Amidst the hustle and bustle of Barcelona, a group of ten SAI Spring 2024 students carved out time every Tuesday night to play the very popular European sport, soccer. The students participated in a local study abroad league, competing against other English speakers living in Barcelona. They laced up their cleats and took to the field, not only displaying their love for the game but also their commitment to teamwork and sportsmanship.
The Giro D’Italia is a world famous 3 week cycling stage race where the world class cyclists are racing in multiple stages around Italy and nearby areas.
“Sai che” in Italian means, “did you know that…?” 25 years ago, we started as Study Abroad Italy. As we expanded outside of Italy into Spain and France, we shifted to being called SAI. In our 26th year, we’re redefining ourselves yet again, and in doing so, we’re tying back to our Italian roots. SAI (S-A-I) is now SAI (pronounced “sigh”). It’s a simple change with a big meaning.
Our Florence students are passionate about a lot of things, but they feel VERY strongly about one thing in particular: their favorite gelato spots. We recently asked our alumni on Instagram what their favorites were and boy, did they deliver. Prospective students: you’ll want to save this list. Without further ado, here are the best gelato spots in Florence (ranked by the number of votes on Instagram).
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community. The process is quick and easy: Email your photo to photos@saiprograms.
SAI’s vision, “Inspiring Creativity“, speaks to our aim to provide rewarding educational experiences through a combination of personalized services and high quality academics. During Spring 2022, SAI highlighted our commitment to creativity through a series of webinars and virtual info sessions featuring faculty from SAI’s European partner institutions, as well as SAI alumni.
This Valentine’s Day, we wanted to do something extra special! Two of our previous students, Fareeda and Steven, met while they were studying abroad with SAI in Rome in Spring 2019. They just got engaged (woo!!!) and we wanted to highlight their story, ask them how they maintained a relationship after studying abroad, and if they have any advice for prospective students. Steven and I met during our orientation outing to Ostia.
SAI Alums, Megan Forbes and Hannah Lowder, returned to Barcelona this summer after their Spring 2020 semester was cut short due to COVID-19. They sent us a collection of film photos from their trip and we’ve been obsessing over them ever since! Our Barcelona Program Coordinator also connected them with another student, Mason Dahl, who happened to be back visiting after his Fall 2019 semester.
We want to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing videos and photos you took while abroad by holding a video contest! You will be eligible to win a $150 Airbnb gift card just by sharing your video(s) with the SAI Instagram community. Please read all the information below carefully. Contest opens November 2nd! Deadline: Tuesday, November 16th, 2021 at 11:59 PM ET.
In June 2021, SAI invited Dr. Kelly Newlon, Director of Global Learning at Washington State University (WSU) to join a panel of affiliates during our Avanti virtual series. In this blog post, we asked Dr. Newlon to provide additional insight on the value of partnerships with both international partners and campus academic departments: What SAI programs are popular with WSU students? What about SAI appeals to your students?
Art, Faculty-Led Programs, Field Learning and More
Throughout Fall 2021, SAI hosted a series of virtual info sessions featuring faculty colleagues from SAI’s programs in Italy, as well as partners from U.S. affiliate institutions. These sessions were recorded and can be viewed at the links below: Sustainability in Sorrento: SAI’s program at Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento offers an incredible opportunity for students to explore topics related to sustainability and local ecosystems.
Oh, Italy. The land of pizza, pasta, and all things gluten. This should be such a lovely experience for all food lovers, however, there is just one issue. I have Celiac Disease. I know what you may be thinking, “Why on Earth would you study abroad in Italy!” The thing is… they are actually quite accommodating.
Engaging in an international internship allows students to deepen their interaction with the host city’s culture, develop relationships beyond the classroom, enhance their professional networks and build their resumes. By participating in an internship abroad, students set themselves apart from their peers with a demonstrated ability to work across cultures. SAI staff works with students and their home universities to arrange internship placement based on their academic major, interests, career goals, knowledge, and skills.
Studying abroad always helps you see your field through a different lens, as you gain experiences that you wouldn’t have at home. And sometimes, a course pushes you to do something new that you are proud of; something that leaves an imprint in your academic career.
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Fall 2021 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad.
