For updates on SAI’s response to Coronavirus regarding current programs see COVID-19 updates. 

You may have concerns about studying abroad this fall due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. To begin, please know that we are currently operating programs abroad safely and responsibly. We remain hopeful that prospects for world travel will only get better from here, as vaccinations become available worldwide. Nevertheless, we understand that this situation, with all of its unknowns, can be uncomfortable, so we have made some policy changes that we hope will ease your decision-making.

Most of our on-site programs will be reopened in Fall 2021. We will be keeping a close eye on the evolving health and quarantine situation in each location, and will make amendments as needed to ensure a safe, flexible experience for you.

What you should know

• We have been operating programs abroad in a COVID-safe manner since September 2020. In doing so, we have refined our protocols, and have developed tools and systems to ensure the safety of our students and staff.
• Your health and safety is our top priority, and we have updated our health and safety policies to guarantee the utmost care during the COVID-19 reality. See COVID-19 updates.
• We updated our Fall 2021 Enrollment Cancellation Policy to allow students more time to withdraw without penalty. (see below)
• We have extended our application deadlines (check program pages for this information).
• We have extended our payment deadlines to give you more time before you make an investment in your experience (check program pages for your program’s deadlines).
• We are offering various programs that are under 91 days in length, thus not requiring a visa, for those that are looking for added flexibility.
• We have scheduled several virtual “Town Hall” meetings to give students and families a place to connect and ask SAI staff questions about the upcoming term. Dates and details can be found here.
• We will be monitoring the global situation, and will provide updates regarding any further programmatic changes, should they be required.

Revised Fall 2021 Enrollment Cancellation Policy

Check-in day is considered the start of the term. The application fee and confirmation deposit are not refundable. Further program cost liability is based on the date on which SAI receives a cancellation request using the online SAI Cancellation & Deferment Request Form.

Florence (FUA), Rome (JCU), Sorrento (SA), Siena (SIS), Barcelona (UPF, CETT, BCN Intern, UVic), Paris (AUP, PCA) :

• 36 or more days before the start of term: full refund is provided (minus the non-refundable confirmation deposit and application fee)
• 35 – 8 days before the start of term: liable for 50% of the program cost
• 7 days or less before the start of term: liable for 100% of the program cost.

Remaining programs*:

• 76 or more days before the start of term: full refund is provided (minus the non-refundable confirmation deposit and application fee)
• 75 – 45 days before the start of term: liable for 30% of the program cost
• 44 – 8 days before the start of term: liable for 50% of the program cost
• 7 days or less before the start of term: liable for 100% of the program cost

*Please note that we are actively working on pushing back liability deadlines, and will update this policy as we are able.

Program cost includes all costs associated with enrollment (including program add-ons and any optional or additional fees).

Please note that if a student’s home institution cancels a study abroad program prior to the SAI cancellation policy going into effect and the student is no longer permitted to study abroad, all program fees paid, including the confirmation deposit, will be refunded (the application fee is non-refundable). If a student’s home institution cancels after the SAI cancellation policy goes into effect, SAI will make every effort to refund any recoverable costs.

We hope these changes provide some comfort during these uncertain times. We look forward to giving you a warm welcome to your study abroad host city in the new year!

Are you unsure about next steps? Let your SAI admissions team help you out! Reach out at 800-655-8965, admissions@saiprograms.com, or find us on LiveChat.