Calcio Storico Fiorentino 101 A great way of enriching your study abroad experience is connecting with locals, learning about their traditions and joining in the festivities! Florence is not only the birthplace of the renaissance but is also known for its ancient customs and Florentines take pride in practicing them even today. My favorite by far is Calcio Storico Fiorentino, also known as Calcio in Costume as it is a symbol of bravery and defiance.
When exploring a new city, I have always sought out restaurants with outdoor- seating or rooftops. I love sitting outside enjoying a refreshing drink while enjoying the breathtaking views and local ambiance. After living in Barcelona for 2 years, nothing beats a sunny afternoon with friends sitting on a gorgeous rooftop. It is the lovely way to spend the weekend after a stressful week; it is one of the best parts about Barcelona.
The Giro D’Italia is a world famous 3 week cycling stage race where the world class cyclists are racing in multiple stages around Italy and nearby areas.
Gaining a global perspective in healthcare can significantly enhance both academic and career goals. Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers Health Science courses that present you with an exceptional opportunity to learn through case studies, observations, and experiences about the healthcare system in Italy. These courses provide hands-on experiences and valuable observations, leaving a lasting impact on academic pursuits and preparation for medical school.
Are you looking for a competitive edge to advance your career? Are you looking to create a more robust resume? Consider adding hospitality to your portfolio. Employers are attracted to candidates with global experiences. The hospitality sector’s global workforce is growing with an average of 1.2 million job openings in the industry each month. Positions in high demand include hotel management, food service, event planning, revenue management, and more.
I had only been outside of the United States twice by the time I went to college and studied abroad – Mexico on a cruise, and Italy on a quick week-long trip with my high school Italian class. And although I went to college 2,000 miles away from home and took many flights alone, the longest flight I ever took, was about six hours.
Navigating the pre-departure study abroad process is an essential phase that lays the foundation for your upcoming academic and cultural experience abroad with SAI. This time requires you to be quite meticulous as you will need to adhere to many deadlines, submit plenty of paperwork, and read through pages of important material. This phase is all about laying the groundwork for the adventure that awaits you.
Cell phone options have always been a bit tricky for traveling students! The challenges have evolved over the years, and things are certainly becoming easier in recent years. However, there still is the difficulty with connectivity and the different band frequencies that are used in the U.S. versus abroad. Not to mention the issue of Wi-Fi availability with the ancient stone buildings in so many European cities.
If you´ve ever been to Catalunya between January and March you will have heard of the famous Calçotada…or maybe not. La calçotada comes from the word calçot which is a type of green onion which is much milder than your typical onion and a calçotada is a meal in which you eat these onions usually in a rural setting.
Leading a program with 26 students from Muhlenberg College has turned out to be a stress-free experience from an organizational standpoint, and this is all thanks to SAI. The SAI staff – in the US and in Italy – has been extremely organized, quick with answers, prepared with solutions, allowing me to focus on the class that I teach on the memory of WWII in Italy.
Study abroad prices can be daunting, so we’ve compiled a list of our most affordable summer programs to help you get started on your adventure! And don’t forget, we offer you a helping hand every step of the way. Think of us as your guides to an unforgettable experience. View a complete list of all SAI Summer programs here.
Welcome to your Christmas shopping guide for the student in your life that is studying abroad. Even if that student is you! We asked some of our previous students for their input on what items they used the most often or the items they were super grateful they had while studying abroad in Italy, France, and Spain.
Olafur Eliasson’s impossible-to-miss new show at the historical Strozzi Palace is a psychedelic journey in the multifaceted possibilities of light. Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson is a household name in the world of contemporary art. Over the years, the 55-year-old’s works have been put on display at major galleries around the globe (including the MOMA, the Tate Modern and Serpentine Gallery, the Pinakothek in Munich, Chicago, and Tokyo).
“Sai che” in Italian means, “did you know that…?” 25 years ago, we started as Study Abroad Italy. As we expanded outside of Italy into Spain and France, we shifted to being called SAI. In our 26th year, we’re redefining ourselves yet again, and in doing so, we’re tying back to our Italian roots. SAI (S-A-I) is now SAI (pronounced “sigh”). It’s a simple change with a big meaning.
Our Florence students are passionate about a lot of things, but they feel VERY strongly about one thing in particular: their favorite gelato spots. We recently asked our alumni on Instagram what their favorites were and boy, did they deliver. Prospective students: you’ll want to save this list. Without further ado, here are the best gelato spots in Florence (ranked by the number of votes on Instagram).
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community. The process is quick and easy: Email your photo to photos@saiprograms.
I remember my first solo overseas trip as if it were yesterday. I had spent a year planning, working, saving money, and preparing myself for what I was certain would be the experience of a lifetime.
