Regina Acra
University of Tampa

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
Living in Milano for four months changed me for the better. The experiences I went through, whether obstacles or beautiful moments, made me grow incredibly as a human being. During this time, I matured and got to know myself on a much deeper level than I thought I could. I became more independent, self-sufficient, extroverted, and cultured. Although I met so many wonderful friends that I will cherish for a lifetime, being abroad was a time of a lot of introspection and self-care as well. Those four months were a period of time I took for myself, time away from the known. Long walks became an everyday routine, whether through Parco Sempione or the Giardini Pubblici, the small picturesque streets in Brera or Garibaldi. Walking became a sort of meditation, while I reflected and zoned out to my music.

Read more about Regina’s experience in Milan here.

Christina Amaya
St. Mary’s College of California

What is your most memorable interaction with a local in your host city?
I made a friend in one of my classes who had lived in Rome her whole life and at the end of the semester she invited me to a dinner with her family and friends. We went to a really nice restaurant and there were about 10 of us. The meal was 3 hours long and we ate so much food! It was a little intimidating because they all spoke Italian and some of their table manners seemed different, but we had a lot of fun comparing the cultures, laughing, and sharing funny stories. By the end of dinner I really felt like I fit in!

Read more about Christina’s experience in Rome here.

Jordan Benda
Baylor University

What has your experience taught you about the world?
Studying abroad included going to classes, which I truly enjoyed and learned a great deal in. However, interacting with so many different people from around the world taught me that we are more similar than we care to let on sometimes. We all wish to be happy, pursue our goals and dreams, have true and lasting relationships, and be loved. Regardless of where someone comes from, taking the time to hear their story will help you grow as a person. When I had conversations with people from very different walks of life with the mindset to better understand and wanting to learn from them, they were a lot more open and willing to do the same. Being kind goes a long way. Letting go of expectations and stereotypes of people will bring a richer experience, and a great new friend.

Read more about Jordan’s experience in Paris here.

Abbey Burnham
University of Alabama

What advice do you have for new study abroad students?
My advice for new study abroad students is to get out of your comfort zone and do as much as you can because the time will fly by. There truly is so much out there in the world and this time abroad is one of your best opportunities to explore it. Be sure to go on weekend trips and explore new areas. Try the local food even if sounds a little intimating, and go off the beaten path some and see what the locals are doing. But also don’t forget to spend lots of time exploring your own host city, this is your 金殿棋牌 for a little bit, so go beyond the tourist destinations. Truly getting to know the city you are living in makes your time there so much more enjoyable. The odds are you won’t spend this much time in that city again, so be sure to make the most of it while you’re there.

Read more about Abbey’s experience in Paris here.

Brianna Carter
Appalachian State University

What was your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory from studying abroad was the day trip to Sitges. As much as I love the city and the mountains, for me, the beach is where it’s at, and Sitges was one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever seen. The water was incredibly clear and blue, and it was the week of Carnival so the whole town was decorated in colorful ribbons and banners. We also enjoyed some gelato while there and some delicious tacos at a local restaurant called Vista Corona. I definitely recommend checking out Sitges as it remains a wonderful memory for me.

Read more about Brianna’s experience in Barcelona here.

Marissa Chiaradio
University of Tampa

What felt the most foreign to you when you came back to the US?
The busy on-the-go American lifestyle is something that I had to jump right back into when returning to the US. I had gotten used to the Italian daily lifestyle and really appreciated my days in Florence. The stressful way of living in the US was something I did not miss; I enjoyed taking things at a slower pace while I was abroad. There would be nights where we spent hours in a restaurant but we did even realize it because we were enjoying our meals, wine, and the company of our friends. When walking through the streets, taking time to look around and enjoy all the beauty around us, was one of the better ways to spend a day. Being back in the US, I have been trying to continue their way of live. I try to remember to take a break from the business, enjoy every moment and appreciate the little things.

Read more about Marissa’s experience in Florence here.

Kara Cronin
Suffolk University

How has studying abroad changed/shaped your future career goals?
I was part of SAI’s Global Leadership program and I became very involved with SAI activities and excursions, all of which helped me realize how much more excited I am about global topics and culture than I thought. I met some of the most inspiring people and learned so much. By the end of my semester abroad, I realized that I wanted to change my major, so I contacted my advisor before returning 金殿棋牌 and was able to change my major to Global and Cultural Communications. I can’t imagine things having worked out any other way and I believe that everything happens for a reason. This opportunity has given me the ability to feel far more excited and confident in whatever my future holds for me, and I love my new major more than I ever could have hoped to.

Read more about Kara’s experience in Florence here.

Arianna DeLillo
St. Mary’s College of California

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
I studied in Florence, Italy and there were so many things that I loved to do it’s hard to choose one. However, the first one that came to my mind after reading this question was simply walking around. Florence is so rich with culture, art, and history, everywhere you look has a story or looks like a postcard. It was just so surreal that I was walking through this magical city that had been around for thousands of years. There was also so much to see, you never got bored. I would stumble upon live music on Ponte Vecchio, watch artists painting in the streets, or eat gelato while walking by palaces. I would have to pinch myself to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming. Florence was my absolute favorite city that I’ve been to in Europe.

Read more about Arianna’s experience in Florence here.

Mariana Del Rio Flores
Belmont University

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
My favorite class abroad would definitely be my Business Management class. It was so interesting to learn about Business in a European class with an Italian teacher. We talked about the market in Europe, which is something I did not learn much about in the US. I also loved the diversity of my classroom. I heard perspectives from students from all over the world! I also learned a lot about the market in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East since we were geographically close to those places and they affected Europe so much.

Read more about Mariana’s experience in Rome here.

Kathryn Ferguson
University of Missouri

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My favorite thing to do in Florence was to get a panino from Panini Toscani (I really miss those paninos…) and find a sunny piazza to sit and people watch. I also liked sitting along the Arno and watching the street artists paint the sunset. Life in Florence was a bit slower than I was used to, but I quickly came to appreciate the relaxing pace of Italy.

Read more about Kathryn’s experience in Florence here.

Annabel Fust
University of Georgia

What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture?
Other than the Italian’s affinity for Pringles (they’re everywhere), I was pleasantly surprised by the prevalence of spending quality time with others in Italian culture. Whether it be at an aperitvo, family-style dinner, or a regular sit-down meal, Florence was always bursting with people coming together. I feel as though American culture is notorious for being rushed and getting things done in the most efficient way possible. However in Italy, it was very refreshing to see people simply enjoying time with one another without worrying about how long it lasted or what they were doing afterwards.

Read more about Annabel’s experience in Florence here.

Danielle Gaito
Muhlenberg College

What advice do you have for new study abroad students?
One of the most crucial pieces of advice I can give about studying abroad is to make sure that you spend a weekend or two in your host country. For Italy, there is easy train access to all the different regions and each place you visit will be so different from the one you are staying in. I cannot stress this enough, as I met so many people who had wished they explored Italy more instead of traveling to another country every weekend. So… EXPLORE THE COUNTRY YOU CHOSE TO LIVE IN. You may even find that you are tired of traveling every weekend (I know this sounds unfathomable, but it happens to the best of us trust me), so don’t feel pressure to book trips for every weekend in advance even if other study abroad students are doing so.

Read more about Danielle’s experience in Florence here.

Emma Gardner
University of Mississippi

What has your experience abroad taught you about the world?
My experience abroad has taught me that the world we live in is such a beautiful and unique place and there are always things to appreciate in life no matter what part of the world I am in. My experience abroad has taught me to not take for granted the opportunities that come my way in life, and to give thanks to those who help me succeed in achieving my dreams. Studying abroad has taught me that getting out of my comfort zone allows me to accomplish things I never thought that I could. Lastly, my experience abroad has taught me to always dive first into taking risks, because it is those things that allow me to truly feel alive.

Read more about Emma’s experience in Florence here.

Ashley Goodlin
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
Each night, I tried to go out on my balcony and watch the sunset. I loved sitting outside in the warm air and listening to the sounds below. Sometimes I would listen to music as I watched. Seeing the city transform from day to night made me feel at 金殿棋牌. The best thing about it is that I saw a different view of Milan every time!

Read more about Ashley’s experience in Milan here.

Sarah Greer
University of Alabama

What felt the most “foreign” to you when you came back to the US?
Being able to drive my car was definitely the most “foreign” thing returning to the US. Living in Italy, I got so used to walking EVERYWHERE and using Uber/taxis/etc. to get around. Even going to the market would constitute at least 40 minutes of walking round-trip. It might sound tiring, but I absolutely loved my walks around Florence and the other cities in which I traveled. I felt as though I saw new things every day. I felt like more of a local, and I eventually knew my way around without using Google Maps every time I left my house. I realized that without having to stare at my cell phone map, I could enjoy my surroundings even more than before. Plus, in an amazing city like Florence, it was even fun to “get lost” and just allow myself to wander the city for an afternoon without a destination in mind. Returning to the US, I admittedly was excited for Target to be a five-minute drive from my house, but every car ride, no matter how convenient, cannot compare to my daily walks in Europe.

Read more about Sarah’s experience in Florence here.

Sabrina Heffern
University of Missouri

Share an example of how your international experience has improved your skills in communicating with others.
Before I went abroad, I was the kind of person who couldn’t stand the idea of embarrassing myself. I was ‘stand in the back and watch how other people do it’ kind of girl. I was afraid to ask questions and terrified of making mistakes. Spending 4 months in a country where I don’t speak the language has completely transformed the way that I communicate with other people and navigate unfamiliar spaces. When you’re traveling through France and you don’t speak french and you don’t have data so you can’t translate the street signs, you’re pretty much low on options. You don’t have any other choice than to ask questions, to make mistakes, to figure it out. That’s the greatest skill I learned from my semester abroad. I’m no longer afraid to charge into an unknown situation and ask questions. I’m not afraid of traveling alone. I’m not afraid of making mistakes. My study abroad strengthened my communication skills by making me more confident in my ability to conquer new challenges and use communication as a tool to facilitate my success. Nobody ever got anywhere by not asking questions. In many ways, that’s rule #1 of studying abroad. Just ask. Because, if you don’t ask, you’ll never know.

Read more about Sabrina’s experience in Florence here.

Megan James
Point Loma Nazarene University

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
I have always loved to be outside of my comfort zone. I get a thrill of being uncomfortable and meeting new people. I have traveled independently in the past but I must say, none of my prior experiences compare to actually living in a new country. After my semester abroad I noticed a growth in independence and confidence. Two things I lack most in quickly became my strengths. I no longer need a companion by my side and I am capable of doing everything by myself and not only that, but I am content in doing so. I have also discovered little things about myself like certain likes and dislikes or what I look for in a city or even in a friend.

Read more about Megan’s experience in Florence here.

Noor Khalid
Southern Connecticut State University

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
Throughout my time abroad I had many memorable experiences from exploring the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland to biking in the streets in Seville. My most memorable experience would have to be the festivals my friends and I went to at La Monumental. La Monumental is an old bullfighting ring where they now host different concerts and festivals. My first time going was the first weekend in my host city. It was the perfect way to meet and mingle with the other program students while enjoying our new 金殿棋牌. It was such a fun time we made sure to visit once more before the end of the semester.

Read more about Noor’s experience in Barcelona here.

Haley Kueltzo
University of Tampa

How did your study abroad experience enhance your knowledge/skills/understanding of your intended career field?
Studying abroad has opened up my horizons with my future career as well. I am an advertising and public relations major and it made me realize that there is a large spectrum to reach when you are marketing certain products. I loved learning how Italy markets things versus the United States and how intercultural communication plays a huge role!

Read more about Haley’s experience in Florence here.

Jaelyn Larson
Colorado State University

How has studying abroad impacted your life goals?
Studying abroad impacted my life goals because I now want to work and live abroad after college as a graphic designer. Without this experience, I never would have made these goals or had the courage to leave the States and put myself outside my comfort zone. I definitely caught the travel bug, and hope I can travel to a new place each year and experience different cultures.

Read more about Jaelyn’s experience in Florence here.

Kyle McQuain
University of Oregon

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
My favorite class abroad in Siena was called Flavors and Tastes. We learned about the chemistry of different foods and beverages around Tuscany. We studied wine, beer, cheese, chocolate, olive oil, and the Sienese specialty of Panforte. In every class, we got to taste test many varieties of the food we were covering that day and while it was certainly delicious, it was also really memorable. We got to visit olive oil factories, a cow farm, a hops field for beer and so many more amazing places. I learned how important food is in Italian culture and it made me appreciate my food every single day while abroad.

Read more about Kyle’s experience in Siena here.

Brenna McWhorter
Colorado State University

What was your favorite part about studying abroad?
Studying abroad is all about making the most of your experience. While I was there, I also volunteered for an organization that allowed me to give free tours to people from countries all over the world as a tour guide at Santa Croce, one of the largest and most historically important churches in Florence. None other than the likes of Michelangelo, Galileo, and Machiavelli are buried there, along with containing some of the greatest artworks of the Italian Renaissance. Because this was such a unique opportunity, it was the kind of thing that few people can say they have been able to experience. As an art history major, this type of hands on learning and comprehension of the field that I’m interested is invaluable to building a career doing something I’m so passionate about.

Read more about Brenna’s experience in Florence here.

Joseph Markferding
Belmont University

What has your experience taught you about the world?
No matter where one finds themselves in this vast, spacious yet small, densely populated, and heavily interconnected world; the priorities and passions of people are largely the same. The divisions between peoples are very real; there are different languages, traditions, customs, styles, etc. It’s beautiful and highly important to be able to take pride in all the things we are, and to relish in the things that define us and make us stand out as people. Studying in Florence gave me a particularly insightful perspective on this topic due to its history and culture, which is defined largely by this marked shift in focus from the community and the communal in the Medieval Age to the individual and the internal during the Renaissance.

Read more about Joseph’s experience in Florence here.

Tanvi Mehta
The New School, Parsons School of Design

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
I studied at Florence University of Arts, and one of my favorite classes was international marketing. While the name sounds ordinary, the course was the complete opposite! Our professor inspired us to think out of the box, and pushed us to come up with extremely creative final projects. The purpose of the project was to introduce Pasta Fabri (I highly recommend trying this brand) to an international market, using the methods and tools we acquire from class. While International Marketing is available at my resident university, I am glad I decided to do it with SAI in Italy, The experience I attained, it has helped broaden my perspective on marketing strategies.

Read more about Tanvi’s experience in Florence here.

Brianna Menssen
Gustavus Adolphus College

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My absolute favorite thing to do in Rome was going to the cat sanctuary. That may sound weird but it was amazing. It was in the middle of the city so you could people watch, enjoy the city life, and see the amazing cats. I loved it. I also LOVED sunsets. There were a lot of beautiful places to watch the sunset. Getting a bottle of wine and going up to a lookout point with your friends was always a great time. I would love to be able to go back and watch the sunset at the orange gardens again. I highly recommend it. Normally there is live music by a local and it is a very relaxing thing to experience.

Read more about Brianna’s experience in Rome here.

Kaleo Nicolas
Washington State University

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. Every place that I traveled to felt different, whether it was the people, the food, the views, etc. All of these things relate to someone’s culture and I, personally, just love learning about different cultures around the world. Aside from meeting new people, and taking lots of pictures, being in the moment and taking in different cultural norms and relating them to my own, was important to me in my study abroad experience. It helped me develop a better understanding of the world, and be able to respect and appreciate other things and places this world has to offer.

Read more about Kaelo’s experience in Florence here.

