Program Reviews

The course can absolutely not be recommended enough. From an academic point of view, it strengthens cultural knowledge not just of art but of the history, economics and social structure of the Renaissance and other periods. Crucially, this information is presented in an entirely approachable way - learning is a joy on this course, not an obligation.

Deep friendships are formed, much fun is had, and all in the background of beautiful, awe inspiring Italy!

While travelling through Italy I found new loves for the art we studied, but also new friends and invaluable mentors in the form of the FANTASTIC AHA tutors. I cannot find a flaw in any of them. I loved this course so much that I went on the 6 week Gap course this year. Anyone with any interest in art, architecture, literature, music, theology, history... will find this more than enlightening and the best education in these areas you can find. I recommend it to everyone I know with gap years ahead of them. I found that we students of all kinds, who all had loads to add, and I know others who have done more than one AHA course! It's so worth the time and money for anyone looking for a great way to expand their ideas about the Renaissance, the history of art in general, or indeed anything Italian. Sign up and see for yourself!

I will not/cannot ever forget the wonderful experiences I have had with AHA. The tutors are flawless and individual, giving their own perspectives onto the art and architecture of Italy, but also the other aspects of culture that surrounds AHA students, like food, music, religion, and fun! Six weeks of utter joy!

Simply put, AHA changed my life! I went into the course with a vague and very shallow interest in the History of Art, but came out 6 weeks later with what I feel will be a lifelong passion for the subject. Everything on the course is, to paraphrase Mary Poppins, practically perfect in every way; from the fantastic art and architecture we saw, to the unbelievably delicious meals we ate, to the charming (and sometimes brilliantly eccentric) hotels we stayed in.

However, what really makes Art History Abroad standout is the quality of the tuition and the boundless, infectious enthusiasm and energy that its tutors have for the subject material that they are teaching. One is also treated as a peer, rather than a student, so no question is too stupid to ask, no answer too obvious! As well as being great teachers, all of AHA's tutors are genuinely lovely people and cannot do enough to help you in any way possible. This is so much the case that even 3 years on from the course, I'm still in frequent touch with many of the tutors from my course.

Thanks AHA for the gap year experience of a lifetime.

The two-week course I went on with AHA took me to Venice, Florence and Rome, with a day-trip to Padua along the way. All the tutors were great fun as well as being knowledgeable on all the art and the cities. We were never left without something to do, so we saw all the sites by day and then went out by night. If you want to see all the Italian wonders you've only dreamed about and learn more about them and have an amazing time doing it, AHA is the perfect company to do it with. My only regret is not having gone on one of their longer courses.

The course was fantastic. The tutors were incredibly knowledgable and fun, making the trips to galleries/churches etc very enjoyable whilst also absorbing extensive information. The accommodation was excellent and always in the best locations. The tutors know all the great local restaurants so the food couldn't be better. I have gained lasting friends and I have learned a great deal about art, and a thirst to learn more.

AHA is an incredible company - great tutors, great local knowledge, great at engaging all the participants.

I went on the 6 week course at the start of my gap year and the experience confirmed in my mind that History of Art was the right degree for me to pursue at university. It really reinforced what is so wonderful about the subject with such a comprehensive and captivating tour of art throughout Italy.

I haven't met a single person who went on AHA that has not absolutely loved it.

The AHA gap year was incredible amounts of fun. The tutors and all who go are wonderful and nearly 3 years on, I still keep in touch with many of them. To see so much of Italy, learn so much about Italian culture and have so much fun all at the same time is a really rare opportunity I think.

Though you are constantly learning new things, the pace is very relaxed. Visits to churches/museums are interspersed with long, delicious lunches.

Had I not done the course, not only would I have missed out on an amazing experience with wonderful people but my academic and career ambitions would be entirely different. The course ignited a real love of History of Art in me, so much so that it has heavily influenced my paper choices for my History degree, subsequent work experience I have undertaken, and I am now about to apply for an MA in Art History.

Regardless of your background, I can't think of anyone who would not enjoy and get something out of the AHA gap year course. It is so different to much of what else is offered by 'gap year' companies in that it is truly inspiring - I really can't think of a better way of describing it. I would recommend it to all!

I genuinely don't know how to put how much I love AHA into words. The 6 weeks I spent with AHA were some of the best weeks of my life. I learnt so much Art Historical knowledge which is already helping me with my university course. The tutors teach in such enthusiastic and inspiring way. I made best friends for life and had memories I will remember forever. Anyone thinking of doing this course I cannot tell you how valuable it was and how much fun I had. I would be more than happy to give further feeback/ answer any questions to any of those thinking of doing this course. Defiantly a once in a lifetime trip!

The program helped expand my understanding of European art. I went into the program having studied much of the material but never fully realizing its depth. The course also gave me an opportunity to immerse myself in multiple cultures in the span of a short time. It gave an exposure to a lifestyle which I still seek out today. I would absolutely choose this course to begin my gap year if I had to do so again.