Accademia dell'Arte: Why Arezzo is the Best Past Review

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

You will be working very hard. Classes are all day, every weekday, right until the end of term. However, most of the time it doesn't feel like work. The only reason you'll notice how long you've been in class is because of how hungry you are. The teaching for the theatre courses is very hands-on. You will get to know your teachers and classmates extremely well. Italian and Philosophy were the only classes we had which in any way resembled what I've experienced with non-theatre schooling.

On-site administration of your program

It's a small program, which means a lot of individual attention, though not enough. Of course, the classes would need to be halved to get 'enough.' They were incredibly helpful with the pre-arrival prep, and were wonderful on site. I had ear infections, insect problems in our room, and tons of other unforeseen issues--all of which they either solved for me or helped me to fix myself. Many of the administration are either Italian or have lived in Italy for so long that they might as well be. However, because the program was founded by an American, they also understand how the American system works. This was a better experience than I could have hoped for.

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

The villa is great, though all rooms were either doubles or triples (both with en suite bathrooms) which meant there wasn't much private space. It's a beautiful building in a great area, close enough to Arezzo that going into town to a restaurant or bar is easy, but not so close that you have to deal with all the noise and people. Classes are right in the building with you. Sheets, towels, and lamps were provided, and the things that were not (bug repellant) we were warned beforehand we would have to bring or purchase ourselves.

I MISS THE MENSA FOOD SO MUCH. Weekdays, all your meals are provided. Breakfast is fairly basic, but lunch and dinner are always something new and delicious. The onsite cook is amazing. Everything is fresh and cooked right in the kitchen off of the Mensa (cafeteria). It's buffet style, and there was usually more than enough for everyone to get seconds or thirds. Weekends you have to cater for yourself, which is made difficult by lack of a stove or oven. However, PAM (the grocery store) is not too far away, and fairly cheap. Arezzo also has some great restaurants/fast food places. The cheapest, tastiest, and most filling are the Pizza Bar, which is right on the main corso, and the kebab shops. Ristoburger is at the end of the main corso, and is just as good, but much more expensive. There are also gelato shops all over town, which give you a huge amount of gelato for usually about 2 euro a cup. My favorite is Cheri, which is across the square from a great bar called Aurora, and one of the kebab shops. Just ask someone where Aurora is--pretty much everyone has been there at one time or another.

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

Most of the theatre program took a trip to the Amalfi coast and Pompeii/Vesuvius. Was wonderful. School took us to Venice, also wonderful, but hugely expensive. Arezzo has many open air markets of various kinds, which are a must-see. And participate in the Cabarets--the school puts them on a few times a semester and they were just amazing.

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

My health was a big problem, though I still don't know why my body started trying to hurt me. I got several ear infections and one horrific cold/case of flu. Each time, the school was very helpful and very understanding. I was excused from classes while I was getting over the cold, and each time I had something wrong with me the doctor was called in. Very nice man, and prescriptions were fairly inexpensive.

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

All the faculty speak Italian at varying levels. Everyone is very willing to help you practice. Most of the faculty do speak English, though again at varying levels. If you went into town or to the grocery store, you did almost certainly need to speak Italian. A lot of the younger people speak at least some English, and will happily talk with you.

Select all that apply

• Dorm

Select all that apply

• Americans

• The people
• The food
• The classes

• Amount of insects inside
• Amount of field trips