Kate O’Connell
Muhlenberg College

Do you have any tips for learning the language while students are abroad?
Learning a new language is a very difficult thing to do, but not impossible. The best tips I can offer to help learn the language is to…

1. Listen to it being spoken around you and try to understand what is being said
2. Read anything you can that is in the language, from street signs to menus, do your best to understand the words and how to pronounce them
3. Speak it! Whenever you have the chance, avoid using English and try using the foreign language to communicate with people, this will only help you to learn faster

If you put in the effort, you will be surprised by how much you will be able to learn in just a short time

Read more about Kate’s experience in Florence here.

Noah Palazza
University of Missouri

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
My favorite class abroad was Culture Shock: Cross-Cultural Psychology. To start, there is no reason this should have ever been my favorite class. I study Communication and randomly took a Psych class as an elective. Plus, it was at 9am every Tuesday morning… Not quite the set up for a wonderful time. Yet it changed the course of my entire semester. I met my three best friends in the obnoxiously pink walled room we were taught in. The first week I saw someone who looked like a fun person and I made sure to sit next to them week two. It may have been the best decision I made all semester! We ended up becoming each other’s closest friends and introduced each other to our roommates and formed the absolute best group to hang out with all year! I cannot recommend enough to get out of your comfort zone and talk to the people around you in your classes. Everyone in those rooms are going through the same crazy experiences you are, and it’s so much easier to bond and relate than you might expect. Who knows, you may even meet your best friend at 9am like me!

Read more about Noah’s experience in Florence here.

Theresa Pham
Baylor University

What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad?
For me, I find joy in adapting to new cultures and connecting with others of different personalities and backgrounds. With that being said, I recommend learning the basics of the language of whatever country you are studying in/traveling to! Saying basic phrases such as “hello,” “how are you,” and “thank you,” in the local language allows you to dip your toes in the country’s culture and is often appreciated by the locals and workers. As a tourist and visitor, rather than trying to expect the locals to accommodate to you by speaking English, I encourage you to respect their culture and make an effort to interact with people such as waiters, cashiers, and taxi drivers in the local language!

Read more about Theresa’s experience in Rome here.

Palma Bradley Piccinino
Washington State University

What advice do you have for new study abroad students?
Oh wow, where do I begin!? My most important tip would be to take advantage of every opportunity that comes by. Say yes to everything and spend time exploring your 金殿棋牌 city with not only your friends, but also by yourself. Take the time to have the conversations with locals and spend as much time as you can traveling to different destinations. As far as smaller suggestions go, I would recommend not over packing, because you will probably buy a lot of new clothing while you’re abroad. I would also recommend cooking most of your meals at 金殿棋牌, so that you can have extra cash for dining and other activities when you’re away traveling on the weekends. Also, always have extra euros (coins) with you for public restrooms and water when you’re out and about, too.

Read more about Palma’s experience in Florence here.

Elena Potts
University of Kentucky

What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture?
The logistics of traveling are not glamourous. Although I do like the adventurous spirit within airports, they’re usually cold with really uncomfortable chairs. Anyone who’s ever had to get on a plane knows this. While abroad, I traveled almost every weekend, which became really exhausting and tested my patience when it came to delays and slow walkers. However, I learned how to pack efficiently, map out my exact route when arriving in a new city, and most importantly, that people in airports think they’re the only ones with a plane to catch. At first I didn’t think I had enough experience to navigate Europe, but I never knew until I tried. So don’t be afraid of this daunting task, just jump in and do it.

Read more about Elena’s experience in Florence here.

Hamzah Sammour
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My favorite place in Rome was visiting the Terrazza Giancola. It is a hill in western Rome, Italy. Although the second-tallest hill in the contemporary city of Rome. I loved to spend time on this hill reading and studying, while I looking down at the beautiful sights. Also, there are small Italian ice cream and coffee shops for you to enjoy. Great place to spend time with friends and reminded me about the Oak Grove at IUP. I gave the place a nickname as “The European Oak Grove”.

Read more about Hamzah’s experience in Rome here.

Elizabeth Savickas
Lasell College

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My absolute favorite thing about my host city was renting a bike and getting to know Florence through a different perspective. I found a local bike shop and got a really good deal on a four-month bike rental. I rode the bike to places I don’t think I would of ever discovered by foot. I spent so much time exploring local areas, coffee shops, parks.. I even biked all the way up to Fiesole!

Read more about Elizabeth’s experience in Florence here.

Olivia Schied
St. Mary’s College of California

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
While abroad I took an Intercultural communications class— which ended up being one of my favorite college classes I have ever taken. The professor was so invested in his students and expanding our knowledge on communication among cultures. A large portion of my class was from the U.S but there were students from Turkey, Serbia, Egypt, Israel, and the rest from Italy. Having such a diverse group of individuals helped me better understand other cultures and practices from their first hand experiences as well as covering these differences in class. I found it to be a very interesting and applicable class to everyday life, which made it that much more important.

Read more about Olivia’s experience in Rome here.

Kate Shelley
University of South Carolina

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, I never really got the chance to experience life in a big city. The first day in Florence I thought it was huge. As time passed, I realized how small it is! Nothing in Florence took me more than 25 minutes to walk to. Everything was in walking distance which made walking around the city my favorite part of studying abroad in Florence. Everywhere you look there is art, history, or something to do. From the busiest of streets to the smallest alleyways, everything you see in Florence is beautiful. Stopping to admire street art was something I did frequently and even if I couldn’t understand it was fascinating to think about how it got there. You never know what you might find on a hidden road!

Read more about Kate’s experience in Florence here.

Madeline Shore
Appalachian State University

What does your study abroad experience mean to you?
Everybody says that studying abroad changes your life. It’s a cliché that will be thrown your way a thousand times before you board your flight to whatever gorgeous city you’re about to live in for the semester. Months later you come back and realize that this cliché could not be more true. Before going abroad I had never traveled alone or even been out of the country. Being able to live in a completely different culture and explore 13 countries over a few months was the most rewarding experience. I look back at all the polaroids, postcards, and GoPro videos and know that I am a more independent, adventurous, and well-rounded person because of my time abroad. I will never forget all of the meals, friends, and adventures I experienced every single day.

Read more about Madeline’s experience in Florence here.

Brianna Soccio
College of William and Mary

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
I took an Intro to Drawing class that I loved because there was something very exciting about taking an art class in Florence, a city that was 金殿棋牌 to so many famous artists. Not only was the class itself enjoyable, but it felt especially meaningful when I was spending my weekends at the Uffizi or L’Accademia, or at any of the many, many museums in Florence. I also got to sketch the beautiful Florentine architecture as 金殿棋牌work! I think taking that class in Florence was infinitely more interesting than if I had taken it at my 金殿棋牌 university.

Read more about Brianna’s experience in Florence here.

Alayna Steindl
University of Alabama

How has studying abroad impacted your life goals?
I am a Marketing major with a Spanish minor, but have been uncertain about what I would like to specifically do after I graduate. At first I thought this was a problem because I felt surrounded by students who seemed to have the next ten years of their lives planned out. I went abroad and realized that there is so much more to the world and so many more opportunities for personal and professional growth available through travel. As a result, I have added a minor in International Business to my degree program.

Read more about Alayna’s experience in Barcelona here.

Brittney Stobbie
University of Florida

What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture?
What surprised me most about Sorrento and the culture was Siesta Time, also known as “riposo” to Italians. I honestly could not believe that during the early afternoon hours, locals close down their stores and go enjoy siesta time. This concept was so foreign to me, and it was a reminder to slow down, enjoy the experience, and take it all in.

Read more about Brittney’s experience in Sorrento here.

Charlotte Thomas
College of Charleston

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory is having met some really good friends from both the Netherlands and Germany. Prior to going abroad, I did not expect to become so close with people outside of the United States and Italy. After spending months with my new friends from Europe, I became so appreciative of their culture and how they shared it with me. We ended up traveling and hanging out together the whole semester. This really opened my eyes and had me fascinated with the difference in cultures across Europe. My new friends and I bonded over both our similarities and differences. I will always hold on to our funny memories. I now have friends to visit in Holland and Germany!

Read more about Charlotte’s experience in Florence here.

Evan Thompson
University of Kentucky

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
While I embarked on numerous wild adventures in many incredible countries, my favorite memory from studying abroad stems from the friendships I made. I was lucky enough to meet seven amazing individuals while abroad that to this day I can call some of my best friends. At the end of every Tuesday, we would all meet at this discrete park on the outskirts of the city and watch the sun set over the foreign country that we called 金殿棋牌. Just being in the company of my friends and sharing our stories from the past week was undoubtedly my favorite memory of my study abroad experience.

Read more about Evan’s experience in Florence here.

Elizabeth Tirrill
University of Mississippi

What was your favorite memory from studying abroad?
I find this question so easy, yet so difficult to answer whenever I’m asked it. In short, every bit of my experience was my favorite memory, but it’s the little things about my study abroad that still stand out to me in my memory. To name a few: I loved waking up Wednesday mornings, when all my roommates and I didn’t have class, and sitting in our main room all together chatting and laughing about our adventures abroad. I’ll always remember that first time I went to the grocery store and was finally able to understand the cashier’s Italian. I loved sitting outside around the corner from my apartment and people watching while having my café con latte, and then casually stroll to my next class. And finally, I will never forget the moments with kind strangers we met that made my friends and me feel like Florence was really our 金殿棋牌.

Read more about Elizabeth’s experience in Florence here.

Marissa Vogelsang
Belmont University

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
I had a wonderful privilege of being “adopted” into a local Italian family through a program sponsored by my host university. My favorite thing was to go over to their 金殿棋牌 every week, where my Italian mom would make a “casual” dinner (although it was always three courses). Sometimes they would humor me by letting me cook for them or bring them a classic American snack. The most amusing concepts to try to explain were PB&J sandwiches and Girl Scout Cookies. Shortly after I met my family, they invited me to the grandparent’s house where I met the entire extended family and enjoyed a feast that you would expect for, well, an entire Italian extended family. Even though only a handful of the family members spoke English (and my Italian was still a joke), I was touched by how they all still made an effort to communicate with me and make me feel welcome. The hospitality of my family played a huge part in helping make Florence feel like 金殿棋牌.

Read more about Marissa’s experience in Florence here.

Erica Warne
University of South Carolina

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. Each group was given a specific marketing research strategy to conduct and had to brainstorm what the topic we wanted to study was; whether it be analyzing shopping habits in the grocery store, the most common age groups using the metro, or many more. We then had to meet outside of class and study that topic that we had chosen. I enjoyed this because we put the skills we had learned in class and applied them to real life marketing research, plus we got to explore the city of Barcelona in the meantime. We then had to analyze and present our findings which was interesting because all of the groups chose different topics but they all involved the city of Barcelona, so I was learning more about the city I was living in and topics related to marketing.

Read more about Erica’s experience in Barcelona here.

Sydney Watson
Suffolk University

What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture?
What surprised me most about Italy was her blindness to differences. It was beautiful to see a country like Italy with its diverse population, intermingling of various races and inclusion of cultures. One lesson I learned there that I never want to forget is that it is possible for us to live as one community. I was never discriminated against there and I truly do value that, as it’s something I have come across much too often being biracial. In fact, I was actually complimented regularly by the Italians, often hearing “Che bella!”, as I entered the local coffee shops. Rather than trying to put each other down, the Romans try to make everyone feel included.

Read more about Sydney’s experience in Rome here.

Molly Weiss
Western Michigan University

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
First off, I would love to share my favorite thing I did (nearly every day) when I was in Florence! La Milkeria, a coffee shop, had the best iced vanilla lattes and crepes in town. Every day in between my two classes, I took the time to walk ten minutes to enjoy my iced latte and crepe filled with fruit, cream, nutella and more. It was definitely a dessert for breakfast! The locals who owned the cute shop remembered my name to kindly greet me every day beginning with, “Ciao”. I truly felt like I was becoming one of the locals, even though I was foreign to their coffee shop. I could not get enough of this tasteful and dainty place.

Read more about Molly’s experience in Florence here.

Sydney Williams
University of South Carolina

What is your most memorable interaction with a local in your host city?
Even though most of my friends studying abroad were other Americans, I did make a few Italian friends. My most memorable experience with a local was an owner of a nearby shoe store that I often shopped in. We became good friends and spent hours talking about cultural differences between Americans and Italians. She also gave me some great food recommendations because she had lived in Florence all of her life. She became a close friend of mine, and we actually still keep in touch today! Overall, I had such a positive experience with the locals, and felt as if they welcomed me with open arms. My time abroad honestly flew by so quickly, and when May rolled around I was devastated to leave.

Read more about Sydney’s experience in Florence here.

Maxine Wisler
Muhlenberg College

What does your study abroad experience mean to you?
Personally, studying abroad allowed me to grow as an individual, especially in terms of developing my own independence. While SAI programs offer support whenever needed, they also allow for you to evolve as your own person in a foreign country. Studying abroad pushed me to overcome fears that I never thought I could get through on my own. Living in another country for an extended period of time is challenging; living in a country that is non-English speaking is even harder. However, my communication skills and my ability to explain myself have developed dramatically, which is a skill I can utilize within my own professional experience in the future. I also created lasting bonds with other study abroad students from universities spanning from Hawaii to Nebraska to Vermont. My study abroad experience has allowed me to establish a foundation of independence, while simultaneously offering me the opportunity to create invaluable friendships that are indispensable and everlasting.

Read more about Maxine’s experience in Rome here.

Isabella Witt
University of South Carolina

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
While I am not a math person at all, my favorite class I took while I was studying in Florence was a three-week intensive Hospitality Accounting class. I liked it so much because my professor was hands-on, passionate, and knowledgeable. He took us to different hospitality locations around the city and showed us how industry professionals use accounting in their everyday jobs and how they got to where they were today. It was not a class I expected to like, but it just goes to show how studying abroad can change your viewpoint!

Read more about Isabella’s experience in Florence here.

Reed Wonn
Washington State University Vancouver

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
While studying abroad, I came to a lot of realizations about myself. You may think of yourself as independent, and someone who wants to study abroad most likely is but being abroad really puts it to the test! I realized that I am much more capable than I originally thought! It truly was an adventure, and the excitement was only heightened by doing it alone. I have changed in positive ways because of it. I am even more independent than before and much more confident in myself!

Read more about Reed’s experience in Rome here.

Kyle Wright
University of South Carolina

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
I really enjoyed all of my classes, but one of my personal favorite classes was my Managerial Skills class. In this class, my professor really made the classroom a positive environment and used games and activities to help us better understand information. For example, there was one task where I was blind-folded using my non-dominate hand to stack as many blocks in 10 seconds. We ran three different trials. In the first trial, there was a “manager” that was yelling at me. In the second trial, the “manager” helped guide me through the process and help. In the third trial, I stacked the blocks by myself and in the trial I stacked 9 blocks (which was the high score). This taught me that when you are encouraged in a professional environment, you will begin to excel when you finally work by yourself.

Read more about Kyle’s experience in Barcelona here.

Alexa Yates
George Washington University

What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture?
I was the most shocked to see how Florence was laid out and how different way of life is in Italy compared the US. For example, I remember that one of the first things I noticed was the lack of department stores and how specialized merchants were to what you wanted to buy. For example, when I wanted to go print something for one of my classes, I had to find a copy shop. I couldn’t just go to a Staples per-say, where I could print while shopping for various things. Additionally, I didn’t realize how much of Italy has its original architecture and charm; transporting you in time. I was truly taken back by how beautiful the city is no matter what time of the day it was. Walking at night by the Arno or sitting in Santo Spirito, I understood how everyone in Florence in love with each other being how romantic the city is.

Read more about Alexa’s experience in Florence here.

Antonio Annesi
University of Tampa

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory from studying abroad in Rome would have to be all the group dinners my friends would have every week. We discovered so many different “hole in the wall” places and had some of our best memories together over dinner.

Read more about Antonio’s experience in Rome here.

