Program Reviews

SAI was an amazing provider. They guided me through every step of the abroad process and provided me the resources I needed to succeed abroad. From picking us up from the airport to providing us with amazing apartments throughout Florence, SAI was AMAZING. Without them, study abroad wouldn't have been as impactful. They also set up experiences such as wine tastings and cooking classes for us to get more involved in the Italian Culture. I'm so grateful for the program and this experience. I could have never done it without SAI

The 6 weeks I spent in Italy may have been the most enriching experience of my life. Whether it was the friendships, memories, beauty, culture, history, or the food. I left Italy with a big fat smile on my face. I would recommend going abroad through SAI to anyone and call me biased but I would suggest going abroad anywhere in Italy. I resided in Florence which was a great place to stay because it was close to most places you would want to travel to in Italy and the food rarely disappointed. Not to mention the nightlife never got old.

I normally don’t write reviews but my experience with SAI in Florence was so unbelievable I felt like I had to. I decided to sign up knowing I was going by myself and with only a little over a month till the start date. Between the sign ups, paperwork, etc. SAI made sure we had everything we needed to make the process smooth and the second I stepped out of the airport I was greeted by the program directors and other students in the program. My apartment was beautiful, in an amazing location, and I always felt extremely safe. Within the first few days I made the friends that I will probably have for the rest of my life. Daniela and the team make it known from the beginning that you can go to them for absolutely anything and it was so comforting to know that I had program mentors there for me. My course was so much fun and going to FUA was one of the highlights of my whole trip. I was there when covid restrictions were still in place and it couldn’t have been more perfect. If you’re second guessing signing up, here’s your sign to 100% go for it because it will be an experience you will never forget.

Many people wouldn't choose to go abroad in a pandemic, but SAI makes it all worth it. I have no regrets about my choice and I wish I could do it all over again. This was my second time studying abroad with SAI and they never fail to make you feel comfortable, prepared, and excited. I was happy with my classes, living amenities, and location. It was truly an experience of a lifetime that wouldn't be possible without the amazing staff at SAI. I would highly recommend studying abroad and most importantly, studying abroad with SAI.

I was very satisfied with my decision to study abroad through SAI. They were always available and prompt in helping out or answering questions. Because of covid, my experience was very unique in that some experiences were limited or not offered, but even still, SAI did a fine job at offering fun activities. I wouldn't change my experience for the world. SAI also hosts a variety of students from different universities and countries which is awesome in providing full cultural exposure. Daniela, Luca, and Elizabeth were all very kind and friendly as well.

This program was the perfect fit for me in every way. First, SAI. I loved SAI so much, I ended up becoming a student ambassador for their program after I came home! SAI provides students with every resource they need to be successful abroad. I had access to real people right in Florence who were always ready to help me at any moment. More than that, the classes, trips, and experiences offered by SAI were perfect opportunities to explore our city. This program was with me from start to finish and I'll never forget all that SAI did for me!

Secondly, Florence. This city is one of the most popular study abroad locations for a reason! Florence has history, art, food, culture, night life, and really everything you could want in a study abroad. The City is small enough to be walkable, but large enough to feel excited by. The train station provides easy access to anywhere in Italy (or Europe for that matter) and the Florence airport makes it easy to fly out of country too! Florentines are friendly and willing to lend a hand if you get lost, don't speak Italian, or just need some advice about where to eat dinner. When I talk about my study abroad with students who studied in other cities, Florence always reign supreme. This city is vibrant, rich in history, teeming with energy, and waiting for you to discover it. I truly believe that every person should experience Florence at least once in their lifetime!

Florence, unknowingly, was the perfect place for me-- the art, the city size, the feeling, the atmosphere. I dream daily about the food (particularly gluten-free pastries), the peaceful river at night, happening upon street musicians, and my big, beautiful apartment windows.SAI was also very helpful and provided a great program. They set up our housing, health insurance, different events and excursions (book-making workshop, cooking class, day trips to Siena, Lucca, etc.). Even in the chaos and unknowns of the beginning of the pandemic, the on-site staff was sweet, competent, and as helpful as they could be. They made the arrival process easy and made sure we were introduced to our new city through an orientation and a magnificent dinner in a palace on our first night. Having gotten cut short because of corona, I sometimes think about going abroad again and I think I would want to experience the full thing, because it seems like it would've been fantastic beyond my wildest imagination (even more than it already was).

Although my semester got cut short to two weeks, I had the best time in Milan! From the beginning, SAI and the onsite staff in Milan were supportive, welcoming, and knowledgeable on topics of visas to best pizza restaurants. Within the short time I was abroad, I met and made friendships with many other students in my program and locals that attended my University. SAI and Cattolica were supportive throughout the semester of online courses and provided resources to immerse ourselves in Italian culture virtually. The courses I took at UCSC were relevant to my major and were unique compared to traditional lectures since each week we toured a business or museum relating to the topic.

I have no regrets about choosing this program and would be quick to recommend it to a friend. SAI offered great support and amenities. My apartment was fully stocked with everything I needed. Kitchen gear, linens, etc. and maintenance requests were always met promptly. Expect living differences based on culture and routines. Wifi can be spotty. The location of my apartment was well thought out and close to my university and metro. I attended the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona in their study abroad building which was in the middle of the city. I wasn't fully aware that it was the study abroad sect of the school, so my classes were not with local students. Most of my classes were with young adults from the States. My professors were engaging and kind. I enjoyed all of my courses, from political science to art history.
SAI's Barcelona office / team was amazing and I felt safe and comfortable with the staff. They were our friends and immediate support system. We took a weekend trip to Sevilla and activities were provided almost every week (like cooking classes, hikes, and museum visits). I also was able to volunteer at a local school and work with third graders in their art class. Volunteer opportunities are always available to go along with your courses. SAI encourages each student to be independent and explore on their own but is there for any need, at every step of the way. From the application process to our farewell, I trusted SAI with all of my questions and concerns. I made fantastic friends and memories and my study abroad experience was truly so great due to SAI.

I had an amazing time! I would have ever thought that I would be able to hace the expirence of going abroad. A big plus was that it was really affordable! The people, the sites, and all the extra little things I did made this so amazing. I was very nervous just like anyone else would be, but once I got there and was comfortable with my new home. I did amazing. Even if studying for school is not your thing check out their internship programs. My roommate did that and had a blast! Barcelona will forever be a small part of home!