An ’Endlessly Decadent Trip’ - Case Studies - Art History Abroad - Art History Abroad

John Mullings, a graduate in History of Art and Spanish at UCL, reports for his university newspaper;

AHA - An essential education in culture

There are so many ‘once in a lifetime opportunities' that make this an unforgettable and life-changing trip. Spending six weeks of my Gap Year in Italy with AHA was a hugely profitable and endlessly decadent trip. A morning spent ducking under barriers in Saint Mark's Square to examine looted treasures from Constantinople, led by an undaunted tutor, followed by coffee in another stunning piazza is a very satisfying start to the day. By evening those same tutors are guiding you to authentic restaurants and trendy clubs so that no night can be the half-cocked mess often experienced when travelling alone. Amazing one-offs such as private visits to some of the most famous and beautiful buildings in the world make the trip worth the time and money on their own, but a complete cultural immersion is the most valuable of experiences, as any ex-pupil will tell you. The opportunity to travel around the country is an exercise in diversity. Staying in some cities for ten days provides ample time to get to know the place and really feel a part of it. Shorter stints in other cities is time enough to tick off all the major cultural sites and areas of entertainment whilst day trips, off the beaten track, are little gems. Do not in any way compare this trip to anything you might have experienced at either school or university. The tutors are all exceptionally intelligent as well as being extremely friendly and very funny with the knowledge and informal style of the best university professors; many remaining good friends back at home. No matter what level of art history knowledge you possess, these courses are essential to anyone who values cultural sophistication.
John Mullings, Autumn Course 2005
Currently reading History of Art and Spanish at UCL