SAI Gap Programs are designed for high school graduates and offer access to university-level learning paired with unique exposure to the local community and culture. SAI gap semester students at JCU enroll in one Italian language course, one elective course with a focus on developing global awareness, and additional elective courses for a total of 12 - 15 US credits. Students benefit from program services geared toward gap students, including the Global Leadership Exploration Program, in which students complete community service, gain exposure to a range of career fields, and receive personalized guidance and mentoring from SAI staff on leadership, cultural competency, and value setting.
Application open until: April 17, 2026
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
High school transcript
Passport copy (photo & signature page)
2 academic letters of recommendation
Italian privacy consent form
JCU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Explore unique college courses and fields, alongside students from around the globe.
- Develop independence and leadership skills.
- Attend a US-accredited university in the Eternal City of Rome.
Program Dates
Late August 2026 – Mid December 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
High School GPA:* 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 85+ (internet based) or IELTS: 6.5+.
The Global Leadership Exploration Program (Explore Program) is designed to enrich students’ experiences abroad and to provide additional support and structured exploration of global themes to students completing a gap semester program. Students enrolled in the Explore Program broaden their awareness of global issues and explore various career fields and themes, through research, engagement in community service, and interaction with experts and leaders.
Students enrolled in the program must:
- Enroll in one (or more) global awareness course;
- Engage in community service during the semester for a minimum of 15 hours;
- Participate in four exploration activities, in which students join local leaders in various career fields in discussions about their field in a global context as well as their career path;
- Maintain a journal of activities, observations and reflections on how their study abroad experiences may inform their understanding of global issues;
- Meet with their SAI mentor to discuss leadership and career exploration topics;
- Submit a 350-word career exploration paper that delves into a career field of interest and its evolution in a globalized world, and identifies one or two leaders in the field who are engaged in globally aware action.
Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a reference letter that confirms completion of the certificate and related activities, along with a certificate suitable for framing.
Phone Interview & Consultation
After all application materials are submitted, students complete a phone interview and consultation with their admissions counselor. This call is meant to help admissions counselors get to know students and their interests, as well as for students to ask questions about the program and get assistance with determining what courses might be best suited for them.
Courses & Schedule
SAI Gap program students enroll in 12 – 15 credits (12 recommended). Students must enroll in one Italian language course and at least one course that is designated a global awareness course. The remaining courses can be chosen from any electives, provided the student meets prerequisites. We are happy to provide a list of suggested courses that will help to prepare students for their degree-seeking college coursework.
Course Registration
SAI students complete their course registration directly with JCU through their JCU student account. Students receive their student account login about 1 week before registration opens. JCU courses are competitive, and students should complete their course registration on the registration date. JCU course registration begins on the following date.
Fall Semester: coming soon
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| April 17 2026 |
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) |
| May 1 2026 |
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. |
| May 1 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| May 15 2026 |
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 |
JCU Course Registration Opens Registration opens at 3:30PM Pacific Time. |
| June 15 2026 |
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. |
| July 1 2026 |
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 Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 2:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| Coming soon |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation is held at JCU and introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| Coming soon |
JCU Academic Orientation JCU holds several-day orientation activities. In addition to the mandatory orientation, students have opportunities to take city tours, join clubs, and meet professors. |
| Coming soon |
JCU Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
JCU Drop/Add Deadline |
| Coming soon |
Last Day to Withdraw from a Class |
| Coming soon |
JCU Classes End |
| Coming soon |
Final Exams |
| 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). |
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
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
Financial Assistance
SAI offers discounts to students wishing to complete a Gap Year (two consecutive gap semesters). Additionally, students are able to apply for a personal loan through JCU to assist with paying for their SAI Gap Program. Please contact our Business Office for more information.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Rome |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Student Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees (incl. possible travel fees–varying based on consulate location and student's residence). |
$300 | $1,500 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $100 / course | $300 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650/ month | $850 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $450 / 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 and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 20 meals at Tiber Café
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- 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 to Rome and the Roman Hills
SAI welcomes students with a day trip to Frascati in the beautiful Roman hills. Students tour the town and discuss its history, enjoy the views from a family-run vineyard, and share a meal featuring local specialties.
Olive Oil Harvest & Tasting
Students will visit an olive grove farm in the countryside of Rome where they will learn how Italy’s prestigious extra-virgin olive oil is produced. They will see firsthand how olives are harvested from groves and visit a traditional frantoio (olive oil mill) to see the olives being freshly pressed into oil. Finally they will taste the oil and enjoy a light lunch featuring the freshly pressed olive oil.
Discover Monti
Once the slum of ancient Rome, Monti is now one of the city’s coolest and most charming neighborhoods home to vintage stores, art studios, chic cafés, and quaint squares. Students will visit Domus Aurea (“Golden House”), an impressive palace built by Emperor Nero, and go on a virtual reality tour. They will then explore the neighborhood’s shops and conclude with lunch at a famous local trattoria.
Ancient Rome Tour
Visit the Centro Storico, Rome’s historic center, and step back in time on a guided tour of some of the most iconic monuments of the eternal city: the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
Hike to Janiculum Hill
Walk up to the Janiculum Hill for a bird’s eye view of Roma! As the sun sets over the city, enjoy a refreshing “grattachecca” – Italian ice – and take in the amazing views of your new home!
A Taste of Rome Food Tour
Students get to know their new home by exploring the Trastevere neighborhood and tasting some of Rome’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Treasures of Tivoli
Just a short train ride outside of Rome, Tivoli is a pristine mountain town with cascading waterfalls, exquisite gardens and world-renowned historical sites. Students tour one of Tivoli’s most enchanting gardens, Villa d’Este, which is a jaw dropping gem and a UNESCO world heritage site. The afternoon ends with lunch at a nearby farm featuring all locally produced specialties.
Italian Cooking Lessons
Students join Italian cooking lessons taught by local Roman Chef Andrea Consoli. Each lesson covers how to make a traditional Roman three-course meal that is easy to recreate independently. At the end of the lesson, students enjoy their own homemade Italian meal.
Farewell Evening
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 at least 3 months after planned departure from Europe.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local consulate for information on student visa requirements.
Depending on the consulate, students will either mail in their student visa application or appear in person to present their application to the consulate. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in preparing for the appointment; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee. SAI provides a Student Visa Processing Service for select consulates, available for an additional fee. A Visa Document Review Service is also offered to all students, regardless of consulate, for an additional fee. For further details, please contact our office.