Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Spring Semester Elective 2028

12 – 18 credits

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Spring Semester 2028

Milan, Italy

Program Overview

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 earning a SAI Global Leadership Certificate as part of their programs.

Highlights

Enjoy studying in Italy’s most cosmopolitan city.
Option to earn a SAI Global Leadership Certificate.
Study at Europe’s largest private university located in the heart of Milan.
Explore this world-class capital of fashion and design.

Key Details

Application Deadline

October 1, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates

Mid February – Late May 2028

Enrollment Deadline

October 15, 2027

Requirements

Age

18+

Academic Year

Sophomore (2nd year) or above

Cumulative GPA

2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)

Application Materials

SAI application
Personal statement
Transcript
Digital photo
Passport scan

Visa Required?

Yes

Academics

The Cattolica International Curriculum has been created specifically for international students and courses are designed to be accessible to an international student body. Courses offer a rich and well-rounded education, blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences. 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.

Semester students have the option to add an intensive 2 week 3 credit Italian language course that takes place prior to the semester start.

Course Registration
Course registration for all elective courses (not including Italian Language courses) is completed via UCSC’s registration portal approximately 8 weeks prior to departure.

Explore Courses More Academics

What’s Included

This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!

Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
Comfortable and safe student housing
Airport pickup on arrival day
Orientation and welcome reception
Welcoming on-site staff
Student health insurance
SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
24-hour on-site emergency support
Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

Knowledgeable Admissions Counselors
Helpful pre-departure resources & groups
Student visa advising
Assistance with financial aid processing
Need-based SAI scholarships
Alumni Network & Ambassador Program

Financial Details

Program Fees


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).	coming soon
Optional / Additional Fees:
Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.	coming soon

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: Some US universities have a special payment arrangement with SAI, where your university covers part of your fees on your behalf, and you pay the remaining fees directly to SAI. Not sure if this applies to you? Check with your study abroad office or your SAI Admissions Counselor.

Financial Deadlines


Within 1 week of acceptance	SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable)
October 1 2027	50% of Total Program Fee Due (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after submitting the deposit.)
October 15 2027	Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process. (Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 business days after the deposit.)
October 15 2027	SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Complete application due by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
November 15 2027	SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process.
December 1 2027	Balance of Total Program Fee Due

Budgeting


Airfare to/from Milan	$980 – $2,000
Student Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees (incl. possible travel fees–varying based on consulate location and student’s residence).	$300 – $1,500 / course
Books, Supplies & Course Fees	$30 – $80 / course
Meals Includes groceries and eating out.	$650 – $850 / month
Personal Expenses	$350 – $450 / month
Transportation within Milan Public transportation with some taxi rides.	$150 – $250 / month
Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student.	$300 – $1,000 / month

Standard Housing:
Student Apartment | shared bedroom

(included in program fee)

SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 4 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Optional Housing:
Student Apartment | private bedroom

*additional fee applies

Private bedrooms in student apartments offer a private bedroom with a shared bathroom. SAI student apartments offer a comfortable, community-focused living experience in fully equipped spaces. Apartments typically house 2 – 4 students and feature a mix of shared-occupancy and private bedrooms, along with kitchen, bathroom, and a common area. Each unit is move-in ready with essential furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens, towels, and wireless internet. Housing is arranged as female, male, and, in select locations, gender-inclusive. SAI’s on-site staff are available to promptly assist with any maintenance needs throughout the program.

Academics & Certificates

Course Registration

Students select preliminary courses upon submitting their application to SAI. Final course registration for all elective courses will take place via UCSC’s registration portal called iCatt approximately eight weeks prior to departure.

Pre-Session Italian Language Course

Semester students have the option to add an intensive 2 week 3 credit Italian language course that takes place prior to the semester start (for a maximum of 18 US credits over the semester). The course meets five 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 (date TBA).

Optional Certificates

SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC)
The SAI Global Leadership Certificate (GLC) enhances a semester abroad through focused exploration of global issues, research, and engagement with local experts. Students develop critical thinking and leadership skills while gaining a deeper understanding of their host community. This credential highlights academic initiative and a global perspective.

SAI International Service Certificate (ISC)
The SAI International Service Certificate (ISC) offers students the opportunity to engage directly with their host community through volunteer service. Working with local organizations and supported by SAI staff, students build practical skills, cultural awareness, and meaningful connections. This certificate recognizes a strong commitment to service abroad.

SAI Viva Experience

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.

Passport & Visa

Passports
Passports should be valid for at least 3 months after planned departure from Europe.

Student Visas
U.S. students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Therefore U.S. students are required to obtain one for this program. Students with Italian/EU citizenship are exempt, and non-U.S. nationals should consult their local consulate for requirements.

SAI’s Student Visa Office supports students throughout the visa application process through the included SAI 360° Services. The following optional services are also available:

Student Visa Application Review (additional fee): SAI’s visa team provides a full review of your application to position yourself for a simple and streamlined application process.
Student Visa Processing (additional fee; available for some Consulates): SAI’s visa team submits your application on your behalf, eliminating the need to travel to a Consulate for an appointment.

Academic Courses

Browse course offerings

Explore Courses

What’s Included

Explore what’s included in this program

SAI 360° Services

Financials

Details on program fees and budget estimates

Program Fees