SAI Study Abroad: Florence University of the Arts (Italy)

Name: SAI Study Abroad: Florence University of the Arts (Italy)
Brand: SAI Programs
SKU: 15624
Rating: 4.94 (82 reviews)

Read 82 reviews

4.94 Rating

Leave a Review

Location

Italy
- Florence

Term

Academic Year, Fall, J-Term, Maymester, Spring, Summer

Subject Areas

Accounting Advertising Architecture Art History Business Communications Creative Writing Cultural Studies Design Economics European Studies Fashion Design Global Studies Graphic Design Health Sciences Hospitality Humanities Interior Design Liberal Arts Literature Marketing Mathematics Performing Arts Philosophy Photography Political Science Psychology Public Relations Sociology Sports Sports Science Theater Visual Arts Web Design +24

Need-based funding, Merit-based funding, General grants/scholarships, 529 Plan eligibility

Health & Safety

Learn More

View Other Details

Program Details

Program Type

Provider

Degree Level

High School Diploma Associates Bachelors

Housing

Apartment Host Family

Language

English

Pricing

Starting Price

4400

Price Details

Program cost includes tuition, housing & SAI's 360° Services

What's Included

Accommodation Activities Airport Transfers Classes Travel Insurance Wifi

Last Updated: Jun 13, 2024

Last Reviewed: Nov 07, 2024

Wish List

170 travelers are looking at this program

About Program

SAI gives students the opportunity to experience refined beauty of Renaissance Italy by studying abroad at Florence University of the Arts (FUA). FUA offers a wide range of courses in English which have been carefully planned and designed keeping with current interests and contemporary subjects including: Literature, Sciences, Business, Economics, History, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Health Sciences and more.

SAI oversees and coordinates all aspects of student enrollment, including application processing, course selection and credit, visa advising, housing, student health insurance, and transcripts. SAI also provides comprehensive student services, from the moment of application, through the on-site experience, until students return home. In addition to supporting students throughout their stay in Florence, SAI also coordinates a range of activities and excursions throughout the term, including a walking tour of historic Florence, a “survival Italian” language class, and much more!

Visit Site

Apply Now

Video and Photos

Students sitting around a table for lunch

View All Photos

Impact 🌎

Ethical Impact

SAI conducts its programs in an ethical manner in accordance with the best practices in the field of study abroad. SAI acts within the best interest of students, institutions, and partner institutions abroad. SAI maintains open communication with all stakeholders as well as respect to privacy of student data, institutional policies and procedures, and local laws and cultural practices.

Learn More

Program Highlights

Enroll in unique experiential learning courses for hands-on learning
Live among Italians in a bustling but manageable city
Enjoy SAI's 360° Services

Program Reviews

4.94 Rating

based on 82 reviews

Leave a Review

Rating Spread Study

5 rating 93.9%
4 rating 6.1%
3 rating 0%
2 rating 0%
1 rating 0%

Academics 3.9
Support 4.9
Fun 4.75
Housing 4.8
Safety 4.8

Good for Students, Foodies, Building your resume

Showing 73 - 80 of 82 reviews

I am a 38 year old redirecting my life and found a new start at FUA. Thanks to FUA, I am on my way to starting a new career with a bright future. I would recommend any student looking to travel and study abroad or anyone looking for a fresh start to try FUA program.

Study abroad is really what you make it, however, with the resources, activities, advice and various other services SAI provides, you are much more likely to make it the experience of a lifetime. There is no doubt that SAI made my time in Florence more comfortable. The staff will become your family and they really do go above and beyond to help ( they pretty much planned a week trip to Greece for me and a friend). They will help you with all your questions, problems, or concerns about being abroad that make you feel better about going off into the world. You will have bad experiences ( we lost heat/ hot water in the cold for 5 days and lost internet several times ) but really you cant avoid them, Study Abroad Italy in Florence was still the best experience of my life hands down.

What would you improve about this program?

Our room situation was not the best. We where in a very loud area and I had to sleep with headphones in.
Also I feel like I got ripped off with Student Cells, there are better plans out there.

Read my full story

Everything was great. Being a wine student in a extraordinary wine area was fantastic. If you are going to be bold and study abroad, you should study for at least 2 semesters. This will give you a chance to travel, explore, and actually learn something. Overall, my experience was great.

What would you improve about this program?

Instead of the wine career students having to complete internship hours at Ganzo for the second semester, they should be able to complete internship hours at a winery. This would create real world exclusives and practice for us students.

