Alumni Speak
Rome:
John Cabot University
Italiaidea
Milan
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti
Domus Academy
Sicily:
Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences
London:
University of the Arts London
Florence University of the Arts Student Quotes
- I found the facilities at FUA amazing, The computer labs were so great as well as the photo labs. The technology available exceeded my expectations, as did the location and kindness of the staff. There was no question I had that went unanswered and the genuine sense of welcome and guidance from the staff was immeasurable. Student, Summer Session
- I am really happy that I chose SAI to study abroad with. The program coordinators could not have been nicer or more helpful the entire time I was in Florence and I think that the entire program is set up in order to maximize everything fantastic about studying abroad. Thank you so much, it was the best four months of my life! Student, Spring Semester
- I’ve really enjoyed my time here, and am sad to see it come to an end. I’m staying for the summer, though I’m not studying, and will miss the friends I’ve made here, though I think they are lifelong companions. My introduction into the Italian culture has been inspiring, and has served to remind me of the heritage of my family and allowed me to get back in touch with my own values as an adult, while encouraging me to grow and challenging me to re-evaluate my former conceptions and limitations. Thank you so very much for a truly wonderful semester. Student, Spring Semester
- I learned more about life and about myself than I learned in school, but what I learned is far more valuable and I am very satisfied with my semester abroad. The on site program coordinators were EXTREMELY helpful to us, they did a wonderful job responding to any issues we had and were more than willing to go out of their way to help us. Student, Spring Semester
- Amazing! SAI was extremely professional and helpful with the entire process. FUA was an amazing school, and I will recommend studying through SAI to everyone I know looking to study abroad. Thank you! Student, Spring Semester
- The whole admissions process was very professional and done in a fashion that helped me to understand what I was going to be doing while abroad. Advisors were incredibly professional and questions were answered in a timely manner. When I arrived in Florence, everything was organized and helped me to become more comfortable with living in Florence. Also, I was told what and what not to do while living abroad, so these minute details were very important to my stay. The excursions were quite frankly some of the best parts of my trip. I would have never seen some of these sights if not with the school. The diversity and amount were also great and I very much liked having these organized, school-run events planned for me. Student, Spring Semester
- I would just like to say “thank you” to everyone who made this trip a possibility. With all the stress of the trip or potential drawbacks, none of it really matters when I think about all my friends made, things learned and experiences gained. This whole study aboard excursion has changed me as a person and I only have the program and everyone associated with it to thank. I would very much recommend this program to other students. Thanks for one of the best four months of my life. Student Spring Semester
- The school was great. All of FUA staff and professors were more than nice and always willing to help. This has been the best semester of college for me and I have enjoyed every minute of it! I am so glad I got to experience this. Student, Fall Semester
- I found the facilities at FUA amazing, the computer labs were so great as well as the photo labs. The technology available exceeded my expectations as did the location and kindness of the staff. There was no question I had that went unanswered and the genuine sense of welcome and guidance from the staff was immeasurable. Student, Summer Session
- The highlight of this experience was being exposed to a different culture. I grew from this experience because I realized there are things in this world that I am unaware of. This experience is something that I will appreciate for the rest of my life. Thanks for making it so great. Student, Spring Semester
- I love the people that I met and the new friends I have made. In addition, the opportunity to experience a different culture and social dynamic, FUA including staff, class and location was excellent. Everyone was very helpful and went out of their way to make the experience very positive. Student, Summer Session
- FUA and SAI was everything I was looking for in a study abroad program. I can’t thank you enough for taking all of the time and energy to make this a perfect semester. Student, Fall Semester
- The SAI Staff was very helpful and seemed to truly care about the students’ and their needs. The FUA faculty is amazing! My professor was much more inspiring than any of my professors in my major dept at school. Student, Fall Semester
Apicius, International School if Hospitality Student Quotes