Now, more than ever, students are searching for ways to maximize their time abroad by gaining real-world experience for future careers. The SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) offers a combination of courses and activities that provide access to leaders and the local community for personal and professional growth. The GLC schedule fits nicely into the semester to allow for ample free time. Students choose the GLC to gain cultural competency and develop leadership skills.
This is a Conversation between Sean Weber-Quigley (SWQ), Executive Chef and Owner of Chico Verde, and Dr. Edna Farace Wilson (EFW), SAI’s Vice President of Academic Affairs. EFW: When did you decide to become a chef? SWQ: Cooking has always been a part of my life and I realized in high school when I was a part-time line cook, I wanted to become a chef.
While Florence’s city center is full of historical marvels, it is also definitely a little deprived of green areas. But fret not! Our lovely city is full of gorgeous spots for sunbathing, and here are our top picks. Time to go and venture out! LE CASCINE Le Cascine is Florence’s biggest and oldest park. It was the Medici’s private hunting and farming grounds, and it stretches along the river Arno.
SAI Vice President of Enrollment Services, Micaela Kliegl, provides an in-depth look at how to transport your medicine on your study abroad adventure. While it’s not as fun as planning weekend trips to the Amalfi Coast or practicing those language skills with the Duolingo app, understanding how to bring medicine to Europe is often overlooked, but an oh-so-important detail.
Beach, please! Barcelona, a city of amazing monuments, great tapas food and…beautiful beaches! The city of Gaudi is famous for its long, sandy shores. Its beaches have always attracted many visitors every year (well, at least pre-covid times) and has been a nice getaway those past few months for all the people living in Barcelona as it is a great place to chill and enjoy the Summer holiday feeling unique to our city.
Some say that studying abroad is priceless…but the price tag is real, and costs can add up quickly. The largest expense of a study abroad experience is typically the program fee which can vary greatly due to differences in tuition, housing, and the cost of activities in each location. According to GoAbroad.com, the average cost of a semester abroad is $18,000.
Jordan is based in Rome, Italy, and supports students on-site as SAI’s Rome Program Director. Jordan also coordinates many of SAI’s faculty-led programs in Italy. In general, what attracts most students to SAI’s program in Rome? Rome has so much to offer students with its rich history, culture, and cuisine.
Researching and planning your study abroad program can be a daunting task. You likely have many questions about what to expect- luckily, we have an active team of SAI ambassadors ready to assist! SAI ambassadors are a group of carefully selected students who have recently completed an SAI program. These program alumni are an excellent resource for you- here are four ways you can benefit from engaging with our ambassador team: 1.
In Barcelona, the holiday spirit starts when the Christmas lights are on and the Fira de Santa Llúcia market opens. The Fira de Santa Llúcia has been held in front of Barcelona’s beautiful gothic Cathedral since 1786 and attracts many visitors each year looking for Christmas trees and decorations, local handmade gifts, beautiful craft nativity scenes, eucalyptus branches, activities for children, and more.
During the month of December, as the longest night of the year approaches, France enters the traditional winter holiday season or les fêtes de fins d’années. This is typically a season when families come together to celebrate a series of holidays which span a period of about one month, beginning with the start of Advent (in early December) and ending with Epiphany or “Kings’ Day” (January 6).
Christmas is an exciting time of year in Florence and while it may look a little different in 2020, there is much to look forward to. Italy officially ushers in the Christmas season on December 8, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, and the merriment lasts through January 6 with Epiphany. Throughout this period, Christmas lights enliven the city streets, and big trees bring cheer to every main piazza.
Fall harvest in Italy is filled with some real Italian favorites. Seasonal traditions can vary up and down the peninsula, but some tried and true classics include apples, grapes, persimmons, chestnuts, mushrooms, truffles, squash, pumpkins, and olives. Autumn is often a seasonal favorite – filled with changing colors and temperatures as well the harvest time for many types of foods. The vendemmia, or grape harvest, usually happens at the end of August through early October.
SAI caught up with SAI Visa Director Rose Maier, who has provided some helpful tips on the student visa process. I have been the Visa Director at SAI for fourteen years and have seen and heard a million stories from students that have made me laugh and cry.
Life in Italy: Study Abroad During COVID-19 Are you curious to see what life has been like in Italy for current study abroad students? SAI welcomed students back to our re-opened programs in Rome and Florence this fall. SAI committed to a number of added health and safety measures to support our students on-site and mitigate COVID-19 risks.
By completing an internship abroad, students demonstrate the capacity to adapt and thrive in varying cultural contexts, in addition to being immersed in a new language. An internship abroad is an invaluable tool for jump-starting a career, as students develop skills that any international organization values: professionalism, adaptability, confidence, open-mindedness, and a global mindset. Take your study abroad experience to the next level with an internship!