I had the most wonderful four months of my life in the heart of Renaissance. The art, history, food, wine, people and culture have opened my eyes to a whole new world. I can't wait to be back in Firenze! A big thank you to all the members of SAI for making our stay so comfortable and fun!

I was the first person from my college to attend an SAI program. I did not have much background on the program going in, but all SAI staff members were very helpful and made me feel very safe and informed throughout the whole process. I chose SAI: Florence for the location (a dream city), course options (I was looking for fun cultural classes, like Italian cooking!), and the fact that FUA's academic calendar still allowed my to make it home in time to walk at my graduation.

During my time in Florence, I discovered many reasons why I would (and do) recommend this program to everyone. 1) The SAI Staff has thought of everything. Part of moving to a different country is the inherent fear of the unknown, but rest assured that the SAI staff is experienced, qualified, and have already addressed the concerns you don't even know you have yet. 2) The friends I made, especially my 3 roommates, are my friends for life. Together we shared our most life-changing experiences to date. I don't know how SAI chooses housing assignments, but they sure did a great job. 3) Our apartment was better than I could have dreamed. The 4 of us girls lived on the other side of the Arno river (arguably further from the city center than most students), but I absolutely loved the residential feel of the neighborhood. We got to experience both the big-city and small-town feels Florence has to offer. Also, being further away from the Duomo meant our apartment was huge! It was un-Americanized, for which I am very thankful; the true Italian nuances to our old apartment added to the entire experience. 4) Everything is within walking distance. One of the greatest disappointments I had when coming back home was realizing I had to drive to the grocery store. I miss the little Il Centro market around the corner. 5) The extra trips and activities offered by the program allowed me to make the most of my time there. I also utilized Florence4Fun and Eruo Adventures for weekend trips and spring break. There may never be another time in your life to travel as freely as you can while studying abroad, so take advantage of every opportunity to make lasting memories.

A few difficulties I encountered: 1) For the first month I was unintentionally using fabric softener instead of laundry detergent and coffee creme instead of regular milk for my cereal. Thank goodness for Google Translate, but learning experiences like these make for great stories. 2) You can spot an American from a mile away. While I wouldn't normally advise this, try your best to blend in. 3) Like many students, I got sick a lot while abroad. But SAI connected me with a great English-speaking doctor in the city who prescribed me the same medication I could get at home. 4) If you live in Italy for more than 2 months, you will gain weight and that's okay. Please don't be like some girls in my program and try to diet while in the food capital of the world. This is your free pass - eat all the pasta and gelato you possibly can.

Choosing to study in Florence through SAI was the best decision I could have made. I absolutely recommend this program to everyone - there is no way you could regret it.

What would you improve about this program?

I would make the extra-curricular activities, such as the sports nights and workout classes, available to more people. I know space is limited but I made the closest friendships with people I was able to hang out with outside of class. Its easy to feel isolated when you are in a strange place, so creating as many opportunities to get involved is important.

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy Spring Semester 2014. I could not have asked for a better experience or program. SAI is truly amazing, there staff is the sweetest and extremely helpful, and they take you on some awesome trips as well. If you're looking to study abroad, definitely look at programs through SAI!! :)

Read my full story

SAI is a wonderful program with fantastic staff. They made the living abroad experience so easy, fun and exciting. They are super helpful throughout the entire process from the beginning application until you leave your semester abroad.

Once abroad, SAI helps plan awesome social events to meet people as well as wonderful travel excursions from Cinque Terre to Fiorentina soccer games! They are always willing to help students with individual travel and even dining suggestions.

If you are considering going abroad SAI is the one to choose! I promise you wont regret it! This experience will change your life!

What would you improve about this program?

SAI works really well with non-affliated schools to help all students have the opportunity to study abroad. I wish there was a way to expand their bounds as well as provide extension programs or even post-graduate job opportunities. Many students leave their term abroad wanting to return or possibly even relocate. I would love it if SAI worked with students wanting to seriously study/relate their field-of-study to life in Italy after school!!

Read my full story

Choosing to participate in SAI Florence for my fall semester 2012 was the best decision I have ever made. Florence is the perfect city to study abroad in, and the program allowed for a myriad of travel opportunities. The courses were extremely interesting and intellectual stimulating while not asking too much outside of the classroom in order to allow students to take full advantage of their amazing surroundings in Florence. I had some incredible teachers who inspired me to be interested in things I never knew I would like. I owe this program everything for giving me the best 4 months of my life.

What would you improve about this program?

Make History of the Mafia earlier in the day/week! This was my favorite course that I took, but it was Thursday night which caused some travel weekends to be cut short.