- The girls that worked in the SAI Florence office were amazing. For me and my friends they really went above and beyond what we would have expected them to do, and they really made us realize that they cared and that the program cared about their students. That was something that made my experience. Student, Fall Semester
- I just wanted to write and say thank you for everything you did for me before I left for Italy. I am so happy to be here and loving every minute of it. Our apartment is a lot nicer than I was expecting. Our oven and kitchen are great…thank you!! Ganzo is great! Student, Spring Semester
- TBA
John Cabot University Student Quotes
- Best 4 months of my life! Student, Spring Semester
- My semester in Rome was so wonderful it is hard to know where to start. I got to enjoy Italy and do some traveling but most importantly I made myself home in Rome. Rome is a city with many secrets and your experience there is dependent on how many you discover. The most important part of my experience was the relationships I formed. I spoke no Italian before I went but dedicated myself to learning the language. I forced myself to speak it everywhere and managed to pick it up quite well because of the friendships I formed. Highlights were making gelato at a gelateria near the school with Hector the owner, doing my homework while watching Italian soap operas in the back of a panini and crepe shop with my dear friend Irina, having dinners at the homes of Italian students I met at school when I did the John Cabot theater production, and riding on my friend Dino’s motorino around the city. My heart will forever be in Italy and I may move there after graduation and work in a bed and breakfast that Irina plans to open. Anyone would be lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad and I hope that whoever does treasures each moment they are there.Student, Spring Semester
- For one semester, approximately eighteen weeks, I lived in Rome, Italy and attended school there…The history and culture amazed me, and Study Abroad Italy supplied me with everything necessary to my experience…My roommates were incredible, my classes, though quite a bit of work, enriched my experience in Rome through the way they applied to my situation as well as simply fulfilling my graduation requirements. I feel this experience has changed the way I look at the world around me and the world outside of my home. Living and studying abroad has taught me how to look at my major, my college experience, and my home from a different perspective. I would certainly recommend studying abroad to any of my fellow students. Thank you so much for this opportunity. Student, Spring Semester
- My decision to study abroad in Rome was the best decision I have ever made. I always wanted to go to Rome and Study Abroad Italy allowed me to not only go there but to actually live there. Upon my arrival in Rome an SAI representative met me at the airport and I was taken to my very nice and comfortable apartment. The SAI representatives covered every aspect of challenges we might face while living in Rome. Through SAI I was able to see the most beautiful parts of Italy. My most favorite place in Rome was a cafe’ across the street from my apartment. I would go to this cafe’ every morning before my walk to class. The people that worked there made me feel as if I belonged in Rome. Often, on my walk back from the university, I would sit near the fountain in Piazza Santa Maria and enjoy listening to the Romans speaking; the great smells from the millions of restaurants and the unique array of people that filled the neighborhood. Thank you SAI for allowing me this experience, I am beyond grateful. Student, Fall Semester
- I participated in the summer study program at John Cabot University last summer – Summer Session I of 2005. As we get closer to the time at which I departed for bella Roma last year, my memories are a strong presence in my daily life! I of course have a special place in my heart for all of my journeys and memories of Italia, but especially now more than ever. That being said, I realized that I made no contact with you or your office upon my return. I just wanted to thank you for all of your work and assistance both before and during my stay in Italy. The experiences and memories of my trip are invaluable, and I want to applaud the program. All of my experiences were wonderful and everyone in Roma was kind and accommodating. I hope all is well with you, and that this summer’s program will host a large number of students! I really cannot explain fully how much my experience means to me – but I hope you can understand what I am trying to describe! Thank you again. Student, Summer Session
- My experience with Study Abroad Italy and John Cabot University in Rome, Italy was both exciting and eye opening. Through SAI, I was given the opportunity to see other parts of Italy as well. I was able to go on a trip to Tivoli and Tuscany. We were given a grand tour of both places that included touring wine cellars and tasting wines. I also decided to go on other excursions that were available. I visited Naples, Pompeii, and Sorrento. Here we had authentic Italian meals, learned how to make mozzarella cheese and olive oil, and even baked our own bread to take back with us. Student, Spring Semester
