Program Reviews

The Semester Course was truly the highlight of my gap year and ever since returning home I have wished I could do it all over again! This unique experience is an immersion into European culture, and introduced me to everything from art history to good food and wine in amazing locations. I shared my three months with a group of passionate, like-minded people from all over the world whose ideas and continuing friendship contributed to making the trip unforgettable. The relaxed learning environment with incredibly friendly and knowledgable tutors not only provided an excellent foundation for further study in any discipline, but encouraged an appreciation for visual culture that is enduring. The course changed my perception of the world and I cannot go a day without recalling an anecdote or fact learnt!

Highlights: olive picking, italian classes in Monti, cooking classes in Monti, the wine tasting night in London was a lot of fun

Difficulties: there should be more free time, like for dinner and maybe during the day, some of the hotels did not have great wifi so it was difficult to keep in touch with people back home

I first went on the Northern course with AHA, taking us to Venice, Florence and Rome. Whilst these destinations make any trip inspiring, the organisation AHA provides alongside the immense knowledge and vivacity of the tutors made the experience simply invaluable. Every day was dense with activity, but we also found relief in enjoying exquisite Italian food and wine with our new friends and tutors.

Whilst there's a lot of fun and food to be had I learnt a lot at the same time. The experience without a doubt boosted my History of Art Cambridge Pre University grade and in general really ignited my passion for History of Art in a lasting way.

When I signed up to do another year (on the Southern course) my only fear was that it could not possibly live up to my previous experience - I was very wrong about that.

I definitely had a bit of skepticism as I flew over to London to start the trip. However, I can honestly say Art History Abroad was one of the greatest experiences of my life. The bond between fellow gappers and the amazing knowledge and welcoming knowledge of the tutors quickly became apparent. By the end of the trip a sort of melancholy sets in that it will soon end. But, the knowledge and friends I gained during this trip has been invaluable to me. I'd recommend this trip for anyone, no matter their intended career path.

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.