Worldwide Vegetarian Ramen This recipe from Apicius chef students and faculty puts a spin on Japanese ramen by adding vegetables from around the world. Flavors include a dash of tom kha phak, anise, kaffir leaves, and galangal for a truly global dish.
This Florentine recipe from FUA-Apicius students and faculty is ideal for breakfast and lunch. It is also great for beginners as the poached egg and Balsamella* sauce can be reutilized in a variety of other dishes. *Balsamella is the Tuscan name for Bechamel sauce and one of the five mother sauces. For this recipe, the Tuscan name is used according to the Artusi’s Science in the Kitchen and the Art of Eating Well.
Add extra flavor to your everyday recipes with this easy-to-follow recipe from Apicius culinary arts students and faculty. Hailing from Genova, in Liguria (a region famous for its basil), pesto is a delicious sauce that can be used in a variety of food and settings.
Each year, the meaningful international travel resource GoAbroad presents awards recognizing innovation and creativity in international education. These awards showcase exceptional ideas and initiatives that are making a positive impact on the field of education abroad. We are excited to share that SAI is a finalist for a 2021 award in the category of Innovation in Alumni Engagement: SAI has a long history of offering a robust alumni ambassador program.
This week’s recipe provided by FUA-Apicius students and faculty combines the flavors of the East and the West. The use of curry and cocoa powder adds a creative, international flair to the classic Italian risotto. Serves 3 For the risotto: 200g of risotto rice 75ml white wine 50ml vermouth (preferably Noilly Prat)
Spring Photo Contest 2021 Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $25 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community.
Jordan is based in Rome, Italy, and supports students on-site as SAI’s Rome Program Director. Jordan also coordinates many of SAI’s faculty-led programs in Italy. In general, what attracts most students to SAI’s program in Rome? Rome has so much to offer students with its rich history, culture, and cuisine.
Sinclair is completing an Academic Career Gap Year with SAI Programs at Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Fall 2020 – Spring 2021. What motivated you to pursue an academic career program abroad during the pandemic? I took the opportunity to come to Florence during the pandemic because I wouldn’t have been able to have in-person classes in the US.
Catherine is completing an Academic Career Gap Year with SAI Programs at Florence University of the Arts in Florence, Fall 2020 – Spring 2021. What motivated you to pursue an academic career program abroad during the pandemic? Given the current situation, and not really knowing what I wanted to do next, a gap year seemed like the best option for me. I really wanted to go abroad.
Researching and planning your study abroad program can be a daunting task. You likely have many questions about what to expect- luckily, we have an active team of SAI ambassadors ready to assist! SAI ambassadors are a group of carefully selected students who have recently completed an SAI program. These program alumni are an excellent resource for you- here are four ways you can benefit from engaging with our ambassador team: 1.
Each year, the meaningful international travel resource GoAbroad presents awards recognizing innovation and creativity in international education. These awards showcase exceptional ideas and initiatives that are making a positive impact on the field of education abroad.
This Spring 2020 semester did not go as expected, so we created a special challenge just for our students who, unfortunately, had to return home due to the COVID-19 crisis. The unprecedented global pandemic has posed new challenges and increased hardships for many, but it has also united us through empathy, compassion, and greater global awareness.
If you are planning to study abroad, consider taking an online course (or multiple!) through SAI’s virtual programs before you go. Virtual courses are quickly becoming commonplace in today’s academic culture. The online platform offers students the opportunity to fulfill requirements for other classes or to engage in a topic of interest – all from the comfort and safety of their own home.
We asked our Spring 2020 bloggers to reflect on their experience with the global COVID-19 outbreak while they were abroad. When I first came to Rome I was full of excitement for the new journey I was about to start. I never thought my journey will end so soon, and how I will learn so much in such little time.
SAI Spring 2020 students, we know your time abroad didn’t go as you had expected, so we have created a special challenge just for you! The unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic has posed new challenges and increased hardships for many, but it has also united us through empathy, compassion, and greater global awareness.
I don’t know about you all, but I’m always looking for something new and creative to make with my travel photos. My camera roll is overflowing (seriously, I have 47,000 photos on my phone.. help), and while in quarantine, I’ve made it my mission to try out some new photo ideas.