- TBA
Nuova Accademia di Belle Arti Student Quotes
- Thanks for being so helpful : ) I am getting really excited about leaving for the summer program! Student, Summer Session
- All of my classes were so important to my experience. NABA really took the time to immerse us in the culture of Italy: what Italy is about, how the people are, what is important in innovation and heritage, what our experience meant to us. I am a fashion merchandising major at my home university, which is very small. To study fashion in Milan was the best learning experience I could have ever imagined. Most people who study design, fashion, art, etc. are visual learners. We are more creative beings and seeing is the most effective way for us to learn. You remember more when you see it, and that’s what NABA did for us. I got to meet top designers, go to fashion week (even snagged a front row seat!), and actually see in person what I study out of books at home! It was an amazing opportunity and I feel like I gained more knowledge of the fashion world in my one semester in Milan than my 3 years at university. Whether it is a social experience or not, everything is a learning experience. We weren’t only away from our parents being independent, but we were making our own decisions about money, time, and school. We were learning a new language, choosing our own activities, learning about new cultures and religions; we really got to invent ourselves all over again because it was a completely new place. Nothing was familiar and we all loved it. It was exciting not to know if you got on the right train or were actually saying something correctly in Italian! It was all part of the experience and made it even better. Student, Spring 2010
- I just wanted to take this opportunity to let you know that, so far, I’m having an amazing time! I’m in love with the city and their culture and now I’m more than excited to start school tomorrow. The school just looks amazing too! Thank you! Student, Fall Semester 2009
- This is a one time experience and thanks to you, and your team I’m able to live it hour after hour. The Program Coordinator is a very nice person, and he showed us the city, school, some things about the housing and he has been sending us emails with activities in Milan. Very useful! The teachers are soooo great! They are so talented and experienced! I’ve enjoy every single minute of this! Not only because it is a life changing experience, but because now I’m more focused in styling and in fashion design. Thank you very much one more time. Student, Summer Session 2009
- SAI was helpful with any questions that I had. I really appreciated all of the Program Coordinator’s help. All very helpful! Loved my apartment! It was great! Very good program – very impressed. Would recommend to others. Great experience I will never forget! Student, Spring Semester
- Great! SAI prepared you well for coming to Milan. Wonderful apartment. LOVED IT! Student, Spring Semester
- Life changing, unbelievable experience that I will never forget. Student, Spring Semester
- Milan was one of the best experiences of my life. It shaped and changed who I am. I am looking forward to going back there this summer on my own, and wouldn’t trade this experience for the world. Student, Fall Semester
- Thank you for providing such a great trip for me, it was life changing and I will never forget what I’ve learned here… I love the location of our apartment, it truly exceeded my expectations… everything is wonderful. Student, Summer Session
- You have been so great to work with, we appreciate it! Master’s Student
- I am so happy with all of the attention and experience I received from Domus and SAI. I can never thank you enough, but just know you guys had an astounding positive affect on my life. Student, Spring Semester
- Domus is excellent for the overachiever; they will LOVE it there and get incredible experience. It is a very famous school among the design community. My overall experience was life changing; I have fantastic confidence in all that I do. Thank you SAI! You made this experience incredible! |Student, Spring Semester
- This has been a great trip, and I really appreciate all the help that SAI has provided. Student, Spring Semester
Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences Students Quotes
- I appreciate everything you [Admissions Officer], [Visa Director], and everyone at SAI have done for me, making this the best experience of my life so far! Student, Summer 2010
- I had a wonderful time in Siracusa. Absolutely the time of my life, where I made some of my closest friends and created some amazing lifelong memories that I will never forget. [Program Coordinator] was wonderful and extremely helpful. Student, Spring Semester 2010
- [Program Coordinator] has been awesome right from the get-go. He’s always been available and extremely helpful, and he made that clear right from our first meeting. Student, Spring Semester 2010
- SAI helped me out so much before my departure. [Admissions Officer] was wonderful, very helpful, and extremely understanding. Grazie!!!! Student, Spring Semester 2010
- I loved this past semester! Student, Fall Semester 2009