Questions & Answers

How much do the programs usually cost?

Our programs range in price a great deal, since they are anywhere from 3 weeks long to full semesters. You can see a snapshot of all prices on our website here: https://www.saiprograms.com/admissions-aid/costs-dates/. Please reach out to our admissions team via Live Chat on our website if you'd like more detail.

By Chiara Hutchison on June 3, 2021

How many students are there in SAI per semester in Florence?

I’ve never had study abroad before but the programs had been different than classes to be 120 but when I have my first spring semester but I’ve got different classes

By bethany ellis on May 18, 2021

See all 2 answers

How far was the school/classes away from most apartments?

Classes are within walking distance from the apartments, about 10 minutes. They are really easy to get to!

By bethany ellis on May 18, 2021

See all 5 answers

Alumni Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with verified alumni.

Why did you choose this program?

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.

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

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.

View Entire Interview

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

Spend time in the city that you are studying! Don't spend every weekend traveling.

When I arrived in Florence I was shocked to learn that my peers had been planning trips long before the semester began. I felt like I was rushed to schedule trips to other countries so I did. I booked several trips that took me to Croatia, Morocco, and small cities within Italy.

But there was a moment when I realized that I had not taken the time to learn about Florence and that leaving the city every weekend was extremely exhausting.

If I had continued to travel I would not have become a local, I would not have ventured off the beaten path, nor would I have experienced all that the city has to offer.

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

I took a total of 4 classes. Art History, Film Photography, Digital Photography, and Drawing. Each met once a week and I had them spread out for a total of 3 days. So Monday - Wednesday I had classes. Then I had off Thursday - Sunday. I spent most Thursdays doing homework and classwork, and either traveled on the weekends or explored Florence.

Florence is small for the most part. Everything is in walking distance. There is no public transportation except a bus, but it's rarely used unless you're trying to leave the city.

I lived very close to school, where I worked, and to the grocery store. So I usually grabbed a cappuccino on my way to class, walked home to make lunch, swung by the grocery store to buy dinner ingredients after my last class, and I may have finished the evening with a yoga class at a studio in town.

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

My biggest fear was that I would not like my roommates. I had never lived with anyone other than my family before going to Florence to study abroad.

I was worried they would be messy and our personalities wouldn't mesh well; however, my roommate that I was paired is now my best friend. We have visited each other several times since the trip ended and even met up in Florence a year after our study abroad.

SAI tries to pair students with people they think will live well together and if there are issues they are helpful about resolving issues and accommodating the students.

There were a few roommate problems in our apartment, but it was a good lesson on living with other people.

Is there anything you regret?

Yes! Not learning the language! Almost everyone in Florence spoke English so I never needed to learn the language. I never even tried because English was so readily available.

When I came home one of the most common questions I have been asked is "can you speak Italian now?" The answer is no! I spent an entire semester in Italy and all I can say is hello, good morning, and can I have a cappuccino. I regret not trying. Attempt the learn the language wherever you go.

Anne Morgan Carney

2017 Alum

Adam Tynan

2015 Alum

Tanyssa Behnke

Claire Shumaker

2013 Alum

Lindsey Kanter

2014 Alum

Laura Bennett

2013 Alum

Staff Interviews

These are in-depth Q&A sessions with program leaders.

Ben Strevens

Program

SAI Study Abroad: Florence University of the Arts (Italy)

Ben Strevens is the Director of Communications at SAI, and grew up visiting family in both the US and the UK. His frequent travels taught him to grow comfortably in different cultures, and he traces his interest in the field of international education to these early childhood experiences. Now a graduate of University of California Santa Cruz with degrees in both European History and Theater, when Ben is not entertaining the crowd, he can be found in the SAI office encouraging students to study abroad in Italy and England.

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

male headshot

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.

About SAI Programs

Since 1995, SAI has provided students with exceptional cultural and educational experiences abroad, offering the opportunity to enroll in some of the finest schools available to English speaking students in Europe. SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development...

Program Details

Pricing

Program Highlights

Alumni Interviews

Jessica Vass

Why did you choose this program?

What did your program provider assist you with, and what did you have to organize on your own?

What is one piece of advice you'd give to someone going on your program?

What does an average day/week look like as a participant of this program?

Going into your experience abroad, what was your biggest fear, and how did you overcome it? How did your views on the issue change?

Is there anything you regret?

Staff Interviews

Ben Strevens

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

What principles does SAI strive to achieve?

Any new exciting programs for SAI?

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?

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