Community Development Volunteering in Florence, Italy

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.

SAI made my abroad experience worthwhile. I had the most amazing time exploring Florence and learning about the Italian culture. SAI provided many resources and experiences to help enhance our experience. They provided hands on support from picking us up from the airport to providing us amazing apartments throughout the city of Florence. Without SAI, my abroad experience wouldn't have been as seamless.

Studying abroad truly impacted my life so much and was the best experience that I have had at school! It was very educational but also a TON OF FUN!!! I highly recommend it! It grew me in so many ways and really helped boost my confidence in traveling by myself! I met so many people through it, and I would do it all over again if I could!

I thought SAI did absolutely everything to ensure I had the best experience in Florence. The staff was extremely friendly and so helpful! I absolutely had the time of my life, and cannot think of a single negative comment to say about my entire experience.

My time abroad in 2021 was not what I had envisioned when I planned to study in Italy. However, it ended up being more than I could have hoped for. I had the best 3 months of my life!! The friendships I made, the food I ate, the skills I learned, the sights I saw and the experiences I had all made the trip of a lifetime. We truly got to see Italy's bones! The empty streets with no tourists was a sight to be seen. A day did not go by where I regretted my decision to travel abroad. Florence, Italy feels like a second home now and I left a piece of my heart there when I left. I am so excited to see the city coming back to life and I cannot wait to go back someday to experience more! I would encourage anyone to step outside their comfort zone and travel abroad (especially to Italy) because there is so much to be seen.

Florence, unknowingly, was the perfect place for me-- the art, the city size, the feeling, the atmosphere. SAI was also very helpful and provided a great program with their trips and helpful staff. About SAI: SAI set up our housing, health insurance, different events and excursions (book-making workshop, cooking class, day trips to Siena, Lucca, etc.). Even in the chaos and unknowns of the beginning of the pandemic, the on-site staff was sweet, competent, and as helpful as they could be. They helped to answer questions throughout the program and were a great resource even for just peace of mind of knowing that there was someone there was you got overwhelmed or confused. They really helped make the arrival process easy and made sure we were introduced to our new city through an orientation and a magnificent dinner in a palace on our first night. My apartment was SO CUTE! I definitely saw some of my friend's apartments that weren't as aesthetic, but overall everyone's housing seemed pretty nice, clean, and safe. My apartment was located near the Duomo, so it wasn't too bad of a walk to get to the main areas/campus buildings. It was only a 5-minute walk from the Mercato Centrale, a big fruit/veggie/meat/cheese/spice/wine market. We had 3 people in a room, but it honestly wasn't as crowded as you would think. There were big beautiful windows that I miss looking out so much. We had a washing machine, a stove/oven, microwave, a fridge/freezer, tv, couch, and a little table to eat at in both the kitchen and living room. Was it worthwhile?: It was absolutely worthwhile, and I only got 1/3 of my experience (coronavirus interrupted it). I learned so much about what I want in life, how I relate to the world, and how to navigate an unfamiliar place and unfamiliar situations. I have a strong drive to become bilingual now and a love for Italian food and culture that I wouldn't have thought possible. I have this ridiculous section of my brain just filled with Italian art history (something that will certainly come in handy as an art teacher). I learned just how delicious gluten free food can be, and cannot wait to go back and have it again. I learned how to travel with people I just met and make new friends in a second. Yes yes yes, it was so worthwhile.

SAI was the absolute perfect program for me. I felt very prepared and wasn’t scared at all. I was roomed with two great roommates and there were plenty of activities in the beginning for us to meet other people. I was able to travel when and where I wanted to and felt safe. I had the time of my life.

I loved studying abroad in Florence because I learned something new everyday. Whether it be about myself or the new culture I was surrounding myself with. SAI was amazing from the beginning. Constantly reaching out with any questions I may had and pre-departure routines. Once I arrived they were quick to give me a warm welcome at the airport. From there my experience heightened. SAI had constant events they hosted from dinners to going to museums and hikes. I tried to be apart of the SAI community as much as I could during my abroad experience because I loved how much they taught me through all the fun things we did. I was able to get closer to other students and the SAI community through these events. SAI was with me every step of the way and made my abroad experience come with ease.

I studied abroad for a full semester in Florence, Italy through the SAI program. I could not have asked for a better semester. I learned so much about art, culture and myself through this experience and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. I got the oppurtunity to travel around Europe and go to places I might have never seen if it wasn't for studying abroad. SAI was with me every step of the way and allowed me to make the most out of my semester and helped me with anything I needed. They helped me feel at home and safe while half way across the globe from my family and friends. I broke my foot while abroad and they were there to help me with all of my questions and concerns. They have been through it all themselves, so they know exactly what you are going through.