With many businesses, libraries, museums and event spaces temporarily closing down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many organizations have decided to make their content more accessible for all. We’ve compiled a list of different resources or deals available during this time and we’ll continue to edit this post as needed. Adobe Adobe has announced that it will be providing free at-home access to Creative Cloud apps to those students who usually only have access on-campus.
BECOME A STUDENT PHOTOGRAPHER FOR SAI THIS SPRING! SAI is seeking a passionate and talented student photographer and social media contributor to help us communicate what studying abroad is like through photos. Position Summary The Student Photographer will take photos while abroad at student events, campuses, and around host cities, to be used in a wide variety of SAI’s marketing communications.
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Spring 2020 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad.
We sat down with Micaela Kliegl, SAI Vice President of Enrollment Services, and Michael Cruciano, SAI President, to talk about SAI’s newest program in Sicily, Italy. Why did SAI choose to offer this program? Michael Cruciano, President: The history of Sicily is astounding. We think Syracuse is a special place in Sicily, due to its past artists, philosophers, and writers. Historically Syracuse has been the main source of Sicilian contributions to society.
Some of our students loved their study abroad experience SO much that they decided to add permanent reminders to their bodies. That’s right… study abroad tattoos! We recently collected photos and descriptions of a couple from throughout the years and we think they’re all pretty awesome. “At the end of my Florence trip, I knew I wanted to commemorate the experience forever.
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community. The process is quick and easy: Email your photo to photos@saiprograms.
The minute I decided to study abroad in the world’s fashion capital was the minute I started to stress about packing! It seems overwhelming to pack for four solid months, but now that I’ve been here for two I feel like I have a much clearer idea on what is useful and what is a waste of precious space! First of all, DON’T pack heels!
SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding an Alumni photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card! The process is quick and easy: Email your photo to photos@saiprograms.com by Tuesday, October 8th, 2019 at 11:59 PM ET. Make sure to include your Instagram handle and a short caption describing your photo!
What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? My favorite memory from study abroad was traveling to 6 different countries and learning about the different cultures. I am from Hawai’i, where we are heavily invested with our culture and it is very important to us. I loved being able to experience different cultures and see how other people live their lives on a day-to-day basis.
What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? My favorite memory from study abroad would definitely be the Gelato festival in Florence. It was held at the Piazzale Michelangelo in Florence, a panoramic scene to behold. This festival was a competition among 30 plus gelato chefs, for the most innovative gelato flavor. The experience of trying inconceivable combinations of gelato flavors was an incredible sensation, it literally was a gelato party in my mouth!
Many people say that studying abroad was the single best thing they’ve ever done. A turning point in their lives. An incredible experience that allowed them to expand their horizons and grow in ways they didn’t think possible. And why believe them? Why should you trust the words of some stranger when you’re considering embarking on an adventure so new and exciting you can’t even comprehend what it will be like?
What is your favorite memory from studying abroad? My favorite memory from study abroad would probably be when my new roommates and I took a hike with SAI to Piazzale Michelangelo for the first time. When we reached the top, I was blown away by the beauty and overlook of the places that I would soon be able to explore.
What does your study abroad experience mean to you? When people ask what my study abroad experience means to me, it’s nearly impossible to accurately put it into words. It was truly the first time in my life that I was put into an unknown environment and had to find the tools within myself and around me to figure it out.
What was your favorite class abroad and why? My favorite class abroad was my Marketing Research class. In the past, all of my marketing classes have been lecture style with little to no student involvement and participation. However, in my marketing class at UPF, different group projects were assigned every week.
Spring has finally arrived in Florence. On a sunny day, you can venture into the city’s enchanting gardens that sit on the other side of the Arno river. The Bardini and Boboli gardens are not only a short walk from one another, but they are also the perfect place to bring friends or family that are visiting. Be prepared to witness breathtaking views (better than Piazzale Michelangelo, I may add)
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community.
Who is the current prime minister of Italy? What is traditional Spanish cuisine? What exactly does Brexit mean? If you are going abroad soon and don’t know the answers to these questions, you will want to do some research while you’re packing. Researching your destination helps you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Demonstrating knowledge of your host culture also shows respect and interest- qualities that will serve you well when making new friends abroad.
