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

SAI was the best program at our university in Florence. We always had activities to attend that were included in our tuition. We could go to cooking classes, bind books, take day trips, and more. The onsite staff was always keeping us updated with current events and happenings in the city. You can always stop by their office to ask questions or just talk. They are so helpful with anything you need or ask for. Florence itself is such a perfect city for study abroad as well. The people are so welcoming and kind and the city is just big enough to have so many things to do without feeling overwhelmed. The museums and historical sites are stunning as well as some of the landscape if you take yourself a little bit outside of the city center. Overall I couldn’t have asked for a much better experience studying abroad in a different country.

To say I had the time of my life during my year abroad would be an understatement. Before going abroad, I came from a small town, small college, wasn't much of a risk taker or adventurer. After settling into my new life in Florence, Italy, it was all the cliches and more— the amount of personal growth that occurred was off the charts. Traveling to different countries on weekends, trying new foods, meeting new people, living alone in a foreign country, even the process of navigating pharmacies and the doctor's when I was sick, all these were things I couldn't imagine doing on my own before I left. SAI was great in every aspect, from providing help when I really needed it (even sending me with a translator when I had to visit the ER) to setting up social and cooking gatherings with other students (completely free!). I had a great time during my year abroad and deeply encourage everyone to take one too.

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.