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

You may have concerns about whether you will be able to study abroad this spring due to the worldwide Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak. We understand that this situation, with all of its unknowns, can be difficult, and we are here to share with you some policy changes that we made for our Spring 2021 on-site programs.

We are reopening most of our on-site programs in Spring 2021. We will be keeping a close eye on the evolving health situation in each location, and will make amendments, if they become necessary, to ensure a safe, flexible experience for you. To stay up to date on your options, please see SAI Spring 2021 On-Site Program Options.

What Have We Changed?

• Your health and safety is our top priority, so we have updated our health and safety policies to ensure the utmost care during the COVID-19 reality. See COVID-19 updates.
• We are working with host schools to update program dates, in many instances offering programs that begin later in the Spring term. This also has the added benefit of reducing the program length to under 90 days, thereby doing away with the requirement for a student visa for US citizens. Note: program dates may continue to change as host schools make further decisions, please check back. 
• We updated our Spring 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 the 50% payment deadline to November 1, 2020 for all Spring semester on-site programs. This gives you more time before you make an investment in your experience.
• We will be monitoring the global situation, and will provide updates regarding any further programmatic changes, should they be required.

SAI Barcelona students, exploring Seville

Revised Spring 2021 Enrollment Cancellation Policy

Note: this revised policy applies to all SAI Spring Semester, Spring Quarter, Jan Term, and Spring Short Programs.  

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. If a cancellation request is received 31 or 16 or more days (program dependent – see below) before check-in day, a full refund is provided (minus the non-refundable confirmation deposit and application fee). If a cancellation request is received 30 or 15 days or less (program dependent – see below) before check-in day, students are liable for the following penalties:

Florence & Paris programs

• 30 – 8 days before the start of term: 50% of the program cost
• 7 days or less before the start of term: 100% of the program cost

Rome, Siena, Sorrento, & Barcelona programs

• 15 – 8 days before the start of term: 50% of the program cost
• 7 days or less before the start of term: 100% of the program cost

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.

SAI Rome student

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! Give us a call at 800-655-8965, email admissions@saiprograms.com, or find us on LiveChat.