Interior Design Study Abroad Programs in Milan, Italy

This is my second trip with this program I did the Japan last year and Italy this year also intend to go again next year and I loved the different classes there were I took cuisines and art history we made many different kinds of Italian food and went to different places almost every day there were also many different day trips on the weekends that were amazing to go on and ending in Rome and seeing the colosseum and learning about it was a great way to end the trip and the staff was really amazing and accommodating with the need of the students

I learned so much on this trip through the art history course and photography course. I wasn’t that interested in many of the art made in periods such as renaissance, but I learned so much about them and got quite good at identifying them. I similarly wasn’t that knowledgeable about Christianity and especially Catholicism (at least more than the average American) but I learned so much about it as well and really came to respect the ideas related to it. Finally I also knew literally nothing about photography but through this I learned a lot about different styles and the essentials of photography to the point that I think I’ll be taking better pictures for the rest of my life. This is all without saying the fun and incredible sights and art I got to see, yes we went to churches and art museums to learn about it but we also went to appreciate it and through that I got to see some beautiful art that might be some of my highlight pictures from the trip. Also the day trips to other prominent cities are so much fun and so different Florence is a great base to operate out of and through that base different cities especially Venice and Siena contrast very well, Venice being very tight and of course featuring water, and Siena being very hilly.

World class program is great because it’s more than just a summer program it is an absolute immersion into Ancient Rome; the renaissance in Florence, and amazing medieval art were extravagant and eye popping. Going into the different museums and churches was, like dunking yourself into a beautiful shining spring in Ancient Rome taking you back in time to the minds of Roman’s and what they were thinking while walking into grandiose church. The different day trips were amazing in total there were four day trips one to Lucca where we rode bikes around the city walls, and explored the city, one to cinque terre where we hiked across a mountain with a view of the Mediterranean and ended on the beach. One to siena where we explored the city on the mountain and saw the amazing views. My favorite day trip was the one to Venice where we saw Murano the glass making city and we took boats around to different locations. The pros of the program was the amount of stuff that we had easy access to because of the great connections and the staff. Another pro is the community all the people were easy to connect with and make good friends without any problems. The amount of free time to explore and shop in Florence was great you were able to get what ever lunch you wanted or go to what ever shop in all of old Florence. The cons weren’t many. The program was genuinely so amazing. The only one I can think of is the heat in Italy, but it wasn’t the programs fault it is Italy’s faults for not having good american a/c. The only other con I can think of is not being able to go longer.

My study abroad experience was truly unforgettable, largely because of the amazing and easy-going staff who made every day enjoyable. Their friendly nature and sense of humor created a welcoming atmosphere that helped me feel at home even when I was far away. I often found myself laughing with them, which made the whole experience not just educational but genuinely fun. Their support and kindness made a big difference, turning challenges into opportunities to grow. One of the most meaningful parts of my time abroad was the relationships I built. I connected with people from all over the world, and these friendships became an important part of my journey. Sharing experiences, learning about different cultures, and supporting each other made these bonds truly special. These relationships taught me the value of understanding and empathy, and I know they will continue to be important in my life long after the program ends. Beyond the social side, I learned so much academically and personally. The new environment pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and adapt in ways I hadn’t before. I gained knowledge in my field of study, but I also learned life skills like independence and problem-solving. This experience has not only enriched my education but also helped me grow into a more confident and open-minded person.

The course itself was a wonderful mix of cultural immersion and learning about the history, art, historical figures who lived in Florence centuries ago. My one and only complaint can be summed up as, if you go on this trip, don’t expect everyone to be as into as you. I was deeply passionate about the history of Italy, and made a friend or two on the trip who was equally as passionate, but as a consumer of this tour, be aware that some are here to passively take in the sights, rather than eagerly devouring everything they can see.

I would recommend this program for sure. I ultimately chose it because my university did not have an exchange program with a school in Milan, but SAI did. I specifically wanted to go to Milan because I am studying apparel and textiles and Italian design is highly admired. SAI Programs provided me with help during the pre-departure process, in-country process, and any questions I may have had upon returning. The staff is incredible, especially on-site in Milan, and everyone I was communicating with through e-mail. They all have quick response time and helpful information. I never felt confused when working with the staff. My experience in Milan was amazing, the only thing I have to say is the level of academics was a little lower than I am used to, which was fine, because I felt more relaxed not having to worry about my studies as much. However, I loved how all my instructors were actually industry-professionals and had worked in the field. I am now connected to them on LinkedIn and am very thankful to SAI for helping me make these important connections. All my classes successfully transferred over as professional electives, so it worked out. I liked how SAI provided excursions with the other students who were traveling with SAI. I made so many lifelong friends that I continue to keep in touch with. I wanted to continue being a part of the SAI family after my abroad experience, so I became an SAI Ambassador. I get to spread the word about how awesome SAI is.

I definitely had my preconceived ideas of what this trip would be like but I was blown away with how much it exceeded them! I did the 4 week option for the trip because I knew there was no way to see enough of Italy with the shorter options. My parents were a little worried because I'm an only child and they didn't know what to expect but my mom was emailing the program director constantly and that helped her feel better. Meanwhile I was having the time of my life! The classes were actually interesting and engaging so even when we were in class it was great! My favorite part was the weekend trips to other cities around Italy! Venice is my favorite city in the world now! I loved this trip and I'm working on going to another country with World Class Programs next year!

I had an amazing time studying in Milan! I learned so much about myself and what I want out of life! I made lifelong friends and connections with my professors that will help when searching for jobs. Traveling helps you learn to respect other countries cultures as well as your own! I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to go abroad again!