Program Overview
The Year 2 specialization program in Special Event Management allows students to progress in the hospitality industry and is structured to develop an advanced understanding and skill set in event planning, managing, and delivery of events for diverse organizations and situations. The Year 2 specialization includes a block set of courses that build on the foundational year in Hospitality Management (Year 1), however, students can choose to enroll directly into Year 2 if they meet certain prerequisites (see Prerequisites below).

Program Objectives
The Year 2 specialization in Special Event Management offers a rigorous focus on experiential and project-based learning, and will advance the student’s ability to implement and manage large-scale events across diverse sectors, including ceremonies, weddings, business and sports events, festivals, and fairs. Students will learn about the creative, logistical, and financial aspects of event planning and management, and hone their skills in each area.

The academic year program will feature courses in corporate, wedding, and sports events, along with courses in cost control, catering and sales, event project management, and e-marketing for the hospitality industry, with a heavy focus on experiential learning, which will allow students to directly apply skills and knowledge to real-life situations. Students will work directly with several campus CEMI organizations (Community Member Engagement Institutions), including the Dimora FUA guest apartments, Fedora pastry shop, Ganzo restaurant, and the Sorgiva Spa. These organizations are run by the university, and are open to the local and university community. In addition to project-based learning experiences with these CEMI, students are mentored throughout the program by accomplished faculty that directly represent the hospitality industry.

Career Opportunities
The program focuses on both production and individualized skills necessary to find gainful employment in a wide variety of positions in the field, including management positions in all sectors of the hospitality event industry, such as event manager, conference center manager, and event consultant positions.

Duration and Certification
Students complete two consecutive terms for a full academic year. Students who complete the full academic year will earn a certificate in Special Event Management with the exception of students who enroll in the Direct Access Track (see Prerequisites, below), who will instead receive an official letter from Florence University of the Arts confirming their completion of the program, along with a transcript. All students receive undergraduate course credit and a US transcript issued by the University of South Florida upon successful completion.

Prerequisites
Year 2: To enroll in this Year 2 specialization in Special Event Management, students can either continue after completion of the Year 1 Hospitality Management or, begin directly in Year 2 by meeting the requirements below. For either option, students must have a high school diploma and be fluent in English.

Students wishing to begin directly in Year 2 without completing Year 1 can do so in the following ways:

• Providing proof of completion of the courses equivalent to the Year 1 program (transcript required).
• Direct Access Track: those with no prior academic background or experience can complete 2 predetermined courses during the sessions prior to the start of the Year 2 program (see Courses).

Optional Internships (fee applies)
Students who complete a full academic year can supplement their program with either a non-credit 3 week internship or a 3-credit 6 week internship in their field of study. This internship can be added in the session after the regular program has ended.  Contact SAI for more details.

Optional Italian Language (fee applies, except for Direct Access Track students)
Career Certificate program students can supplement their program with a 3-week, 3 credit intensive Italian Language course that takes place prior to the fall and spring sessions. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of intensive Italian language are offered. *Direct Access Track students’ supplemental tuition already includes this optional language course.

The Special Event Management specialization offers a Fall start date, and comprises two consecutive terms to create a full academic year. Each semester includes a set of four 3-credit courses and one 6-credit course. There is also a 1-credit Health and Safety Seminar at the beginning of the first semester. In addition, there is a mandatory non-credit experiential learning project during the January intersession, and the experiential learning projects during the semester intersessions, where indicated, are also mandatory.

The Year 2 Special Event specialization courses are:

Optional intensive Italian Language (August intersession)

Fall Semester
Special Event Management Experiential Learning
Corporate Events
Cost Control
Catering Sales and Operations
Sports Event and Facilities Management

January Intersessions
Mandatory: Special Project Experiential Learning
Optional: Intensive Italian Language

Spring Semester
Event Planning and Production Experiential Learning
MICE Events
Event Operations and Project Management
E-Marketing for the Hospitality Industry
Wedding and Ceremony Event Planning

For the full detailed course descriptions please contact us.

Direct Access Track: Students who enroll in the Direct Access Track will complete two predetermined courses in the two, 3-week short sessions prior to the start of their program:

Introduction to Event Management
Human Resource Management

For further information regarding direct access track please contact SAI admissions.

Career Certificate program students are offered the choice between SAI’s two services models: 360° Services, which includes our full services and housing; and Select Services, designed for more independent students and no housing. The program fee differs for the two service models (see Fees & Budgeting).

SAI 360° Services includes our full services!

• Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
• Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
• Airport pickup on arrival day
• Welcome reception and events
• Orientation to the host city and school
• On-site staff who foster a welcoming community and provide assistance when needed
• SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
• FUA meal plan sample pack
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• 24-hour on-site emergency support
• Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Parent & family resources
• Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
• Student visa advising
• Assistance with financial aid processing
• Need-based SAI scholarships
• Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
• SAI alumni network

SAI Select Services includes the important on-site services!

• Program tuition, with U.S. academic credit
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• Orientation to the host city and school
• SAI staff on-site providing assistance as needed and 24-hour emergency support

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Parent & family resources
• Student visa advising
• SAI alumni network

Please see the following links for up-to-date calendar information:

Academic Year 2024/25 pdf (154KB)
Direct Access 2024/25 pdf (154KB)

Financial Processing and Loans
To make a Career Program abroad more achievable, SAI is able to offer US students the ability to obtain a private loan through St. Martin’s University to pay for their program. As you reach the point of enrollment, the SAI Business Office can provide assistance with financial processing, as well as student loan applications. Please contact your SAI Admissions Counselor for details about the student loan process.

*prices are subject to change

Housing is only included in SAI 360° Services programs. Students selecting SAI Select Services are responsible for securing their housing independently.

Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.

Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a student shared or private occupancy private bedroom, with a shared bathroom, in the family home with basic furnishings. BreakfastDaily breakfast and weekday dinner are included Monday – Thursday (no meals on weekends). Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center and require a commute to reach school.

Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.

Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.

Depending on the consulate, students will either mail in their student visa application or appear in person to present their application to the consulate. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in preparing for the appointment; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee. SAI Student Visa Processing Service is available for select consulates only, for an additional fee.