Lisa Apazidis
Lehigh University

Share an example of how your international experience has improved your skills in communicating with others.
It’s slightly more challenging studying in a country where the official language isn’t English. Being in a big city, most people do speak English, but you’ll find an occasional local who doesn’t and with the little Italian I know, I tried to make myself as clear as possible. I found that I have become much more assertive when engaging with people than I was before traveling abroad. I was shy and hesitant to go up to people if I had a question. After months of traveling and using public transit, I became more confident in asking questions so that I didn’t end up on the wrong train. Now that I’m 金殿棋牌, I’ve noticed I’m much more willing to speak to people.

Read more about Lisa’s experience in Rome here.

Holly Aronhalt
Lasell College

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
One of my favorite things to do was to just walk around the city and explore new areas. Even in a small city such as Florence there is so much to discover. I loved stumbling upon new cafes, vintage shops, and best of all, gelato places!

Read more about Holly’s experience in Florence here.

Angelika Ballas
University of South Carolina

What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad?
While studying abroad and considering planning weekend trips to other cities and countries, ensure that you leave enough time to immerse yourself in your 金殿棋牌 city and local culture. A few weekends in the city you’re studying in will give you much more time to explore and eventually do things in your city that aren’t touristy. The more you explore your own city, the more you will fall in love with it. Often, we’re so excited to travel that we miss out on the true experience, living in a new city, learning a foreign language, getting to know the neighborhood, and meeting locals.

Read more about Angelika’s experience in Florence here.

Danielle Balsamo
Muhlenberg College

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
Growing up in an Italian American household I learned a lot about my family’s Italian heritage and traditions. When I finally made it to Italy, I wanted to learn more about what it truly means to be Italian. I therefore took a course titled Cultural Introduction to the Italian Family. Throughout the course, I learned the various roles of family members, how the family has evolved over time in response to cultural shifts, and the contrasts between the traditions Italian American hold onto and what those traditions are in Italy at present. One of my favorite lessons was when we talked about holiday tradition. We talked about the different cakes for each holiday (i.e. cassata for Easter), the types of meals eaten, and who attends different holidays. A lot of what we talked about regarding holidays I realized are still prevalent in the Italian American population. Such as the tradition of a Christmas eve dinner featuring the Feast of the Seven Holy Fish, which my family still partakes in. As an additional part of the class I was paired with a family living in Florence and got to experience Italian family life in the real-world setting, not just within a classroom. This enabled me to experience my first real Italian Easter, take part in birthday celebrations, and experience day to day interactions between the family. Even though I am back in the United States, I still remain in touch with my Italian family and am so grateful for their acceptance of me into their family.

Read more about Danielle’s experience in Florence here.

Grace Barlow
University of South Carolina

What was my favorite memory from study abroad?
One of my favorite memories was attending Milano Fashion Week with my friends. It was my second or third week there, and one of my friends asked if I’d like to try to sneak into some of the shows with her. I quickly obliged and we managed to get into 3 or 4 shows by waiting in the press line and claiming we were “fashion bloggers.” One of the best parts was Anna Wintour passing by us outside the Versace Show and meeting Pat McGrath. We made memories I will never forget and it was the perfect start to an incredible study abroad experience!

Read about Grace’s experience in Milan here.

Jackie Beckman,
University of Tennessee

What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad?
Don’t plan all your weekend trips before arriving in Florence. It’s best to make weekend travel arrangements once you meet your roommates and make friends that way you can make plans together. Just like you plan weekend trips all over Europe, it’s important to plan a weekend to stay in your host city. No matter how many warnings you hear about people not fully exploring their host city because they were busy traveling elsewhere, it will happen so make it one of your weekend destinations.

Read more about Jackie’s experience in Florence here.

Gal Behiri
Muhlenberg College

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
I find this question to be the most common, yet the hardest to answer. My favorite memory isn’t made of one specific moment; it’s made of many. However, if I had to share one it would be coming back to Florence from my first weekend trip. Moving to a new place is difficult, moving to a new city in a new Country even more challenging. It’s hard to feel at 金殿棋牌 while learning where everything is, memorizing your new address, and attempting to navigate through a city that doesn’t speak your language. However, the moment I got to Florence from my first weekend trip in Vienna, I felt relief. I felt comfort, the strange city didn’t feel so strange anymore. I never thought I’d ever feel so at 金殿棋牌. Every time I’d come back from a trip I felt more and more connected to Florence. The first time I was able to walk from the train station to my apartment all by myself was so exciting! I knew my way around and I have become acclimated to the Florentine lifestyle.

Read more about Gal’s experience in Florence here.

Alexis Bolivar
Virginia Commonwealth University

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory from my time abroad is an odd one. It was my first trip outside my host city, Rome, with three of my roommates from my program (who are now my best friends) and we went to Venice for the annual carnival. We had done so much research before on what to wear and what to expect. However, it turned out nothing like we predicted. The first night we were the only ones in masks and over the top dresses. The very next night we decided to wear more casual clothes to assimilate more. Of course, we did not know the second night is when everyone would dress up to celebrate. Although we were embarrassed at first, it allowed us to realize that you must travel to fully understand the culture. The internet simply cannot describe the culture. It still is a story we tell when we want to make someone laugh.

Read more about Alexis’ experience in Rome here.

Lorraine Brabant
Lehigh University

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
I was really nervous about going abroad, almost to the point where I didn’t end up going. The decision to go to Rome for the semester is definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. I was extremely nervous about going to a new place alone without knowing many people, missing my friends and missing out on what is going on at my 金殿棋牌 school, and being in a new place, let alone country, completely on my own. However, forcing myself to take the leap and do something I knew I would end up loving was the best decision I could have made. I made lifelong friends, got to travel to some of my favorite places in the world, and experience a completely different type of lifestyle. I really learned that, even though it is scary and nobody likes to take the first leap, often times when I push myself to do something that I am a little nervous or uncomfortable about, it ends up being some of my best experiences. Going to a new country isn’t easy for anybody and trying new things is always difficult, but those end up being some of the best experiences you can have.

Read more about Lorraine’s experience in Rome here.

Ellie Carlson
Washington State University

What surprised you most about your study abroad city/culture?
My first week in Barcelona I went to a Barcelona futbol game. I had no idea how passionate and crazy these games were. I was shocked. I have been to NFL games before, Seattle Seahawks, and those games are crazy loud. I didn’t imagine a game like this would even compare. But it did! The team is a huge part of the city and the culture. Everyone is a fan and they all show it very clearly. The fans will start chanting cheers out of nowhere and it was wild because they ALL new the words, exactly when to start the chant, how long it lasted, everything. It was like it was rehearsed. This was such an amazing event to go to in the beginning just to open my eyes to an important part of this amazing city. I highly recommend going to a game or two even if you aren’t a soccer fan, it is an experience like no other!

Read more about Ellie’s experience in Barcelona here.

Sophia Carasone
Lasell College

How has studying abroad changed/shaped your future career goals?
As I closed the door on my study abroad experience in Florence, I opened a new door of adventure and self-endearment. I now see my future more clearly through my time here. As a fashion communication major, I did not know exactly where I wanted to go next after graduation. However, I know now that I want to do a graduate program and I want to do it abroad. My study abroad experience was so eye opening it made me realize all I have yet to see and learn. I want to take a side step away from fashion and focus on global communication, so I can get an even better sense of communicating on a wider scale.

Read about Sophia’s experience in Florence here.

Alexandra Carroll
George Washington University

How has studying abroad impacted your life goals?
Before this experience, I pictured myself staying in the states and only leaving to go on family vacations. Now, I want to travel as much as I possibly can in my life. I am already planning to study abroad in Europe again for my spring semester, and I can’t wait to hit all the places I missed this summer. The traveling I did during my study abroad experience definitely helped me grow as a person and made me see the view in a whole new light. Being able to go new countries, try new food, and meet new people has definitely pushed my out of my comfort zone in the best way possible. Throughout the experience, I kept learning more about both myself and the world, and it only makes me want to cover as much of the world as I possibly can in my life.

Read more about Alex’s experience in Florence here.

Cameron Cipolla
Belmont University

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
I lived south of the river, so about six times a day I would have to walk across a bridge called the Ponte Santa Trinita. This was always my favorite bridge because it is the one just after the Ponte Vecchio, the most famous bridge in Florence. The Ponte Vecchio is characterized by its multi-colored store fronts, beautiful baskets of flowers resting upon every windowsill, and three prominent arches showcasing whatever street performer was lucky enough to stake their spot at one of the most iconic settings in Florence. I can recall countless times, either in the morning, midday, or at night, when I would walk across the Ponte Santa Trinita and take just a few minutes, no matter how hungry, tired, or anxious to get 金殿棋牌 I was, to stop and stare at the Ponte Vecchio. It was in these moments that I knew whole heartedly my reality was just as good as the memory would be. In fact, I am not sure the memory will ever live up to the reality. It may be a long time before I stop myself walking 金殿棋牌 at the end of a long day and recognize my complete bliss. So, what will I miss most about Florence? No, it is not the food (though that was absolutely heavenly), nor the architecture, nor the nightlife, but instead I have longed every day for that feeling of wanting nothing more out of life than what it is providing me at that very moment.

Read more about Cameron’s experience in Florence here.

Andy Co
University of South Carolina

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
I loved all my classes that I took in Barcelona. One of the Spanish culture courses that I took was called “Seven Wonders of Spain.” This amazing class featured professor-led tours throughout different neighborhoods in Barcelona. Marta, our incredible leader, was a local Catalonian who knew every in and out of Barcelona. She was able to give our small class access to special exhibits in museums that were not available to the public, showed us secret rooms in historic buildings, and provided a very in-depth tour of Barcelona. I learned firsthand the ins and outs of the city, and my study abroad experience would not be the same if I did not take this course.

Read more about Andy’s experience in Barcelona here.

Katie Cohen
Oklahoma State University

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad?
After I got back to the States I began immediately missing the life that I had molded for myself in Italy. It didn’t take me long to learn that was being confined to minuscule ideas and people who settled far too easily for a simple life. There is so much more to learn from people of contrasting cultures. There’s a flexibility to adapt. We become comfortable with a compact version of ourselves and after having exposure to different challenges abroad I began to realize that I didn’t have a choice whether I wanted to grow or persevere, it was necessary. I learned that most of the things that consume me here in the States lack substance and we have a choice to live differently. In Italy, there is a very laid-back atmosphere and I realized most of the time I would grow impatient and want things done efficiently and on my terms. People in my host city were more focused on just living and enjoying each other’s presence. Meals would last 3 hours and no one would voice a complaint, instead they would drink more wine and carry on authentic and expressive conversations.

Read more about Katie’s experience in Florence here.

Elizabeth Cugnini
Muhlenberg College

What felt the most “foreign” to you when you came back to the US?
Coming back to America I knew to expect reverse culture shock, but I did not realize how “foreign” some things would be. First off, we eat so fast here! I went out to eat and felt so rushed, there were TV’s everywhere, people were running around, and there was no time to just relax. After we finished we practically got pushed out the door. It felt so “foreign” to not take your time and have a 2-3 hour dinner where you could just chat with friends and enjoy the meal. Also, not shopping in a local fresh market was hard. Going in to a huge grocery store back in the U.S, I wanted to know where everything was grown and if it was local, but that is just not the way these huge supermarket chains are done. I started shopping at my local farmers markets, became part of a CSA, and started making fresh pasta at 金殿棋牌 just to combat this feeling. It was hard adjusting back to the U.S, but bringing some of my routine over from Italy really helped me re-adjust.

Read more about Elizabeth’s experience in Florence here.

Cecelia Dinicola
University of Tampa

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My favorite thing to do in Florence was definitely visiting the markets. The San Lorenzo Market is very well known for the outdoor leather market as well as the indoor butchers, fishmongers, and fruit and vegetable vendors where you barter to get the best price on their goods. Upstairs, there is an amazing food court which has anything from pizza, to local Florentine foods like tripe and lampredotto, to fresh pasta. My apartment was very close to the Sant’Ambrogio Market and I would visit there frequently as well. This market was much smaller and many more locals visit this market over the more touristy San Lorenzo. This meant less of the vendors spoke English. I have found here that they’re much more apt to give you a better price if you make any effort to speak Italian. After bartering at either of these markets, the price of your groceries ends up to be much less expensive, as well as much more fresh than what you would pickup from your local Conad or Coop!

Read more about Cecelia’s experience in Florence here.

Bailey Fadrilan
St. Mary’s College of California

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
There are so many things that I love about Rome, but if I had to choose one, I would say exploring. There is so much more to Rome than I initially thought and there are so many hidden gems that most tourists never get to experience. My friends and I would always walk, or even take bikes and just ride around the city. I would go out and explore whether if it was one in the afternoon or one in the morning because it allowed me to see so much of this amazing city and it made me realize that there is so much more that Rome has to offer than just the main tourist attractions like the Coliseum or the Trevi Fountain. The best part about walking around is that it’s free, and it helps burn calories when you decide to eat twice your weight in pasta.

Read more about Bailey’s experience in Rome here.

Bryce Fedak
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

What has your experience taught you about the world?
My study abroad experience taught me that the world is such a big and beautiful place. It also showed me that I have a lot more exploring to do. I also learned how to cook and enjoy Italian food. The outdoor markets were a great place to interact with the locals and purchase ethnic goods. I enjoyed meeting new people in each city and navigating from place to place. My study abroad experience increased my passion for travel and adventure. I look forward to continuing my international travel to see more of the world in which we live. Travelling to Italy opened my eyes to new cultures outside the United States. It taught me how to interact with people from other cultures, respect their traditions, and learn about their history. It made me appreciate old world customs and become a little less fond of American conveniences. I have to admit I miss everything about my study abroad experience and I can’t wait to plan my next adventure.

Read more about Bryce’s experience in Florence here.

Camille Fleming
University of Tennessee

Do you have any tips for learning the language while students are abroad?
One of the things I was most scared of for studying abroad was not knowing any Italian. I did take Spanish in high school and it did actually help. The languages are similar vocabulary wise, and so a lot of words are easy to guess their meaning. I think the biggest help in going to Italy and using the language is to just keep trying and do not be afraid to mess up. Locals will really appreciate the effort and I promise they will immediately know you are American when you speak anyways. I once tried to order a panino and the man taking my order could tell I was struggling, so he said “It’s okay I speak English, but thank you for trying.” Many Italians also know enough English to help you out. Know enough to be conversational and put effort in and you will be okay.

Read more about Camille’s experience in Florence here.

Dana Fliss
St. Norbert College

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
Being abroad has definitely changed me for the better. However, I did have anxious beginnings. I was nervous about being abroad by myself, leaving friends and family for an extended period of time, and things not going right while I was there. Once I arrived in Rome, I realized my concerns were completely unfounded and that nervousness was just a temporary roadblock. I was able to make lifelong friends, experience new and interesting cultures, and learn that I am much more independent than I thought I was. Immersing myself completely in this experience showed me that traveling alone is possible. As I gradually gained more confidence and attained necessary skills, I could successfully navigate unfamiliar cities. Reflecting on my experiences abroad makes me realize that I am more open minded, adventurous, independent, and confident than I was before I left.

Read more about Dana’s experience in Rome here.

Sabrina Geisler
University of Alabama

How has studying abroad changed/shaped your future career goals?
Studying abroad has made me want to have a more international focus on my future career. I have always wanted to practice law and be an attorney, but now I can definitely see myself having a career within law that allows me to travel or work within the field of international relations.

Read more about Sabrina’s experience in Barcelona here.

