Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Summer 4 weeks II 2024
6 credits
At Cattolica, students from around the world will experience a contemporary education in the heart of the dynamic, vibrant and stylish city of Milan. SAI’s 4 week summer programs allow students to enroll in two back-to-back 2 week courses for a total of 6 credits. Courses are taught in English and offered in a variety of fields including Business, Media and Communications, and Italian Culture. SAI offers two Summer 4 week sessions at UCSC, each with different dates and course options: Summer I and Summer II.
Application: Closed
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Classes include weekly site visits.
- Study at Europe’s largest private university.
- Get a taste of Italy while studying in a traditional Italian educational context.
Program Dates
June 20, 2024 – July 20, 2024
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) 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: 79+ or IELTS: 6+, or proof of attending school in English for 3+ years.
Business Studies
International Relations
Italian Culture
Media, Communications, Marketing
International Relations
Italian Culture
Media, Communications, Marketing
3.0 Credits
Business Studies | Course #: ZXP704 | Section: 2 | Open
The course provides an overview of the fashion industry. The aim of the course is to address the main strategic and managerial characteristics related to fashion with a global focus, analyzing the new challenges that fashion are facing nowadays: the digital and the sustainability revolution.
Course objectives can be synthesized as follows:
⢠To get acquainted with the concept of fashion brand management;
⢠to understand the main differences among the market segments;
⢠to understand strategies at the level of product, distribution and communication;
⢠to analyze the new challenges that are reshaping nowadays the fashion: the digital challenge (social media communication, e-commerce) and sustainability
Course objectives can be synthesized as follows:
⢠To get acquainted with the concept of fashion brand management;
⢠to understand the main differences among the market segments;
⢠to understand strategies at the level of product, distribution and communication;
⢠to analyze the new challenges that are reshaping nowadays the fashion: the digital challenge (social media communication, e-commerce) and sustainability
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Business Studies | Course #: ZXP707 | Section: 2 | Open
In this course we look at international economic interaction from two perspectives, that of a nation (government) and that of a firm. The purpose is to understand important drivers of and challenges to economic globalization both at the level of nation states and at the level of individual businesses.
The course will give some answers to the most important questions related to the international economy. What drives the competitiveness of nations? How can poorer countries be sustained in achieving better standard of life?
How the world can address the challenge posed by climate change? What is the role played by multinationals and financial institutions in the global economy? Are we ahead of a protectionist era? What are the causes of the European debt problem? What are the likely consequences? The course will provide answers to these and other questions by mixing economic theory with facts and case studies, describing what is globalization from a historical perspective. A strong emphasis will be placed on the role of governments and international institutions in regulating trade and financial flows.
The course will give some answers to the most important questions related to the international economy. What drives the competitiveness of nations? How can poorer countries be sustained in achieving better standard of life?
How the world can address the challenge posed by climate change? What is the role played by multinationals and financial institutions in the global economy? Are we ahead of a protectionist era? What are the causes of the European debt problem? What are the likely consequences? The course will provide answers to these and other questions by mixing economic theory with facts and case studies, describing what is globalization from a historical perspective. A strong emphasis will be placed on the role of governments and international institutions in regulating trade and financial flows.
Contact Hours: 45
This course deals with the concepts of social and environmental entrepreneurship, which are receiving increasing attention from all over the globe with no exception in Italy. In this course, the Italian trend of establishing and scaling up entrepreneurial initiatives with social and environmental purposes is presented and analyzed through case studies, guest speakers and field visits to selected Italian best practices.
Course contents
a. Setting the boundaries of social and eco entrepreneurship
b. The main social and environmental issues
c. Opportunity recognition in the social and environmental sectors
d. Most successful social and eco entrepreneurship business models
e. Strategies for scaling up the impact
The learning goals of the course are:
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂâ To become familiar with the notion of social and eco entrepreneurship
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂâ To develop a deep sensitivity and knowledge towards the most critical social and environmental
issues which affect Italy and Europe
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂâ To acquire an entrepreneurial mind-set in order to overcome such issues
Course contents
a. Setting the boundaries of social and eco entrepreneurship
b. The main social and environmental issues
c. Opportunity recognition in the social and environmental sectors
d. Most successful social and eco entrepreneurship business models
e. Strategies for scaling up the impact
The learning goals of the course are:
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂâ To become familiar with the notion of social and eco entrepreneurship
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂâ To develop a deep sensitivity and knowledge towards the most critical social and environmental
issues which affect Italy and Europe
ÃÂâÃÂÃÂÃÂâ To acquire an entrepreneurial mind-set in order to overcome such issues
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
International Relations | Course #: ZXQ629 | Section: 2 | Open
The so-called âFourth Industrial Revolutionâ, a series of innovation that has already started to shape our lives, is predicted to transform production and, more generally, our societies in the next few years. The course aims to provide students with tools to understand and manage risks and opportunities resulting from such technological change in the global context. To do so, it provides an understanding of the global
contemporary context and its contemporary process of change; it explains the concept of the geopolitical
code, providing examples of application; it illustrates the nature of political risks before focusing on
innovation, competitiveness, and technology management.
