I chose this program because I knew I wanted to be in Florence, and they offered classes that sounded interesting to me. I went for 7 weeks during the summer of 2014. I took the cultural introduction week, which I highly recommend because it was a perfect transition into life abroad in a smaller-group setting, and it gives you a feel for the culture before settling down into one place. Once in Florence, I took the history of Italian renaissance and wine culture in Italy, both of which I really enjoyed. Both classes had engaging field trips, and in my wine class, we had a tasting in almost every class! As far as outside of school, I became really close with other people in my program and also my roommates. We traveled almost every weekend since I only had classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. I went not only places within Italy like Rome and the Amalfi Coast, but also to Prague and Croatia (definitely check out Bus2Alps for easy and cheap weekend trips). Overall I had the summer of my life, and I would 100% recommend going abroad with SAI.

Studying abroad in Florence through SAI was the best decision I have made! The staff was incredibly helpful and the school building locations were in easy to find areas. SAI was there to make the study abroad experience even more incredible by taking us on excursions through other parts of Italy and aiding students in becoming immersed with the community. If I have the chance to study abroad again through SAI I would definitely do it all over again! Great city, great staff, and an overall amazing experience!

SAI does a really fantastic job of helping you plug into the local community. They love Florence and love helping students discover it. Whether you need travel tips, local hangouts, or your lightbulbs changed on your impossibly high ceilings, they're there for you.

Studying abroad with SAI Florence was the most amazing and memorable experience of my life. I traveled to many countries and also had the opportunity to explore Italy. I loved exploring Florence the most because there were always new places to go and sites and museums to visit. I am from the suburbs and also go to a small college so I am not used to city life, but I absolutely loved exploring on my own and through this I became more comfortable traveling and doing things independently. I did travel with SAI on one weekend trip which was very organized and informative. Through studying abroad, I did meet many other American students who became travel buddies and lifelong friends (some of which were my roommates). I did appreciate that SAI did set up gatherings for students to get to know each other. I only went to one or two, but it was still nice to know that it was an option. I could literally write pages about how incredible my experience was in Florence (and I did keep a journal and blog which is useful). I am so grateful that I had the opportunity to go and explore other cultures and I highly recommend SAI to anyone considering going abroad!

I knew I was going to love every second of study abroad going into it, but I never anticipated how attached I would become with Florence by the time I left. SAI had a lot to do with me feeling so comfortable in a foreign city. My apartment was in one of the best locations, a few streets over from Santa Croce, and happened to be an old Palace. The walls and arched ceilings were covered with orginal fresco paintings which made it seem like I really took a step back in time. When i look back on it, I can't believe I got to live in such a beautfiul historic building. In general, SAI was extremely accommodating and gave a great introduction to Florence with recommendations on travel information, where to buy groceries, shops and places to eat out.

Something that I strongly recommend if you study with SAI is take advantage of their free excursions offered. These include weekend trips but also day trips-for example, a spa day or a visit to the chocolate festival. There are limited spots so make sure you sign up early! I still reminisce about the Giglio Island trip that was absolutely stunning, truly one of Italy's hidden gems. I also loved the wine tasting trip that was located in the hills of Tuscany.

I really wish I could experience it all over again for the first time. It's insane how fast your time over there goes by. A year later and I still think about it every single day. Luckily, I documented my four months in Florence so I wouldn't forget a single moment. From pictures to videos but also by saving little everyday things for my scrapbook (From the San Lorenzo market, of course!). Everything from the culture, food, shopping and people made me fall in love with my new home. So much, I tried to extend my stay!

From the moment I chose to study abroad with SAI, they offered nothing but the most excellent help and guidance. They helped me through every step of the study abroad preparation process. At Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Italy, I experience a type of education that had just enough familiarity to the way the subjects were taught in America, while also having a different international feel. SAI also put on many non-academic trips that offered a chance to see more of Europe and to build bonds with the other SAI students. Even if you don't choose to study at FUA, I would definitely choose to study abroad with SAI!

Florence is the greatest, smallest largest city. Coming from a New Yorker who likes her cities I can assure you Florence is where I felt right at home. It's not too big and overwhelming but not too small so you feel trapped. There is always something to do whether it is doing the touristy sight seeing attractions or coming upon your new favorite restaurant or even just walking/biking off the beaten path. I will never forget biking across the Pointe Vechio, through the gorgeous Bobli gardens and eating my way through Florence. My favorite pass time was grabbing a small espresso in a Piazza or a Gusta Pizza and sitting in the square listening to the Italians speak to one another and watching all of Florence walk by. I felt safe and I felt comfortable but most of all I felt myself becoming excited about becoming an adult in the world.
Somethings to remember:
The Duomo will forever mesmerize you; don't question it just let it happen. It's stunning and can be seen from most streets so when in doubt look for the big DOME.
Don't be afraid to look up. The art and architecture throughout Florence is some of the most oldest pieces of work that are some of the influences to great work today.
School is fun. I had some of the best and favorite classes while I was studying abroad in Florence at FUA Florence University of the Arts because we were learning not just in a class room but going on field trips and seeing what we are learning first hand.
Studying abroad was an experience of a lifetime where I was getting an education and expanding my knowledge while also learning more about myself and gaining a greater sense of independence. I can only hope more students will take this leap and see how studying abroad can change your life.

I honestly had a great semester! SAI plans a lot of excursions and really want you to get involved in the community and enjoy your time there. The variety of classes is great and they really try to take advantage of the location with lots of trips/tastings/sight seeing/museum visits/etc. I enjoyed going with a provider program and meeting friends from all over the country/world. I had never really considered Italy for study abroad before, but I'm so glad I picked it. It's the perfect blend of history, art, culture, language, and food! Florence in particular feels like it's straight out of a story book. The city itself isn't very "nature-y" but there's lots of green to be found if you look in the right places. The SAI office in the US is very helpful in the planning and preparation part of study abroad - I'd give them a 9/10, whereas I would give the staff actually in Florence and 6 or 7/10.