Marybeth Grimes
College of Charleston

Share an example of how your international experience has improved your skills in communicating with others.
Studying abroad in a new city with all new people puts almost everyone out of their comfort zone. Challenging yourself to go on this journey shows bravery and teaches you so much about yourself, and others. You become more comfortable with meeting new people and conversations become easier as you realize most people are in the same boat. I feel more confident asking others for help, and I also understand that people need help too. I feel more willing to help others in my 金殿棋牌 city now after I received so much help from so many kind individuals.

Read about Marybeth’s experience in London here.

Ashlynne Hart
Colorado State University

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My absolute favorite thing to do in my host city was to be able to go have a picnic in Parc de la Ciutadella. In Fort Collins we have City Park, but it doesn’t really compare. I really liked having that sense of community and being able to just sit underneath a tree to escape the Barcelona heat while having some great tapas! Some of my favorite memories are times that my friends and I would go to Parc de la Ciutadella so I hold it very near and dear to my heart.

Read more about Ashlynne’s experience in Barcelona here.

Mary Paige Hawkins
University of Missouri

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
I think one of my favorite memories from studying abroad was climbing the Duomo. The Duomo is this massive beautiful cathedral that stands in the center of Florence. It was a monument that I passed by every day when going to class or to grab some food. I didn’t actually visit the Duomo until one of my last few days in Florence, so finally getting to see the inside of this beautiful cathedral that I had walk past everyday was breathtaking. The art and architecture were absolutely incredible and it was amazing to see how well the church had been preserved. It takes 463 steps to get to the top of the Duomo and although I was exhausted after making it to the top, the view was definitely worth it.

Read more about Mary Paige’s experience in Florence here.

Richelle Holnick
University of Mary Washington

What is your most memorable interaction with a local in your host city?
One evening my roommate and I went over to the canal to walk around and go to this little vintage store that she had found a few weeks back. It mostly sold antique furniture and some old records, but tucked in the back corner of the small shop were baskets full of old photos for 25 cents apiece. We sat there for over an hour combing through these photos. I love old photos, but even more so, old photos from another country is so interesting! Seeing the evolution of their culture and clothes and comparing it to ours. Seeing what was an important time or event for them to have a photo taken. I started making a pile of photos I wanted. I call it my “Instagram collection” because its photos of women that look like they would be posting on social media today-at the beach, with a group of friends, in a really cool outfit, just these women capturing a fun moment in their lives. The shop owner noticed how long we had been with the photos and came over to see what we were up to. He seemed to really like that we were so interested in his photos, we talked a bit, and when we went to check out, he gave each of us a gift! He gave my roommate something she had been admiring in the shop earlier, and he gave me a book on Navigli, which taught me a lot about the history of my neighborhood that I didn’t know!

Read more about Richelle’s experience in Milan here.

Sarah Honaker
Carroll University

What is your most memorable interaction with a local in your host city?
My most memorable interaction with the locals were by far the owner Nino and his employee Samantha of the Cafe or “Bar”, as it is referred to in Italy, that was located on the lower floor of my apartment building. I crossed paths with them almost everyday as I went to and from my apartment. Sometimes when I would get 金殿棋牌 when they were closing, Samantha would give me leftover pastries from that day. I would regularly talk with them and learn about who they were and where they were from. There was also an older man named Pietro who would sit at the bar everyday, listen to music, read the newspaper, and smoke. They were sweet people that I miss dearly.

Read more about Sarah’s experience in Florence here.

Francesca Horvath
University of Florida

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory from studying abroad would have to be hiking up to the Piazza Michelangelo with all my roommates. We would hike up with Pino’s and eat our dinner watching the sunset. There is nothing like overlooking the city of Florence, eating the best sandwiches, watching the sunset with hundreds of people, and enjoying that time with the people I met through SAI.

Read more about Francesca’s experience in Florence here.

Grace Jung
University of South Carolina

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
My favorite class abroad was my yoga and meditation class. Every day we would start our hour long yoga routine with child’s pose, my favorite. We would then proceed to our whole routine and after an hour or so we would continue with a lecture. The lectures were not normal lectures. They involved a lot of student participation and interaction. We were taught to think deep and get out of our comfort zone. We learned all about meditation, feelings, and why we do the things we do. We got to go on a field trip to a local yoga studio where I did my first headstand ever. This class was the perfect class to take while abroad because it felt like a piece of 金殿棋牌. It also allowed me to have moments of deep reflection and meditation on my whole experience while abroad.

Read more about Grace’s experience in Florence here.

Kinsey Kelly
University of Missouri

What does your study abroad experience mean to you?
My study abroad experience means a great deal to me because it gave me the opportunity to learn and indulge in a completely foreign country. I absolutely loved throwing myself into the Italian lifestyle and encountering traditions from their culture. Alongside of my exploring, my scholarly journey with SAI opened my eyes to jobs and careers that I would not have had interest in beforehand.

Read more about Kinsey’s experience in Florence here.

Mckenna Kling
St. Norbert College

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
My favorite class while abroad would be Italian Politics. During my semester in Rome, there were some very significant elections going on. Italian politics are incredibly difficult to follow and understand, and this class gave me a ton of knowledge about the various parties, issues, and candidates that were crucial to the election that was taking place. My professor said on the first day of class, “Italian politics are not difficult to understand. They are impossible!.” Throughout the semester I realized how right he was. While it is nearly impossible to fully grasp Italian politics, this class was my favorite because it gave me the knowledge to be able to follow this big election with the rest of my host country. Without taking this class, I most likely would have been oblivious to it.

Read about Mckenna’s experience in Rome here.

Hanna Lester
University of Mississippi

How has studying abroad changed/shaped your career goals?
Studying abroad didn’t necessarily change my career goals, but confirmed them. I took many art history classes while in Italy, which made me fall more in love with the subject, reaffirming the fact that I want to pursue a career involving art. I took a Gallery and Exhibition class while abroad and learned how to run my own gallery, which opened up a door to a career I didn’t really think of before. I do however think studying abroad gave me more confidence in the fact that I can find a job in that field if I really want to.

Read more about Hanna’s experience in Florence here.

Zhenan Li
Auburn University

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory is the memory with my friends. We met with each other during the abroad program. We were all from different countries. When we went together somewhere after class, we would share opinions with each other, opinions about the class, opinions about Milan or the opinion about our 金殿棋牌 country. Which is very unique, because each country has a different culture about design and fashion.

Read about Zhenan’s experience in Milan here.

Madison McCandless
Muhlenberg College

What was your favorite class abroad and why?
Florentine Art Walks with Dario. We spent the class period walking around Florence learning about the history around every corner. We went into churches and museums with our professor who told us stories and fun facts about where we were. We even took a field trip into Fiesole which is a town right outside of Florence to see the amphitheater and Roman baths. This course was super helpful when it came to really knowing where I was in relation to history and culture. The information that we learned came in handy when my friends had questions and when my family came to visit, I was able to act as their in house tour guide for the city I came to call 金殿棋牌. There were places that Dario took us and tidbits of information he gifted us with that otherwise, I would not have known about.

Read more about Madison’s experience in Florence here.

Amanda Mack
University of South Carolina

What advice do you have for new study abroad students?
Start a journal and keep up with it. Take lots of pictures but don’t let that distract you from the moment. Of course, take lots of trips but don’t forget to spend lots of time exploring the city that you are in. I was in Rome for four months and still have a long list of things I need to go back to see! Have fun, but don’t slack off in your classes. Being in class with people from all over the world is a really amazing thing and I had some of the best class experiences abroad. I learned a lot from the professors and the students. Be outgoing. Talk to people in your classes and make friends with the people in your program. Students that go abroad want to experience the world and want to meet new people. Some of the greatest people I have ever met, I met while abroad. Try the food! Europe has some of the best food in the world. They also eat a little differently than we do in America, but don’t let that stop you from branching out and trying something new. That being said, most campuses have a gym so use it a few times! I definitely gained a few pounds and it was very worth it, but I also made sure to stay active! Walk when you can. My neighborhood of Trastevere was beautiful and I found new places every day on my walks to class. You won’t get that from the tram! Enjoy every second of your study abroad experience. It goes a lot faster than you expect.

Read more about Amanda’s experience in Rome here.

Molly Meinhart
University of South Carolina

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My absolute favorite memory of study abroad is from our first weekend in Barcelona. Our whole program went on a Catamaran around the coast of Barcelona one evening and it was so much fun. We had all just gotten to know each other the day before and it was the perfect activity to solidify our bond as a group. We spent the evening boating, laughing, having photoshoots with Sandrine and I left feeling confident that I wouldn’t have to worry about finding my people during my trip. I got to know a lot of new best friends that day – and got a nice tan as well.

Read more about Molly’s experience in Barcelona here.

Christian Meoli
University of Mary Washington

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
When I reminisce about my semester so many wonderful moments come to mind, but I always end up thinking about a weekend trip to the Umbria region in Italy with SAI. From start to finish, it was amazing and filled with beautiful vistas, delicious food, and lots of laughs. We were able to relax in the stunning countryside, explore incredible caves, learn to create iconic chocolate creations, stroll through picturesque villages, and, of course, eat!. My favorite memory from that trip was one of the dinners at the Agriturismo we were staying at. My table enjoyed a seemingly endless amount of food and could not help but feel relaxed and carefree. We all talked and joked like we had known each other for years. My stomach hurt from laughing so much that night. This was the moment I felt like I had a really strong group of friends and Italy felt a little more like 金殿棋牌. We clicked so well and developed a strong and beautiful friendship after that trip. So that has to be my favorite memory because it was so pure and a lot of the memories I have from throughout the semester stemmed from that trip. It is safe to say that Umbria set the bar high for the rest of my trips!

Read about Christian’s experience in Rome here.

Madison Nahstoll
University of Kentucky

What travel tips would you give someone studying abroad?
Plan, plan, and plan some more! I cannot say this enough, plan any and every trip you can as early as possible this makes things less stressful and so much cheaper. Second, double check to make sure all of your dates and times match up for transportation and when you can check into your housing. Another tip I would give would be to do research on what you want to do/see/where to eat before you leave so you do not waste any time when you are there so you can get the most out of your trip. I would also recommend talking with people that you know who have been abroad before because they can offer insight on what to do when in different cities. Lastly, I suggest keeping a journal or some type of memory book to remember all that you got to see and do. You will see new and amazing things literally every day and I love being able to go back and read through my journal and look back on my experiences.

Read more about Madison’s experience in Florence here.

Morgan Nickels
St. Norbert College

What did you learn about your host country that surprised you?
The most jaw-dropping thing that I learned about Italy while I was there is how diverse it is in terms of landscape. There is such an intense range of natural beauty throughout the entire country. In the four months that I lived in Rome, I visited eight of the twenty regions that make up the country. Not one of them was the exact same as the other and that just amazed me. In the north, I visited the region of Veneto where you can ski in the Dolomites or take a gondola ride in the quaint city of Venice. In the south, I visited the regions of Puglia and Campania where every day is a beach day and the water is a clear, vibrant seafoam. I spent most of my time in Lazio, which is where Rome is located, and in the regions around central Italy since those were the quickest and easiest to get to. Toscana, Umbria, and Abruzzo are three of the most picturesque places I have ever been to in my life. The winding roads of Tuscany bring a sense of awe into place as you pass by vineyard after vineyard. Umbria is covered in untouched green beauty, and Abruzzo is filled with steep cliffs rising out of valleys, and rivers and small towns at the foot of high mountains. Out of all there is that Italy has to offer, I think the most heart-stopping region I visited was Liguria, which is a coastal region of north-western Italy. Located in this region is the famous Cinque Terre. The coastline streaming all five towns is undeniably one of the most beautiful in the world. From rugged peaks to luscious green hills, to coasts of breathtaking beauty, Italy truly does have it all.

Read more about Morgan’s experience in Rome here.

Madeline Noll
University of Alabama

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
I was very nervous about studying abroad. I found myself very comfortable at school and was hesitant to leave the college environment. I did not want to miss out on any school activities and leave my friends to go to a foreign country. Fortunately, my friends and family encouraged me to embrace this once in a lifetime experience and jump out of my comfort zone. Four months later, I can now say that going abroad was the best choice I ever made. I grew and learned so much about myself and I could not be more thankful to have had this amazing opportunity. I learned that I am a very confident and independent person. I made friends for a lifetime very quickly and learned that I am happiest surrounding myself around positive and adventurous people. I was surprised when I found myself easily adjusting to change compared to the friends I made. I did come to the hard conclusion that not everything will always work out and matured through this life changing process by learning to be patient. I always thought I liked being comfortable, but after traveling to so many countries and living out of a suitcase, I learned that I like to constantly be on the move and challenging myself to navigate through difficult situations.

Read more about Madeline’s experience in Florence here.

Tara O’Donnell
Virginia Commonwealth University

What is your most memorable interaction with a local in your host city?
Meeting locals became a very important part of my study abroad experience – I encourage all future study abroad students to go out of their comfort zone to meet new people and experience Italian life like a local! By walking around I became friendly with Sonia, a street artist who introduced me to a bass guitarist who played at some cafes, one of which had open mic on Tuesdays. This was special as I frequently went to these open mic nights with my roommate and made more friends along the way. I met a freelance artist through my local friends who had pop up art shows and exhibitions which inspired me to make my own art while I was studying. My host city offered so much more than what I had considered before arriving.

Read more about Tara’s experience in Florence here.

Krystal Ortiz
Point Loma Nazarene University

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
When I was in Rome, one of my favorite things to do was to sit out on the terrace of John Cabot University and to take in the view of the city. From that viewpoint, you could see everything like the Colosseum, the Vatican, etc… It was incredible to realize that you are here, in Rome.

Read more about Kyrstal’s experience in Rome here.

Gwen Over
St. Mary’s College of California

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
Although there are so many things I loved to do around Florence, my absolute favorite past time was people watching from my third floor apartment window. Some of my favorite memories come from my roommates and I gathering in the huge windows our apartment had, drinking glasses of wine and listening to the sounds of the city below. Our apartment also offered us a bonus of being across the street from a theater, so we often caught some of the orchestra music and intermission conversations between local Florentines. In those first few weeks when the city was hot and packed, our windows offered us a cool breeze at night and a place to admire our new 金殿棋牌.

Read more about Gwen’s experience in Florence here.

Kirsten Pautynsky
University of Tampa

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
I have always thought of myself as a shy and reserved person and did not like to branch out much. This all changed when I stepped out of my comfort zone, traveled alone from Haiti to Tampa where I go to the University of Tampa, then to Rome. This was a double study abroad experience! I was forced to communicate with others in order to find my way. Because I also did not know anyone in the program or the city, I was forced to befriend people from my school and I do not regret it at all. It was an opportunity to meet amazing people from all over the world and really helped me to become more open minded and comfortable with others. I am thankful to have been given this opportunity to study abroad in the United States and in Rome, it really shaped me and changed me for the better.

Read more about Kirsten’s experience in Rome here.

Kristin Pitcher
University of South Carolina

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
Although I will cherish all of my memories from abroad, my favorite memory from abroad was attending the farewell dinner with SAI. It was held at a family winery in the Tuscan hills and a majority of the students from the program had signed up to go. I enjoyed traveling to another winery and spending the night with both old friends from USC and new friends that I had made abroad. That was a very special night because it allowed me to reflect on all of the experiences I had had over the four months abroad. I was able to appreciate the connections I had made.

Read more about Kristin’s experience in Florence here.

Sara Catherine Rogers
University of Georgia

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
I loved wandering around Florence before my afternoon class started. I would go to the Sant’Ambrogio market to get fresh fruit, and then I would take a different way 金殿棋牌 so that I could discover new streets and see the art that covered the city. I got to know the city so well by just taking new streets that I found so many amazing restaurants that were off the beaten path. Walking everywhere was so much fun because the city center was so small that only walking for twenty minutes could take you somewhere you had never been. Exploring on my own made me feel like such an independent traveler, and I discovered so many new things to share with my friends.

