Florence Academy of Art - Should I go?

[Kimber Scott]

I'm graduating in May with a BFA in painting. Now I'm thinking of attending an atelier in Europe so I can learn how to paint. I haven't quite conviced my husband, yet, but I've started doing the research to see if it would be as beneficial to me, and us, as I think it will. We would have to sell our house and live off the equity while we were abroad. When we come back to the US, we will have to start over again. In my mind, it would be the adventure of a lifetime. My husband is not quite as adventerous as I am. I'm the romantic. He's down to earth. He did say he would think about it, though. I know, if I REALLY, REALLY want to go, he will want to, too. My problem is I need to know more before I know for sure that I really, really want to do this.

I'm looking at the Florence Academy of Art for starters. Does anybody have any inside information on this school? Have you heard any feedback from alumni? (This is all assuming, of course, they would accept me.) Has anyone spent any extended amount of time in Florence? Pros? Cons? Are there other ateliers in Europe you would recommend above this one? If so, why? IAnd, is there something you would be particularly wary of in taking a risk such as the one I'm thinking of here?

Thanks for your help!
Kimber