Students enrolled in the 11-week semester can apply for a part time 3 credit internship to be completed as part of the elective program. Students are placed in internships that complement their major or minor, and are supported by an internship supervisor. While Italian language proficiency is not required, it is helpful for expanding the placement options. At the completion of the internship students produce an analytical report that synthesizes what they have learned. For more information on internships see FUA Internships.

Program Structure: 11 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 11 week semester begin the program in Florence with 11 week semester courses. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.

Program Structure: 12 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 12 week semester begin the program with a 1 week field learning course (see course options and highlights below). Following the 1 week course students begin their 11 week semester courses. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.

• Cultural Introduction to Italy (1 week / 3 credits): This traveling field learning course gives students the opportunity to delve into Italian culture through lectures, visits to cultural sites, and food tastings. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week traveling course arrive in Rome on February 16, 2026. Read more about the course in a student blog post. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.
• Cultural Introduction to Florence (1 week / 3 credits): This field learning course provides students an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week course arrive in Florence on February 16, 2026. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.
• Art and Community: Secret Florence Walks (1 week / 3 credits): This field learning course explores the secret facets of Florence from an artistic, historical, and social perspective through thematic walks, visits, and dining activities. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week course arrive in Florence on February 16, 2026. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.

3 Week Intensive Courses
Students enrolled in the intensive semester program have the benefit of the 11 week courses and the intensive 3 week short program courses that run throughout the 11-week semester. The intensive short program courses meet daily Monday – Friday for 3 week periods. The 3 week short course offerings are indicated as “Section: II”, “Section: III”, or “Section: IV” on the course list.

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.

Course Registration
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.

*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.

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
• 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 offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.

Welcome Dinner
SAI welcomes students to Florence with a buffet of traditional Italian delights to mingle and get to know participants.

Florence Walking Tour
Students join SAI on-site staff for a practical walking tour of their new home to discover Florence’s historic city center.

Survival Italian Language
Students are offered a 3-hour survival Italian lesson during orientation week. It is a practical and hands-on approach to learning the Italian language. The intense lesson covers basic Italian conversation taught in the classroom and out and about in the city.

Hike to Piazzale Michelangelo
Located just outside the old city walls, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a bird’s eye view of the city of Florence. Students hike to the top, stopping along the way for gelato. As the sun sets over the city, the group can experience the centuries-old Vespers ceremonial chanting by Cistercian monks in the crypt of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.

Italian Cooking Lessons
SAI offers Italian cooking lessons throughout the semester taught by a local expert Chef. Each lesson teaches students how to make typical Tuscan dishes and includes an appetizer, first course, and dessert. At the end of the lesson students feast on their own homemade Italian meal!

Traditional Bookmaking Workshop
Students are able to participate in the long history of bookmaking in Florence by creating a unique hand-sewn book using colored canvas and hand-marbled paper.

SAI Cinema
Birthplace of the cinematic legacy of Federico Fellini, Italy has long produced some of the world’s most celebrated films. SAI Florence offers an array of Italian film viewings on Tuesday nights.

Hike the Tuscan Hills
Students take an easy hike that begins in the town of Fiesole, perched on a hill overlooking Florence, which still holds ruins from its Etruscan settlement. A guided tasting of a selection of bruschette and local specialties follows the hike.

Tuscany By Bike
For students looking to get some exercise and fresh air, SAI offers a bike tour in the heart of Tuscany and the Chianti area. Students cycle through Tuscany’s breathtaking hills, vineyards, villas and olive groves. During the tour, students visit a charming medieval castle, enjoy a typical Tuscan lunch, and visit a classic winery.

Day Trip to Lucca and Carrara
Students tour the famous quarries of Carrara, where marble has been extracted since Roman times, including the blocks used by Michelangelo himself. From the breathtaking views of the Mediterranean visible from the Carrara Mountains, students descend to the town of Lucca. Famous for its 16th century perfectly preserved walls, Lucca is a wonderful place to take a leisurely afternoon stroll or bike ride.

Day Trip to Bologna
Located in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Bologna is known for culinary delights like tortellini, lasagna, Bolognese sauce, prosciutto and Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. Students spend the day exploring the city’s covered walkways, large squares and historic towers and churches. Home of the oldest university in Europe, the city exudes a young spirit and alternative culture that can be seen in the unique shops, street markets and typical eateries.

Fiorentina Soccer Game
See why soccer is the most popular sport in the world! Students experience the thrill of Italian soccer amongst the throngs of dedicated fans who sing, yell and cheer on their team.

Opera Night
Students get dressed up for a night out at one of Florence’s historical theaters for a performance of Giuseppe Verdi’s classical masterpiece La Traviata.

Farewell Evening
Students celebrate the end of a successful term abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious Italian meal

The following housing options apply to the regular sessions that take place in Florence. Please note that the 1 week field learning course included in the 12 week program may have different housing arrangements during the 1 week course only.

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. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise. Please note that during sessions with high enrollment, student residences may be used in addition to student apartments. If this option becomes available, students will receive further details.

Optional Housing: Student residence (additional fee applies)
The student residence offers a newly renovated housing experience that resembles a US dorm. The residence houses students in private bedrooms with a private ensuite bathroom. Residents have access to shared common spaces that include a kitchen on each floor, study rooms, rooftop swimming pool, restaurant, gym, and laundry facilities. Bedrooms are furnished and include WIFI, AC, and heating. Please note that availability is limited, and students are placed in student residences on a first come first served basis.

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

Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, US citizens studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.