Immerse yourself in Tuscan life! SAI 11/12 week semester students at FUA can enroll in an 11 week session, or opt for the 12 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. Students in this program have opportunities to pair academic coursework with internships, and unique experiential learning courses for hands-on experience. SAI also offers a longer 15 or 16 week semester program at FUA.
Application open until: May 15, 2026
Apps accepted on a rolling basis
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo & signature page)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Complete an internship for credit.
- Enroll in unique Experiential Learning courses.
- Spend 11 weeks in Florence – No student visa required!
Program Dates
11 wk Semester: Sept 22 – Dec 12, 2026
12 wk Semester: Sept 21 – Dec 12, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above.
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 500+ (paper-based), IELTS: 5+, OOPT: 50+, or equivalent.
Internships & Special Project Experiential Learning
Semester students can apply for a part time 3-credit internship or special project experiential learning (SPEL) to be completed as part of the elective program. Students are placed in fields 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.
Program Structure: 11 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 11 week semester begin the program in Florence with 11 week semester courses. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.
Program Structure: 12 Week Semester
Students enrolled in the 12 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 11 week semester courses. 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 September 21, 2026. Read more about the course in a student blog post. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.
- 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 September 21, 2026. For more information and a full course description please see Courses.
3 Week Courses
Students enrolled in the 11/12 week semester program have the benefit of access to the 11 week courses and the 3 week short program courses that run throughout the 11 week. 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 II”, “Section: 3-Week Session III”, or “Section: 3-Week Session IV” on the course list.
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.
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.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| May 15 2026 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| May 1 2026 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| May 15 2026 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| May 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| June 1 2026 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| June 15 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| July 1 2026 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| September 22 2026 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 6:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| September 23 – 25 2026 |
Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| September 30 2026 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes Begin |
| November 4 – 10 2026 |
Midterm Exam Week |
| December 8 2026 |
Holiday (no class) |
| December 9 – 11 2026 |
Final Exams |
| December 11 2026 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes End |
| December 12 2026 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| May 15 2026 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| May 1 2026 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| May 15 2026 |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| May 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| June 1 2026 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for an SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| June 15 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| July 1 2026 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| September 21 2026 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at the designated airport location for the start of their 1-week course. SAI airport pickup is provided during the designated times, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| September 21 2026 |
Orientation Mandatory orientation introduces students to their field learning course and the city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| September 21 2026 |
FUA 1 Week Field Learning Class Begins |
| September 28 2026 |
FUA 1 Week Field Learning Class Ends |
| September 30 2026 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes Begin |
| November 4 – 10 2026 |
Midterm Exam Week |
| December 9 – 11 2026 |
Final Exams |
| December 11 2026 |
FUA 11 Week Semester Classes End |
| December 12 2026 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: 11 week Semester Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 12 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 room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
| Additional Course Credits Fee for enrollment over 15 credits. |
$550 / credit |
| Add-on Non-Credit and Field Learning Courses Fees vary and are paid directly to FUA. |
Contact SAI |
| Meal Plan Units Students can purchase meal plan units upon arrival directly from FUA. |
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
Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.
Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Florence |
$900 | $2,200 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $50 / course | $300 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650 / month | $850 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $400 / month |
| Transportation within Florence Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $175 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it 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
- 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 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.
Welcome Dinner
SAI welcomes students to Florence with a buffet of traditional Italian delights to mingle and get to know participants.
Florence Walking Tour
Students join SAI on-site staff for a practical walking tour of their new home to discover Florence’s historic city center.
Survival Italian Language
Students are offered a 3-hour survival Italian lesson during orientation week. It is a practical and hands-on approach to learning the Italian language. The intense lesson covers basic Italian conversation taught in the classroom and out and about in the city.
Hike to Piazzale Michelangelo
Located just outside the old city walls, Piazzale Michelangelo offers a bird’s eye view of the city of Florence. Students hike to the top, stopping along the way for gelato. As the sun sets over the city, the group can experience the centuries-old Vespers ceremonial chanting by Cistercian monks in the crypt of the Basilica of San Miniato al Monte.
Market Tour and Degustazione
A walking tour of the Historic Florentine food market and gourmet shops with a food expert where we will teach you about the production process of the Tuscan prosciutto, Pecorino cheese and much more. You will taste, learn and savor in each spot. The tour will begin in a charming café where you will be able to sip a cappuccino and discuss the Italian coffee rituals.
Italian Cooking Lessons
SAI offers Italian cooking lessons throughout the semester taught by a local expert Chef. Each lesson teaches students how to make typical Tuscan dishes and includes an appetizer, first course, and dessert. At the end of the lesson students feast on their own homemade Italian meal!
Traditional Bookmaking Workshop
Students are able to participate in the long history of bookmaking in Florence by creating a unique hand-sewn book using colored canvas and hand-marbled paper.
Pizza Making Class
SAI offers Italian Pizza making lessons throughout the semester taught by a local expert Chef. Each lesson teaches you how to make authentic Italian pizza from scratch. At the end of the lesson you get to feast on your own homemade pizza!
Local Artisan Tour
Students embark on a unique tour of the historic neighborhood of Oltrarno “beyond the River Arno.” The area is famous for its Renaissance palaces surrounded by thriving artisan quarters. The tour will include a visit to an artisan workshop, where students get a chance to see traditional, Florentine artisans at work.
E-Bike Tour in the Tuscan Countryside
For those looking to get some exercise and fresh air, SAI offers an e-bike tour to see the Tuscan countryside and beautiful views from the hills. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels as the bike is motorized.
Tour of the Boboli Garden
SAI students join a guided tour of the Boboli Garden located directly behind the Pitti Palace. Originally built in 1457 for the Pitti family, the palace later became the home of the Medici family. Today it houses several museums and galleries, and the Boboli Garden is among the largest parks in Florence and contains a large collection of sculptures dating between the 16th and 18th centuries.
Hike the Tuscan Hills
Students take an easy hike that begins in the town of Fiesole, perched on a hill overlooking Florence, which still holds ruins from its Etruscan settlement. A guided tasting of a selection of bruschette and local specialties follows the hike.
Farewell Evening
Students celebrate the end of a successful term abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious Italian meal.
The following housing options apply to the regular program. Please note that the 1-week field learning included in the 12 week program may have different housing arrangements during the 1-week course only.
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.
Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Europe.
Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, U.S. students studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.