Take courses in the vibrant city of Milan! SAI semester students at UCSC enroll in 4 - 5 elective courses for a total of 12 - 18 US credits. Courses are taught in English and are offered in a variety of fields, including business & economics, international relations, fashion & design, communications, psychology and more. 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 a SAI Global Leadership Certificate as part of their programs.
Application closed
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 18, 2024 – June 1, 2024
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).
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 (February 4, 2024). Students wishing to participate in the 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 8 weeks prior to the start of the program.
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 (February 4, 2024).
Pre-Departure Calendar | |
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October 15 2023 |
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 2023 |
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 2023 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
October 29 2023 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
November 15 2023 |
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 1 2023 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
On-Site Calendar | |
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February 18 2024 |
Regular Semester Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at 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. |
February 19 2024 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
February 20 – 24 2024 |
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 26 2024 |
Semester Classes Begin |
Coming soon |
Last Day to Add or Drop a Class |
March 28 – April 2 2024 |
Spring Break (no class) |
May 24 2024 |
Last Day of Classes |
May 27 – 31 2024 |
Final Exams |
June 1 2024 |
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 (February 4, 2024).
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). |
$16,000 |
Optional / Additional Fees: | |
Program Add-On: Part-Time Internship Required for students participating in a part-time internship. |
$600 |
Program Add-On: Pre-Session Italian Language Course Two week course that takes place prior to the regular semester. Includes housing; cost varies by private or shared occupancy room. |
$750 – $900 |
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$3,500 |
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 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 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 Textile Factory and Lunch
Students will visit a textile factory specialized in ribbon accessories of all kinds, located just outside of Milan. After a special look inside this local fashion accessory business, students will enjoy lunch at an Agriturismo.
Gallery Visit to the Armani Silos
The Armani Silos offer an overview of over 40 years of the designer’s career, including 400 outfits and 200 accessories from Giorgio Armani’s ready-to-wear collections from 1980 to the present.
Day Trip to Turin
There’s a whiff of Paris in Turin’s elegant tree-lined boulevards and echoes of Vienna in its stately art nouveau cafes, but make no mistake – this elegant, Alp-fringed city is filled with everything that makes Italy charming. The industrious Torinese gave the world its first saleable hard chocolate and Italy’s most iconic car, the Fiat. Students will spend a day discovering this royal and industrial city.
Cooking Lesson
Students have the opportunity to learn the secrets of Italian cuisine while creating their own antipasto, primo and dessert!
Wine Tasting
Students will meet at a Milanese Enoteca to learn about Italian wines. A local sommelier will give students a background to each wine, which will then be paired with suitable appetizers.
Chocolate Experience
Students visit a typical chocolate factory run by the same family for over 100 years. The group will experience a tasting journey through different kinds of “cioccolatini” with an opportunity to experience the real Italian hot chocolate.
Milan Coffee Festival
Students get an inside look into the world of Italian coffee and the various ways to prepare it. The activity includes tasting of the different types of Italian coffee.
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: Campari tour & Aperitivo
Students tour the Campari headquarters and “toast” to the end of a successful term abroad.
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.
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.