contemporary context and its contemporary process of change; it explains the concept of the geopolitical
code, providing examples of application; it illustrates the nature of political risks before focusing on
innovation, competitiveness, and technology management.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
International Relations | Course #: ZXR907 | Section: 3 | Open
Contemporary international processes of change have underlined Italyâs sensitiveness to international dynamics and interests, highlighting his nature of political border between Eastern (Russia and China) and Western (the United States) international Great Powers; between Northern (Europe) and Southern regions (the Middle East and North Africa); between developed and developing countries; between âthe decline of the West and the rise of the Restâ. How have contemporary international processes influenced Italian politics? Is international disorder disordering the Italian social and political order? The Italian case highlights, on the one hand, contemporary international issues arising from the process of transition of international power and its related governance structures and, on the other hand, institutions and internal patterns of adaptation and transformation of internal political and social structures.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will have a solid grasp of the basics of Italian political and social structures; they will be familiar with the most important issues in the contemporary Italian debate, and aware of processes of change in its political constituencies, parties and stakeholders, foreign policies, and identities. In addition, they will have a knowledge on how contemporary international and intra-State political and social structures relate to and influence each other.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will have a solid grasp of the basics of Italian political and social structures; they will be familiar with the most important issues in the contemporary Italian debate, and aware of processes of change in its political constituencies, parties and stakeholders, foreign policies, and identities. In addition, they will have a knowledge on how contemporary international and intra-State political and social structures relate to and influence each other.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Cinema | Course #: ZXR905 | Section: 3 | Open
The course will introduce students to the magic world of the âdirector superstarâ Federico Fellini, who influenced the art of cinema all over the world.
Hereâs a quotation from American director David Lynch, to give an example of how influential Fellini was to international directors: âIf I had to choose films that represent, for me, examples of perfect filmmaking, the first would be 8 ½, for the way Federico Fellini managed to accomplish with film what mostly abstract painters do â namely, to communicate an emotion without ever saying anything in a direct manner, without ever explaining anything, just by a sort of sheer magicâ.
After âmeetingâ the Master, students will discover the main trends and filmmakers in contemporary Italian cinema. Since cinema is a mirror to our world, students will learn a lot about contemporary Italian society through the seventh art.
Hereâs a quotation from American director David Lynch, to give an example of how influential Fellini was to international directors: âIf I had to choose films that represent, for me, examples of perfect filmmaking, the first would be 8 ½, for the way Federico Fellini managed to accomplish with film what mostly abstract painters do â namely, to communicate an emotion without ever saying anything in a direct manner, without ever explaining anything, just by a sort of sheer magicâ.
After âmeetingâ the Master, students will discover the main trends and filmmakers in contemporary Italian cinema. Since cinema is a mirror to our world, students will learn a lot about contemporary Italian society through the seventh art.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Cultural Studies | Course #: ZXP730 | Section: 2 | Open
From its local origins in Sicily, the Mafia has become a global phenomenon and a widespread model of organized crime that threatens and corrupts the international economy, political systems and social environments. Yet film, television and literature have shown a continued fascination of the Mafia which has often been portrayed with romantic and even heroic connotations.
In this course we will explore the representations of the Mafia in Italy through literature, film, and television; in the 20th and 21st centuries. Combining the analyses of historians, sociologists, and intellectuals, along with the testimonies of victims, we will challenge the stereotypes through which cultural productions envision the Mafia, and more importantly, we will explore how the Mafia envisions the world, in particular what is its ethics, its relationships with law, politics, business and finance, its ideas of femininity and masculinity, its portrayals of children. Examining both the visions on and by the Mafia through cultural, socio-political, and historical perspectives, this course aims to deconstruct the mythological eye and instead form an analytical eye with which to investigate and better understand the Mafioso universe and power, and the cultural Italian identity as well.