While some students are gearing up for an in-person Fall 2020 term abroad, most students have had to cancel their plans to be abroad. This does not mean that your dreams of learning about a new culture are out the door. You could look at going abroad in the spring or summer, but if that does not fit into your schedule, you can explore virtual programs this Fall!
Internships are the bridge between the academic and the professional world. They allow students and recent graduates to develop skills, learn new ones, network within their field, and bolster their resume with relevant experience. International internships add even more value for young professionals seeking a competitive edge in the global job market.
I have been the Visa Director at SAI for 16 years so I think this makes me a pro when it comes to students and their study visas. I’ve heard so many visa stories from students that have made me laugh and cry. Like the time when a student was about to depart for their program and told us he didn’t get a visa because he already had a Master Card.
With so many recent changes in the education and travel world, we wanted to highlight SAI’s Fall 2020 on-site study abroad programs that are still available. Bonus: the following Fall 2020 programs do NOT require a student visa. 1. John Cabot University in Rome Immerse yourself in the Eternal City while studying at JCU, a US accredited university in the heart of Rome.
This Spring 2020 semester did not go as expected, so we created a special challenge just for our students who, unfortunately, had to return home due to the COVID-19 crisis. The unprecedented global pandemic has posed new challenges and increased hardships for many, but it has also united us through empathy, compassion, and greater global awareness.
If you are planning to study abroad, consider taking an online course (or multiple!) through SAI’s virtual programs before you go. Virtual courses are quickly becoming commonplace in today’s academic culture. The online platform offers students the opportunity to fulfill requirements for other classes or to engage in a topic of interest – all from the comfort and safety of their own home.
For all the uncertainty in the world today, one thing seems clear for many recent high school graduates. As most college campuses will allow you to defer for a year, meaning you can roll admission over to the following school year, it’s time to consider a gap year.
Changing Careers? Or Job Hunting? Looking for Opportunities to Meet the New Challenges? In these uncertain times, reviewing career choices and exploring new ones can open new doors and accelerate your career path. Earning a Career Certificate can facilitate a rapid change to an exciting career.
As the SAI senior admissions counselor and SAI career certificate specialist, I am here to answer some common questions about the FUA Career Certificate Programs in Florence to help you decide how a career certificate can propel you to a new career or advance in a current one.
SAI Spring 2020 students, we know your time abroad didn’t go as you had expected, so we have created a special challenge just for you! The unprecedented global COVID-19 pandemic has posed new challenges and increased hardships for many, but it has also united us through empathy, compassion, and greater global awareness.
I don’t know about you all, but I’m always looking for something new and creative to make with my travel photos. My camera roll is overflowing (seriously, I have 47,000 photos on my phone.. help), and while in quarantine, I’ve made it my mission to try out some new photo ideas.
With many businesses, libraries, museums and event spaces temporarily closing down due to the COVID-19 outbreak, many organizations have decided to make their content more accessible for all. We’ve compiled a list of different resources or deals available during this time and we’ll continue to edit this post as needed. Adobe Adobe has announced that it will be providing free at-home access to Creative Cloud apps to those students who usually only have access on-campus.
Things may feel uneasy right now. Amid the uncertainties presented by COVID-19, many things have changed with concerns about how we attend classes, work from home, and socialize with friends. Engaging in a healthy, productive, and balanced remote learning environment may be completely new to you. It can be difficult to navigate the unknowns, disruptions, and uncertainties you may be experiencing.
Do you dream of a summer that’s both productive and endlessly fun? Look no further than Syracuse Academy’s Summer IV term in Sicily! You’ll spend your summer soaking up the Mediterranean sun while discovering the many histories of Sicily: pre-historic, baroque, and mythological.
So you’ve unpacked your bags, shaken off those last remnants of jetlag, and are ready to dive into a carefree semester of breathtaking sights, drool-worthy food, and new friends. There’s nothing quite like saying goodbye to the responsibilities, expectations, and to-do lists of daily life in the United States for a semester, right? Not so fast!
Each semester, SAI carefully selects a group of student bloggers. These students are to write about their experiences abroad by producing blogs and contributing to our social media. Below is the list of our Spring 2020 student bloggers. You can check out their blog posts throughout their time abroad.
I am a musician with a bachelor’s degree in voice, so I always have to update two different resumés: My artistic resumé and my work experience resumé. My life would be a lot easier if I only needed one resumé, but I am pretty sure a restaurant manager is not going to care that I played Doralee Rhodes in a production of 9 to 5 when I was a freshman in college.
