Spend 11 weeks exploring the beauty of Cinque Terre in La Spetiza with the Florence University of the Arts Cinque Terre Riviera (FUA Riviera)! SAI Students select from a wide range of elective course offerings for a total of 12 - 15 US credits. In addition to historically popular FUA courses, students can choose from courses that focus on the Riviera region such as Harbors and Trade, Secrets of the Sea, and Riviera Sketchbook.
Application open until: October 15, 2025
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo & signature page)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Experience authentic Italian coastal life
- Select from courses that focus on the region and major port city location
- No student visa requirement
Program Dates
February 23 – May 9, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above.
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 500+ (paper-based), IELTS: 5+, OOPT: 50+, or equivalent.
Program Structure & Course Registration
Students enrolled in the 11 week semester enroll in 11 week semester long courses. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.
SAI students complete their course registration directly with FUA through the FUA student portal. Upon confirming enrollment in the SAI program at FUA, students receive information for creating their FUA student portal and selecting their classes. Note: All courses must meet the minimum enrollment of 12 students to run; therefore, all registrations require selection of an alternate course for each primary course choice.
FUA registration begins months ahead of the application deadline. Courses will fill on a rolling basis.
Experiential Learning
Many FUA courses incorporate experiential learning components, involving hands-on projects. Courses which include experiential learning components will include this information in the course details & syllabus. Students will work & collaborate within the FUA Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI) to fulfill various projects & tasks as part of their coursework. These practical assignments take place on-site and will occur outside of the regular class sessions, with varying shifts assigned from Monday to Friday (occasional weekend shifts possible), including the possibility of later evening hours.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2025 |
Application Closes |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 1 2025 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| October 15 2025 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| October 15 2025 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| October 29 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| November 15 2025 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| December 1 2025 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due). |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| February 23 2026 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Aeroporto di Pisa (PSA). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 6:00pm, and students are transferred to La Spezia and their SAI housing. |
| February 24 2026 |
Orientation Mandatory orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| February 25 2026 |
FUA Riviera 11 Week Semester Classes Begin |
| March 30 – April 3 2026 |
Midterm Exam Week |
| April 6 2026 |
Holiday (no class) |
| May 1 2026 |
Holiday (no class) |
| May 6 – 8 2026 |
Final Exams |
| May 8 2026 |
FUA Riviera 11 Week Semester Classes End |
| May 9 2026 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: 11 Week Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$12,200 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$850 |
| Additional Course Credits Fee for enrollment over 15 credits. |
$550 / credit |
| Add-on Non-Credit and Field Learning Courses Fees vary and are paid directly to FUA. |
Contact SAI |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*prices are subject to change
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Pisa |
$900 | $2,200 |
| Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees (and possible travel fees–varying based on consulate location and student's residence) |
$300 | $1,500 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $50 / course | $300 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $400 / month |
| Transportation within La Spezia Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $175 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it 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
- 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 offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Specific activities are yet to be confirmed; please check back for details.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (double or triple), and the option to upgrade to a 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. Staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, U.S. students studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.