Program Reviews

Best AHA trip Ive taken by far. Felt like it lasted ages even though it was like a week and a half. Theo was amazing, he knew all the stuff, seems really smart, and it was awesome that it was just the two of us. He’s really engaging when he’s lessoning, and it felt special being in Berlin since he clearly loves that city. I also loved that in addition I was able to see Ed, Angie, and Holly in Naples, and Im so glad I got to teach a bit of the Museum. It was also cool being in Paris solo and exploring the city on my own. All of this combined, this was an amazing travel abroad experience overall, and I don't think I could make a better trip if I tried. Love u guys

I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who fancies learning about art, whether you’re a complete beginner or have studied Art History before! The tutors were amazing and I made some very close friends!
You shouldn’t worry if you’re a solo traveller - everyone in my group had joined on their own and it encourages you to make new friends! This was one of my favourite trips on my gap year as you get to explore such a wide variety of art (sculpture, buildings, paintings etc.) with unique perspectives from passionate tutors.

AHA was one of the best travelling experiences I have ever had and I recommend it to any gap year student who is willing to give it a go. The trip gave me access to so many places and opportunities I wouldn’t have thought to try and each one was as enriching as the last. The tutorials were fascinating and the small group size meant the support felt very personal and safe. A few cons would be the expense extra to the initial cost that covers food etc. I also think the course could’ve included more foodie aspects. Additionally, although I was grateful for the packed schedule, there were little rest days which meant exhaustion hit quite hard sometimes. You also get very little alone time. Overall it was an incredible opportunity I would recommend to anyone. Met some of my best friends on this course.

Going on AHA was the best decision I made during my gap year. The tutors are so wonderful and the teaching was really engaging and interesting. I still can’t believe that we had a private tour of the Vatican and Saint Mark’s Basilica. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.

Some people had studied art history before, some hadn’t, but I think being with a group of people with similar interests really helped us to bond. I was quite nervous at first, especially when committing to a 6 week course with a bunch of strangers, but the way that the course is designed meant we all got to know each other very quickly and it didn’t take long to feel comfortable around one another. I have made some of my best friends for life, who I still talk to every day. Do this programme, you will not regret it!!!!

AHA is the one gap year program that truly allows students to immerse in culture and learn powerful lessons in history and life. Tutors form real, lasting connections with both students and the history being taught. I did AHA the fall semester of my gap year in 2021 and know the friendships I made will last me through life. The program completely changed me. I met some of the most influential people in the field of art history, saw history in a way I never could have previously, and was allowed to experience the true culture of every place we traveled to. I saw the Sistine chapel completely empty at 6 in the morning, ate incredible meals in a small vineyard outside of San Gimignano, saw the ceiling of San Marco Basilica light up at night, and shared unforgettable conversation with friends and locals. I’m left with friends who are family, tutors I can always reach out to, and a confidence that only could have been drawn from living the way I did. The people involved with AHA are wonderfully unique and intelligent individuals, and any person willing to be open to the full experience will grow.

It is challenging to articulate the extent to which Art History Abroad shaped my gap year and the time after it. If you are ready to absorb as much knowledge, culture, and joy as possible, Art History Abroad is the program for you. The tutors are excited about their disciplines and even more excited to share it with the students. The friends I’ve made are still some of my closest friends, and hold such a special place in my life. From private tours of galleries in London, sketching in the hilly landscape of Tuscany, and spending days walking through Rome’s history-steeped streets, it is truly an experience to treasure for a lifetime.

Choosing to go on this 6-week program was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

From the start, I knew I would love the experience as even my chat with Cressida to gather information about this specific program was lovely. Cressida and Nick are some of the kindest people I have met. I haven’t even touched on the tutors.

Something I love about AHA is that the tutors are somewhat around the ages of the students. In my opinion, this allows for greater learning as students can feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts, and the best learning environment is one where you feel at ease, respected, and heard. All the tutors on this trip were wonderful and very caring. For example, Angelica Fenzi (one of the tutors) took me to the clinic when I got sick and the long wait didn’t seem so long with the genuine conversations we had. I appreciate the time and effort put in by each one of the tutors; they really are incredible. Just make sure you are prepared to deal with the playful banter and possible head “pats”/“smacks” (shoutout to Ed Hands). It was just as fun getting to know them as it was getting to know my peers.

Speaking of, my group was great. Everyone got along well and I made some friendships that are irreplaceable. Movie nights and dinners out. Dancing and taking silly videos. What could be better? The only downside was saying goodbye. It’s been two days and I miss them so much, but we keep in touch!

Now, onto the art and history finally. I gained so much knowledge from this trip and my eyes were opened to a different way of looking at art and the history behind artwork, architecture, peoples, etc. There was never a dull moment and the conversation was always flowing. There are no lectures; instead, it’s a constant discussion and sharing of facts, ideas, and general thoughts. The things we saw cannot be put into words. There was so much beauty and history behind everything we passed. Visiting these places is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Even if you aren’t planning on doing something in the future related to these subjects, like myself, I really recommend this program regardless. I loved the fact that I was able to explore an interest of mine before going down another path in college.

I feel truly honored to have gone on this trip and am so grateful to AHA for this life-changing experience. Not only did I learn so much, but I gained confidence and relationships that will surely last.

These are the truths I came away from my course with:
The art I saw on this course pales in comparison to the people I got to see it all with. Every church I walked through was only divine because of those who taught me to look up and smile at the stars on the ceiling. The joy in art is allowing yourself to be moved, even if it means crying in crowded galleries. Living a good life revolves around allowing yourself to love those around you, and letting them love you. Strangers you have very little in common with can become your most beloved friends.

AHA gave me a million gifts, but these are the ones most precious to me. This course is beyond worth it.

AHA was an incredibly valuable experience for my education and growth as a person. I was given so many exciting opportunities throughout the semester, and ended up with not only a greater appreciation of art and culture, but some of my best friends. The access to the European art world this program provides is unmatched. I was able to experience so much that I would have never thought possible. Additionally, there was a great balance of learning and fun. I found we had the freedom to explore cities on our own and experience the world as young adults, while also being given plenty opportunities to learn. I would recommend AHA to anyone looking for a different kind of educational semester centered around immersion and first hand experiences.

Art History Abroad surpassed all of my already high expectations. As an introvert, I was worried that I would be overwhelmed with the fast paced nature and social elements of the course. I was happily proved wrong. Instead of being overwhelmed, I became more comfortable and outgoing. The course is perfect for people who love learning without the pressure of exams. I still find myself using the skills I was taught, even now that I have returned home. An experience like this does not end when it’s over; it stays with you. I cannot recommend this program enough. Not just from an interest in travel and art history standpoint, but also the impact it had on my self discovery.