Study abroad expenses can stack up pretty quickly, so we’ve created a list of our most affordable summer programs to jumpstart your adventure! To check out all our Summer programs see here. 1. Syracuse Academy (Sicily): Summer I, II (3 weeks, 3-4 credits) Discover Sicily and the ancient city of Syracuse while enrolled in 3 or 4 credits of Italian language at Syracuse Academy!
Everyone tells you that you need professional experience if you want to land your dream job after graduation. But you also need academic credit in order to graduate. Why not accomplish both goals at the same time? Sant’Anna Institute in Sorrento is proud to offer for-credit internships, both during the academic year and the summer terms! This summer, you can gain valuable professional experience relating to your major while also earning 3 or 6 credits.
Summer is a time to explore, to create, to make new friends and memories. And if you’re like most students, summer is a valuable time to get ahead in your studies. Instead of staying on campus next summer, we invite you to step outside of your comfort zone and discover two incredible European cities with our SCOPE programs. SCOPE (multi-city) programs combine two of our wonderful summer programs into one incredible experience.
Whether it’s an outdoor view from Montmartre hill overlooking Paris, a view from a hotel with an outside terrace, or a view from the top floor of a skyscraper, Paris has some special spots to take in the beauty of the city. Read on below for some more info on these well-known and lesser well-known views. 1)
Before your time in your new home comes to an end, SAI wants to give you the opportunity to look back on all the amazing photos you have taken by holding a photo contest! By entering, you will be eligible to win a $100 Amazon gift card just by sharing your photo with the SAI Instagram community. The process is quick and easy: Email your photo to photos@saiprograms.
We caught up with SAI Senior Admissions Counselor Jamie, who provides some input on how to best choose a study abroad destination. You’ve heard all the amazing stories from friends and family of their epic study abroad experiences.
IIE Open Doors 2018 surveys put Italy at one of the top destinations for study abroad students. When advising students about their host country, how do we answer those questions concerning LGBTQIA+ culture and safety? Having lived in Italy for 6+ years and as a queer person, I can offer my experience and other resources to paint a picture of today’s LGBTQIA+ culture in Italy. 1.
Micaela, SAI Vice President of Enrollment Services
As the SAI Vice President of Enrollment Services I am bestowed with the honor of guiding students in finding the perfect program in the perfect location. I get to listen to student’s fears, goals, wishes and dreams. And I get to answer lots of questions, which I truly love.
Who is the current prime minister of Italy? What is traditional Spanish cuisine? What exactly does Brexit mean? If you are going abroad soon and don’t know the answers to these questions, you will want to do some research while you’re packing. Researching your destination helps you feel more comfortable in your surroundings. Demonstrating knowledge of your host culture also shows respect and interest- qualities that will serve you well when making new friends abroad.
This is a guest blog post written by Dr. Lynn McGee, faculty member in the Department of Business Administration at the University of South Carolina- Beaufort. Dr. McGee recently participated in a professional site visit to SAI’s Barcelona programs and shares her observations and perspectives here: Barcelona: “The Great Enchantress” Art critic Robert Hughes’ describes Barcelona as “the great enchantress.
We caught up with SAI Barcelona team members Leticia, Ashley and Sandrine, who provide some ideas on immersing yourself into the local scene. Being a team who is always looking for that off the beaten path adventure, from our personal experience, in order to get the true flavor of Barcelona, the best way is to get involved in the community.
We caught up with SAI Paris Program Coordinator Jennifer, who fills us in on some fashion advice for those visiting Paris. BLACK. One word immediately comes to mind when you think of fashion in Paris. You will see chic Parisians dressed head-to-toe in black, walking the streets everywhere. Though this tends to apply more during wintertime, Parisians typically dress in darker colors (black, grey, or dark brown)
We have two annual staff gatherings: a summer barbecue in August and a fabulous holiday party each December. 2. There are fourteen of us in the U.S office, plus many more working remotely in the U.S. We also have a lot of SAI staff working in our onsite offices in Rome, Florence, Milan, Sorrento, Siena, Paris & Barcelona. 3. We have two furry, regular office “mascots:” Gaia and Patty. 4.
Alessandra, SAI Florence’s Program Coordinator, provides a colorful description of Tuscany’s “green gold,” otherwise known as “delicious, unforgettable olive oil.” In ancient times, olive oil was considered not only as food but much more valuable. It was also used to produce both medicines and cosmetics. Hippocrates called it “the great healer” while Homer called it “liquid gold.
We caught up with Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Elizabeth, who highlights why you should choose Florence as a study abroad host city during the fall semester. There are many things to consider when choosing to study abroad so I’ve decided to shine light on some often overlooked things for you to consider before coming abroad. Drum roll… Let’s talk about seasons! Have you thought about which season you would like to experience abroad?