- Thank you so much for your dedication to helping me out. I am so happy to have chosen SAI over the other programs. I am very much looking forward to the best semester of my college career in Siracusa (thanks to your help). Thank you again so much for all the concern and your hard-work! I appreciate so much more than you know. Student, Spring Semester 2009
- My Study Abroad Italy advisor was extremely helpful and personable. He knew all the answers and if by some chance he didn’t have a clear answer, he knew who to contact. He made my first study abroad experience comfortable. Thank you for this experience of a lifetime! Student, Summer Session 2009
- I had a great home stay experience, the family was lovely. Great Professors, great classes, excellent University It was one of the best experiences, I truly enjoyed it. I will definitely be recommending this to my friends when I get back. Student, Spring Semester 2008
- Thank you so much for a great introduction to Sicilian culture. I will always remember my first experience in Italy with SAI. With sincerest gratitude. Student, Spring Semester 2008
- I loved everything about MCAS. All of the professors, whether they are yours or not, are glad to spend extra time out of class with you on anything–class, life… And even while I was having an incredible time getting to know them, I was also learning more than I’ve ever learned in one single semester. The knowledge I have now is especially priceless because all of it relates back to Sicily, which I now know to be the best place in the world. Besides the people I met (i.e. new American friends and Italians), the highlight of the experience is the opportunity I had to take my experiences I had with Sicilian people and their language, Sicilian landscape and sights, and Sicilian literature and history to form an idea of what exactly it means to be Sicilian. The whole semester was a highlight… there was never a moment that wasn’t filled with too much fun with new friends, beautiful views, perfect food. Students, Fall Semester 2008
- The school, overall, could not have been a better experience. It is well-located in Ortigia, short walk from awesome sandwich shops, in the safety of Via Roma, and right up the street from the coast. The professors were some of the best, most knowledgeable, and undoubtedly the friendliest teachers I have ever had. Because of the small, personal style of learning, professors bond with students in a way I had never experienced. I learned so much and the classes, though there was a lot of work to be done, did not force overexertion to the point of too much stress, enabling me to take advantage of the culture at the same time. SAI was a huge help throughout the semester. Any questions or concerns were handled so quickly and so well. I feel that I really owe certain individuals, in particular Micaela and Marcello, for a huge part of my experience in Sicily. Micaela really ensured I made it to Sicily without any problems and hooked me up with all my classes, the insurance plans, the student cell phones, etc. and Marcello was awesome for setting up some of the coolest and most beneficial experiences of my life: wine-tasting, cheese-making, scuba diving, rock climbing, and so many more incredible cultural experiences that really rocked my semester. The entire semester was really a priceless experience. Student, Fall Semester
- Thank you for all your help with organizing everything. Sicily was very beautiful and the trip was an amazing experience. Thank you very much for being so nice and helpful. Student, Summer Session
- You definitely have some great professors and assistants on your hands and coming from another study abroad experience and basing my opinion off of that experience, I can’t imagine any better staff than at my home institution. You really exceeded my expectations with this staff and with this city, I will truly miss everyone I met at MCAS. Student, Spring Semester
- I literally had the TIME OF MY LIFE in Ortigia. I could not have been more pleased with the study abroad Italy program at MCAS. The school was in great condition and classes were small and personal. The optional excursions that the school provided were FANTASTIC!! I will miss the people, both students/teachers as well as the Italians! I made friends in Italy that I will never forget. I could not have asked for anything more. Everything was 10 million times better than I ever could have imagined! My five weeks spent in Italy will always be very close to my heart. Student, Spring Semester
- I wanted to thank you for everything you helped me with. Having MCAS and the whole staff made my experience so wonderful. I miss it every second, it feels as though I’m incomplete without waking up there every morning! Student, Summer Session
- The program was a blast and really changed a lot of our lives, our perceptions of the world and foreign cultures. We also made a lot of great friends for life. I’m not the best at expressing myself verbally, but this was a priceless experience that most of us will never forget. Student, Summer Session