In this course we will explore the representations of the Mafia in Italy through literature, film, and television; in the 20th and 21st centuries. Combining the analyses of historians, sociologists, and intellectuals, along with the testimonies of victims, we will challenge the stereotypes through which cultural productions envision the Mafia, and more importantly, we will explore how the Mafia envisions the world, in particular what is its ethics, its relationships with law, politics, business and finance, its ideas of femininity and masculinity, its portrayals of children. Examining both the visions on and by the Mafia through cultural, socio-political, and historical perspectives, this course aims to deconstruct the mythological eye and instead form an analytical eye with which to investigate and better understand the Mafioso universe and power, and the cultural Italian identity as well.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Literature | Course #: ZXR906 | Section: 2 | Open
Storytelling is not just for writers. It is for whoever needs to present an idea in a salient manner. If you want
to discover the potential of creating a well-told story, if you want to learn how to engage, persuade and
inspire people, this course is for you.
You will learn storytelling skills to present ideas in a successful way. Whatâs the key to set people on fire?
Uniting an idea with an emotion! Martin Scorsese said that âa director is a manger of emotionsâ: you can lean
the same writing and cinematic techniques to captivate people.
We will analyze these techniques âin actionâ through screenwriting, and in particular through a pillar of
Hollywood, Cinecittà and the television networks: Adaptations.
We will analyze important adaptations of novels and true-life stories for the seventh art, understanding the
changes from the source material to the new text and identifying the resistance of literature and true-life
story.
This course includes a creative experience: the writerâs lab. Each student will be given tools to create
compelling characters, a well-told story, shading style and mood, and to write short film scripts.
to discover the potential of creating a well-told story, if you want to learn how to engage, persuade and
inspire people, this course is for you.
You will learn storytelling skills to present ideas in a successful way. Whatâs the key to set people on fire?
Uniting an idea with an emotion! Martin Scorsese said that âa director is a manger of emotionsâ: you can lean
the same writing and cinematic techniques to captivate people.
We will analyze these techniques âin actionâ through screenwriting, and in particular through a pillar of
Hollywood, Cinecittà and the television networks: Adaptations.
We will analyze important adaptations of novels and true-life stories for the seventh art, understanding the
changes from the source material to the new text and identifying the resistance of literature and true-life
story.
This course includes a creative experience: the writerâs lab. Each student will be given tools to create
compelling characters, a well-told story, shading style and mood, and to write short film scripts.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Communication | Course #: ZXQ012 | Section: 2 | Open
The course provides an overview of the latest trends in the brand communication scenario and the role experience, emotions, and entertainment play in building consumer-brand relationships. A particular focus will be given on real communities, web reputation, storytelling, rebranding/branded content/branded entertainment.
The course is organized in three main intertwined learning moments:
1. An exploratoryÃÂÃÂ session, aimed at setting a common ground illustrating the basics of brand communication (namely, the concept of brand, brand identity, brand positioning, brand equity and their meaning in the brand management process)
2. A diving session, aimed at sharing and discussion how innovative and unconventional brand communication initiatives can support brands in engaging and activating consumers as dialogical partners
3. A field session, in which students are required to take part in consumer-brand relationship analysis and brand communication co-creation processes Contents are designed to encourage students to reflect on current dramatic changes in the field of consumer-brand relationships from a humanistic perspective, and to enact these changes in their own communication projects.
The course is organized in three main intertwined learning moments:
1. An exploratoryÃÂÃÂ session, aimed at setting a common ground illustrating the basics of brand communication (namely, the concept of brand, brand identity, brand positioning, brand equity and their meaning in the brand management process)
2. A diving session, aimed at sharing and discussion how innovative and unconventional brand communication initiatives can support brands in engaging and activating consumers as dialogical partners
3. A field session, in which students are required to take part in consumer-brand relationship analysis and brand communication co-creation processes Contents are designed to encourage students to reflect on current dramatic changes in the field of consumer-brand relationships from a humanistic perspective, and to enact these changes in their own communication projects.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Communication | Course #: ZXQ014 | Section: 3 | Open
The course aims at introducing the student to the main theories and the latest trends related to the field of consumer behavior: target market, needs, values. After a short introduction on psychological an sociological perspectives, the students will have to face and apply the consumer behavior theories in the fields of marketing and corporate communication. Contents are designed to encourage students to reflect on consumer response to marketing actions: exposure, attention, perception and decision making. Throughout practical projects the students will conduct customer researches for a specified product category. The aim of the research will be to deliver detailed customer profiles of the resulting segments and to draw conclusions about appropriate marketing communications strategies. Focuses on the principal methodological and technical options of qualitative research, the principal theories and tools of qualitative research, consumer-based marketing research techniques such as surveys and focus groups, on different stakeholders and on e-marketing will be part of the course.