Read more about Sara’s experience in Florence here.

Kajal Sahoo
University of Mississippi

What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My favorite thing to do in my host city, Rome, Italy, was explore the city. You never know what you are destined to find every corner that you turn. You could stumble upon ruins that are older than America, or even the most intricately detailed fountains or sculptures. Even the parks that locals exercise in have so much beauty. Rome is the most picturesque city I have gotten to experience. Meeting local Italians was also among one of my favorite things to do; there’s so much more than what meets the eye!

Read more about Kajal’s experience in Rome here.

Lillie Smith
University of Arkansas

How has studying abroad changed/shaped your future career goals?
Studying abroad has given me a much greater understanding on global Communication/Marketing practices that are beneficial in so many arenas. My professors offered a very versatile approach to topics that are sometimes not given the same amount of emphasis in an American classroom. I loved being able to hear their stories/experiences both in the workplace and in school. Having this new global studies experience has made me not quite as fearful of entering the workforce soon and a new level of confidence when talking to potential employers and those that are experienced in the field I am pursuing a degree in.

Read more about Lillie’s experience in Florence here.

Courtney Sullivan
University of South Carolina
What was your favorite thing to do in your host city?
My favorite thing to do in Florence was eating! The food was incredible and I tried so many new types of Italian cuisine. Every week I tried new restaurants with new friends which was a great way to get to know them over an exceptional meal. Florence has so much to offer when it comes to food! My favorite restaurant was Osteria Santa Spirito, everything on their menu was a true Italian meal not to mention delicious. Traveling throughout Italy and trying each regions specialty was a unique experience that really made my time abroad memorable. Looking back on my experience, the food is one of the things I miss most about Italy.

Read more about Courtney’s experience in Florence here.

Katie Swim
University of Kentucky

What did you learn about yourself when you were abroad? How have you changed?
My study abroad experience has taught me more about myself and the world around me than I ever could have imagined. I’ve gain friendships with locals, an Italian family and Americans from all various states. While living in Florence, I learned how to adapt to various surroundings and consistency changing environments. Studying abroad strengthened my confidence, independence and self-sufficiency. It was due to this renewed sense of self and positive attitude that I found myself at an audition for Disneyland Paris in Rome.

Read more about Katie’s experience in Florence here.

Lauren Torres
St. Mary’s College of California

What felt the most “foreign” to you when you came back to the US?
Driving! It was the strangest feeling to go from walking absolutely everywhere, to getting in a car for a place that now seemed so accessible by foot. It almost felt as if it was a waste to be driving, when walking a couple miles was now my new norm. Walking everywhere while abroad made me appreciate the cities more; I would see every nook and cranny of Florence or other cities that I visited instead of driving right past them.

Read more about Lauren’s experience in Florence here.

Lindsey Treacy
University of Florida

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My favorite memory is from one of the only weekend that I stayed in my host city. I was a little bummed out to not be travelling, but it ended up being the best weekend of my trip. Some other people in my program also stayed that weekend, so we decided to hike Montserrat. It’s this huge, beautiful mountain right outside the city of Barcelona that has a monastery on top of it. It was one of the most beautiful hikes I have ever done in my life and I loved sharing this memory with my new friends. That night, we ended up going to Barceloneta, the beach, to celebrate the festival of San Juan. It was a crazy night with lots of singing, dancing, fireworks, and food. We sat on the beach with all the locals and just watched in awe at this amazing festival that we didn’t even know existed. We even bought cava and coque, the traditional food and drink to have on the day. This experience was so important because we really got to see Spain’s culture in action. Finally, the next day we went to the Palo Alto Market, which was this amazing event held by the sea. It had live concerts, food trucks, and small vendors selling hand-made Spanish products. If my travel plans hadn’t been cancelled, I never would’ve been able to have such an amazing and authentic Spanish cultural experience.

Read more about Lindsey’s experience in Barcelona here.

Laura Vagnoni
University of South Carolina

What advice do you have for new study abroad students?
Become a “regular” somewhere and feel like a local! This was probably the best advice that I was given, and I would definitely agree. Especially when studying somewhere like Florence, you don’t have to speak Italian.. but try! Venture out alone during the day whether it be a midday stroll or to run errands because you’ll look like an Italian, so people will treat you like it. Try to learn as much of the language as you can and try to do as the locals do. I knew I was on a mission to find a cafe or coffee shop that I loved enough to become a part, and it wasn’t hard. It’s fun to stop in somewhere when the workers know your name.

Read more about Laura’s experience in Florence here.

Sarah Vinton
University of Missouri

What was your favorite class while in Florence?
Picking classes was easy when it came to my semester abroad because all of the Marketing classes sounded exciting! My favorite class abroad was International Marketing. Our three-person group assignment was to pick a country around the world and market a product of our own creation. My team decided to create an Organic Makeup line based in Japan. We named out company SO Beauty and incorporated the Japanese Cherry Blossom, a symbol of youth and beauty. Throughout the semester, we made an Instagram, website, logo, product ideas, and marketing strategy. Each week we updated the class of our progress learning the ways to market in our chosen country. I loved hearing the other companies around the world.

Read more about Sarah’s experience in Florence here.

Brianna Weeks
West Virginia University

Do you have any tips for learning the language while students are abroad?
Every day you learn – utilize it. Practice it in every day conversation and try and force it into your interactions with people. Even if you feel silly saying it or pronouncing it wrong, locals will be grateful that you are making an attempt. It also makes learning and retaining the language easier and more effortless, I felt so embarrassed trying to at first but people helped me and corrected me, it benefit my learning capabilities of the language in the long run. Try and learn practical conversational phrases like ordering at restaurants or communicating in train stations. It helped me so much along the way.

Read more about Brianna’s experience in Sorrento here.

Emily Weiner
Muhlenberg College

Do you have any tips for learning the language while students are abroad?
When trying to learn the language abroad, the best thing you can do is attempt to use what you learn in class wherever you go. Taking communicating in Italian at FUA was great because it was like a crash course in basic necessary terms and phrases. Not only did we learn the language, but we were taught the dos and don’ts of Italian culture. I found my knowledge of the language was best tested when shopping. They were very patient and appreciative of my attempt at speaking their language. The best advice I can give when it comes to language is to know basic greetings and questions because it is far more considerate than automatically assuming they know English. As a guest in their country, try your best to adjust to their language and you’re sure to learn a lot along the way!

Read more about Emily’s experience in Florence here.

Victoria Weinfled
University of Alabama

What is your favorite memory from studying abroad?
My second week abroad in Barcelona had to be my favorite week out of the six. My sister came to visit me for her birthday and I got to show her around some of the places I have discovered in my first few days but I also saw a lot of Barcelona that I will never forget. We toured La Sagrada Familia and actually got to go up into the towers. I will never forget the view from up in those towers and it was an amazing experience that I got to share with my sister and roommates. During that week I also got to go to Park Guell for my second time and I think I could just walk around the park for hours just taking in the beautiful architecture and scenery. The best part of my week was at the El Born food festival. SAI sent out weekly newsletters of activities, events, and things to do around the city and one of them was this food festival. My roommates, sister, and I walked to this festival in El Born which was packed with good people, good music, and good food. During this festival is when I really thought of Barcelona as a second 金殿棋牌 to me, I loved the people I was with and the energy of the locals, Barcelona really is an amazing place that I never wanted to leave.

Read more about Victoria’s experience in Barcelona here.

Alina Wong
Baylor University

What did studying abroad mean to you?
For me, studying abroad meant connecting with my dad’s family and discovering my cultural roots. Put simply, my dad is from Paris and most of his side of the family still resides there. Up until this year, I never quite understood my heritage. During the time I lived in the city of lights, I was able to truly get to know my dad’s side of the family and furthermore understand my own history better. Through the SAI excursions, I had opportunities to deeply get to know the city my dad grew up in from another point of view (I honestly recommend attending the SAI events if you can; they’re pretty fun and you technically already paid for it).

Read more about Alina’s experience in Paris here.

Torri Dupuis
Worcester State University

“Hello world! My name is Torri, and when I’m not traveling the world I’m spending as much time with my pup while working with my favorite five year olds. I’m a senior at Worcester State University, and can’t wait to encourage as many peers as possible to travel/ study abroad. No matter how ugly the world gets, it’s so important to remember the beauty the world still has to offer- and that is why I travel.”

Ally Adragna
University of Alabama

My study abroad experience is one I will never forget, I was nervous and skeptical about being in a country where I knew nothing besides a few words of the 金殿棋牌 language. But, I came to learn so much more about myself. I’ve made friends from all over the country and across the world, I’ve received opportunities that I could have never gotten if I hadn’t had done this, and I’ve made memories that’ll last me a lifetime.

Kolbyn Allen
Kansas State University

“My experience in Milan was full of new friendships, those of which I am sure will be treasured for a lifetime, traveling the world, and fashion! My instructors at NABA were some of the most experienced professionals I had ever met and opened my eyes up to the fashion industry. Getting into a few fashion shows and fashion week parties was most definitely a highlight of my time in Milan. I will never forget all the good memories I made and how the travel bug in me spread its wings and flew!”

Erin Atkinson
Colorado State University

Hi! My name is Erin and I was lucky enough to spend four months in the beautiful, vibrant city of Barcelona, Spain. I cherish my memories, experiences, and relationships I created there more than anything else. It truly was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to grow and discover things about the world and myself. I am more than happy to be given an opportunity to share my experiences with my fellow Rams and encourage them to take advantage of this amazing program.

Amanda Avers
Colorado State University

Studying abroad with SAI was the most incredible experience. This is a photo of me in Barcelona, one of the 21 cities I was able to explore while in Europe. However, Florence, Italy will always have a special place in my heart. After living in the city for almost four months, Florence became my 金殿棋牌. I made so many friendships with the SAI staff, SAI students and the locals- all of which I still keep in touch with today. I learned to adapt to such a charming Italian culture and can’t wait to help others make the decision to discover this wonderful city.

Lauren Bell
The George Washington University

Ciao! My name is Lauren Bell and I studied abroad with SAI in Florence, Italy at Florence University of the Arts in the Fall of 2016. Choosing to study abroad in Florence with SAI is one of the best and most life-changing decisions I have ever made. Being able to learn and live in such a beautiful city was a dream and SAI was spectacular in helping me through it! As a study abroad student, I was taken out of my comfort zone and challenged in all the best ways. I truly feel that studying abroad was a priceless experience that has given me life-long friends, and I cannot be more grateful for SAI’s exposing me to such a beautiful country and experience!

Antonia Bennington
Suffolk University

My name is Antonia Bennington and I studied abroad through SAI during the fall of 2016. I studied at John Cabot University in Rome, Italy and had the most amazing experience of my life. Not only was I able to meet forever long friends, but I was able to learn more about myself and meet family members along the way. SAI made it extremely comfortable meeting other study abroad students and were always helpful. I encourage everyone who studies abroad to take those first few days of orientation very seriously because that’s where I met the most amazing people I still talk to today.

Lucas Berger
University of Nebraska at Lincoln

Living, working and going to school in the small beach town of Sorrento, Italy gave me the best experience I’ve had in my life. I got the cultural enrichment of living in an authentic, small Italian town but the vibrance of living in a highly trafficked tourist destination. My time abroad & the friends I’ve made, both American and European, are something I’ll cherish forever & I can’t wait to share my study abroad experience with others!

Phoebe Billings
St. Edward’s University

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy has been such a rewarding experience for me. It challenged me to grow as an individual and helped teach me how to be more open minded. My SAI experience provided me with the unique opportunity to immerse myself in a completely unfamiliar culture. I learned so many things during my time in Italy that I would have never learned otherwise and I cannot wait until I can go back to Rome again. Living in another country can be very intimidating, but the rewards are endless.

Sarah Blevins
Colorado State University

This is a picture of me on the Prato trip with SAI where I unexpectedly walked in on one of my favorite installations and had no idea it was there. Luckily I had my roommate there ready to capture Emmy reaction on camera :). It was one of my favorite experiences from the whole thing. “Studying abroad gives dreams, expectations, and hopes a face, name, place, and memory. Places you hear about your whole life are suddenly in front of you. People you would have never thought you could stand face to face with are selling you pastries and teaching you how to order in Italian. Do it. You will never regret it.

Emily Breslin
University of Mississippi

Studying abroad in Rome was the best experience I have ever had. I had the opportunity to be immersed in a new culture, meet new people, and learn more about myself! SAI could not have made more thoughtful accommodations and John Cabot was a wonderful university. I loved living in traditional Italian apartments in Trastevere, as well as being able to travel and see other beautiful places on the weekends. I would recommend studying abroad to anyone because it is an experience unlike any other.

Sydney Campbell
University of Missouri

My advice for anyone currently attending college is to study abroad! The experiences you have and the life lessons you learn are absolutely priceless. During my semester in Rome, Italy, I’ve learned more about myself than I have throughout my whole college career. I’ve grown in every single way possible and have gained such a unique prospective on the world! SAI ensured I had a smooth transition preparing for and getting settled in my new 金殿棋牌 abroad. Saying I am extremely grateful for their help would be an understatement!

Anne Morgan Carney
University of Mississippi

Choosing to study abroad in Florence, Italy was one of the best decisions I’ve made while in college. Having the opportunity to immerse myself in the Italian culture was something I had dreamed about for many years. This amazing experience allowed me to make many new friendships and mark a few more things off my bucket list. I am looking forward to helping other students as they prepare to embark on the adventure of a lifetime.

Melinda Church
George Washington University

Ciao! My name is Melinda Church and I spent Spring 2017 in Firenze. During my time in Italy, I was completely hooked by this new and unfamiliar culture. My perspective was challenged and my worldview widened. In addition to meeting so many fascinating people, both in and out of the program, I also had the opportunity to volunteer at a Florentine public school as an English teacher to fourth and fifth graders. It was this experience offered though my service learning class that truly made my Italian adventure so wonderful. I came back to the U.S. feeling relaxed and refreshed and I would do it all again in a heartbeat. “For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.”- Leonardo da Vinci

Katie Corgiat
Saint Mary’s College of California

My name is Katie Corgiat and I studied abroad through SAI in Rome during the fall of 2016. I studied at John Cabot University and my experience in international education felt like a blessing and is an experience I would encourage everyone to have. Not only did I learn in school, I learned how to be more independent and confident with traveling. SAI made the transition from schooling in the United States and schooling in Italy an easy transition. I will always cherish the memories I made abroad closely.

Ryan Cornell
University of South Carolina

As one of the only people at USC to study abroad my first year, I can honestly say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. From the city of Rome, to the culture of Europe, I have never been so engrossed in a place as I was while I was living Rome. I can only hope that someday I can experience something as truly amazing and transformative as my time abroad.

Brianna Dellechiaie
Lasell College

I allowed this experience abroad to push me out of my comfort zone; I created unforgettable memories with incredible people. The adventures I went on and the places I was fortunate enough to travel to will always be a part of me. Never turn down an opportunity to challenge yourself, learn about an entirely different culture and look at the world from a new perspective.

Cassidy Enright
St. Norbert College

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy was one of the best experiences of my life. SAI made my experience so much better and really helped me gain lifelong friendships. There were over 10 students from my 金殿棋牌 university that were also at John Cabot University and SAI allowed us to deepen our friendships along with getting to know other students from across the states. I was able to enrich in the Italian culture and meet many locals through volunteering and learning more about leadership abroad in the Global Leadership Program. Traveling and exploring different cultures throughout Europe is one of the most humbling experiences. Studying abroad will change your life!