- Siracusa is a gem, as I have heard it described before. The culture is an assimilation of southern Italian, Greek, and North African foods and traditions that make it a city worth seeing. In the main area of antiquity in the town are a mix of Greek and Roman ruins that are not to be missed. The climate is hot, dry, but breezy enough so that the heat is not unbearable. History, cuisine and a safe and fun environment for all types of people can be found in abundance in this small Mediterranean city. Student, Summer Session
- Everything about this island was fascinating and unique: the culture, the people, the food and the sight of the monstrous active volcano towering across the bay! The symbol of Sicily, with its Medusa head, three legs and grain wonderfully express the island and its people and is one of the most interesting symbols of a country that I’ve run across. I loved the people that I met, the places we visited and let’s not forget the great wine and Canolli! I miss them already. Student, Summer Session
- I want to thank you again for everything you did for us this past summer. It was truly a fantastic experience! Better than I could have possibly imagined. Everyone at MCAS and Linguaviva were so in touch with the students and just gave me personally an awesome feeling of acceptance. The whole program gets an A+ in my book, and I am actually considering doing it again sometime in the future. Student, Summer Session
- I miss MCAS so much! I miss everything! The school, the people, my friends, and the view! I miss the old historic buildings and streets, I miss the culture, and I miss the MARKET!!!! You all were so wonderful to me and I had the best time of my life there! Student, Summer Session
- I just wanted to thank you so much for everything you did for me while I was at MCAS. My times in Sicily were truly some of the best days of my life. Sicily has not left my mind for a second. It has had such impact on my life and where I want my future to go and I have never been more grateful for anything before in my life as I am for my opportunity to spend some time there this summer. Student, Summer Session
- First of all, I wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed my experience at MCAS. It was definitely everything that you described it to be. Student, Summer Session
- I had such a good experience in Sicily. Thanks so much for your help in the process of getting there and just being morally supportive! Student, Fall Semester
- I can’t thank you enough for helping me arrange my experience in Sicily. I am so happy I did it. In fact, I really think you all should consider “promoting” the program more to people like me, i.e. college graduated adults that are simply looking to enrich their lives through an educational experience. Student, Summer Session
- Thanks for doing such a great job this past summer. I think we all had a fantastic time at MCAS. Student, Summer Session
- I had the time of my life in Italia thanks to you and the rest of the staff at MCAS. I’ve never missed something so much in my life! Thank you a million times over! Student, Summer Session
- I had a really great semester at MCAS and I was blessed to be at a place with faculty such as you and the others. You guys were very patient and accommodating with us. Student, Spring Semester
Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences Service Learning Program
- Spending time with the kids was such a rewarding experience. It’s so nice having people recognize you and look forward to seeing you every week. It makes being away from home easier…a little more like home. Student, Spring Semester
- I love spending time with the children at the school helping them out, teaching them music, English…everything. They are so sweet, and fun to be with. I cannot think of a better way to spend my time. Student, Spring Semester
- Volunteering at the school really allowed me to integrate with the community of Ortigia. Although I went with the intentions of helping these children, I honestly think that they have helped me more than I have helped them. They have helped me improve my Italian and spending time with them has solidified my want to continue working with children. It has been such a rewarding experience, and I have loved every second of it. Student, Spring Semester
- This was a wonderful learning experience for me. It really taught me a lot about the Italian culture as well as how the education system works. The kids were a lot of fun to get to know and I will definitely miss seeing them. Student, Spring Semester
- Volunteering at the Ortigia School really changed the dynamics of my experience. It’s so nice seeing a familiar face on the street, and not feeling just like every other tourist. I loved sitting in class, listening to the teacher and making faces at the students. They really welcomed me and made me feel comfortable. I recommend this experience to anyone. Student, Spring Semester
- The best thing with volunteering at the Ortigia school was knowing that I was able to share a little bit about me and where I came from, while at the same time learning about their culture, not to mention walking on the streets and being able to say “Hi” and feel like a local! Student, Spring Semester
