6-week Gap Year Course in Italy | Art History Abroad

Words cannot accurately express how much I adored these weeks with AHA. I made lifelong friends that I will soon be traveling across seas to visit, vastly expanded my knowledge of the classical arts, truly learned to love and understand my authentic self, and ate some of the best food I have in years. Our lovely tutors became family--with them we were confident asking any kind of question about the imposing architecture or magnificent art, learned the most insanely unhinged historic stories, felt completely safe roaming the most vibrant streets of the world singing at the top of our lungs, and enjoyed good chats over dinner and endless laughter. This course has given me those wholly happy memories you can always look back on whenever the going might get tough, whilst also giving me that undeniable feeling that I am now ready to conquer the next stage of life.

I would definitely recommend this course to anyone who fancies learning about art, whether you’re a complete beginner or have studied Art History before! The tutors were amazing and I made some very close friends!
You shouldn’t worry if you’re a solo traveller - everyone in my group had joined on their own and it encourages you to make new friends! This was one of my favourite trips on my gap year as you get to explore such a wide variety of art (sculpture, buildings, paintings etc.) with unique perspectives from passionate tutors.

AHA was one of the best travelling experiences I have ever had and I recommend it to any gap year student who is willing to give it a go. The trip gave me access to so many places and opportunities I wouldn’t have thought to try and each one was as enriching as the last. The tutorials were fascinating and the small group size meant the support felt very personal and safe. A few cons would be the expense extra to the initial cost that covers food etc. I also think the course could’ve included more foodie aspects. Additionally, although I was grateful for the packed schedule, there were little rest days which meant exhaustion hit quite hard sometimes. You also get very little alone time. Overall it was an incredible opportunity I would recommend to anyone. Met some of my best friends on this course.

Going on AHA was the best decision I made during my gap year. The tutors are so wonderful and the teaching was really engaging and interesting. I still can’t believe that we had a private tour of the Vatican and Saint Mark’s Basilica. It was really a once in a lifetime experience.

Some people had studied art history before, some hadn’t, but I think being with a group of people with similar interests really helped us to bond. I was quite nervous at first, especially when committing to a 6 week course with a bunch of strangers, but the way that the course is designed meant we all got to know each other very quickly and it didn’t take long to feel comfortable around one another. I have made some of my best friends for life, who I still talk to every day. Do this programme, you will not regret it!!!!

Choosing to go on this 6-week program was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

From the start, I knew I would love the experience as even my chat with Cressida to gather information about this specific program was lovely. Cressida and Nick are some of the kindest people I have met. I haven’t even touched on the tutors.

Something I love about AHA is that the tutors are somewhat around the ages of the students. In my opinion, this allows for greater learning as students can feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts, and the best learning environment is one where you feel at ease, respected, and heard. All the tutors on this trip were wonderful and very caring. For example, Angelica Fenzi (one of the tutors) took me to the clinic when I got sick and the long wait didn’t seem so long with the genuine conversations we had. I appreciate the time and effort put in by each one of the tutors; they really are incredible. Just make sure you are prepared to deal with the playful banter and possible head “pats”/“smacks” (shoutout to Ed Hands). It was just as fun getting to know them as it was getting to know my peers.

Speaking of, my group was great. Everyone got along well and I made some friendships that are irreplaceable. Movie nights and dinners out. Dancing and taking silly videos. What could be better? The only downside was saying goodbye. It’s been two days and I miss them so much, but we keep in touch!

Now, onto the art and history finally. I gained so much knowledge from this trip and my eyes were opened to a different way of looking at art and the history behind artwork, architecture, peoples, etc. There was never a dull moment and the conversation was always flowing. There are no lectures; instead, it’s a constant discussion and sharing of facts, ideas, and general thoughts. The things we saw cannot be put into words. There was so much beauty and history behind everything we passed. Visiting these places is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Even if you aren’t planning on doing something in the future related to these subjects, like myself, I really recommend this program regardless. I loved the fact that I was able to explore an interest of mine before going down another path in college.

I feel truly honored to have gone on this trip and am so grateful to AHA for this life-changing experience. Not only did I learn so much, but I gained confidence and relationships that will surely last.

I was a student on AHA’s 6 week Early Summer Course from the end of May to early July 2022 and it was without a doubt the BEST aspect of my gap year. Our select group of 11 travelled the length and breadth of Italy discovering the greatest artists, architects, leaders and thinkers from the early Christian church, through the Renaissance, and right up to the 21st century. All the while we bonded as a group to form strong bonds of friendship while sharing knowledge, opinions and laughs (lots of them)! Accompanied by the most inspiring, approachable and easy-going tutors who shared their endless information in the most creative and thought-provoking ways…from Italian language classes in Siena to a private tour unlocking the Vatican…you’ll leave Italy with a rounded knowledge of its culture and an ability to embrace any culture where-ever you go in the future. If you love Italian history, fine art, striking architecture, good food and travelling with friends then this course is the ONE for you! Don’t think twice just sign up - you’ll never look back (except to reminisce on the great times you had in Italy)!

AHA is undoubtedly the best program abroad for any art lover or any student interested in Italy and making lasting friendships from around the world. The AHA tutors and teachings are unrivaled, and you will learn more than you could ever expect. AHA was genuinely the time of my life. Don't worry if you don't have a huge interest in art; the tutors illuminate and make art incredibly engaging and fun. My memories from AHA will stay with me for life, and the friendships have stayed strong almost a year after we left.

Having the opportunity to immerse yourself into Italian culture, food, art and history is something that is beyond incredible. And to have a group of tutors/leaders who are so passionate about providing you with a top quality experience only furthers how incredible it is. AHA is dedicated to opening the doors that allow you to spark your own interests and creativity surrounding what you do and see and the love they put into not only their lessons but the students makes it by far the best option.