John Cabot University

Spring Semester Elective 2028

12 – 17 credits

Apply Now

Select a Program

Spring Semester 2028

Rome, Italy

Program Overview

Immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of Rome! SAI students studying at JCU select 4 or 5 courses from the wide range of disciplines offered for a total of 12 – 17 US credits. Courses available include Art History, Business, Political Science, and Communication, among many others. Semester students have the option of enrolling in the SAI Global Leadership Certificate, or completing a part-time internship, to further their academic and community involvement.

Highlights

Earn a Global Leadership Certificate or Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Attend a US-accredited University in the Eternal City of Rome
Explore courses in Race and Gender, Art History, Engineering, and more
Enjoy living and learning in the vibrant Trastevere neighborhood

Key Details

Application Deadline

October 1, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates

January 12 – May 6, 2028

Enrollment Deadline

October 15, 2027

Requirements

Age

18+

Academic Year

High school graduate or above

Cumulative GPA

2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)

Application Materials

SAI application
Personal statement
Transcript
Passport scan

Visa Required?

Yes

Academics

As a US-accredited university, JCU offers a wide variety of courses designed to offer a rich and well-rounded education, blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences. Students can explore everything from creative disciplines and cultural studies to professional fields and innovative programs, all while engaging with the vibrant history and community of Rome.

Courses & Schedule
JCU courses run Monday – Thursday, and SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses.

Explore Courses More Academics

What’s Included

This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!

Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
Comfortable and safe student housing
Airport pickup on arrival day
Orientation and welcome reception
Welcoming on-site staff
Student health insurance
SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
24-hour on-site emergency support
Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

Knowledgeable Admissions Counselors
Helpful pre-departure resources & groups
Student visa advising
Assistance with financial aid processing
Need-based SAI scholarships
Alumni Network & Ambassador Program

Financial Details

Program Fees


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 bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.	coming soon
Extra Credit Fee Additional fee for each credit over 17 credits.	coming soon

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: Some US universities have a special payment arrangement with SAI, where your university covers part of your fees on your behalf, and you pay the remaining fees directly to SAI. Not sure if this applies to you? Check with your study abroad office or your SAI Admissions Counselor.

Financial Deadlines


Within 1 week of acceptance	SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable)
October 1 2027	50% of Total Program Fee Due (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after submitting the deposit.)
October 15 2027	Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process. (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after the deposit.)
October 15 2027	SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Complete application due by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
November 15 2027	SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process.
December 1 2027	Balance of Total Program Fee Due

Budgeting


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 – $300 / course
Meals Includes groceries and eating out.	$650 – $850 / month
Personal Expenses	$300 – $450 / month
Transportation within Rome Public transportation with some taxi rides.	$125 – $150 / month
Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student.	$300 – $1,000 / month

Standard Housing:
Student Apartment | shared bedroom

(included in program fee)

SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 8 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Optional Housing:
Student Apartment | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Private bedrooms in student apartments offer a private bedroom with a shared bathroom. SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 8 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Academics & Certificates

Course Registration

JCU courses run Monday – Thursday, and SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses.

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:

Spring Semester: early November (date TBD)

Internships

Semester students with junior or senior class standing can apply for a part time 3-credit internship to be completed as part of their elective program. JCU’s selective internship program offers a wonderful opportunity for motivated students to pursue a major or minor field of study under the guidance of an internship supervisor. For more information on internships see JCU Internships.

Optional Certificates

SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC)
The SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) enhances a semester abroad through focused exploration of global issues, research, and engagement with local experts. Students develop critical thinking and leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of their host community. This credential highlights academic initiative and a global perspective.

SAI International Service Certificate (ISC)
The SAI International Service Certificate (ISC) offers students the opportunity to engage directly with their host community through volunteer service. Working with local organizations and supported by SAI staff, students build practical skills, cultural awareness, and meaningful connections. This certificate recognizes a strong commitment to service abroad.

JCU Institute for Entrepreneurship Certificates
The JCU Institute for Entrepreneurship offers several certificate options based on your interests and what you hope to achieve in your future career. Once all requirements have been satisfied, students can request the certificate by completing the online application form at least 2 weeks prior to the end of the semester.

Certificate in Entrepreneurship
Certificate in Social Innovation
Certificate in Cultural Innovation
Certificate in Sustainability
Certificate in AI Literacy

Please contact SAI Admissions for further details.

SAI Viva Experience

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.

Walking Tours & City Exploration

A group of study abroad participants pose for a photo in front of ancient Roman building.

Day Trips

Three women pose in front of a waterfall.

Walking Tours & City Exploration

People walking in a garden in front of old stone walls.

Passport & Visa

Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Europe.

Student Visas
U.S. students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Therefore U.S. students are required to obtain one for this program. Students with Italian/EU citizenship are exempt, and non-U.S. nationals should consult their local consulate for requirements.

SAI’s Student Visa Office supports students throughout the visa application process through the included SAI 360° Services. The following optional services are also available:

Student Visa Application Review (additional fee): SAI’s visa team provides a full review of your application to position yourself for a simple and streamlined application process.
Student Visa Processing (additional fee; available for some Consulates): SAI’s visa team submits your application on your behalf, eliminating the need to travel to a Consulate for an appointment.

Academic Courses

Browse course offerings

Explore Courses

What’s Included

Explore what’s included in this program

SAI 360° Services

Financials

Details on program fees and budget estimates

Program Fees