Rodney Harris, SAI Director of Strategic Initiatives
SAI took a moment to chat with SAI’s Director of Strategic Initiatives Rodney Harris, who shares some wisdom on studying abroad. Indulge me if you will as a previously young person who would like to pass on a bit of wisdom in regard to international education. As you may suspect, you are going to meet many people in your life.
SAI caught up with SAI Assistant Admissions Counselor Amanda Roscoe, who provides some helpful options for budget-friendly travel in Europe. Living in Europe as an American brings a lot of unexpected surprises. Try finding an open pharmacy, bank, or grocery store on a Sunday, for example. The Europeans tend to take leisure a lot more seriously than we do in the States. Vacation and time spent with family are very important.
The SAI Programs home office is located in California’s Sonoma Wine Country, in a small town called Sebastopol. “Only an hour north of San Francisco, Sebastopol offers small town charm, farm-to-table organic food and wine, creative artists and healers, and easy access to the Laguna, the Russian River, Sonoma coast and Redwoods” boasts the Experience Sebastopol website. The SAI offices have been located in Sebastopol since 1995.
We caught up with SAI Rome Assistant Program Coordinator Alessandra, who talks about a weekend in the Eternal City. Move to Rome in the summer, when the heat almost splits the sidewalks open. Move to Rome without knowing which buses, trams or metros to take. Move to Rome and be confronted with hoards of tourist every single day.
I know, it’s not the most fun part of studying abroad, but it’s important that all students are well prepared for their experience, especially when it comes to safety. Use this quick guide to make sure you take the necessary steps to prepare! Before You Depart The best you can do to ensure a safe time abroad, is to prepare before you depart!
Andrea, SAI Admissions Counselor took some time to offer some travel advice for students traveling or studying in Paris. The energy and excitement of the area was electric: a beehive of tourists and students strolled the boulevards, through the Latin Quarter, and along the Seine. It was a warm April evening, and the center of Paris was buzzing.
SAI Milan Program Coordinator Laurence is contributing to our blog this month. Laurence shares some wise advice for students considering studying abroad. New students must be slightly nervous about meeting their housemates for the semester. Multiply that by the whole group and you have my Program Coordinator semester nerves in a nutshell!
This month Edna Wilson, Vice President of Academic Affairs, is contributing to our blog. Here, Edna provides some tips on learning about entrepreneurship during your semester abroad. SAI partner schools offer a wide range of learning opportunities in one of the fastest growing educational areas by giving students access to entrepreneurs and internships with a focus on entrepreneurship.
This month, SAI Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Elizabeth is contributing to our blog. Elizabeth highlights one of our student excursions to a Fiorentina soccer game. In March, SAI students were able to attend one of Fiorentina’s home games. This match was especially important, as it was the first one after the sudden passing of Fiorentina’s captain Davide Astori one week earlier. The stadium was sold-out and several homages were planned on the player’s behalf.
We caught up with SAI Paris Program Coordinator Jenn, who is contributing to our blog this month. Jenn is highlighting one of the SAI-included weekend excursions. One of the SAI Paris Excursion destinations is the Medieval town of Annecy. Located about 30 mins south of Geneva and 90 mins east of Lyon, Annecy is in Southwest France not far from the Swiss border.
Clau Castaneda is the SAI Milan Program Coordinator. Below are some of their favorite events in Milan. Fashion Week is just around the corner and the city is buzzing with excitement! But there’s so much more than fashion and design to discover in this amazing city.
We recently caught up with SAI University Relations Associate, Clau, who shares some insider tips on the famous town of Venice. I absolutely love Venice. It is a unique city which, unfortunately, gets a bad reputation of ‘too crowded’ and ‘cruise line infested’. Known as “La Serenissima” (The Serene One), I always try to make my visits as relaxed and serene as possible and I love introducing people to this magnificent place.
Whether this is your first time abroad or you’re an expert globetrotter, it’s always helpful to have a list of items you may want to pack – you know, a comprehensive travel checklist! Save this post because you’ll want to refer back to it as your trip approaches. Step 1: What Luggage to Bring Whatever your destination, you’ll want luggage that is lightweight and big enough to hold all of your essentials.
We recently caught up with SAI Custom Programs Coordinator Marco. Marco shares his experience on a spring weekend trip with Muhlenburg College. As Custom Programs Coordinator at SAI I come in contact with several groups of students all over the year. The most exciting part of my job is when, after months of planning, a group arrives and I get to meet and greet the students on site.
