SAI offers the opportunity for students to enroll in FUA short programs during the semester, which are designed to allow a great deal of flexibility for untraditional study abroad timing. FUA’s 3 week short programs offer four start dates in the fall, and four start dates in the spring. Short programs can be combined back-to-back to create a longer 7 week program. In each 3 week program students select 1 or 2 courses for a total of 3 - 6 credits.
Application open until: October 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
- Flexibility for untraditional study abroad timing
- Students can opt to take one 3 week short program or combine multiple sessions.
Program Dates
Session I: Jan 19 – Feb 12, 2027
Session II: Feb 16 – March 12, 2027
Session III: March 22 – April 9, 2027
Session IV: April 19 – May 8, 2027
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.
Short program students can apply for a part time 3 credit internship to be completed as part of the elective program. Students are placed in internships that complement their major or minor, and are supported by an internship supervisor. While Italian language proficiency is not required, it is helpful for expanding the placement options. At the completion of the internship, students produce an analytical report that synthesizes what they have learned. For more information on internships see FUA Internships.
3 Week Courses
Short sessions are comprised of 3 week courses, with a one week break between each when combining multiple sessions. The 3 week courses run Monday -through Thursday/Friday, with finals at the end of each 3 week period. Students select 1 or 2 courses for each 3 week session they are enrolled. Students are required to be enrolled in courses the entire program duration.
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 registration begins months ahead of the application deadline. Courses will fill on a rolling basis.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2026 |
Application Deadline Applications accepted after deadline as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 21 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. |
| October 21 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. |
| October 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| November 4 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| November 20 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 | |
|---|---|
| January 19 2027 |
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. |
| January 20 2027 |
SAI Orientation Events Students are welcomed to the program with an orientation that introduces them to their program while covering safety, policies, academics, housing, and culture. |
| January 26 2027 |
FUA Academic Events FUA orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to take city tours, join clubs, and meet professors. |
| January 27 2027 |
FUA Classes Begin |
| February 11 2027 |
FUA Classes End |
| February 12 2027 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2026 |
Application Deadline Applications accepted after deadline as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| November 18 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. |
| November 18 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. |
| December 2 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| December 18 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 | |
|---|---|
| February 16 2027 |
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. |
| February 17 2027 |
SAI Orientation Events Students are welcomed to the program with an orientation that introduces them to their program while covering safety, policies, academics, housing, and culture. |
| February 23 2027 |
FUA Academic Events FUA orientation includes academic policies and information, as well as opportunities to take city tours, join clubs, and meet professors. |
| February 24 2027 |
FUA Classes Begin |
| March 11 2027 |
FUA Classes End |
| March 12 2027 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2026 |
Application Deadline Applications accepted after deadline as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| December 22 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. |
| December 22 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. |
| January 5 2026 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| January 21 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 | |
|---|---|
| March 22 2027 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 2:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| March 23 2027 |
SAI & FUA Orientation Events Students are welcomed to the program with an orientation that introduces them to their program while covering safety, policies, academics, housing, and culture. |
| March 24 2027 |
FUA Classes Begin |
| April 8 2027 |
FUA Classes End |
| April 9 2027 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| October 15 2026 |
Application Deadline Applications accepted after deadline as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| January 19 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. |
| January 19 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. |
| February 2 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. |
| February 18 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 | |
|---|---|
| April 19 2027 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola (FLR). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 2:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| April 20 2027 |
SAI & FUA Orientation Events Students are welcomed to the program with an orientation that introduces them to their program while covering safety, policies, academics, housing, and culture. |
| April 21 2027 |
FUA Classes Begin |
| May 7 2027 |
FUA Classes End |
| May 8 2027 |
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: 3 weeks / 3 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 3 weeks / 6 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 7 weeks / 6 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 7 weeks / 9 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 7 weeks / 12 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement: 3 weeks Private occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement: 7 weeks Private occupancy bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
Coming soon |
| 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 for you 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.
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.
Pizza Making
SAI offers Italian Pizza making lessons by a local expert chef. Each lesson teaches participants how to make authentic Italian pizza. At the end of the lesson the group gets to feast on their own homemade pizza!
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!
Farewell Evening
Students celebrate the end of a successful term abroad and say their goodbyes over a delicious Italian meal.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient, clean, and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (upgrade to private bedroom available). Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared occupancy 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.