Spark your creativity in the heart of the Renaissance! The SAI winter quarter program at FUA allows students whose home schools operate on a quarter system to study abroad with ease. SAI quarter students at FUA select multiple elective courses from the wide range of offerings for a total of 9 – 12 credits. The quarter program is made up of three independent sessions, during which students can select 1 or 2 courses each. In addition to typical liberal arts courses, FUA includes such courses as Travel Writing, Pairing Food and Wine, Fashion Design, and Science of Happiness.
Application open until: October 1, 2025
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo & signature page)
USF student conduct form
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Gain hands-on experience in experiential learning classes.
- Program specially catered to students attending quarter schools.
Program Dates
January 5, 2026 – March 13, 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.
Quarter students 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.
3 Week Intensive Courses
The Winter quarter consists of 3-week short session courses that meet daily Monday – Friday for 3 week periods. The 3 week short course offerings are indicated as “Section: Jan Term”, “Section: I”, and “Section: II” on the course list. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.
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.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 1 2025 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 7 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 7 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 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| October 21 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. |
| November 6 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 | |
|---|---|
| January 5 2026 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 2:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| January 6 2026 |
Orientation Events Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| January 7 2026 |
Jan Term Classes Begin |
| January 16 2026 |
Jan Term Classes End |
| January 17 – 27 2026 |
Intersession Break (no class) |
| January 28 2026 |
Short Session I Classes Begin |
| February 12 2026 |
Short Session I Classes End |
| February 13 – 24 2026 |
Intersession Break (no class) |
| February 25 2026 |
Short Session II Classes Begin |
| March 12 2026 |
Short Session II Classes End |
| March 13 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: Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$15,085 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private occupancy room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,200 |
| Additional Course Credits Fee for enrollment over 12 credits. |
$550/credit |
| Add-on Non-Credit and Field Learning Courses Fees vary and are paid directly to FUA. |
Contact SAI |
| Meal Plan Units Students can purchase meal plan units upon arrival directly from 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 Florence |
$900 | $2,200 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fee | $50 / course | $300 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $850 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $400 / month |
| Transportation within Florence 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 for you 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!
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.
Day Trip 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.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient, clean, and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (upgrade to private bedroom available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared occupancy 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.
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. Therefore US students enrolled in this program do not require a visa. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for details on student visa requirements.