We caught up with SAI Florence Housing Coordinator & Assistant Program Coordinator Christy, who is contributing to our blog this month. Christy retells some of the unique parts of living in Italy. When I first landed in Italy from the US, I was in awe and also a little bit surprised. I was in awe of the beauty, the sound of the Italian language and the food was absolutely amazing!
We recently caught up with SAI Senior University Relations Manager Sarah Langston. Sarah shares some reasons to consider SAI Programs for your study abroad experience. As a former study abroad advisor, I know that it can be challenging to help students differentiate between various programs.
We caught up with SAI Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Maurizio, who is contributing to our blog this month. As an Italian, Maurizio is including his insight of working with Americans in Florence. Here is his summary. Differences between Americans and Italians: a delicate issue to talk about, especially if 80% of your co-workers are American. I have been working for an American company (SAI, maybe you are familiar with it)
We caught up with SAI Milan Program Coordinator Laurence, who is contributing to our blog this month. Laurence is including some must-do’s for those first few days in your host city. Here are 10 alternative things to do during your first week in your new study abroad city: 1) Get the boring stuff done “Oh god! If this is number 1, I’d hate to see number 10.
We caught up with SAI Rome Custom Programs Coordinator Jordan, who is contributing to our blog this month. Jordan talks about his recent experience joining a Faculty-Led Program in Milan. One of my favorite parts of my job is getting to travel around Europe with our Custom and Faculty-led Programs, learn new things and meet great people along the way.
When someone asks me, “what is your favorite place in the world?”, it’s always an easy answer. My favorite place in the world is a 2,700 year-old city located in the southeast corner of the island of Sicily, notable for its ancient ruins, rich Greek history, culture, and amphitheatre, and as being the birthplace of Archimedes. This magical place is called Siracusa (or Syracuse in English).
We caught up with SAI Barcelona Program Coordinator Leticia, who is contributing to our blog this month. Leticia recounts her weekend student excursion to the sunny, southern town of Seville. I have lived in Andalusia for a few years and I have explored Spain’s southern region several times.
In honor of next month’s Sant Jordi holiday on April 23, our SAI Barcelona Program Coordinator Sandrine has provided a brief history of this special holiday. Also, our SAI Barcelona students will have the honor of celebrating this unique day with a memorable dinner and book exchange!
We caught up with SAI Rome Assistant Program Coordinator Arianna, who is contributing to our blog this month. In her entry, Arianna describes a recent SAI excursion to the beautiful Abruzzo region of Italy. In September 2017, SAI Rome took over 50 American university students on an inaugural weekend excursion throughout the region of Abruzzo.
Hi guys! My name is Nicole and I was a student with SAI in the Spring of 2016! I studied in London and fell in love with Europe as a whole. I now work for SAI doing Digital Marketing and Social Media and I LOVE it! I am headed to Europe with only a carry on and a backpack to go under my seat!
It’s really not that bad! “I’m in the middle of finals.” “I’m too busy with school and work to fill out the application.” “I don’t want to write another essay about myself!” As SAI’s Admissions Counselor I get my fair share of students wanting to forgo the application process and head straight for acceptance into one of SAI’s programs. And I can’t blame you. However, rest assured the SAI application process is not that bad!
We caught up with SAI Rome Program Coordinator Brie, who is contributing to our blog this month. Here, Brie includes some wonderful tips on how to make use of those unused passport pages post-study abroad.
We caught up with SAI Florence Program Director Regan, who is contributing to our blog this month. Regan is including her on-the-ground insight on volunteering while studying abroad in Florence. You arrive in a new country, new city, new culture, new school, new people … new everything! How do you get involved in your new community and enrich your already dense experience of studying abroad?
We caught up with SAI Florence Assistant Program Coordinator Marisa, who is contributing to our blog this month. Marisa is providing her point of view on Ultimate Frisbee, a sport she loves playing in her spare time. One of the most difficult aspects of my transition to life in Italian was my inability to access community sports teams.
We’re in the midst of the coldest months and already dreaming about those warm summer days! Ready for the cold weather to fade and the sun to make an appearance so we can get outside and start exploring! Our on-site staff are sharing their favorite summer activities in each city, so start planning your summer adventures now! Syracuse: Flamingo watching at the Vendicari Marine Wildlife reserve.
We caught up with SAI Paris Program Coordinator Jenn, who is contributing to our blog this month. Jenn is including her favorite recipe for winter: Vin Chaud Aux Epices, a spicy, warm French classic. In France like in other European countries, as soon as the weather starts to cool off, cafés start serving vin chaud (hot wine). Simple hot wine can be found on the menu, as well as vin chaud aux épices (hot mulled wine)
Selecting the perfect gift can be difficult.. Not sure what to get for that person that is always on the go? Luckily, we’re here today with a Gift Guide filled with products your fellow traveler is guaranteed to love. Here are 13 gift ideas for the modern traveler! Fujifilm Instax Mini 90 Neo Classic Instant Film Camera, $99 The ultimate travel essential!
