Would 1000% do this program again in a heartbeat. I miss it every single day!

To any student who is even contemplating studying abroad: go for it. Studying abroad with SAI at Florence University of the Arts for a full 15-week semester was one of the most meaningful and unforgettable experiences of my life and if I could have stayed longer, I absolutely would have. Florence University of the Arts was an incredible place to study and learn. The courses were engaging, hands-on, and deeply connected to Italian culture, which made the academic experience feel immersive and unique. Learning in a city so rich in history, art, and culture added so much depth to every class. Academically, my experience was unlike any class I had taken before. My first course, Florentine Art Walks, met for three hours each class period and was spent entirely walking through the city and Florence itself was our classroom. Other courses included cooking labs, tastings, field trips, and hands-on projects focused on Italian food, wine, and culture. All of my courses transferred directly back to my home university and counted toward my degree requirements, which made the experience both enriching and practical.

This was my first time living abroad, and no two days were ever the same. Between SAI day trips and Viva Experiences included in the program, hands-on classes, and weekend travel, every week brought something new and meaningful. Some of my favorite moments came from SAI’s Viva Experiences, like touring the marble quarries in Carrara, while others came from adventures I planned independently with friends I met abroad, such as pasta making classes, wine tastings, vineyard tours and even driving vespas through the Tuscan hills. I also loved the small, everyday experiences like grabbing a cappuccino with a classmate, cooking dinner in our apartment with my 5 roommates, or exploring local markets and the city in general. I met so many incredible people from all over the world, many of whom I still keep in touch with today. What truly set this experience apart was the consistent support from SAI. From pre-departure preparation and orientation to ongoing check-ins while abroad, SAI was always there for health concerns, safety issues, and even random travel questions. Having an in-person SAI office in Florence that students could easily stop into made a huge difference and knowing there was always someone local available for guidance and reassurance helped me feel confident and cared for throughout the semester.

Studying abroad with SAI didn’t just shape my semester but it completely changed how I think about my future. Before going abroad, I wasn’t entirely sure what direction I wanted to take with my major. Living and learning in Florence helped me gain clarity, confidence, and a new perspective on my education and career goals, which I am incredibly grateful for. I first learned about SAI through my university’s Education Abroad Office, and because the program is affiliated with my university (as well as many others), I felt confident in my decision from the start. I will absolutely be recommending SAI to anyone considering studying abroad!

My school, Florence University of the Arts, has an Italian Family Club. Where if selected you get matched with a local Firenze family and can spend weekly time with them. I was matched with a wonderful family who showed me what their daily life looked like. They invited me to their home for dinners, taught me how to make carbonara, took me to both of their Nonna's houses, showed me around the area they lived in, and invited me to spend Easter with them. They helped me practice my Italian and were so encouraging. Nonna Lucia was the first to tell me that the new Pope was American. She was so excited to share the news with me and talk to me about this.

By studying abroad I gained so much confidence that I knew I had in me but hadn't unlocked yet. I studied the Italian language, and am proud of how much I learned. I took a class on the Italian-American Experience where I learned about Italian history, the immigration process, did a research project on my family's immigration from Italy to the United States and found supporting documents along the way.

Each member of the SAI on-site staff was wonderful and so helpful. They would recommend things for me to do, and I got to know some personally from attending the "Viva Experiences" included in the program. I went on a day drip to San Gimignano, made a leather wallet, a local food tour, gold foiling class, and much more! The SAI staff was always there for me when I needed them! I couldn't recommend SAI and studying at FUA enough!

Choosing SAI programs for my semester abroad in Florence was truly the best decision I could have made. They made the entire process smooth from pre departure to getting settled in all the way until returning to the US. I felt so supported and knew I always had people to go to if I ever needed guidance. The staff are so welcoming and truly welcomed us in with open arms, part of the reason I felt at home so quickly. I left Florence with a second home and people I know I can always count on no matter what and I cannot wait to return and visit one day.

Staff is so beyond friendly and helpful. You are not a number to them, but a real person they are here for. Any problems you have they will help you. They are extremely helpful with visas, housing, and pre departure as well! They truly want to make sure you succeed and will help you with anything. The program is very organized and laid out perfectly. Classes were super interesting and a good balance. They did not take away from my free time in my home country. Everyone should study abroad if possible, and do it with SAI!

It was such a fun experience, SAI truly provided such incredible support to make sure every student is safe and having fun the whole time, from pre-departure to returning home. Would highly recommend to everyone thinking of studying abroad! Every question that I had, before, during, and after my experience going abroad, was always answered quickly and efficiently. The guides they had to prepare you to go abroad were so incredibly helpful and ensured you got everything done when you need to. I never once felt like I was on my own during my experience, there was always someone on staff able to help in case you need anything.

When signing up to study abroad, I was unaware of how much it would make an impact on my life. When choosing a program, I went with what my advisor said and didn't do much research on my own; it was kind of a toss-up. Now, I always thank my university advisor because I don't think my experience studying abroad could be better. I was the student intern for SAI, and I LOVED all of the employees within SAI. They made activities so much more fun and were there to help with anything. The community at SAI was genuinely like no other. They spoke English, and they provided a home away from home feel. My roommates and I attended weekly activities through the program such as pizza making, wine tasting, or food tours! I can't get over how much I would suggest this program to someone looking to study abroad.

There aren't enough words in the dictionary to describe how good of an experience I had during my year abroad with SAI. I totally stepped out of my comfort zone, met so many new people, and had a lot of time for self reflection. It sounds like a cliche, but I very much felt like the amount of growth and evolution I saw during my time abroad was unlike any other time in my life. SAI provided a lot of opportunities to me through group outings and activities, and they were by my side when I was navigating the Italian healthcare system. I loved my apartment and location—right on the Arno—and I felt super safe in Florence.

To put it simply: studying abroad changed my life. The thought of going abroad for the first time can be really scary and intimidating but I promise you it will be worth it. I learned how to appreciate the small moments, connect with the local community, and most importantly I gained a better understanding of who I was as an individual. Studying abroad truly changed my perspective and I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to call Florence my home. Through it all SAI remained a helping hand and the moments and memories made in Florence will be cherished forever.