- I’d say without a doubt this was one of the most positive and helpful educational experiences I’ve had. Working with Italian children and being able to communicate in Italian and English has both given me an incredible burst of confidence in my lingual ability and shown me how I can make an educational impact on someone other than myself. Student, Spring Semester
- Culturally, my experience working at the primary school was invaluable. I was able to get to know the students, professors and other faculty at the school and interact with them several times a week. There was a definite connection with everyone at the school that carried over into my daily experience as well. Seeing my students or professors out on the street was a great way to acclimate to the environment and fell part of the community. Student, Spring Semester
- Spectacular!!! Some of these experiences are the highlights of my life. Through my internships I not only became more confident in myself and more proficient in speaking Italian, but also made many Italian friends. I do not believe I would have been invited by Italian locals for coffee or dinner at their houses as much as I did without these internships. Student, Spring Semester
- This was one of the most positive aspects I believe to studying abroad. I loved making personal relationships with local Italians. Seeing my students and their families out in Ortigia and saying “ciao” was one of the best things. Also, knowing that I was able to make an impact on these kids, just as much as they had on me was very uplifting. I really feel like this program helped me to really experience the larger Italian culture. I would recommend it to all study abroad students. Student, Spring Semester
- My time spent in the preschool here in Ortigia will be some of the most important memories I’ll have from my study abroad experience. Not only did it make me feel more comfortable with the community and living in a foreign country, but it was also a way to relax and just enjoy my time here. The kids in the school were amazing and I completely fell in love with them. I would highly recommend the internship program for anyone coming to Ortigia in the future. Student, Spring Semester
- By volunteering at the elementary school, I was able to get a better feel of how the rest of Italy lived through seeing the kids all the time. I think this internship was an essential part of studying abroad. This experience has been priceless; being able to see your kids at the local shop and even saying hi in passing in the street really makes you fell like you are a part of the community. The only hard part is leaving the kids you have bonded with for the past 10 weeks. Student, Spring Semester
- This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity. The collaboration of family, culture, teaching and personal growth made this experience something that will stay with me forever. There is nothing greater than seeing your students out on the town, this personal relationship brings you into the community impacting your life as much as theirs. Student, Spring Semester.
University of the Arts London Student Quotes
- You have been nothing but wonderful to me already. Thank you Thank you. Current Student
- I like the way that the traditional and the modern come together in London. I also value the different style of teaching at the University. It was confusing at first, but I would advise people to take advantage of the freedom they give you and just do as much as you can! You’re encouraged to express yourself. In New York, the emphasis is very much on fine art, but here there’s more design work and greater use of technology. Student, Spring Semester
- There’s lots more going on here than I imagined and there’s real creative energy. I look out my window at 2 am and see people walking around…Even though we’re given new briefs to work on more regularly than at home, we still have time to think about them and develop ideas. And there’s a more flexible schedule than I was used to in the States. Student, Spring Semester
- My school in Mexico is very strong on technical skills and computer software, but here it’s much more conceptual. More of you comes out in the painting, photography, and other work you do. It takes some adjustment, but I feel I’ve matured alot and become more independent. London is very fast-moving. You have so many opportunities to visit exhibitions and theater and you can interact with people from other cultures too. I love the multicultural ambiance. Student, Spring Semester
- When you first arrive, it seems that things are disorganized. In fact, there’s an emphasis on putting you in the real world and giving you freedom. Your work isn’t there to look pretty. It needs an idea behind it too. Student, Spring Semester
- The whole world is here in London. People here can sometimes be a little crazy, which is no bad thing. They appreciate art and design. And my tutors are very sincere. If an idea sucks, they’ll tell me, but if they think it’s good, then they’ll tell me that too. I’ve found university life to be very creative and open. You can work by yourself, but also experiment by collaborating with a number of different partners. Student, Spring Semester