Global Leadership Certificate
Students can supplement a regular semester of studies with the SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC), designed to enrich students’ experiences and to acknowledge their academic and service work by providing an additional credential beyond a university transcript. Students enrolled in the Global Leadership Certificate program broaden their awareness of global issues and deepen their knowledge of the host community’s role in an increasingly interconnected world through exploration of research, engagement in community service and interaction with experts and leaders. Students interested in applying for the GLC should select the program at application. Your Admissions Counselor will help guide you through the process of selecting GLC-approved courses at the time of registration. GLC applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).

International Service Certificate
The SAI International Service Certificate is awarded to SAI semester students who are motivated to engage with and give back to their host community. Supported by SAI on-site staff, students who earn the certificate gain valuable skills collaborating with local community groups, and obtain a unique perspective of their host city. Volunteers are able to explore a field of their interest, and build skills that can transfer into their future careers. For more information see SAI International Service Certificate.

Internships & Special Project Experiential Learning
Semester students can apply for a part time 3 credit internship or special project experiential learning (SPEL) to be completed as part of the elective program. Students are placed in field internships that complement their major or minor, and are supported by an internship supervisor & the FUA internship coordinator. While Italian language proficiency is not required, it is helpful for expanding the placement options. At the completion of the internship or SPEL students produce an analytical report that synthesizes what they have learned. For more information on internships see FUA Internships.

Program Structure: 15 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the full semester will begin the program with a 3 week intensive course during session I. After session I ends there will be a one week break prior to the start of the 11 week semester courses. Session I courses are listed on the course list and marked as “Section I”. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration. 

Program Structure: 16 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 16 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 3 week intensive course during session I. After session I ends there will be a 1 week break prior to the start of the 11 week semester courses. Session I courses are listed on the course list and marked as “Section: I”. 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 January 19, 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 January 19, 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 January 19, 2026. For more information and a full course description please see Courses. 

3 Week Intensive Courses
Students enrolled in the regular semester program have the benefit of access to the 11 week courses but also the intensive 3 week short program courses that run throughout the semester. The intensive short program courses meet daily Monday – Friday for 3 week periods. The 3 week short course offerings are indicated as “Section: I”, “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.

Market Tour and Degustazione
A walking tour of the Historic Florentine food market and gourmet shops with a food expert where we will teach you about the production process of the Tuscan prosciutto, Pecorino cheese and much more. You will taste, learn and savor in each spot. The tour will begin in a charming café where you will be able to sip a cappuccino and discuss the Italian coffee rituals.

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.

Pizza Making Class
SAI offers Italian Pizza making lessons throughout the semester taught by a local expert Chef. Each lesson teaches you how to make authentic Italian pizza from scratch. At the end of the lesson you get to feast on your own homemade pizza!

Day Trip to Venice Biennale
Join SAI to see the city of Venice through the lens of contemporary art. Every two years the contemporary art world takes up residence in the ancient palaces, shipyards, and city gardens of the magical floating city of Venice. Catch a glimpse of contemporary trends in painting, sculpture, installations, sound works, performance, and everything in between while winding through the waterways and hidden alleys of this historic city.

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.

Daytrip to San Gimignano and The Thermal Baths
San Gimignano delle belle Torri (San Gimignano of the Beautiful Towers) is a medieval hilltop town boasting more than a dozen historic tower houses and city walls dating from the 12th century. Follow in the footsteps of centuries of travelers along the historic pilgrimage trail from France to Rome to visit the city center, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. After visiting this quaint village, we will spend the afternoon at the Antica Querciolaia Terme, thermal baths. It is believed that soaking in hot springs increases blood flow, circulation, metabolism and absorption of essential minerals. People have been enjoying these thermal baths and hot springs for thousands of years.

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.

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 16 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.

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, 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.