Do you like the idea of living in Florence, inarguably one of Italy’s foremost centers of cuisine, wine and hospitality? Do you like the idea of enrolling in a program focused on culinary arts, hospitality management, Italian baking and pastry or wine studies? If this sounds amazing, then perhaps enrolling in an Apicius Career Program might be a good option for you.
For years now I have had the good fortune of providing last minute guidance to those about to embark on a study abroad experience (aka, pre departure orientations). In all of those years one might suspect the message has changed or developed, much like our world has. Funny though, some things remain the same – as relevant today as they were 20 years ago.
You’ve officially made the decision that you want to study abroad. You’ve looked at locations and picked a school. Now how do you decide on a term? There are a few things to consider when choosing between a summer term abroad and a semester… 1. Class Options First thing to look at when considering a summer or semester is the available classes for the different terms you are thinking of attending.
Summer in Milan can be scorching, but not far from the fashion and design capital is a verified oasis, Lake Como. Our students each summer enjoy a day trip to the city of Como to explore the shores of one of Italy’s northern lakes. Saturday afternoon we pack our daypacks, hope on a train at Cadorna Station and in 40 minutes arrive to Como Lago Nord to tackle a day at the lake.
A critical part of the study abroad experience is aligning your career goals with the program you select, and taking action before and during the experience to stay involved in your field of interest. After you return, it is important to translate the experience into marketable skills that employers seek.
There are several important things to keep in mind when ordering coffee in France if you don’t want to look like a tourist. First of all, DO NOT order Coffee To Go! Getting coffee to go used to be unheard of in Paris but with the presence of Starbucks and other shops catering to tourists, we are starting to see more and more coffee To Go.
Looking for an immersion into local life in Spain… order and enjoy a nice coffee! How important is it to know how to order a coffee in Spain? What does coffee mean in Spanish Culture? Actually it means much more than I even thought! It means everything: a good start of the day, a warm and homey smell, a pleasure for mindfulness and the most important… a perfect way of socializing!
Italians love their coffee, and each person likes it in their own particular way. There are probably hundreds of different ways to order coffee here. All coffee drinks in Italy consist more or less of simple ingredients: espresso and milk. The True Classics: un caffè: single shot of espresso.
Studying abroad offers many benefits. You can discover another culture, make friends, expand professional networks, travel, take required and elective courses, learn a language, and uncover information about yourself. Your study abroad experience can expand your horizons, provide you with interesting stories to share with others and make you more marketable to prospective employers. I have such incredible experiences in my life.
Every year on Easter Sunday, Florence explodes (literally) in celebration, and it’s not to be missed. The Scoppio del Carro, or Explosion of the Cart, is a tradition dating back over 350 years that attracts large crowds to the Piazza del Duomo in downtown Florence.
DO create a plan of attack Salone del Mobile and Fuorisalone are beasts of a market and design fair variety – monsters that take over the entire city. Rho Fiera (Salone del Mobile) itself is an overwhelming giant consisting of design displays from some of the top furniture design firms in the world. And Fuorisalone itself has over 1300 events! Needless to say, it’s a good idea to have a plan of attack.
When you think of Florence, what comes to mind is probably the architecture of Filippo Brunelleschi, the sculptures by Michelangelo Buonarroti, the incredible collections of paintings in the Uffizi Gallery and Palazzo Pitti, and important frescoes in many of the churches in the city. What we view today as historically important records of human thought made manifest in art and architecture, were in their time, contemporary.
Although many may not notice it, the impact of the Fashion and Design has a far reach, touching almost every aspect of our lives. I was able to speak with SAI Program Coordinator, Clau Castaneda, about their view on the impact of the fashion and design word. Clau moved to Milan in 2012 to pursue a MA degree in Visual Arts and Curatorial Studies and joined the SAI team in 2013.
Did you love your study abroad experience? Want to continue spreading the word about education abroad while making a difference in the lives of students? Consider a career in the field of international education. It’s not always easy to break into, but here are a few ways you can get started: Network: Reach out to your study abroad advisor, program admissions counselor, and other international education professionals.
We handed our instagram over to Arianna, SAI Sicily Program Coordinator, to show what a day in the life of SAI Sicily is like. Check it out! Hi SAI, Arianna here from Syracuse Academy! Today, I am going to show you what studying on the beautiful island of Sicily is all about. If you were born and raised on an island (like I was)
To kick off International Education Week, the Institute of International Education (IIE) released the 2016 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange on Monday, November 14, 2016. The report offers helpful insight into the trends of incoming and outgoing study abroad students, which this year continued to demonstrate the ever-growing popularity and importance of studying abroad. The headline finding this year is that in the 2015/16 academic year, U.S.
