a lot to make students feel welcome and try to learn names as soon as possible.
In short, I am incredibly glad I chose to study abroad with SAI. For what it's worth, living in an external apartment seems to be much more "fun" and in line with the typical upperclassman American college student lifestyle... read: the JCU dormitory is incredibly strict. Furthermore, my apartment is beautiful and very large.

SAI Paris Fall 2014 was a blast! I really loved our apartment and my roommates. The apartment was in a very safe neighborhood and it was super easy to get to school. Sheila, the SAI staff in Paris, was always very helpful and nice. I would totally study abroad all over again!

The SAI staff are exceptionally personable and accommodating. I have greatly appreciated their openness to my every question (big or small) I've had throughout the experience. They've helped me with everything from housing help, to travel plans, and simply making my transition to life in Rome as smooth as possible. The cultural activities they offer have also introduced me to places and things I might not have otherwise experienced on my own. Can't imagine studying abroad without them.

I traveled through SAI to Florence, Italy. I really enjoyed my time and my class schedule was not overwhelming at all. It turned out that I only had classes three days a week so I had a lot of time to explore around Florence, Italy, or other places. I thought I was going to have trouble with the length of the classes (2.5 hours once a week) but it worked out really well for me. The SAI staff was also very helpful to me. If I ever went to their office with questions I would always leave with more knowledge and satisfaction because they were so pleasing to work with. I think the best part of my experience was just walking passed all of the attractions and beauty of Florence, especially on a day like walking to class; it could really boost up your spirits. Florence being in the region of Tuscany is a major plus. The landscape is beautiful around Florence and is great to explore. The biggest struggle I found when I was in Florence is having the time to see everything! There was so much I wanted to see in Italy and also other countries. Time just flew by!

This program basically tells you your on your own, which is fine. But they put on the guise that they are super organized and helpful and put-together which they're not. One should use this program only if they are willing to be on their own for most of it.

My experience studying abroad last fall is one that I will never forget! SAI provided a gorgeous apartment, which was beyond my expectations, for my roommates and I in Paris. I met amazing people throughout the semester, and made memories that I wouldn't trade for the world.

Studying abroad through SAI was amazing. The housing was nice, although we did have to put in a lot of requests right away to fix things. The location we stayed within the city was the best. The staff are so helpful!! The excursions were also really cool and helped me see things I normally wouldn't have seen.

I had a wonderful semester, and absolutely loved studying in Florence.
My one regret was there were no Italian students and it was difficult to make Italian friends.
Otherwise, I highly recommend this program! The staff was friendly and helpful, and Florence is a wonderful city!

Rome has changed my life forever. Having to immerse oneself in a culture where virtually NO things are American tends to be challenging, for me it was a welcome challenge. I loved trying to speak Italian with shop owners and waiter, I loved seeing grown men and women ordering gelato at 10 AM simply because they wanted it. Seeing "la dolce far niente" played out every day was a blessing, and has changed my personal views on life forever. I am back in the States doing the same old things, but the way that I feel about them and see them has changed forever. Rome changed my life, and I wouldn't want it any other way.

SAI offers tons of FREE day and weekend trips that would cost at least $50 each if you were to do them on your own. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THESE! The staff is always available to answer questions regarding anything at all. My only complaint was the quality of my apartment, but its location was unbeatable.