Carina Friend
Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota

I got to spend six months living and studying in Barcelona in the spring of 2017. It was an incredible living, learning, and growing opportunity, from which I took away more valuable experiences than I can count. I was lucky enough get a chance at a traditional study abroad semester, taking language and other classes; as well as a separate research experience in an active Molecular Biology Lab. Beyond educational experiences, I got to encounter rich and distinct cultures in an authentic and personal way. Not every minute of being abroad is sunshine and roses, but there is just as much to be learned from the cultural mistakes and uncomfortable moments as the social media worthy ones if not more. Overall, I am infinitely grateful for every day I spent learning and growing in such a beautiful city, and for all the people who made my experience as amazing and valuable as it was.

Lauren Galida
University of South Carolina

My name is Lauren, and I just spent 4 months living in Barcelona, Spain learning a language I didn’t even know existed and seeing things I could have never expected. Barcelona has a rich culture full of unique traditions, incredible architecture and amazing food. Studying abroad is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, and I cannot wait to share what makes SAI such a rewarding program and what makes Barcelona such a wonderful place!

Bernadette Greaney
Baylor University

My name is Bernadette Greaney and I studied abroad in Rome in the fall of 2016. Studying abroad was by far the best experience of my life. Fully immersing myself into another culture was intimidating at first but exciting! I got to meet so many amazing people who have impacted my life and I got to make countless memories. Living in Rome allowed me to experience life as an Italian would. I ate the best food, was exposed to the amazing history of the city, and saw the most incredible sights. With being so close to other countries, I traveled almost every weekend. I went to Dublin, London, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Athens, Prague! Studying abroad is something I believe everyone should get to experience as it truly changes your life!”

Zoe Grubbs
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Studying abroad at UAL London College of Fashion during Spring 2017 was one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life so far. Living on my own in London, and studying at one of the top fashion schools in the world was an incredibly eye-opening experience. I learned more about myself both personally and professionally, and made life-long connections that I will never forget. I had the chance to call the beautiful city of London my “金殿棋牌” as well as travel to many other cities and experience new things. I grew so much in a short period of time, and I will always cherish what my study abroad experience did for me.

Ana Harrison
University of South Carolina

My name is Ana Harrison- this year I am a rising senior and I am SO excited to be an SAI Ambassador!! This past spring I took the opportunity to spend four months in a city I hardly knew anything about, and I ended up falling absolutely head over heels in love with it. I am so unbelievably thankful for the experiences had, things learned, friendships made, places seen, and overall the beautiful culture, of which I truly feel I became a part. Barcelona has forever left its mark on me and the city will always hold my heart. I had such an amazing experience abroad with SAI, and I am honored and thrilled to give back to an organization that gave me so much. At first, however, I was very indecisive about studying abroad. So if you are considering it but still on the fence, I encourage this quote: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did so. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” -Mark Twain.

Carly Henning
Washington State University

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy for 6 weeks during the summer of 2017. I got to learn so much about the country itself and of course in my classes at Florence University of the Arts! Before my trip I had never traveled outside of the country on my own, but it was so much fun and I would do it again without even thinking! Living in Florence and learning about the local lifestyle was amazing. Not to mention the gelato is the best! My favorite part about traveling abroad was being able to travel every weekend. Or maybe it was the pizza…

Tara Heuple
Washington State University

I was fortunate to spend a semester in the beautiful city of Barcelona. Being abroad was by far one of the best experiences that I have had. I was able to learn so much and grow as a person in such an amazing place as well as develop friendships that will last a lifetime. I would definitely recommend studying abroad, it’s something that I will cherish forever!!

Julia Hoessl
Saint Mary’s College of California

From when I was in my 2nd grade talent show and sang “This is What Dreams Are Made Of” from the Lizzie McGuire Movie, I knew I wanted to go to Rome. Lucky for me, I was able to spend the Fall semester of my Junior Year abroad with SAI in Rome. The relationships and memories I made during my semester abroad have been the highlight of my college experience. My apartment-mates and I were so lucky to have such wonderful SAI staff in Rome. Every inevitable loop and hurdle that came our way was made so much easier with the help of our Program Coordinators. From one of our pieces of luggage missing for a month, to emergency medical help, and even travel advice, we were able to learn so much more about our city, grow relationships, and make the most of our short time. Without the help and security, I wouldn’t have been able to visit the other 15 countries, and gone to school at the same time. I am so thankful for my semester abroad, John Cabot and SAI for helping me have the time of my life!

Wesley Jefferies
University of South Carolina

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy in the fall of 2016 was one of the most rewarding experiences I have ever had. The decision to travel alone to a new place was intimidating but completely worthwhile. I learned as much outside of the classroom as I did within. Having this international experience has opened up my world. I made lifelong friendships, broadened my horizons, and experienced more personal growth than I anticipated.

Gwen Jordan
University of Missouri

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy during the spring of 2017 was hands down one of the best experiences of my life. It was truly a dream come true. Whether it was eating endless amounts of gelato, traveling on the weekends, or taking amazing classes, I couldn’t imagine my experience being any different. I am forever grateful for this opportunity. The memories I made will never be forgotten. Florence will always be my 金殿棋牌 away from 金殿棋牌. I am counting down the days until I can next go back there! I cannot thank SAI enough for giving me this opportunity.

Ally Kennedy
Capital University

I am traveling the world with a passion to see more. I love fashion, calligraphy, philosophy, wandering cities by myself, and being in the sun as much as humanly possible. I am currently working towards a bachelors in Psychology and Political Science and plan on graduating in the Spring of 2018, and eventually find my way back abroad.

Caitlin McGrew
Saint Mary’s College of California

I studied abroad in Rome through SAI during the fall semester of 2017. I immediately fell in love with the city, the people, and the culture. I decided to extend my stay for another semester and it was the greatest decision I have ever made! I learned so much about myself while making new friends and memories that will last me a lifetime.

Andrea McJimson
University of Tampa

Studying abroad in Sorrento, Italy will go down as one of the best decisions I have made in my life thus far. I met an array of people from all around the world, which opened my eyes in a major way. I created life long bonds with friends I met while abroad, as well as my host family whom I grew to love and cherish dearly. SAI was the perfect program to go through, being that there was someone from the team available every step of the way no matter what issue came up along the process. This year I have the honor of being an ambassador, with the hopes of showing fellow students the beauty and appreciation that comes from studying abroad. There is no other experience like it and I am forever grateful for my four months in Sorrento.

Caeley McMillan
University of Tampa

Deciding to study abroad was hands down the best and most rewarding experience thus far in my college career. I spent spring semester 2017 in Barcelona, Spain and I know I will never forget the times and memories I had there. At first, I was on the fence about studying abroad but once I decided that I was going to do it, I never looked back. I met some of the most amazing people and traveled to places that taught me so much more than I could have ever imagined. Now that I’m an Ambassador I am looking forward to sharing my passion for traveling and my experiences with others!

Gabriella Mansilla
George Washington University

During my fall 2016 semester of my junior year, I got the amazing opportunity to study abroad in the beautiful city of Florence, Italy at Florence University of the Arts. During that semester, I got to experience Europe for the first time and become completely immersed in Italian culture. I also learned how to be smart while traveling and adapt quickly to living in a country so completely different from my 金殿棋牌. I would not trade my experience for anything, and I could not have done it without the help from the SAI staff in Florence and the many friends I met abroad as well. I can’t wait to share my experiences and encourage others to study abroad!

Ellie Mehrbakhsh
University of South Carolina

Ciao! My names Ellie and I studied abroad in Florence, Italy in the Spring of 2017. Studying abroad was hands down the best decision I have ever made. I made so many friends from all around the world, traveled to tons of beautiful places (including this picture in Croatia), and grew so much as a person. I gained so much confidence in myself to continue traveling after studying abroad, and that’s something I would’ve never experienced had I not studied with SAI.

Sophie Miller
University of Mississippi

Ciao! My six weeks studying abroad this summer in Florence was an experience of a lifetime. Studying abroad was my first time leaving the country and it allowed me to get out of my comfort zone, learn about Italian culture, and to grow as a person. SAI helped create opportunities for me, introduced me to some of the greatest people, and helped me feel comfortable and adjusted. Deciding to study abroad was one of the best decisions I ever made and I cannot be more grateful for my experience! I recommend studying abroad to anyone who gets the opportunity to do so.

Abbey Moran
Lasell College

Sacrificing a safe, predictable lifestyle for a semester abroad will help teach you the value of intercultural experiences and give you a new respect for different cultures. Stepping outside of your comfort zone will change your life so don’t let your fears get in the way!

Claire Mulvena
Suffolk University

I went abroad in my junior year and it was the best decision I made in my college experience. Going to Italy opened me up, allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, and meet family I’d never even known about. I would go back in a heartbeat; my time in Italy was indescribably adventurous, thoughtful, and unforgettable.

Aspen Odle
University of South Carolina

When I studied abroad, I made sure to make every moment count. I went traveling every weekend! I was somewhere new whether it was within Italy or another country. Traveling the world by yourself is a very rewarding experience and I honestly recommend it over traveling with large groups of friends. You are free to travel to where you want and do what you want without displeasing others. You are also more likely to talk to other people and make friends within your hostels.

Kate Pearson
Saint Mary’s College of California

I spent the year abroad in Rome and it quickly became my new 金殿棋牌! Staying for the year was one of the best decisions I have made. The food, people and atmosphere of Rome was amazing and I’m so glad I got to study abroad as part of SAI!

Allie Peterson
Washington State University

Ciao! My name is Allie Peterson and I studied abroad in Florence, Italy in the Spring of 2017. I am stocked to be an ambassador and share my experience with everyone! I completely fell in love with every aspect of Florence, traveling and everything in between. Studying abroad was easily the best decision I have ever made. This opportunity opens more doors than imaginable, so take advantage of every second. It is something you will never regret!

Connor Postle
University of Arkansas

My time abroad was amazing, a truly life changing experience! It was a time to learn not only about my field of study, but about culture, lifestyles , people, and myself. I gained experiences and memories that will be with me for the rest of my life! Most importantly, I had so much fun! I would recommend study abroad to anyone. You will see what I mean!

Nicola Rennie
University of South Carolina

Studying abroad in Rome, Italy during the Spring semester of 2017 at John Cabot University was the most exciting and eye-opening 4 months of my life. From eating pasta with locals to dancing the night away at local clubs with friends from all over the globe, SAI has given me the chance to view the world from a different perspective. Italy is the most beautiful country, with cliffs on the ocean, rolling green hills covered in vineyards, and amazing cities that will leave you breathless. SAI has allowed me to connect with people I’d never meet and build friendships that will last a lifetime. My only regret is that I didn’t stay longer.

Cole Richards
University of Alabama

Studying Abroad was one of the best things I’ve ever done for myself. I studied in the historic Trastevere district of Rome, Italy and was fully immersed in the Italian culture. Through SAI I was opened to new opportunities, introduced and adjusted to Roman life, and able to expand my knowledge of not only Italian culture, but learn about my own culture as well. I recommend studying abroad to everyone; it gives you a different perspective of the world as a whole, and it changes you for the better.

Zoe Rubens
Saint Mary’s College of California

Hi my name is Zoe and I Studied abroad in Florence, Italy. While there I traveled to six countries, made some amazing friends and discover my real passion, travel. During my time I took cooking classes, explored extravagant gardens and studied famous art in the best museums I have ever been to. My semester overseas helped me become my best self.

Alli Ruddle
University of Alabama

My study abroad experience was one I’ll never forget. I made friends with locals, tourists, and students from all over. I have been lucky enough to have experienced Italian culture up close and personal, learn about the language and lifestyles, and travel the most beautiful parts of the country as well.

Jamie Sall
Muhlenberg College

I spent Spring 2017 studying abroad in Florence, Italy- the land of pasta, gelato, rich with culture and my favorite city in the world! My decision to study abroad was one of the boldest and life changing experiences of my life. Florence gave me more than the experience of travel for a semester; it gave me perspective that I will carry forever. My study abroad experience in Florence and SAI gave me the opportunity to take the reins on my own journey and experience a once and a lifetime opportunity of travel and learning- something that I could never learn from a textbook or lecture. Going abroad to another part of the world is very nerve-racking, but I learned to embrace this adventure and realize its okay to move away from what I am familiar with.

Eric Schissel
Clemson University

When I decided to go abroad, people told me it was going to be a life changing experience. I thought to myself “how could a trip be THAT impactful.” Well, I was absolutely amazed and I can honestly say that my 6 weeks in Barcelona gave me a different outlook on life and opened my eyes quite a bit. People have told me that when they went abroad they found themselves and who they really are. I can say this was something that happened for me as well. When I arrived in Barcelona, I was really nervous and wasn’t sure if I was going to be able to do it. However, thanks to the SAI staff, I felt at 金殿棋牌 in no time. I already miss Barcelona and am seriously considering going back very soon.

Camille Seidel
Muhlenberg College

Ciao! I Spent this past semester living, learning and eating my way around Florence and can say without a doubt it was the most challenging and rewarding experience of my life. I’ve always been outgoing, but living in a country so different from my own (and learning to speak Italian!) forced me outside my comfort zone in a completely different way. SAI was a great program for me because they provided the tools we needed to succeed independently. The ups and downs of studying abroad completely changed how I see my place in the world, and I’m so excited to share my experience with any and everyone who asks (or doesn’t ask…).

Anne Stevenson
Rochester Institute of Technology

“I really enjoyed my studying abroad experience. I got the opportunity to study abroad with SAI Barcelona at the Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona campus for six weeks in the summer. I got the chance to go on several weekend trips to offering countries on my own. It was truly one of the greatest experiences of my life. I met tons of people while I was traveling, and saw some pretty amazing sites. Everyone at SAI was so supportive and encouraging; just the support I needed while I was abroad. I also enjoyed soaking up the Barcelona sun, and just immersing myself in the culture while I was in Barcelona. I also got many chances to work on my Spanish!”

Megan Stoltenberg
University of South Carolina

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy with SAI was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I got to spend four months living and learning in Italy during my junior year. Through SAI, I was able to experience a new culture, make lifelong friends, and see some of the greatest art in the world. Although it was tough to say goodbye to Italy, I’m so excited to be able to share my experiences with future SAI students as an SAI Ambassador!

Allison Stumpf
University of Alabama – Tuscaloosa

Studying abroad in the beautiful city of Florence was truly the experience of a lifetime. Going in knowing few people and only a couple Italian words, I was a little nervous at first, but it turned out to be some of the most memorable and rewarding weeks of my entire life. In just six weeks abroad, I traveled to four different countries and over ten cities seeing and experiencing many different people, foods, and cultures. Through SAI’s program, I was able to quickly adapt to the many changes in Italy and form many new relationships with students from all over the world. Going abroad was one of the best decisions I have made throughout college and have SAI to thank for making that experience so incredible!

Megan Turner
University of Mississippi

I spent the summer of 2017 living and studying in Rome, Italy through the SAI program at John Cabot University. Rome is a beautiful and busy city, never lacking in things to do. From clown festivals and street music in my Trastevere neighborhood to touring ancient monuments and evening strolls along the Tiber river. The opportunity to immerse oneself in a different culture allows you to really feel like a local, and the confidence and independence I gained during the experience is priceless. Rome is a magical place that now feels like 金殿棋牌 and the friends and memories made here will last a lifetime. I will miss my Roma, but know with all the coins I have thrown in the Trevi Fountain, I will definitely be back. Veni, Vidi, Vici!

Jessica Vass
Georgia State University

A day doesn’t go by were I don’t think of my time in Italy. I studied abroad at Florence University of the Arts for a semester of my sophomore year. I did not expect to fall in love with Florence, meet my best friend, and travel around the world, but I was blown away! Not only was the academic experience incredible, but my favorite part of the experience was the culture of living. I fell in love with the italian lifestyle. When I eat pizza I think of Gusta Pizza, the best pizza place in Florence, when I hear a busy street I remember walking down Via Ghibellina to get to school, and when I see images of Italy I picture myself going back one day soon. I am excited to be a representative and spokesperson for the fun, challenging, adventurous, and life changing study abroad experience with SAI.

