This 4 week Dual City Paris-Florence Program offers students the unique opportunity to take courses at two esteemed institutions with an established reputation for excellence in the world of luxury and fashion: Sup de Luxe in Paris, France and Polimoda in Florence, Italy. Both institutions are considered the very best in fashion and luxury education. The program, titled Fashion Business: Legacy & Innovation, offers a unique immersion into the craft and creation of fashion and luxury. Students spend two weeks in Paris, followed by 2 weeks in Florence, earning a total of 6 US credits. The course is taught by resident professors and professionals, and the curriculum combines field trips with classroom instruction to help students learn key aspects to luxury marketing.
Application open until: March 15, 2025
Apps accepted on a rolling basis
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Portfolio
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
EU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Experience two European capitals of luxury: Paris and Florence
- Learn your coursework through hands-on projects
Program Dates
Late June 2026 – Late July 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) or above
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 3.0(on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 88+ or IELTS: 6.5+, or proof of attending school in English for 3+ years.
Fashion Business: Legacy & Innovation
Students will begin the program with two weeks of coursework in Paris at Sup de Luxe. Students will then travel independently to Florence, in which they will complete two weeks of coursework at Polimoda.
- Sup de Luxe: In Paris, the course places a strong emphasis on the heritage of French luxury brands and the principles of brand management. Students explore the creative process and the concept of “new luxury,” while also examining the role of digital technology in the luxury sector. Topics include how digital tools support brand communication and social media strategy, as well as how to develop an effective digital marketing and communication plan. The program also introduces students to emerging digital trends such as the metaverse and artificial intelligence. Designed specifically for those interested in fashion, this course offers a deep understanding of the core values of luxury and the role of innovation in the industry.
- Polimoda: In Florence, the program centers on the rich legacy of Italian fashion, exploring the values, craftsmanship, and business practices that define iconic Italian brands. Students delve into the cultural and symbolic meaning of fashion through the lens of sociology, gaining a deeper appreciation of its influence on society. The curriculum offers a close look at product knowledge—particularly leather goods—followed by coursework in merchandising strategy and retail management. The program is designed to equip students with the tools to shape future innovation in fashion and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.
Courses & Schedule
Courses at Sup de Luxe and Polimoda are intensive and will take place five days per week. Specific course times and activities will be detailed just before the start of the program.
At the completion of the program, students will receive a US transcript from St. Martin’s University (WA), as well as a certificate issued by Sup de Luxe for its 2 week course, and a certificate issued by Polimoda for its 2 week course.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| March 15 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) |
| Coming soon |
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. |
| Coming soon |
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. |
| Coming soon |
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. |
| March 15 2026 |
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 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| Coming soon |
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 | |
|---|---|
| Coming soon |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport. SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00 noon, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| Coming soon |
SAI Paris Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to Paris while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| June 29 2026 |
SDL Academic Orientation & Class Begins |
| June 10 2026 |
SDL Classes End |
| July 11 2026 |
Independent Travel from Paris to Florence, Italy Students check out of Paris housing by 10:00am and travel independently to Florence. SAI Florence housing check-in occurs between 9:00am and 6:00pm. |
| Coming soon |
SAI Florence Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to Florence while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| July 13 2026 |
Polimoda Academic Orientation & Class Begins |
| July 24 2026 |
Polimoda Classes End |
| Coming soon |
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). |
$9,600 |
| 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
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 Paris / from Florence |
$1,200 | $1,800 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$75 / course | $200 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$400 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $350 / month | $450 / month |
| Transportation within host city 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
- Orientation to the host city and school
- On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you and provide assistance when needed
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
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
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, and include a shared occupancy bedroom in a shared student apartment (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of kitchen, bathroom(s) 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 return from France.
Student Visas
In accordance with French law, U.S. students studying in France 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.