With a location in the historic center of Rome, and an international student body, a summer at JCU is far more than the typical study abroad experience. SAI’s 11 week summer program at JCU is offered as a combination of the two back-to-back 5 week summer programs, giving summer students the chance to enjoy an extended amount of time in Rome. Students enroll in 1 or 2 courses in each of the two 5 week sessions, for a total of 6 - 12 credits.
Application open until: February 20, 2025
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Italian privacy consent form
Supplemental JCU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Earn up to 12 credits in the summer.
- Courses emphasize exposure to the city with on-site learning on location at museums and historic sites.
- Combine two 5 week programs and save!
Program Dates
May 21, 2025 – August 9, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 85+ (internet based) or IELTS: 6.5+.
Courses & Schedule
Courses run Monday – Thursday, meeting 4 or 2 days per week. Students register for 1 or 2 courses in each back-to-back 5 week program (Summer I and Summer II), for a total of 2 – 4 courses over 11 weeks.
Course Registration
Students register for each of the two 5 week sessions separately, and registration is completed directly with JCU through each student’s JCU account. Students receive their student account login about 2 weeks before registration opens. Courses listed with a section beginning with a 1 are offered during the first 5-week session (Summer I), while courses beginning with a 2 are offered during the second 5-week session (Summer II). JCU courses are competitive, and students should complete their course registration on the registration date. Course registration begins on the following date:
Summer I & II: Coming soon
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| February 20 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) |
| February 20 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. |
| February 20 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. |
| March 6 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| March 7 2025 |
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. |
| March 22 2024 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| Coming soon |
JCU Course Registration Opens: Summer I & II Registration opens at 3:30PM Pacific Time. |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| May 21 2025 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| May 22 – 25 2025 |
SAI and JCU Orientation Mandatory SAI and JCU orientations introduce students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| May 26 2025 |
JCU Summer I Classes Begin |
| June 27 2025 |
JCU Summer I Classes End & Final Exams |
| June 28 – July 6 2025 |
Intersession Break Students do not have classes during this break, but SAI housing continues. |
| July 7 2025 |
JCU Summer II Classes Begin |
| August 8 2025 |
JCU Summer II Classes End & Final Exams |
| August 9 2025 |
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: 6 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 9 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 12 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
| 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 Rome |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Immigration Processing Declaration of presence |
$36 | $36 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$100 / course | $200 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650/ month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Rome Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$125 / month | $150 / 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
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- 20 meals at Tiber Cafe
- 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 Meal
SAI welcomes students to Rome with a traditional Roman meal. Students meet one another and get to know their new city.
Welcome Day Excursion – Escape to the Roman Hills
SAI welcomes students with a day trip to Frascati in the beautiful Roman hills. Frascati played a pivotal role in history from the time of the Roman Empire to WWII and now offers a glimpse into small-town Italian life today. Students will tour the town and learn about its history, enjoy the views from a local vineyard, and share a meal ‘al fresco’ in the town square which offers breathtaking views of Rome from above.
Sun and Sports at Lake Bracciano
Students escape the summer heat with a day of water sports and relaxation at Lake Bracciano. Students have the chance to kayak and paddle-board, explore the quaint nearby fishing village, or simply soak up some rays along the black sand beach.
“La Luna sul Colosseo” – Colosseum Night Tour
“The Moon above the Colosseum” is one of the main attractions in Rome during the summer months. As day gives way to night and after the crowds have all gone home, SAI will take students to visit the Eternal City’s most important monument. Students will be guided through the history of this amazing amphitheater, exploring its most important areas, including the underground chambers and arena floor – both of which are usually closed to the public.
A Taste of Rome Food Tour
Part walking tour, part introduction to Roman food culture, students get to know their new home by exploring the Trastevere neighborhood and tasting some of Rome’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Gelato Workshop
Students learn to make gelato with a professional Roman Gelataio (Italian for gelato maker). The workshop provides an inside look at one of the yummiest Italian traditions.
Opera Under the Stars
The marvelous archaeological site of the Roman Baths, the Terme di Caracalla, serves as an absolutely unique theatrical stage. A showing of one of Italy’s classic Operas performed in this atmospheric open-air theater is an experience not to be missed.
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.
Please note: SAI housing is not related to John Cabot University housing; please do not fill out a housing application through JCU.
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.