I studied abroad in Florence, Italy at Florence University of the Arts with SAI.

I choose SAI because they offered classes in art. I am an art major and wanted to make sure that the classes I took would count toward upper-level courses in my major. What better place to study art than in the birthplace of the Renaissance?

Also, SAI was one of the cheaper options as far as third-party study abroad options go. While it was less money than other options, it was still expensive. That being said, they offered so many scholarships. I was awarded a $5,000 scholarship which covered most of the program costs. In return, I had to work in the study abroad office 5 hours a week which was a really great experience and something I can put on my resume.

SAI was very helpful. They send you SO much information before you go on your trip and it's all SUPER accurate. Make sure to read what they send you.

They dealt with most of the logistics like when to arrive, getting you to your apartment the first day, helping you get acclimated to the city, arranging your class schedule, assisting with transfer credits after the program ends, and they even planned some day and weekend trips for us that were included in our program fees.

My university, Georgia State University, was not helpful at all. It is a big school and they focus more on university programs as opposed to third-party program providers so I was very much alone in the application and scholarship processes.

You usually have to get all sorts of paperwork signed and approved to study abroad for transfer credits and financial aid. You have to be on top of that paperwork, and make sure to keep copies. Because my school lost my paperwork!

Also, you have to book your own flights, but SAI tells you when to arrive and the dates you can leave.

Did YOU study abroad?! If so, where and what inspired you to go?

Ben: I did not, in fact, study abroad! As I mentioned, I spent a lot of time in the UK as a kid, so international travel was a part of my upbringing. In lieu of a formal study abroad experience, however, I took a year off between sophomore and junior year at UCSC and went traveling independently. I did a sort of “Grand Tour of Europe” with my backpack: England, France, Spain, Italy, Austria, Germany, Belgium and, finally, Scotland. It was an amazing experience and I know for a fact that it helped put my feet on the personal/ professional path that I walk to this day.

What principles does SAI strive to achieve?

Ben: SAI has provided focused learning experiences in Italy since 1995 and in London since 2009. SAI accomplishes its mission by providing high quality academics as well as a comprehensive and personalized approach to services from the first contact with each student. Through extensive pre-departure advising and superior on-site services and programming, SAI aims to enhance cultural understanding for every participant. Each program focuses on the historical, cultural, contemporary and natural factors that make its location unique while offering the structure, services and advising for students to create self-designed programs of study that meet their needs and objectives.

Any new exciting programs for SAI?

Ben: We recently added a brand new partner in Turin, so we’re currently working to promote that program. Turin is an amazing city with world-class art, food and culture; not to mention ski slopes! We anticipate a great deal of student interest!

With SAI, students will develop an awareness of their personal identities and how they relate to their identity within the global society.

A recent report suggested that up to 50% of incoming freshman intended to study abroad during college, but the reality is only 3% actually do. What’s going on here?

Ben: Well, there are many possible causes for this disparity. Study abroad is an exciting prospect for most students, but there are any number of hurdles that must be overcome on the road to making it a reality. The most common among these are financial and academic. Study abroad can be expensive (though there is financial aid available), and certain majors are not really encourage to take courses overseas; including nursing and engineering majors. I should mention that these trends are changing and I believe we’ll see a more demographically and academically diverse cohort of U.S. students studying abroad in the years to come.

How do you think study abroad and international education will change over the next 10 years?

Ben: One need only glance over SAI's detailed goals and objectives to get a better picture of the thorough and top-notch study abroad experience he/she will receive through SAI. With partner schools in Roma, Turin, Florence, Milan, Siena, Sorento, and London, SAI will help students gain a wealth of professional skills, all while cultivating a sense of personal and global responsibility.