Milan offers more than fashion shows and design fairs. Beyond fashion weeks and design week, Milan offers a myriad of ‘secret locations’ and activities to inspire any creative. Below are four of our favorite, but you can discover more on the SAI Milan blog. La Vigna di Leonardo: Landmark location frequented by Leonardo da Vinci, across from Santa Maria delle Grazie.
Staying fit and healthy while in another country – especially one known for its gelato or chocolate with churros – can be extremely difficult. And you may wonder, how locals manage to look fit and healthy when there are pastas, pizzas, gelati and sweets everywhere. Well here are a few tips on how to boost your mood, stay healthy all while exploring your new home.
After having worked for SAI for almost three years, I have had the chance to plan and organize, as well as participate in an array of different activities and excursions for our students studying in Rome. This is definitely the best part of my job! There is one excursion in particular, however, that I really love: our weekend trip to the verdant region of Umbria, also known as “the green heart of Italy.
36 years ago today (July 31, 1980) the #1 song on the Billboard charts was Magic by Olivia Newton John. Perhaps it’s no coincidence that both J.K. Rowling and her famous character, Harry Potter, were also born on July 31st (1965 and 1980, respectively). What better way to celebrate the birthday of the two biggest names in the wizarding world than with a Harry Potter adventure?
Marisa, SAI Sorrento Assistant Program Coordinator
Marisa La Greca is the Assistant Program Coordinator for SAI’s program in Sorrento. What do you love about living abroad? From the food to the people, the cities, the landscapes, or the museums, there is a lot to take in. In addition to all of Italy’s other wonderful qualities, I have come to appreciate “la passeggiata”.
Italians are very personable, loud and enthusiastic by nature. Don’t be shocked when they seem like they’re screaming in anger. They’re probably just being theatrical storytellers. Slow Down: Italians love socializing and being out and about. Getting an iced coffee to go is not the best way to immerse yourself in the Italian culture. My all- time- favorite thing to do is enjoy a coffee at a bar in the morning.
Kelsie studied abroad with SAI Programs in Florence (Spring 2012) and Sorrento (Summer 2013). Upon graduating from the University of South Carolina she began working with SAI as the University Relations Associate. Below are some of her tips for how to transfer your study abroad experience into a resume, cover letter and interview. I hope this article will be useful and can inspire students to use their study abroad experience to the fullest.
Chiara has traveled extensively around the world (see below) and even spent 9 years living in Italy as a child. To say that she is a master traveler would be an understatement. Below she has rounded up her best packing tips from her years of experience. But first…just for fun, let’s check out all the places Chiara has visited: Canada, Mexico, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru, Brazil, Bolivia, Argentina, Chile, St.
Chiara Cruciano, Admissions Counselor In all my global travels, I have stuck to a few key goals that have proved useful: (1) Don’t make any judgements before you have been somewhere at least two full weeks. It takes time to find your comfort – don’t think it’ll happen immediately (Jetlag is no joke). (2) Go out to a new place every single day for your first few weeks.
Mireia Garmendia is a native Spaniard and SAI is lucky to call her the SAI Barcelona Program Coordinator! Below are her top 20 things do in Barcelona – from a local’s perspective! Sagrada Familia: world famous Modernist Architect Gaudí’s masterpiece. Magic Fountain Show at Montjuïc: large and spectacularly colorful fountain performance with music, built in 1929.
At SAI we are proud of our highly qualified, well trained staff, many of whom have been with SAI for 10+ years! We think this sets SAI apart and makes it a very unique company. Our staff truly make SAI. We are, therefore, excited to announce our new “Staff Spotlight” feature.
One of the most fun ways to get to know the UK, as hermetic as it may sound at first, is to experience its TV and Radio culture. One of the best places to get that experience up close and personal without becoming a total couch potato is to be in the audience at any number of filmings and audio recordings all over the city for the national television and radio stations.
At SAI we are proud of our highly qualified, well trained staff, many of whom have been with SAI for 10+ years! We think this sets SAI apart and makes it a very unique company. Our staff truly make SAI. We are, therefore, excited to announce our new “Staff Spotlight” feature. Each month we will be highlighting one of the members of our staff so that you can get to know us a little bit better.
At SAI we are proud of our highly qualified, well trained staff, most of whom have been with SAI for 10+ years! We think this sets SAI apart and makes it a very unique company. Our staff truly make SAI. We are, therefore, excited to announce our new “Staff Spotlight” feature.
