For updates on SAI’s response to Coronavirus regarding current programs see COVID-19 updates. 

We know that many students are concerned about whether they will be able to study abroad this fall due to the worldwide Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. If you are uncertain about the situation and whether you should proceed with your application with SAI, we want you to know that we have updated a few policies to offer you more time to make your decision.

Additionally, we want you to know that we are currently working on providing some virtual program options for Fall 2020. Details will be available shortly.

Revised Enrollment Cancellation Policy (on-site programs)

We have waived our 30% cancellation penalty, thereby extending the date at which cancellation penalty begins to 44 days prior to program start (see below, applies to all Fall 2020 programs, except UAB). The revised cancellation policy for Fall 2020 on-site programs is as follows:

Check-in day is considered the start of the term. The application fee and confirmation deposit are not refundable. Further program cost liability is based on the date on which SAI receives a cancellation request using the online SAI Cancellation & Deferment Request Form. If a cancellation request is received 45 or more days before check-in day, a full refund is provided (minus the non-refundable confirmation deposit and application fee). If a cancellation request is received 44 days or less before check-in day, students are liable for the following penalties:

• 44 – 8 days before the start of term: 50% of the program cost
• 7 days or less before the start of term: 100% of the program cost

Program cost includes all costs associated with enrollment (including program add-ons and any optional or additional fees).

The following cancellation policy applies to UAB Fall 2020 on-site programs ONLY:

Check-in day is considered the start of the term. The application fee and confirmation deposit are not refundable. Further program cost liability is based on the date on which SAI receives a cancellation request using the online SAI Cancellation & Deferment Request Form. If a cancellation request is received 55 or more days before check-in day, a full refund is provided (minus the non-refundable confirmation deposit and application fee). If a cancellation request is received 54 days or less before check-in day, students are liable for the following penalties:

• 54 – 8 days before the start of term: 50% of the program cost
• 7 days or less before the start of term: 100% of the program cost

Program cost includes all costs associated with enrollment (including program add-ons and any optional or additional fees).

If you enroll in a program, and change your mind before liability begins, you can defer your program to a future SAI term, at no cost.

Date Changes

• Various Fall 2020 programs have amended program dates that start later than normal. This also has the added benefit of reducing the program length to under 90 days, thereby doing away with the requirement for a student visa. To see which programs have made this change see here.
• We have extended all our application deadlines. New deadlines vary, but some are as late as July 1, to allow maximum flexibility. Please see Costs & Dates for all deadlines.
• We have extended the 50% payment deadline to June 1, 2020 for all Fall semester and quarter on-site programs.

We hope these changes provide a bit of comfort during these uncertain times. We are hoping, along with the rest of the world, for this situation to end soon, and we look forward to a bright future of traveling and studying together.

Are you unsure or don’t know what to do? Let your SAI admissions team help you out! Give us a call at 800-655-8965, email admissions@saiprograms.com, or find us on LiveChat.