About Viva
Following our belief that learning at any stage in life is an enriching and rewarding experience, Study Abroad Italy (SAI) created an Italian based learning center here in Northern California: VIVA. VIVA was created to share a love of good food, wine and Italian culture and heritage with our neighbors, students of all ages and visitors from around the globe.
Chefs trained in Italy bring their unique expertise to VIVA’s course offerings. For over 15 years, our parent company SAI has offered US and international college students the opportunity to study at prestigious English-taught programs in Milan, Florence, Rome, Siena, Sicily and Lindon. Our Italian schools offer diverse and extensive curricula ranging from Master’s level design courses in Milan, culinary and fine arts in Florence, classical and science courses in Sicily, business studies in Rome, language immersion in Siena, and art and design in London. Because of our relationship with these schools and the Italiaidea and Squola Italian language schools, we are fortunate to have an outstanding pool of experts to bring to you.
At VIVA, you will feel like you stepped into another world. The modern Italian aesthetic is both a surprise and a delight. The demonstration kitchen classroom provides a friendly, informal setting for meeting other engaging people who share your love for great food. The video screen allows one to see everything the chef is doing. You are also welcome to get closer to take a look and/or participate in the preparations. Wine tastings and lectures are held in the academic classroom, which can expand or contract depending on the size of the group. There, you will meet other enthusiastic lovers of Italian art, culture, history and travel who share an interest in life-long learning.
VIVA is the perfect location for group parties for cooking classes or wine tastings. Your group will have your own private chef at your own private dinner party, only they all learn how to make the dishes you will eat and we do the clean-up!Please contact us at viva@saiprograms.com for details. Maximum number for cooking classes is 15.
VIVA is SAI's U.S. school offering programs in collaboration with Apicius International School of Hospitality. Apicius offers both professional and non-professional programs in state-of-the-art facilities with classes taught in both Italian and English to international students. The chefs and sommeliers have a broad range of expertise in the fields of culinary arts, regional cuisine, baking and pastry and wine. They bring an authenticity and love for Italian food, wine and culture that is both inspiring and contagious.
Study Abroad Italy
Founded in 1995, Study Abroad Italy (SAI) offers US and international college students the finest English-speaking programs available in Italy, and now in London as well, with a varied and extensive curriculum for students arriving from many different nations. With main offices in California, SAI is the primary enrolling office for six Italy schools, handling admissions and course registration, offering housing accommodation, advising on visa and travel arrangements, as well as providing important general information. SAI is also liaison office to the more than 80 North and South American universities and colleges affiliated with our Italy programs.
Heather Cruciano
VIVA Program Coordinator