Program Reviews

Right before I left home to study abroad, I was a little reluctant and nervous about moving to a completely different country where I knew no one. But once I got to Milan, I felt right at home. SAI helped so much with the transition period and my study abroad coordinator, Alicia was the best. The first day I moved into my apartment, I actually ended up getting my bag stolen along with all my money and identification cards. Alicia literally saved me that day and made sure I was okay and that I had money and everything until I could get some of it replaced. She also helped the rest of the semester go way smoother and I still keep in touch with her today. The roommates I had were also amazing - which was also something I was nervous about at the start. But we're all still super close and are planning a reunion soon to see each other. My school program at Cattolica was also fantastic! I actually ended up staying longer to attend summer courses because I found the classes so interesting and wanted to stay in Milano a little longer....which brings me to my final thought - Milan is the best city in the world, and everyone should definitely study abroad there if they get the chance!

SAI was able to provide me with the most memorable few months of my life! The people with SAI were so genuine in making my semester the best it could be. They were with me every step of the way to answer any questions I had, go to the doctor with me, give me recommendations, etc. The semester woyuld not have been the same without the SAI program and everything they do to ensure that the students are safe while abroad.

Two of the most important factors while studying abroad I find to be is being safe while also having fun. I found myself feeling both of those 99% of the time. Go on trips, step outside comfort zone, try new foods. Do it all. SAI had wonderful ladies in Barcelona that were always there for us 24/7. They took us on trips, personable, helped with anything we had questions with. Cared for us and we always told them when we were gone. They help you plan trips, give recommendations. They were wonderful in all aspects of studying abroad. The place I went that I didn't feel safe was Morocco. If you choose to go there make sure you're with a larger group of people, stick together, and stay in a safe place. Every other place in Europe I went I was always comfortable and felt safe.

SAI made my experience what it was- beautiful and memorable. I learned so much about the culture while still remaining comfortable with my own cultural ideals. My housing situation was great, I had a gorgeous flat and an amazing roommate. I made some forever friends along with forever memories. I have considered going back abroad, a thought that did not occur prior to my experience abroad with SAI.

SAI provides amazing cultural and educational experiences for study abroad students across the globe. I was nervous about traveling to a foreign country alone and being out of my element. Fortunately, the SAI program was always there for me and was a safety net for my abroad experience. Prior to my travels, SAI was always there to answer any of my questions and helped properly prepare me to successfully travel to Italy. When I was abroad, SAI offered so many opportunities that I took advantage of such as day trips and cooking classes. My time abroad would not have been the same without SAI and I am so happy and pleased with my choice to study abroad through SAI.

I spent the fall of 2017 studying abroad in Florence, Italy with SAI. I can't thank their staff enough for helping me before I arrived, during my semester and even now that I am back at home. SAI provided me with the best housing, classes and trips I could have asked for. I always felt that I had people to turn to if I had questions or concerns during my time in Florence. I felt that SAI truly cared about each of their students and wanted us to have the time of our lives. I would recommend SAI and Florence to anyone looking into studying abroad.

I loved SAI because of the programs they offered while abroad, it really made me feel like part of the community and I was able to get closer to other students participating in the program. The programs were always free which was an added bonus. While abroad, like many other students I spent a lot of money mostly on food and travel. But I do not regret any of it. I am happy with the trips that I went on and wish I could go back to Italy to eat all the delicious flavors that I discovered. Being back from abroad I realized that I want to continue my schooling in the global communications field and I hope to do it abroad. I had such an amazing experience in one semester that I wish to extend it in years to come.

SAI provided me with an incredible experience to encounter culture in a unique way. My accommodations were better than I could have dreamed of: a location on a popular street near the city center with beautiful views and a great amount of space. The classes I took at Florence University of the Arts were captivating and challenging. I was learning about things that fueled my passions and counted towards my degree. My landscape photography course was taught by an accomplished Italian photographer who was eager to share his vast knowledge. The SAI staff gave us optimal opportunities to travel locally and experience underrepresented beauties of Tuscany. This decision to study abroad with SAI in Florence helped me better understand what it means to live fully and simply. I now want to slow down and experience life around me and the cultures surrounding. I can say that I truly appreciate long dinners with good company and have increased my patience and flexibility from my travels.

Studying abroad has helped me realize that I want to be able to send myself back to Italy. To be able to go back and revisit my favorite places from when I lived there and explore all the places I haven't yet been. I was blessed to be able to go once, but I cannot wait until I go back. I completely fell in love with the city of Florence. One of my all-time favorite memories from studying abroad was one of the smaller moments there. As it was getting closer to Christmas, Piazza Santa Croce set up the best Christmas markets I have ever seen. Even though I was getting homesick for California, walking through the little market and buying gifts for my family back home will stick with me forever. SAI really helped me in achieving this dream that I have had to go to Italy since I was so young, the experience was truly everything I could have imagined and more.

Studying abroad in Florence was the best host city I could have ever picked. I loved every moment living in such a lively and beautiful place. It was incredible to take classes in the heart of the city and learn about the culture by exploring and interacting with Italian people. SAI Programs was a wonderful program to study with. They were beyond helpful and kind in the class selection process and answering any questions I had while in Florence. They provided cooking classes, bookmaking workshops, day trips, weekend trips, soccer games, and more. They always had something fun to do and genuinely enjoyed working with the students. They were the perfect program for me and I could not have asked for a better study abroad experience.