Program Overview
The career certificate program in Communication and Interactive Digital Media program (Year 1) offers a well-rounded foundation and application of interactive digital media approaches to communication, applicable to one of the four specialization areas in Year 2:

• Photography Specialization 
• Visual Communication Specialization
• Publishing Specialization
• Product Design Specialization

The Year 1 program includes a block set of courses that provide a structured learning experience and introduction to the field, with a focus on experiential learning and hands-on projects.

Program Objectives
This program will provide the student with a solid foundation to build and grow a diverse skill set in the field of digital creative arts and design, through a common core of introductory courses in digital and film photography, computer graphics and 3D computer design, magazine editing and publishing, creative video-making, product design, and 3-D printmaking.

Special emphasis will be placed on the acquisition of fundamental design and art skills, both computer and non-digital techniques, so students can create compelling visual media stories and messages.

The program focuses on experiential learning within the school’s two CEMI (Community Engagement Member Institutions),the Corridoio Fiorentino photography and design gallery, and Ingorda, the school’s press. The Corridoio Fiorentino gallery features the work of students, staff, and international artists, and Ingorda allows students and staff a platform to publish a wide variety of arts and culture subjects.  Throughout the program, faculty from the field of digital arts and communication closely mentor students.

Duration and Certification
Students can enroll in one semester (Fall or Spring) or complete two consecutive terms for a full academic year. Students who complete the full academic year will earn a certificate in “Communication and Interactive Digital Media.” All students receive undergraduate course credit and a US transcript issued by the University of South Florida upon successful completion.

Prerequisites
Year 1: To enroll in this Communication and Interactive Digital Media Year 1 program, students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate fluency in English. Students wishing to enroll in the Spring Semester only, must submit a transcript demonstrating successful completion of courses equivalent to the Fall term courses.

Year 2: Students wishing to begin at the Specialization Year (Year 2) can qualify for Year 2 with one of the following:

• Completion of Year 1 program
• Demonstrating completion of courses equivalent to Year 1 program (transcript required)
• Direct Access Track: completion of 2 required, predetermined courses in the sessions prior to the Year 2 start date. For more details about Year 2 programs, please refer to the Year 2 pages under Program Structure.

Optional Internships (fee applies)
Students who complete a full academic year can supplement their program with either a non-credit 3 week internship or a 3-credit 6 week internship in their field of study. This internship can be added in the summer sessions after the regular program has ended. Contact SAI for more details.

Optional Italian Language (fee applies)
Career Certificate program students can supplement their program with a 3-week 3 credit, intensive Italian Language course that takes place prior to the fall and spring sessions. Beginning, intermediate and advanced levels of intensive Italian language are offered. Contact SAI for more details.

Year 1: Communication and Interactive Digital Media
Starting in the Fall semester, the Year 1 Certificate in Communication and Interactive Digital Media comprises two academic terms. Please note that students also have the option to enroll in a single semester only. Each term features a set of four 3-credit courses and one 6-credit course, with a 1-credit Health and Safety seminar at the start of the Fall semester. In addition, there is also a mandatory, non-credit, experiential learning project during the January intersession prior to the start of the Spring semester.

The Year 1 Communication and Interactive Digital Media courses are:

Optional intensive Italian Language (August intersession)

Fall Semester
Introduction to Digital Photography Experiential Learning + HACCP Seminar
Introduction to Computer Graphics
Magazine Editing and Publishing I
3D Computer Design and Rendering
Visual Communication and Design Fundamentals Studio I

January Intersession
Special Project Experiential Learning
Optional: Intensive Italian Language

Spring Semester
Introduction to Creative Video-making Experiential Learning
Magazine Editing and Publishing II
Introduction to Film Photography
Introduction to Product Design
Introduction to 3D Printing and Fabrication

For the full detailed course descriptions please contact us.

Year 2: Specialization Certificate
Students can continue (or begin, see Prerequisites) their studies in one of four specializations:

• Photography Specialization
• Visual Communication Specialization
• Publishing Specialization
• Product Design Specialization

Career Certificate program students are offered the choice between SAI’s two services models: 360° Services, which includes our full services and housing; and Select Services, designed for more independent students and no housing. The program fee differs for the two service models (see Fees & Budgeting).

SAI 360° Services includes our full services!

• Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
• Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
• Airport pickup and transportation on arrival day
• Welcome reception and events
• SAI orientation to the host city and school
• SAI staff on-site dedicated to fostering a welcoming community for all students by providing assistance to diverse needs
• SAI Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities & trips outside host city
• FUA meal plan sample pack
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• 24-hour on-site emergency support
• Farewell event with all students

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
• SAI Student Visa consulting
• Assistance with financial aid processing
• Need-based SAI scholarships
• Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
• SAI Ambassador Program for SAI alumni, with paid internship opportunities
• SAI alumni network

SAI Select Services includes the important on-site services!

• Program tuition and US academic credit
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• SAI orientation to the host city and school
• SAI staff on-site providing assistance as needed and 24-hour emergency support

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• SAI Student Visa consulting
• Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
• SAI alumni network

Please see the following links for up-to-date calendar information:

Academic Year 2023/24 pdf (154KB)
Fall Semester 2023 pdf (152KB)
Spring Semester 2024 pdf (152KB)

*prices are subject to change

Housing is only included in SAI 360° Services programs. Students selecting SAI Select Services are responsible for securing their housing independently.

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.

Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
SAI homestay families are thoroughly screened and are accustomed to welcoming visiting students into their homes. Homestays provide a student shared or private occupancy private bedroom, with a shared bathroom, in the family home with basic furnishings. BreakfastDaily breakfast and weekday dinner are included Monday – Thursday (no meals on weekends). Please note that some homestays may be outside of the city center and require a commute to reach school.

Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.

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 Student Visa Processing Service is available for select consulates only, for an additional fee.