Florence University of the Arts

Spring Semester Elective 2028

12 – 15 credits

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Spring Semester 2028

Florence, Italy

Program Overview

Spark your creativity in the heart of the Renaissance. SAI semester students at FUA can enroll in a 15 week session, or opt for the 16 week session that includes a 1 week field learning course prior to the regular session start. Students select multiple elective courses from the wide range of offerings for a total of 12 – 15 US credits. In addition to typical liberal arts courses, FUA includes such courses as Travel Writing, Pairing Food and Wine, Fashion Design, and Health Sciences. Semester students have opportunities to pair academic coursework with internships, the SAI Global Leadership Certificate, and unique experiential learning courses for hands-on experience.

Highlights

Earn a SAI Global Leadership Certificate or International Service Certificate!
Gain hands-on experience in experiential learning classes.
Complete an internship for credit.
Enjoy a variety of interesting activities included in your program!

Key Details

Application Deadline

October 1, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates: 15 Weeks

January 18 – May 6, 2028

Enrollment Deadline

October 15, 2027

Program Dates: 16 Weeks

January 17 – May 6, 2028

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 copy

Visa Required?

Yes

Academics

Florence University of the Arts (FUA) offers a wide variety of courses designed to give study abroad students a rich and well-rounded education. Courses blend classroom learning with hands-on experiences and experiential learning projects. Students enrolled in the 15 week semester begin their program with a 3 week elective course and then move into 11 week elective courses. Students enrolled in the 16 week semester add an additional 1 week field learning course before the regular semester.

Course Registration
FUA course registration begins months ahead of the application deadline and is open now. Courses at FUA fill on a rolling basis, and students seeking specific courses are encouraged to apply early.

Explore Courses More Details

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: 15 Week Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included)	coming soon
Program Fee: 16 Week Semester Includes tuition, 1-week field learning course, 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
Optional Student Residence Housing Supplement – Private Student residence housing in a private bedroom with a private bathroom.	coming soon
Additional Course Credits Fee per credit for enrollment over 15 credits.	$550 / credit

*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 Florence	$900 – $2,200
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	$50 – $300 / course
Meals Includes groceries and eating out.	$650 – $850 / month
Personal Expenses	$300 – $400 / month
Transportation within Florence Public transportation with some taxi rides.	$100 – $175 / month
Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student.	$300 – $1,000 / month

SAI Housing

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 – 9 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 – 9 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.

Standard Housing:
Student Residence | shared bedroom

(included in program fee)

The student residence offers a newly renovated housing experience that resembles a US dorm. This centrally located residence option houses students in shared double bedrooms with an ensuite bathroom. Residents have access to shared common spaces that include a kitchen, study rooms, cafe, gym, and laundry facilities. Bedrooms are furnished and include WIFI, AC, and heating. Please note that availability is limited, and students are placed in student residences on a first come first served basis

Optional Housing:
Student Residence | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

The student residence offers a newly renovated housing experience that resembles a US dorm. This centrally located residence option houses students in private bedrooms with a private ensuite bathroom. Residents have access to shared common spaces that include a kitchen, study rooms, cafe, gym, and laundry facilities. Bedrooms are furnished and include WIFI, AC, and heating. Please note that availability is limited, and students are placed in student residences on a first come first served basis.

Academics & Certificates

Program Structure

Program Structure: 15 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 15 week semester begin the program with a 3 week course during session I. After session I ends there will be a 1 week break prior to the start of the 11 week semester courses. Session I courses are listed on the course list and marked as “Section: 3-Week Session I”. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.

Program Structure: 16 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 16 week semester begin the program with a 1 week field learning course (see course options and highlights below). Following the 1 week course students begin their 3 week course during session I. After session I ends there will be a 1 week break prior to the start of the 11 week semester courses. Session I courses are listed on the course list and marked as “Section: 3-Week Session I”. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.

Cultural Introduction to Italy (1 week / 3 credits): This traveling field learning course gives students the opportunity to delve into Italian culture through lectures, visits to cultural sites, and food tastings. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week traveling course arrive in Rome on January 17, 2028. Read more about the course in a student blog post.
Cultural Introduction to Florence (1 week / 3 credits): This field learning course provides students an in-depth introduction to Florentine culture. Please note that students enrolled in this 1 week course arrive in Florence on January 17, 2028.

For more information and full course descriptions please see Courses.

Course Registration

SAI students complete their course registration directly with FUA through the FUA student portal. Upon confirming enrollment in the SAI program at FUA, students receive information for creating their FUA student portal and selecting their classes. Note: All courses must meet the minimum enrollment of 12 students to run; therefore, all registrations require selection of an alternate course for each primary course choice.

FUA course registration begins months ahead of the application deadline and courses will fill on a rolling basis as they reach capacity.

3 Week Courses
Students enrolled in the regular semester program have the benefit of access to the 11 week semester-long courses and the 3 week short program courses that run throughout the semester. The short program courses meet daily Monday – Thursday/Friday for 3 week periods. The 3 week short course offerings are indicated as “Section: 3-Week Session I”, “Section: 3-Week Session II”, “Section: 3-Week Session III”, or “Section: 3-Week Session IV” on the course list.

Internships & Experiential Learning

Internships & Special Project Experiential Learning
Students can apply for a part time 3 credit internship or special project experiential learning (SPEL) to be completed as part of the program. Students are placed in field internships that complement their major or minor, and are supported by an internship supervisor & the FUA internship coordinator. While Italian language proficiency is not required, it is helpful for expanding the placement options. At the completion of the internship or SPEL students produce an analytical report that synthesizes what they have learned. For more information on internships see FUA Internships.

Experiential Learning
Many FUA courses incorporate experiential learning components, involving hands-on projects. Courses which include experiential learning components will include this information in the course details & syllabus. Students will work & collaborate within the FUA Community Engagement Member Institutions (CEMI) to fulfill various projects & tasks as part of their coursework. These practical assignments take place on-site and will occur outside of the regular class sessions, with varying shifts assigned from Monday to Friday (occasional weekend shifts possible), including the possibility of later evening hours. For more information see FUA 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

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.

Orientation & Cultural Integration

Young women pose in a group photo in front of a mirror.

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