Marisa Vidal
Herron School of Art and Design

“Living in a different country, amongst a completely different culture, is something I believe everyone should do at least once in his or her life. I can promise you that the six months I lived and studied in Barcelona, Spain will always play a huge roll in why I am who I am today. I fully encourage everyone to go out of your comfort zones, and apply for study abroad (whether it be a year, semester, or even just a couple weeks in the summer)! Those months and or weeks, will add so much substance into your life, substance you will only ever be able to receive through an opportunity like this.”

Jenna Vigal
University of Nebraska Lincoln

My name is Jenna Vigal and I am a sophomore at the University of Nebraska Lincoln. My majors are global studies, political science, and my minors are in history and economics. In the future, I want to be a Foreign Service Officer. I studied abroad at the University Autónoma de Barcelona for the 6 week program, and it inspired me to get more involved with SAI!

Christina Wilson
University of Missouri

Italy is one of the most beautiful and historic countries in the world. Spending my summer in Rome, where Italy first originated, gave me such an incredible experience! Rome was built on layers of history that I had the opportunity to see and learn about everyday on my walk to class. I lived in an adorable, typical Roman neighborhood, made friends with the locals, and got to really feel at 金殿棋牌 in another culture. SAI gave me the chance to immerse myself in the Italian lifestyle, and live how an actual citizen of Rome would everyday. I absolutely loved it! When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

Nathan Woodward
San Francisco Art Institute

My experience abroad was more than I expected. Beautiful people, beautiful buildings and amazing food blanketed my surroundings. I had the opportunity to meet new friends. We help each other grow in place that was once unfamiliar. I grew as a person, as an artists and as an explorer.

Megan Zeddies
Belmont University

My time in Rome through SAI was one of the best decisions of my life. Not only did I get to experience a new way of life and meet new friends from around the world, I also gained confidence in myself. After living in a foreign country, I’ve become more confident in my decisions and addicted to travel! The people I met, from my roommates and classmates to the SAI onsite coordinators are people I continue to look up to.

Martyna Anisiewicz
Suffolk University

Ciao, I initially went to study abroad in Rome for the Spring 2016 semester, however during the school year I decided to extend my stay for another semester. This means that I am currently still studying abroad. Choosing to study abroad was one of the best decisions I have ever made, it allowed me to emerge myself into a totally different culture, meet incredible people from all paths of life, from around the world and truly live the independent life allowing myself to grow as a person and learn about the world. There is no other experience in your life that will make you feel so uncomfortable and autonomous at the same time. I feel very lucky to have been able to go on this adventure with a program like SAI that allowed me the room to not only extend my stay but also live in my own accommodation to further emerge myself in life in Italy. I recommend to anyone to study abroad as it is definitely one of the most unique opportunities that are available to you during your time at university.

Halie Beard
University of South Carolina at Columbia

I had the privilege of studying abroad this past Spring in Florence, Italy through SAI. During my four months in Florence, I made amazing friends, experienced a unique and beautiful culture very different from my own, ate a little too much pizza (oops) but more importantly I gained a new sense of self confidence and independence that I didn’t have before. Having never traveled outside the United States before, I was obviously nervous about living in a foreign country but it was one of the best decisions I could have made and I am so excited to share that passion with other prospective SAI students! Even though I traveled extensively throughout Italy, the immense beauty and rich history of Florence will forever hold a special place in my heart and I’m already planning my next trip back!

Megan Bell
Auburn University

I studied abroad with SAI in Rome, Italy in the fall. I traveled there by myself not knowing anyone, and it was the best decision I ever made. I made some of my best friends, traveled to the most beautiful places, and got to live in my favorite city in the world. Overall, it was the absolute best experience of my life!

Lauren Bisogno
Muhlenberg College

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy during the Spring semester of 2016 and it was one of the bravest yet best decisions I have ever made. You’ve never experienced true relaxation until you are walking to class along the Arno River with your morning cappuccino from your favorite local bar. Being taken completely out of my comfort zone was not easy but it opened my eyes up to an amazing new culture that I was bound to fall in love with. In my 4 months abroad I not only got to experience new parts of the world but I was able to learn a lot about myself and my own world back 金殿棋牌. I am so grateful for my time spent with SAI in Florence and I am excited to be able to go back there one day and reminisce on my adventures throughout the city. In such a short amount of time Florence truly became my second 金殿棋牌!

Bonnie Blackmon
University of Mississippi

My name is Bonnie Blackmon and I studied abroad with SAI during summer 2016 in Florence, Italy. I attended Florence University of the Arts where I studied Digital Photography as well as Wine and Culture in Italy. Traveling abroad had always been a dream of mine, and to say the least, this experience exceeded all my expectations. My time in Florence was the opportunity of a lifetime and one that allowed me to learn the ways of an entirely different culture. Whether eating my way through Italy or traveling Europe on the weekends, the adventures I embraced and the people I met made this the single most eye-opening and enriching experience I’ve ever had.

Madison Natasha Block
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

During my time abroad, I was able to attend the London College of Fashion and be taught by industry professionals that did everything they could to educate their students in their field of study. I was able to make connections and friendships with people from all over the world, getting to engage in various cultures I had not been previously exposed to. I also got to travel more than I ever thought possible, visiting around five countries and eleven cities in a matter of three and a half months. I have gotten to experience so many places, people, and cultures that I never would have been able to see had I not studied abroad. It was certainly the most incredible experience I have had to date.

Jordan Bock
Muhlenberg College

Ciao! I studied abroad in Florence, Italy spring of 2016. The experience that I had overseas was remarkable, and life changing for so many reasons. Being abroad allowed me to travel to different places, eat incredible food, all while taking interesting classes and learning about the culture of Italy. However, none of these possibilities could have happened with the help of the SAI program. It truly is a well-organized and fun program that will allow you to explore and travel feeling safe. I am so grateful to have been a part of the SAI program and have the opportunity to go on an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime!

Miranda Craft
University of Mississippi

I studied abroad this past summer in Florence for the Summer II session at Florence University of the Arts. This program opened my mind to everything this world has to offer, and my experience was one that I will never forget. I extended my trip to travel around Europe, and I made many new connections and life-long friends and travel buddies. This program taught me more than I would have thought both in and out of the classroom. From learning how to live like a local, order in Italian at the café down the street, or just traveling on my own to new and exciting cities, SAI has encouraged me to step outside of my comfort zone and I have found it very rewarding.

Mary D’Amico
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

“While studying abroad in Florence, Italy, my experience was everything I hoped for and more. I learned and saw so much that I never thought I would get the chance too. Between the sights of Florence and all of the other sights that I was able to see while traveling. I am so happy I got the chance to experience everything that I did. Florence is not just a place where I lived for four months but it will be a place that I can call 金殿棋牌. Florence will always have a piece of my heart.”

Nicole Gagne
Stephens College

My study abroad adventure was nothing short of amazing. I met some incredible people and formed some of the most meaningful relationships. It’s truly the people along the way who made the experience what it was.. We laughed until we cried, walked until we couldn’t walk anymore, and ate until we nearly popped. Those are the moments that I will never forget. I learned so much about the world and other cultures, but mostly, I learned about myself. Studying abroad was the best thing I have ever done; it changed my life and gave me a whole new outlook on the world.

Heather Gogel
University of Kentucky

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy opened my eyes up to a different way of life. I was able to take part of the Italian culture back to the states with me and integrate it in my normal life. SAI helped me experience learning in a different environment that helped me grow as a person. Making memories with life-long friends from all across the United States is just one of the many aspects of studying abroad that I will carry with me forever.

Carter Grove
Stephens College

In the Spring semester of 2016 I studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain and it was the greatest decision I’ve ever made. In those 4 months abroad I was able to gain new friendships, study new cultures, and learn a lot about myself. I am so lucky to have the opportunity to study abroad and I want to share my experiences and knowledge with students at my school and encourage them to take a risk that some might be afraid to take.

Caroline Harris
University of Tampa

I studied abroad in Paris with SAI during the Fall semester of 2015. Being thrown into a
completely different culture was a little shocking at first, but it was nice knowing that everyone in SAI was on the same page as me. We immersed ourselves into the French culture by pretending we knew how to navigate the metro, speaking a large amount of Franglish and indulging in an excessive amount of croissants. What truly made my experience worthwhile was the strangers that I met on the first day becoming my lifelong friends. During my time abroad, I traveled to many beautiful countries in Europe. Exploring new cities brought a revival of my love of the world and other cultures. I gained a new perspective on the world and learned how to appreciate and take advantage of every moment. Exploring Paris would not have been the same without my Program Advisor, Jenn. She was there to answer everyone question and would go out of her way to help every single person within my program. Jenn was like our second, European Mom. Jenn and SAI taught me that I will always have a 金殿棋牌 to come back to in Paris.

Felicia Homan
Carroll University

I spent 9 months, two semesters in Rome, Italy and made lasting friendships, traveled the continent (11countries) and upon coming 金殿棋牌 I couldn’t even stay away that long, I’m already planning a trip back to Rome in December and I’m doing everything in my power to go back for a more permanent duration. My experience in international education has influenced the direction I want to move forward in my life and that is an experience that everybody should be able to experience.

Aaron Kapral
Washington State University

During my fourth year of college in Spring 2016 I had the opportunity to study abroad in London, England at London College of Fashion. SAI Programs gave me the confidence and reassurance to go abroad despite my fears and hesitations. This journey allowed me to physically explore what was only read in textbooks, seen on Google images or from that one scene in Harry Potter. I discovered new friends, LGBT-friendly organizations, fantastic food, and tools that I could apply to my major, Digital Technologies & Cultures, and my future endeavors in social responsibility and the creative fields.

Jim McNelis
University of Tampa

I studied in Rome, Italy at John Cabot University for the spring semester of 2016. While abroad, I made life long friendships with people from all parts of the world. My interactions with people from different cultures gave me the ability to approach situations and problems from another perspective. Because of my overall great experience with SAI, I am excited to promote the program to future study abroad students.

Caroline Maggio
University of Mary Washington

Studying abroad in Siena, Italy, to say the least, was a life changing experience for me. Every day was a new adventure that was completely different from my life at 金殿棋牌. During my time there, I studied the Italian Language and Art History, while getting the chance to explore the ancient, medieval city that surrounded me. My international experience gave me so many unique opportunities to serve and learn in an environment that I felt comfortable in. Upon my return, I felt I could face my fears and could be more intentional in my everyday life. I want to share my experiences because I feel that going abroad taught me so much more than I could have ever learned in a typical classroom setting. I want to express to others that, by taking a leap of faith, their lives could be completely changed.

Danielle Moffa
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

“My personal experience abroad was one that I will never forget. I learned more in those 4 months than I could have ever imagined. Everything was so amazing over there and I am so happy I was able to experience it. ”

Evan Pagano
Mizzou – University of Missouri – Columbia

I kept a journal during my time studying abroad at Florence University of the Arts this past summer. It was in my hand as I left the country for the first time and stayed there as I experienced one completely new. The trip was enchanting, perception-changing. Now back in America, I still keep the journal close to me—I made a promise to myself to never forget the aura of my stay. Sitting on a plane the departing from Italy, I wrote this: “I’ve just done something spectacular, that study abroad thing. I’ve just flown to Italy, lived and studied there for four weeks, and now I’m flying back. What a four weeks; what an Evan that’s returning … however the trip affected him, he is altogether different, because he’s now done that, and he hadn’t before.”

Juliette Janice Resendez
University of California at Irvine

Having the opportunity to study abroad completely changed my perspective on international education and travel. After studying in Rome, I gained a sense of independence which motivated me to visit 8 other countries. This trip inspired me and helped me gain a sense of cultural enrichment, personal development, and helped me make an abundance of friendships around the globe.

Cooper Richardson
University of South Carolina

Studying abroad in Paris, France, with SAI for the spring of 2016 was probably the best decision I have ever made! Living in another country and experiencing different cultures was such a life changing experience. I got to travel to incredible cities across Europe, make amazing, unforgettable friends from across the country and the world, and learn so much about myself and what I am capable of in the process. Paris is an amazing city and I am ready to go back in an instant!

Jake Seibel
Suffolk University

Studied in Rome Italy in the spring of 2016. Developed the ability to become more susceptible to new cultures and learned how to create relationships with people from different backgrounds.

Jamie Sima
University of Dayton

My experience with international education stems from my semester abroad in Barcelona during the Fall of 2015. I am extremely grateful for the opportunities I was given abroad, like a language exchange with locals and volunteering at an elementary school. I was also lucky enough to work with my program coordinator every week on organizing newsletters events for our program.

Katrina Syrakos
Fitchburg State College

During this past Spring semester of my sophomore year, I spent my time living, learning, and interning in Sorrento, Italy. SAI presented me with the opportunity to intern before I was even aware that it was an option for me. Everything that SAI was involved in made my transition to living in a foreign country more manageable and enjoyable. Even the roommate pairings were perfect!
The courses that are offered at Sant’Anna Institute immediately stuck out to me during my search. I am a criminal justice major and was both thrilled and surprised to discover a course centered on international crime.
Because of my semester abroad, I have formed countless relationships with students from all over the United States, as well as with many local Italians, and other Europeans through my extensive travels. I now have the confidence and skills to interact with all kinds of people in all kinds of places. Studying abroad is an irreplaceable experience and I look forward to helping other college students get the most out of their semester(s) abroad.

Adam Tynan
Muhlenberg College

As a Junior at Muhlenberg College I studied Abroad in Florence, Italy where I attended Florence University of the Arts. It was the true definition of a once in a lifetime experience. I traveled across Europe for four months meeting great people and seeing the continent. I made memories and had experiences that will last a lifetime. I participated in the SAI Global Leadership program where I was able to volunteer in the florentine community weekly. This helped me gain a different perspective on my experience. I learned a lot about myself and what I want for my future during the four months I was in Florence. I would recommend studying abroad through SAI to anyone and everyone.

Mia Vitale
Salem State College

“During my Spring semester of my junior year I made the decision to study abroad in London, England, and my time there was nothing short of life changing. My time abroad changed my life in more ways than one allowing me to be opened up to different cultures and different ways of living that I never would have experience without the help of SAI. I have memories and times I will never forget and know that my time abroad will always stick with me”

Jessica Alcheh
Muhlenberg College

My time abroad can be best defined as surreal. For four months, I woke up each morning having to remind myself that I was actually in Florence and that it was not a dream. I felt liberated, where I was able to not only explore Florence and other countries, but I was also given a setting where I could reflect on who I was as a person and who I wanted to be. Florence is a place that I will always and forever be able to call 金殿棋牌 and not just a location where I had to live , but a place where I loved to live.

Andrew Cooney
James Madison University

My time studying in Paris was the most transformative experience of my life. The learning I did in the classroom at the American University of Paris was expanded upon and improved by my experiences living in Paris and traveling all over Europe. Although I walked past the Eiffel Tower on the way to class each day, I was always awed by the shear enormity of it and it made me thankful to have such a great opportunity. SAI’s assistance, guidance, and helpfulness really made my study abroad experience the best it could have been. I look forward to helping other students at JMU realize their study abroad goals and can’t wait to return to Europe soon!

Caitlin Fell
Muhlenberg College

A love of travel was instilled in me from a very early age when I travelled to Italy, France, and England with my family. Knowing I wanted to return to Italy in my lifetime, Florence became the perfect place to call 金殿棋牌 for the best four months of my life. Living in another culture, a city filled with rich history and tradition, taught me so much, and I am forever grateful for the opportunity I was given to explore Florence, my second 金殿棋牌, and all of the other unique places I was able to visit throughout my semester abroad.

