Program Reviews

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.

When I think about my time on the Semester Course, I keep wishing I could go back. The trip teaches you how to explore cities and what to look for in Europe's cities. However, the best apart about it is I went in with basic Art History knowledge and now know more and have seen more than I could have ever thought possible. The tutors are fantastic and some of my favorite people I have ever met. The students on my trip I still stay in contact with. Each day is something new and exciting, there was never a boring moment. There is set sessions but there is a good mix of free time too. The free days were great and allowed for downtime or having fun in the town with the other students. If I could I would do it again and it was the highlight of my Gap Year.

Choosing AHA was one of the best decisions I made for my Gap Year. The group was a perfect size, accomadations were fantastic and we were able to see Italy from a point of view. The trip did not only teach us a significant amoutn about art, architecture and history, but also about Italian culture, travel and independence. Tutors are beyond helpful and extremely knowledgable. They were also incredibly approachable and have stayed in touch even two years later. The trip is perfect for any student who wishes to explore Italy and appreciate its amazing culture and history, while forming incredible bonds with new people!

I had an excellent trip to Italy with AHA last Spring. I was taking a gap year and, even though I had not studied art history, thought it would be nice to spend some time learning about it in the best place for art history in the world: Italy! If I could rate AHA's tutors higher than a "10" I would--they were fantastic. Every single one was energetic, knowledgeable, kind, supportive, and so much more. They kept our days engaging and fun and had great suggestions for our free time. They were all experts in the cities that we were in--I wish I could take them with me whenever I visit a new place!

The only downside to this trip, is the walking.. Every day you're out exploring an italian city, seeing masterpieces and learning history that was only ever taught to me through a text book, And after the first couple of weeks you really start to feel it in your legs, or atleast i did. I would recomend bringing some comfortable shoes!
There's really nothing about this trip that i would have them change, everyday you're surrounded by interesting kids from all different backrounds, some interested in an art field, like me, and some just interested in spending 6 weeks in Italy exploring the beautiful country and making friends along the way.
The tutors are awsome, ALL OF THEM, and they really get you involved and interested in the day-to-day lessons. Some of my best memories from the trip, came after the lessons, when the whole group is out for dinner engaged in discussions with some of the most lively people youl meet, the fun never stops when you take this trip, if i could do it again i would sign up in a heartbeat.

(Typed from my iphone, sorry for spelling mistakes)