At Cattolica, students from around the world will experience a contemporary education in the heart of the dynamic, vibrant and stylish city of Milan. SAI’s 4 week summer programs allow students to enroll in two back-to-back 2 week courses for a total of 6 credits. Courses are taught in English and offered in a variety of fields including Business, Media and Communications, and Italian Culture. SAI offers two Summer 4 week sessions at UCSC, each with different dates and course options: Summer I and Summer II.
Application open until: March 15, 2026
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Classes include weekly site visits.
- Study at Europe’s largest private university.
- Get a taste of Italy while studying in a traditional Italian educational context.
Program Dates
Mid June 2026 – Mid July 2026
Eligibility Requirements
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.
Courses & Registration
Courses are held Monday – Friday. Students enroll in two back-to-back 2 week intensive courses. Upon applying to the SAI program, students will select one course for section 2 (course held during the first two weeks of the program) and one course for section 3 (course held during the last two weeks of the program). Course schedules are confirmed 4 weeks prior to the program start. Course days and times will be communicated at orientation in Milan.
Note: This program consists of back-to-back courses; students enrolling in this program must complete the full program length.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| March 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) |
| March 15 2026 |
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. |
| Coming soon |
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. |
| Coming soon |
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. |
| March 29 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| Coming soon |
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. |
| Coming soon |
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 | |
|---|---|
| Coming soon |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at the Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 12:00pm 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. |
| Coming soon |
Cattolica Orientation Mandatory UCSC orientation introduces students to their host school while covering academics, policies, and course registration. |
| Coming soon |
Classes Begin: Section 2 |
| Coming soon |
Classes End: Section 2 |
| Coming soon |
Classes Begin: Section 3 |
| Coming soon |
Classes End: Section 3 |
| Coming soon |
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 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 |
| 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 Milan |
$900 | $1,800 |
| 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!
- 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 Event
SAI welcomes students to Milan with aperitivi at one of the hidden and local trendy spots in the Naviglio district.
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.
Pirelli Hangarbiccoca Gallery Visit
Join us on a visit to the Pirelli HangarBiccoca, where you will be able to view contemporary pieces in one of Milan’s most iconic art spaces. Formerly a factory that manufactured train cars, the complex houses a reading room, bookshop, cafe, and three exhibition spaces.
Lake Como Day Trip
Students take a break from the bustling city of Milan and head to nearby Lake Como, which has been a popular retreat for the wealthy since Roman times. The group takes in the beautiful scenery on a boat ride backdropped by the snow-capped Alps, and then takes the funicular for a beautiful view of the lake and Bergamo Alps.
Farewell Aperitivo
Come celebrate a successful term abroad with a special aperitivo in the heart of Isola, an artistic neighborhood in Milan
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, 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.