SAI BLOG POSTS
Your Guide to Florence
Advice From an SAI Ambassador

Andrea Fournier
Kansas State University

Studying abroad was hands down the best decision I have ever made. I was able to experience a completely different world of living, different foods, people and culture traveling around Europe. I was able to use my internship for professional growth, and satisfy credit classes towards my degrees with the classes I took abroad, while getting to visits historical sites such as The Eiffel Tower, The Cliffs of Moher and The Swiss Alps just to name a few! I never realized how much of the world there is out there to see, and ultimately, to learn from. You will come back 金殿棋牌 and not be scared to take spontaneous trips because you’ve grown into a more well-versed person from studying abroad.

SAI BLOG POSTS
Tips for New Study Abroad Students
So You Studied Abroad, Now What?

Darian Gilley
Baylor University

I spent my spring semester of 2015 in Rome, Italy. For five months I was able to travel to several different areas of Europe, including France, Germany, Spain and other areas of Italy such as Florence, Tuscany, Pompeii, Naples. etc. I’ve never truly felt like I belonged anywhere until I stepped into Rome and it became my sanctuary, a place where I was able to discover myself. Rome stole my heart, changed my perspective on love, gave me a newfound independent and free-living spirit, opened my eyes to a new culture, taught me a new language, and above all, showed me how to live in the moment and to never look back. I was able to immerse myself in new cultures and broaden my perspective on the world through a unique experience I will never forget. This journey will forever be a huge part of who I am and I remain anxious for my return, I can only hope that it will be a permanent one.

SAI BLOG POSTS:
Top 11 Restaurants/Bars to Visit in the Trastevere Neighborhood of Rome

Nicole M. Giovannoni
Gustavus Adolphus College

Studying abroad in Florence, Italy was an experience that will never be forgotten. While abroad, I took a few courses that introduced me to Italian history and culture. I learned about wine and food by walking through the Florence streets and markets, sampling the foods and drinks while listening about the history behind them all. Best yet, studying abroad through SAI gave me a great excuse and opportunity to finally meet my Italian family, living only a few hours away from the city of Florence. My international experience allowed me to connect and learn about my Italian roots, and to gain knowledge about the Italian and European cultures overall.

Kevin Heil
Colorado State University

It’s all about location. From the moment I chose to study abroad I knew for me it would be Barcelona. The city was amazing and so was the beautiful country of Espa~na. I am so lucky to have been able to explore such a beautiful area of the world. I experienced so much more than imagined while studying business and Spanish at UAB. I even got the chance to volunteer at a local primary school helping kids learn a little bit of English. From the amazing people to the unsuspecting culture, I was surprised with every turn of the corner. I think that once people figure out exactly what experience they desire they can find that place somewhere in the world. Education abroad was eye opening, wonderfully challenging and absolutely unbelievable. I cannot wait to share my experiences and help people accomplish their dreams to study abroad!

SAI BLOG POSTS
5 Spring Festivals in and around Barcelona

Brooke Horton
University of South Carolina

My name is Brooke Horton and I studied abroad in Sorrento, Italy in the Spring Semester of 2015. The time I spent abroad was the most influential time in my life thus far and sparked my thirst to travel. I loved the opportunity to experience many different cultures around the world and to really be able to get to know my 金殿棋牌town located Southern Italy. Sorrento truly sparked my interest for all things Italian: the language, the pizza, and of course the wine.

SAI BLOG POSTS
When You Get Back From Study Abroad
These Are My Favorite Things
Overcoming the Italian Language Barrier
Bridging the Cultural Gap in Sorrento
Arrival in Sorrento
Meet our Spring 2015 Blogger: Brooke

Brianna Kakareka
La Salle University

SAI has been the gateway to some of the best opportunities and unforgettable adventures I have ever been apart of. The people I’ve met abroad are some of my closest and admirable friends with whom I now share some of my favorite and most cherished memories. Whether they may be my professors, friends, or local Italians, the program has introduced me to these amazing people. Everyone that helped me through the process and throughout the semester was extremely helpful and always encouraging. I will now forever feel the urge to continue my international studies and travels. SAI offered me the world in just one semester and the journey was beautiful.

I have learned more about myself and gained confidence in situations I never knew I would encounter. The uncertainty, curiosity, and excitement of the brand new situations I experienced each day were some of the moments that pushed me way out of my comfort zone and I am happy that they did.

These life lessons and memories could have never been thought to me any other way. I am forever grateful for the chance to study abroad with a program like SAI.

Sarah Kauzmann
Muhlenberg College

During the spring semester of 2015, I had the amazing opportunity to study abroad in Florence, Italy at the Florence University of the Arts. Along with taking classes in the Italian language, the Italian Renaissance, art, and the history of chocolate, I was able to travel, meet new people, try many diverse cuisines, and encounter different cultures in many different regions throughout Europe. It was truly an experience I will never forget and it taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be. I can only hope my stories help other students have the very best time they possibly can while abroad.

SAI BLOG POSTS
5 Small Things you Should do in Florence

Kaela Kinnare
St. Mary’s College of California

I studied abroad through SAI at Florence University of the Arts taking 5 classes in the subjects art and Christianity. I found that studying art in Italy surrounded by the real historical artifacts gave me a new perspective and I felt that it really contributed to my ability to absorb the significance of the art and culture of the city. In my Introduction to Art History Class, I learned about different architectural styles and when traveling to different countries I was able to put that knowledge to use; something I could never have done before. In my History of Christianity class we learned about various religions and it opened my eyes to the different cultures I found myself encountering in my travels. My experience in international education contributed to my growth and maturity as a person.

SAI BLOG POSTS
A Guide to Finding the Best Eats in Florence!

Bailey LaPoint
St. Cloud State University

Participating in international education is an essential key to unlock one’s door to discovering one’s journey. It teaches you important aspects of life and facets of yourself that you wouldn’t find staying in one place. Studying abroad awakens the mind in ways that you have never thought before and only the lucky ones who experience it will get to know that incredible feeling. My experience overseas has done just this to me. Never, in such a short period of time, have I learned more about myself, about culture and about the world outside of the Midwest. I will always cherish the friendships I’ve made and the experiences I’ve had during that life changing time of my life.

SAI BLOG POSTS
Bailey’s 1st Week in Barcelona
One Week and Feeling like 金殿棋牌
My Top 10 Places in Barcelona
Fish, Fish and More Fish
Final Thoughts
Life Lessons From Studying Abroad

Kelsey Lenoch
Missouri State University

As a senior at Missouri State University in the Fashion Design Program I studied abroad with SAI in London at the London College of Fashion and had a life-changing experience. SAI gave me the opportunity to study at one of the top fashion schools in the world while also offering freedom and experiences to learn about another culture and, just as importantly, myself.

SAI BLOG POSTS
Favorite Markets in London

Mariah Minichello
University of South Carolina

I spent the spring semester of my junior year in Rome, Italy studying at John Cabot University. While there, I spent my days wandering the streets of Rome, eating the most delicious food, and experiencing the history that surrounded me. I traveled to eight different countries but that was only the beginning of a lifelong adventure around the world. My study abroad experience was made extra special by the on-site SAI staff who helped me every step of the way, from booking train trips to taking me to the doctor. I am forever thankful that I had the opportunity to study abroad and to live in Rome for four months of my life.

SAI BLOG POSTS:
Benefits of Studying Abroad for Your Career

Catherine Moore
Oklahoma State University

My favorite part of studying abroad was the amazing people I met. My dream is to work for a magazine as a creative director. One of my professors used to be a model for Vogue Italy back in the 1960s. As I was getting ready to head back 金殿棋牌 she told me if I ever needed anything like a letter of recommendation to email her. Having that connection in my field is crucial and I am so excited about it!

SAI BLOG POSTS
Few Things to Expect After a Study Abroad Experience

Sabina Muccigrosso
Muhlenberg College

I studied abroad in Siena Italy for the Spring of 2015. My experience was wonderful and I couldn’t have been happier with my choice. I am very excited to start sharing my experiences with everyone!

SAI BLOG POSTS:
Reverse College Shock
A Room With a View
You Can’t Go Wrong With the Campo!
Una Gita: Snow in Italy
Siena Living

Sarah Nourai
Washington State University

I studied abroad last Spring in Florence, and it was the best decision I ever made! Having the opportunity to study fashion and complete by internship abroad at Florence University of the Arts was truly unforgettable. Over the fourth months I was able to travel to some of the most beautiful places, eat the most sinfully delicious food, and learn so much about the person I am, and who I want to become. I met some of the coolest people I know, and connected with other students all over the county (who now are some of my best friends!) Europe and Florence have a special place in my heart, and I absolutely cannot wait to go back!

Jessica Poillucci
Suffolk University

My semester abroad in bella Roma, Italia was the most transformative time of my life. Rome’s central location allowed me to travel not only throughout Italy to drink limoncello in the Amalfi Coast, wine taste in the tuscan hills, and eat pizza in Naples, but also explore 5 beautiful countries and experience new cultures firsthand. I only hope that my stories will inspire others to find their own “Rome Away from 金殿棋牌” like I did.

Ashley Timon
Indiana University of Pennsylvania

Last semester I studied International Business and Spanish at Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona in the amazing city of Barcelona, Spain. During my semester abroad, I was able to visit 8 different countries and many different cities all over Spain. Studying abroad in Barcelona was an amazing experience and definitely one of the best decisions I have ever made. I look forward to sharing my experiences with other students and inspiring them to take a risk and study abroad.

SAI BLOG POSTS:
My Favorite Things to do in Between Classes in Barcelona

Makenna Walls
Saint Mary’s College of California

I am a Senior studying International Business at Saint Mary’s College of California. I studied abroad in Florence, Italy and absolutely loved it. I am very thankful to have had such an amazing experiences. While abroad I traveled to 11 different countries and plan to go back as soon as I can. I took art, religion, special event management and wine tasting classes while abroad.

Carrie Bronston
Muhlenberg College

Thanks to cyberspace, the world is a much smaller place than it was twenty-five years ago. We connect with each other via text and screen, and when we enter the workplace our offices will hold “virtual” meetings across the globe, we will have clients in cities time zones apart…most certainly our lives will continue to be filled with interactions once-removed by technology. Traveling abroad as a student, you ensure adventures where you will be connecting directly with new people, in new cultures, learning new things about their world and yourself. During my time as a student at Muhlenberg College, in addition to my SAI semester in Florence, I was fortunate enough to travel to Costa Rica for a community art project, and to Turkey for a history project. International education is so important, because it allows you to see the world and yourself in new ways.

Caleb Crum
Missouri State University

Life changing. That is the only way I could explain my experience studying abroad with SAI. I have to say, I would not trade the time I spent abroad for the world! I studied Hospitality Management courses at FUA in Florence during the Spring 2014 semester and it was the best experience I’ve ever had. From the people I met to the places I visited, every aspect of my time abroad will stay with me for the rest of my life. The best part was how easy SAI made the process for me to be able to go abroad. Now that I have returned, I want to do everything I can to help others have their own life changing experiences abroad. It has become my passion to inspire others to study abroad, especially with SAI!

Olivia Del Viscio
Gustavus Adolphus College

Since studying in Rome for Spring 2014, Italy has become my 金殿棋牌 away from 金殿棋牌. I spent my semester abroad exploring the ancient streets of the Eternal City and enjoying the prospect that people had walked those same paths hundreds of years before me. My time abroad awarded me the opportunity to immerse myself into Italian culture and has since changed my entire outlook on life. Looking back on this life-changing experience, I cannot help but feel incredibly humbled and blessed to have had such incredible opportunities.

Matthew Duhaime
Plymouth State University

Each day I cannot stop myself from reminiscing about my experience with SAI during the Fall semester of 2013. SAI offers such a unique opportunity to continue gaining credits towards my major while living in one of the most beautiful countries in the world. I was able to complete a full time course load of twelve credits while constantly branching out of my comfort zone, allowing me to form dozens of lifelong friendships. Studying abroad in Florence, Italy turned a dream into a reality and I recommend the SAI program to any college student looking for a once in a lifetime experience in a foreign land.

Sarah Allison Harpole
Belmont University

I studied abroad in Florence, Italy where I enrolled in an Introduction to Renaissance Art class. I learned more in the three weeks studying about Renaissance art than I have in any of my other my academic classes. In my class, I not only learned about the art pieces but studied them up close and in person. This allowed me to not only learn, but engage! My whole duration in Italy taught me so much through my class, the Italian culture, and how to adapt to a culture different from my own. Studying abroad with SAI was one of the best choices I have made in my college education.

Chelsey Keenan
University of Tampa

I had the unbelievable opportunity to study in Florence this past Fall semester through SAI. Words cannot explain or do justice to the experiences I had and the lessons that I learned while studying abroad, exploring the world, and expanding my horizons. I found a new 金殿棋牌 in Florence and only hope that one day I am fortunate enough to go back and fall in love all over again.

Stephanie Liu
University of Florida

In the summer of 2014, I attended the SAI program at Paris American Academy, a small art college in Paris, France. I took classes in fashion design, communication, and merchandising. The experience was incredible and it is a summer I will always remember and treasure. I took classes led by professionals in the fashion industry and visited many exhibits/museums around Paris. I even attended fashion shows during Haute Couture Fashion Week and worked backstage to dress models! The SAI coordinator in Paris, Sheila, was a great mentor and friend to me and helped me to feel welcome and not scared in the foreign city. I hope to improve my French skills and return to Paris soon to explore the beautiful city even more.

Morgan McCaskill
University of South Carolina

I spent the spring semester of 2014 studying in Sorrento, Italy where I fell in love with Italian culture and ate way too much pasta. I then interned in the International Education department of Amsterdam’s Anne Frank House. Here I assisted in planning the International Youth Conference where over 50 young people from 28 countries shared experiences and developed discrimination-fighting action plans to implement in their 金殿棋牌 countries. I look forward to continuing working in the field of international education and hope to one day develop a nonprofit that allows children from low-income communities to travel abroad.

Nick Price
Baylor University

My experience promoting international education is relatively slim. However, I have traveled extensively in Europe and South Africa, as well as in the States. I lived abroad in South Africa for a combined 12 months, studied and lived in Rome, Italy for 4 months, and lived and traveled in Germany for 1 month. During my time studying abroad in Rome I got the opportunity to fully experience what international education is all about. Being fully immersed in my host school in Rome by joining two athletic teams and getting to know other students from around the globe, helped me understand many different styles of education, in addition to what it means to different cultures.

Devin Reuben
Muhlenberg College

Studying abroad in Florence is one of the best decisions I have made. It was such an incredible experience and I felt so at 金殿棋牌 in this city right away. SAI made the process of studying in a foreign country easier and the staff was extremely helpful in making sure that all of the students were comfortable. During my time in Italy, I took advantage of almost every travel opportunity within Europe and met so many interesting people that I may not have met before if I did not decide to study abroad. This experience was life changing and my advice to anyone considering to study abroad in Europe- do it and I guarantee you won’t regret it.

Giovanna C. Rienzi
University of Tampa

My time spent studying abroad in Florence, Italy last fall was hands down the best experience of my life. From new friends, incredible food and culture; it truly was an unforgettable four months that will stay with me forever. SAI eased my transition into a new country and made me feel right at 金殿棋牌. The opportunity to immerse myself into a new culture was so inexplicably eye opening. I fell in love with Italy and everything it had to offer but also got the chance to travel all over Europe. My advice to any underclassman is to consider studying abroad; I cannot explain how life changing it is to experience it first hand. By the end of my time there, I not only got acquainted with a new city and 金殿棋牌, but also learned a lot about myself. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about my trip and the many memories made. I cannot wait to return one day soon to experience Firenze all over again.