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SAI semester students at UCSC enroll in 3 - 5 elective classes from the variety of English-taught courses to complete a total of 12 - 18 credits. Course options include such titles as Luxury Business Insights, Creative Italian Storytelling, and Sustainable Growth and Appeal of the Italian Culture of Food. Students interested in completing Italian language courses can do so during the semester or enroll in an intensive 2 week language course that takes place prior to the regular semester start. Students also have the option of completing a part-time internship or earning an SAI Global Leadership Certificate as part of their programs.
Application: closed Nov 1
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Updates
Program Dates
February 12, 2023 – May 27, 2023
dates may differ as a result of add-ons
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore (2nd year) 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: 79+ or IELTS: 6+, or proof of attending school in English for 3+ years.
Global Leadership Certificate
Students can supplement a regular semester of studies with the SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC), designed to enrich students’ experiences and to acknowledge their academic and service work by providing an additional credential beyond a university transcript. Students enrolled in the Global Leadership Certificate program broaden their awareness of global issues and deepen their knowledge of the host community’s role in an increasingly interconnected world through exploration of research, engagement in community service and interaction with experts and leaders. Students interested in applying for the GLC should select the program at application. GLC applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or higher (on a 4.0 scale).
Program Add-On: Pre-Session 2 week Italian Language Course
Semester students have the option to add an intensive 2 week 3 credit Italian language and culture course that takes place prior to the semester start (for a maximum of 18 US credits over the semester). The course meets 5 days per week for a total of 45 hours, and is best suited for students with no prior knowledge of Italian, or those with some basic knowledge. Students can also pair this pre-session course with a regular semester Italian language course in order to maximize language learning. Please note: students enrolled in this program add-on will arrive in Milan two weeks prior to the start of the regular semester (January 29, 2023).
Program Add-On: Part-Time Internship
Semester students in their junior or senior year can apply for a part-time 3 credit internship to be completed as part of their elective program. Students are placed in internships that complement their major or minor, and complete 120 – 150 hours of internship work, which could include interning in a company’s office or conducting research or specific projects for the company. Students completing an internship must enroll in an Italian language course during the semester as well as the pre-session 2 week Italian language course. For more information on internships see UCSC Internships. Please note: students enrolled in this program add-on will arrive in Milan two weeks prior to the start of the regular semester (January 29, 2023).
Part-Time Internship Application Requirements
Students wishing to participate in a part-time internship during their semester should select the program add-on at application.
Courses & Schedule
The majority of UCSC courses are held 2 days a week, Monday through Friday. SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses.
Course Registration
Students select preliminary courses upon submitting their application to SAI. Students wishing to enroll in Italian Language courses must select the course during the application process. Students complete official course registration for all elective courses (not including Italian Language courses) via UCSC’s registration portal approximately one month prior to departure.
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
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November 1 2022 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
October 1 2022 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
October 15 2022 |
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. |
November 15 2022 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline SStudents wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
December 1 2022 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
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February 12 2023 |
Regular Semester Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive into the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) or Milan Linate Airport (LIN). SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
Coming soon |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
February 14 – 16 2023 |
UCSC Academic Orientation UCSC holds week-long orientation activities. In addition to the mandatory orientation, students have opportunities to take city tours, join clubs, and meet professors. |
February 20 2023 |
Semester Classes Begin |
March 3 2023 |
Last Day to Add or Drop a Class |
April 6 – 11 2023 |
Spring Break (no class) |
May 19 2023 |
Last Day of Classes |
May 22 – 26 2023 |
Final Exams |
May 27 2023 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
* Students opting to add the Pre-Session Italian language course and/or internship program arrive in Milan two weeks prior to the start of the regular semester (January 29, 2023).
SAI Program Fees* | USD |
---|---|
Application Fee | $120 |
Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
Program Fee Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$14,350 |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Program Add-On: Part-Time Internship Required for students participating in a part-time internship. |
$615 |
Program Add-On: Pre-Session Italian Language Course Two week course that takes place prior to the regular semester. Includes housing with shared occupancy room. |
$750 |
Program Add-On: Optional Private Room Housing Supplement during Pre-Session Italian Language Course Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$250 |
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,300 |
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
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 an 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 Milan |
$900 | $1,800 |
Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees. |
$150 | $250 |
Books, Supplies & Course Fees | $30 / course | $50 / course |
Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$400 / month | $800 / month |
Personal Expenses | $350 / month | $450 / month |
Transportation within Milan Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$100 / month | $250 / 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!
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
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 Event
SAI welcomes students to Milan with aperitivi at one of the hidden and local trendy spots in the Navigli district.
Survival Italian Language
SAI offers Survival Italian lessons that cover basic conversation and useful phrases. Students learn to ask for directions, shop with local fruit vendors or order a cappuccino at the local cafe. The lessons provide a practical and hands-on approach to learning Italian.
Duomo Rooftop and Milan Walking Tour
Students admire the architecture of the spire-laden Duomo up close as they walk among the buttresses and statues and enjoy a panoramic view of the city from the rooftop. Following the tour, the group discovers the fashion district including the Galleria, Montenapoleone and La Scala.
Day Trip to Pavia
The group will explore the enchanting city of Pavia, full of history and monuments. The group will discover this beautiful city by foot admiring the Strada Nuova and Vittoria Square and then passing by the Visconteo Castle and the Covered Bridge. After a typical local lunch the students will head to explore one of the wonders of Italy: the Certosa di Pavia, the Carthusian Monastery and Complex.
Cooking Lesson
Students have the opportunity to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine while creating their own antipasto, primo and dessert!
Wine Tasting in Franciacorta and Lake Iseo Eexcursion
Students learn about Italian sparkling wines in the Franciacorta region by visiting a local producer. After a guided tour of the wine cellars, the group will enjoy a light lunch accompanied by gorgeous award-winning wines. The day ends at Lake Iseo, the Pearl of Italy’s Lake District.
Visit to La Scala Opera House
SAI students get an exclusive look behind the scenes of one of the most famous opera houses in the world, the Teatro della Scala. The group explores some of the history of this marvelous building, the famous people who have graced its stage and see the set design of the current show.
Farewell Event
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 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 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.
Students must appear in person at the Italian Consulate to present their student visa application. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in getting ready for the appointment; SAI provides student visa consulting for all our students at no cost.
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.