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Marketing | Course #: ZXQ013 | Section: 2 | Open
The course provides an immersive experience in which students can approach the communication world as professionals, but in the comfort zone of a University course.
The first week will prepare the students to approach the successive real experience of one communication brief and communication roles simulations. In this week, group assignments on essays and surveys, and company visit will introduce the immersive experience. The course will provide also an overview of the latest trends in the brand communication scenario and the role experience, emotions, and entertainment play in building consumer-brand relationships. On this section, they will do a midterm theoretical exam on two open ended questions.
Then they will receive a complete and real communication brief: a traditional or digital communication job to be done on market analysis, strategic goals, creative proposals for one or more of this following communication fields: adv, PR, events, tvc or viral videos for socials, below the line campaigns.
They will do their brainstorming with the agency professionals. Then they will have two days - followed by professor Vitulli (who has been a creative copywriter senior and strategist for 20 years and now is a creative consultant) and supported by one or more of the agency creatives, to prepare the final presentation. So, they will work also on the effectiveness of a presentation: how to prepare it in a wow effect way to support the creative contents.
They will present their job to the agency/company and they will receive an immediate feedback on the presentation and in a follow up a detailed, professional qualitative evaluation together with the final grade.
The first week will prepare the students to approach the successive real experience of one communication brief and communication roles simulations. In this week, group assignments on essays and surveys, and company visit will introduce the immersive experience. The course will provide also an overview of the latest trends in the brand communication scenario and the role experience, emotions, and entertainment play in building consumer-brand relationships. On this section, they will do a midterm theoretical exam on two open ended questions.
Then they will receive a complete and real communication brief: a traditional or digital communication job to be done on market analysis, strategic goals, creative proposals for one or more of this following communication fields: adv, PR, events, tvc or viral videos for socials, below the line campaigns.
They will do their brainstorming with the agency professionals. Then they will have two days - followed by professor Vitulli (who has been a creative copywriter senior and strategist for 20 years and now is a creative consultant) and supported by one or more of the agency creatives, to prepare the final presentation. So, they will work also on the effectiveness of a presentation: how to prepare it in a wow effect way to support the creative contents.
They will present their job to the agency/company and they will receive an immediate feedback on the presentation and in a follow up a detailed, professional qualitative evaluation together with the final grade.
Contact Hours: 45
Courses & Registration
Courses are held Monday – Friday. Students enroll in two back-to-back 2 week intensive courses. Upon applying to the SAI program, students will select one course for section 2 (course held during the first two weeks of the program) and one course for section 3 (course held during the last two weeks of the program). Course schedules are confirmed 4 weeks prior to the program start. Course days and times will be communicated at orientation in Milan.
Note: This program consists of back-to-back courses; students enrolling in this program must complete the full program length.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| March 15 2024 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| March 15 2024 |
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. |
| March 22 2024 |
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. |
| March 29 2024 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| April 6 2024 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| Coming soon |
Financial Aid Agreement & Good Faith Payment Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Good Faith Payment by this date. This payment will be due within 5 business days if the deposit payment date is on or after October 1. |
| April 21 2024 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| June 20 2024 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN). SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| June 21 2024 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| June 24 2024 |
Cattolica Orientation Mandatory UCSC orientation introduces students to their host school while covering academics, policies, and course registration. |
| June 24 2024 |
Classes Begin: Section 2 |
| July 5 2024 |
Classes End: Section 2 |
| July 8 2024 |
Classes Begin: Section 3 |
| July 19 2024 |
Classes End: Section 3 |
| July 20 2024 |
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). |
$7,150 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$800 |
| 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
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 Milan |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$30 / course | $50 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$400 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $350 / month | $450 / month |
| Transportation within Milan Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $250 / 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 and transportation on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- SAI orientation to the host city and school
- SAI staff on-site dedicated to fostering a welcoming community for all students by providing assistance to diverse needs
- SAI Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities and day trips
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event with all students
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- SAI Student Visa consulting
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
- SAI Ambassador Program for SAI alumni, 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 Event
SAI welcomes students to Milan with aperitivi at one of the hidden and local trendy spots in the Naviglio district.
Duomo Rooftop and Milan Walking Tour
Students admire the architecture of the spire-laden Duomo up close as they walk among the buttresses and statues and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop. Following the tour, the group discovers the fashion district including the Galleria, Montenapoleone and La Scala.
Wine Tasting
Students meet at a Milanese Enoteca to learn about Italian wines. A local sommelier gives students a background to each wine, which is paired with delicious appetizers.
Farewell Event
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 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.
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.