SAI Programs

If you are thinking about studying abroad with SAI, DO IT! They were so helpful with getting me prepared before I left, while I was there, and even once I returned home! 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! All of the FUA professors were passionate about what they taught, new me by name and were so accommodating and kind! Florence is a wonderful and beautiful city that I would love to visit again. I am very thankful for my time there and highly recommend studying abroad with SAI.

To any student who’s even contemplating studying abroad: Go for it! SAI will change your life in amazing ways you never would have expected. Studying through SAI at Florence University of the Arts in Spring 2025 was the best and most memorable experience of my life! In just four and a half months, I stepped outside of my comfort zone and into a world filled with new languages, cultures, friendships, and adventures I never imagined possible. Whether I was exploring Italy on day trips provided by SAI, learning to cook regional dishes in class, or traveling over the weekends to European countries, every week brought something meaningful and exciting into my life and if I could have, I definitely would have stayed longer than just one semester in Florence, Italy. What made this experience even more special was the constant support that my roommates and I received from SAI throughout the entire year; they supported me with the initial application process up until the day I returned home…and even now, months later, other opportunities with this program await me. At first, I was overwhelmed and nervous before studying abroad, but the staff made everything feel manageable and exciting, and they were always just an email or phone message away whenever I had a question or needed guidance. The SAI staff would even show up at our door if we needed anything while living and learning abroad! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and SAI makes it not only possible, but also truly unforgettable so I without a doubt recommend this program to anyone interested in studying abroad!

I truly recommend SAI's amazingly seamless study abroad program. SAI prepares you for your adventure before departing and provides support through every step of the way (if you need it). I really admired the SAI on-site staff - they led with authenticity, were very helpful, and always made sure we knew their offices were available to us for anything and everything. SAI also provides program enhancements like cultural experiences (cooking classes, day trips, etc.) for FREE which is just incredible and provides amazing opportunities for foundational friendships to form! The Global Leadership Certificate is another enhancement that makes this program unique - it allows you to (if you choose) complete a number of community service hours and reflect often on how your experience abroad is helping you grow as a global citizen. I chose to complete the Global Leadership Certificate and am so grateful I did - I met wonderful locals during community service and gained a unique perspective by reflecting on my time abroad. Rome/Trastevere in itself is an amazing place to study - it is rich with culture, many locals, and a bustling yet home-y feel. By studying there and befriending SAI friends, locals, and JCU students, I grew immensely and became more spontaneous, appreciative, present, and joyful. If I could say one thing that really captures this experience, it would be this: SAI has great resources and runs a seamless program, but what really makes it memorable is the heart put into every part of the experience. That's what leaves me still thinking about it and so grateful for every moment.