This is a guest blog post written by Dr. Lynn McGee, faculty member in the Department of Business Administration at the University of South Carolina- Beaufort. Dr. McGee recently participated in a professional site visit to SAI’s Barcelona programs and shares her observations and perspectives here: Barcelona: “The Great Enchantress” Art critic Robert Hughes’ describes Barcelona as “the great enchantress.
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Summer 2019 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad. Marie Herzing, Florence Home school: University of Kentucky 1. I am going to be a senior at the university of Kentucky 2.
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community.
We have two annual staff gatherings: a summer barbecue in August and a fabulous holiday party each December. 2. There are fourteen of us in the U.S office, plus many more working remotely in the U.S. We also have a lot of SAI staff working in our onsite offices in Rome, Florence, Milan, Sorrento, Siena, Paris & Barcelona. 3. We have two furry, regular office “mascots:” Gaia and Patty. 4.
This month we are highlighting a wonderful entry from the blog on GoOverseas.com. We find this article so relevant to study abroad students who are just returning from their host countries. Getting your thoughts together after studying abroad can be a challenge. Mentally, you may still be back on the beaches of southern France, or sitting on an Argentinean balcony with a Spanish novel in your hand.
SAI caught up with SAI Assistant Admissions Counselor Amanda Roscoe, who provides some helpful options for budget-friendly travel in Europe. Living in Europe as an American brings a lot of unexpected surprises. Try finding an open pharmacy, bank, or grocery store on a Sunday, for example. The Europeans tend to take leisure a lot more seriously than we do in the States. Vacation and time spent with family are very important.
The SAI Programs home office is located in California’s Sonoma Wine Country, in a small town called Sebastopol. “Only an hour north of San Francisco, Sebastopol offers small town charm, farm-to-table organic food and wine, creative artists and healers, and easy access to the Laguna, the Russian River, Sonoma coast and Redwoods” boasts the Experience Sebastopol website. The SAI offices have been located in Sebastopol since 1995.
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community.
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Spring 2019 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad. Aileen Hernandez, Florence Home school: Colorado State University 1. I am a proud First Generation Student 2.
Whether this is your first time abroad or you’re an expert globetrotter, it’s always helpful to have a list of items you may want to pack – you know, a comprehensive travel checklist! Save this post because you’ll want to refer back to it as your trip approaches. Step 1: What Luggage to Bring Whatever your destination, you’ll want luggage that is lightweight and big enough to hold all of your essentials.
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Spring 2019 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad. Jordan Benda, Paris Home school: Baylor University Rock climbing/bouldering and snow boarding are some of my favorite ways to stay active.
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community.
At John Cabot University in Rome, students have the opportunity to gain real life experience with real life clients through their projects. Once the students complete the project, they present them and one is selected and used by the client. One of our students, Sam Gleason, took an Advanced Graphic Design course with professor, Sabrina Schmidt, and her designs were chosen for the rebranding of Joanne Bergamin’s blog, TravelAngel.
We recently caught up with SAI Senior University Relations Manager Sarah Langston. Sarah shares some reasons to consider SAI Programs for your study abroad experience. As a former study abroad advisor, I know that it can be challenging to help students differentiate between various programs.
SAI is thrilled to announce new academic partnerships with two of Europe’s leading design institutes. The addition of Master’s programs at Instituto Marangoni (Milan and Paris) and Polimoda (Florence) will give students the opportunity to pursue graduate-level coursework in a wide range of design-related fields, including Design Management, Fashion Design, Creative Direction, Fashion Buying, and many more. Istituto Marangoni, Milan and Paris Istituto Marangoni (IM)
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Spring 2019 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad. Brayden Aime, Rome Home school: Gap year student 1. I have played basketball for 5 years.
Congratulations to Brigid Deegan for winning the SAI Spring 2018 Photo Contest! Brigid is studying abroad with SAI in Siena from Muhlenberg College, and she submitted this stunning photo taken in Verona, Italy! Brigid’s photo received the most votes and she has been awarded a $100 Amazon gift card.To view all the photos please see the Facebook album.
When someone asks me, “what is your favorite place in the world?”, it’s always an easy answer. My favorite place in the world is a 2,700 year-old city located in the southeast corner of the island of Sicily, notable for its ancient ruins, rich Greek history, culture, and amphitheatre, and as being the birthplace of Archimedes. This magical place is called Siracusa (or Syracuse in English).
