AUF Career Certificate programs are subject-intensive programs offering pre-determined coursework for a full immersion and professional experience in a particular field. Career Certificate programs are open to traditional undergraduate students as well as nontraditional students interested in pursuing a new career path. The AUF Career Certificate program, Food, Wine & Wellness, is an introductory Year 1 program offering a foundational core of classes. Students can go on to complete Year 2, which provides specialization in one of four areas, and Year 3, which offers advanced master certification in two areas. The Year 1 Food, Wine & Wellness program provides a complete introduction to fundamentals in the field of gastronomy and wellness.
SAI Services
SAI 360° & Select Services available
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Passport scan (photo page)
Italian privacy consent form
Application open until: May 15
Apps accepted on a rolling basis
Program Dates
2024/25: Aug 27, 2024 – May 10, 2025
2025/26: Aug 26, 2025 – May 9, 2026
Dates may vary as a result of add-ons
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Subject Experience: To enroll directly into Year 2 (bypassing Year 1), students must demonstrate previous experience (see Details & Program Overview).
English Language: Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 500+ (paper-based), IELTS: 5+, OOPT: 50+, or equivalent.
Academic Year: High school graduate or above.
Program Overview
The career certificate program in Food, Wine & Wellness Studies (Year 1) offers a general overview of food, wine, and wellness fundamentals applicable to one of four specializations in Year 2:
- Baking & Pastry Specialization
- Culinary Arts Specialization
- Wellness, Health, and Nutrition Specialization
- Wine Studies & Enology 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 a solid foundation to build and grow a diverse skill set in the field of gastronomy and wellness, through a common core of introductory courses in professional cooking, baking techniques, nutrition, wine appreciation, Italian food traditions, and Italian regional cuisine and pastry. Special emphasis will be placed on basic cooking and baking methods and procedures, along with a focus on Italian cultural heritage and ingredient use in Italian dishes.
The program focuses on community engagement and experiential learning within the school’s CEMI (Community Engagement Member Institutions), internal internship placements within the school run restaurant and bakery, Ganzo & Fedora. These institutions are open to the local community, allowing for students to directly apply skills and knowledge to real-life situations.
Duration and Certification
Students complete two consecutive terms for a full academic year. Students who complete the full academic year will earn a certificate in “Food, Wine, and Wellness Studies.” 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 Food, Wine & Wellness Year 1 program, students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and demonstrate fluency in English.
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.
Year 3: Students wishing to further advance their studies after Year 2 with an Advanced Master Certificate can continue on to one of the Year 3 programs. (See Program Structure for pre-requisites and details).
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: Certificate in Food, Wine & Wellness Studies
Starting in the Fall semester, the Year 1 Certificate in Food, Wine & Wellness is comprised of two academic terms. 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 Food, Wine & Wellness courses are:
Optional intensive Italian Language (August intersession)
Fall semester
Introduction to Professional Cooking, Experiential Learning and HACCP Seminar
Wines of the World: The Old World
Baking Techniques I
Tradition of Italian Food I
Introduction to Nutrition
January Intersession
Special Project Experiential Learning
Spring Semester
Professional Cooking II: Cooking Techniques Experiential Learning
Wine Appreciation I: Wines of Italy
Breads of Italy: Traditional Breads, Flatbreads, and Rolls
Italian Regional Cuisine and Pastry
Lifetime Nutrition, Wellness, and Physical Activity
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:
- Baking & Pastry Specialization
- Culinary Arts Specialization
- Wellness, Health, and Nutrition Specialization
- Wine Studies & Enology Specialization
Year 3: Master Level Certificate
The third year offers advanced specialization courses and certification in one of two areas:
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 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
- AUF meal plan sample pack
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 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 Select Services includes the important on-site services!
- Program tuition, with U.S. academic credit
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 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
- Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Parent & family resources
- Student visa advising
- SAI alumni network
Please see the following links for up-to-date calendar information:
Academic Year 2024/25 pdf (154KB)
Direct Access 2024/25 pdf (154KB)
Academic Year 2025/26 pdf (154KB)
Direct Access 2025/26 pdf (154KB)
Financial Processing and Loans
To make a Career Program abroad more achievable, SAI is able to offer US students the ability to obtain a private loan through St. Martin’s University to pay for their program. As you reach the point of enrollment, the SAI Business Office can provide assistance with financial processing, as well as student loan applications. Please contact your SAI Admissions Counselor for details about the student loan process.
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$600 |
| Program Fee: Academic Year 2024/25 (360° Services) Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$26,500 |
| Program Fee: Academic Year 2024/25 (Select Services) Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
$14,750 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement (360° Services) Private occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$4,500 |
| Optional 3 week Italian Language Course Before regular term. |
contact SAI |
| Optional Non-Credit Internship (3 weeks) After regular term. |
contact SAI |
| Optional 3 Credit Internship (6 weeks) After regular term. |
contact SAI |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Price varies by private/shared occupancy and meals. |
contact SAI |
| St. Martin's University Loan Processing Fee Applicable to those wishing to utilize SAI's US School of Record to obtain a loan for their program. |
$1,000 |
| 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 Processing and Loans
To make a Career Program abroad more achievable, SAI is able to offer US students the ability to obtain a private loan through St. Martin’s University to pay for their program. As you reach the point of enrollment, the SAI Business Office can provide assistance with financial processing, as well as student loan applications. Please contact your SAI Admissions Counselor for details about the student loan process.
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$600 |
| Program Fee: Academic Year 2025/26 (360° Services) Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: Academic Year 2025/26 (Select Services) Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement (360° Services) Private occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$4,500 |
| Optional 3 week Italian Language Course Before regular term. |
contact SAI |
| Optional Non-Credit Internship (3 weeks) After regular term. |
contact SAI |
| Optional 3 Credit Internship (6 weeks) After regular term. |
contact SAI |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement Price varies by private/shared occupancy and meals. |
contact SAI |
| St. Martin's University Loan Processing Fee Applicable to those wishing to utilize SAI's US School of Record to obtain a loan for their program. |
$1,000 |
| 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.
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. Daily 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.