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FUA 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 AISH 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: now open
Closes:
Academic yr: June 15
Fall term: June 15
Spring term: Oct 15
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after deadline as space permits
Program Dates
Academic yr: Aug 29, 2023 – May 10, 2024
Fall term: Aug 29, 2023 – Dec 15, 2023
Spring term: Jan 23, 2024 – May 10, 2024
Dates may vary as a result of add-ons
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:
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 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 “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. 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:
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. 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 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:
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!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
SAI Select Services includes the important on-site services!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
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)
SAI Program Fees* | USD |
---|---|
Application Fee | $120 |
Security Deposit (per semester) Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
Program Fee: Fall Semester 2023 (360° Services) Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$15,500 |
Program Fee: Fall Semester 2023 (Select Services) Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
$11,225 |
Program Fee: Spring Semester 2024 (360° Services) Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$15,800 |
Program Fee: Spring Semester 2024 (Select Services) Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
$11,575 |
Program Fee: Academic Year 2023/24 (360° Services) Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$22,925 |
Program Fee: Academic Year 2023/24 (Select Services) Includes tuition and SAI Select Services, no housing (see What’s Included). |
$13,285 |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement – Semester (360° Services) Private occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,500 |
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement – Academic Yr (360° Services) Private occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$3,350 |
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 |
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
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.
SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development and social responsibility. We concentrate our programs in Europe, with a focus on in-depth learning of individual European countries and their unique global role in the geopolitical economy, humanities, and in the arts.