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community.
Hi guys! My name is Nicole and I was a student with SAI in the Spring of 2016! I studied in London and fell in love with Europe as a whole. I now work for SAI doing Digital Marketing and Social Media and I LOVE it! I am headed to Europe with only a carry on and a backpack to go under my seat!
It’s really not that bad! “I’m in the middle of finals.” “I’m too busy with school and work to fill out the application.” “I don’t want to write another essay about myself!” As SAI’s Admissions Counselor I get my fair share of students wanting to forgo the application process and head straight for acceptance into one of SAI’s programs. And I can’t blame you. However, rest assured the SAI application process is not that bad!
We have a few new things coming in summer 2018! Travel all of Italy with our new SUMMER C Program: Want to get the most out of your summer abroad? We combined our Summer II and III programs to create a new 6 week summer program, which includes three weeks of traveling throughout Italy before you end in Florence for a three week program.
We’re in the midst of the coldest months and already dreaming about those warm summer days! Ready for the cold weather to fade and the sun to make an appearance so we can get outside and start exploring! Our on-site staff are sharing their favorite summer activities in each city, so start planning your summer adventures now! Syracuse: Flamingo watching at the Vendicari Marine Wildlife reserve.
Selecting the perfect gift can be difficult.. Not sure what to get for that person that is always on the go? Luckily, we’re here today with a Gift Guide filled with products your fellow traveler is guaranteed to love. Here are 13 gift ideas for the modern traveler! Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera, $99 The ultimate travel essential!
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Spring 2019 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad. Alexandra Lehnhard, Paris Home school: University of Alabama 1.
Congratulations to Mallory Royer for winning the SAI Fall 2017 Photo Contest! Mallory is studying abroad with SAI in Florence from College of Charleston, and she submitted this stunning photo taken in Cinque Terre, Italy. “5-stars for this magical place!” Mallory’s photo received the most “likes” and she has been awarded a $100 Amazon gift card. To view all the photos please see the Facebook album.
The top global fashion schools of 2017 have been released by the Business of Fashion and many of the schools we work with are featured on the list at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. There are many excellent fashion programs throughout Europe and this list shows how they stack up against the best schools stateside. The rankings take into consideration global influence, learning experience, long-term value, and then they receive an overall score.
What is it like to study abroad with SAI? Listen to our free 20-minute webinar that highlights the SAI student experience. It is led by Nicole Gagne, an SAI alumna who studied abroad in spring 2016. Nicole shares details of what makes the SAI student experience unique, and what you can expect as a student on an SAI program.
Do you like the idea of living in Florence, inarguably one of Italy’s foremost centers of cuisine, wine and hospitality? Do you like the idea of enrolling in a program focused on culinary arts, hospitality management, Italian baking and pastry or wine studies? If this sounds amazing, then perhaps enrolling in an Apicius Career Program might be a good option for you.
SAI is excited to announce our 2017-2018 SAI Ambassadors! This school year, we have a large network of 63 ambassadors from universities all over the United States.
SAI is excited to announce that voting for the summer 2017 photo contest has ended and we have a winner! SAI Florence student Leah Crawford from the University of Kentucky, submitted the photo below and received 217 “likes” to win a wireless, waterproof speaker and a printed copy of her photo. It was a tight race; we had eight participants from five different SAI cities and over half of the photos had 87+ votes.
A critical part of the study abroad experience is aligning your career goals with the program you select, and taking action before and during the experience to stay involved in your field of interest. After you return, it is important to translate the experience into marketable skills that employers seek.
Did you love your study abroad experience? Want to continue spreading the word about education abroad while making a difference in the lives of students? Consider a career in the field of international education. It’s not always easy to break into, but here are a few ways you can get started: Network: Reach out to your study abroad advisor, program admissions counselor, and other international education professionals.
36 years ago today (July 31, 1980) the #1 song on the Billboard charts was Magic by Olivia Newton John. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that both J.K. Rowling and her famous character, Harry Potter, were also born on July 31st (1965 and 1980, respectively). What better way to celebrate the birthday of the two biggest names in the wizarding world than with a Harry Potter adventure?
