John Cabot University

Fall Gap Semester Elective 2027

12 – 15 credits

Apply Now

Select a Program

Fall Gap Semester 2027

Rome, Italy

Program Overview

SAI Gap Programs are designed for high school graduates and offer access to university-level learning paired with unique exposure to the local community and culture. SAI gap semester students at JCU enroll in one Italian language course, one elective course with a focus on developing global awareness, and additional elective courses for a total of 12 – 15 US credits. Students benefit from program services geared toward gap students, including the Global Leadership Exploration Program, in which students complete community service, gain exposure to a range of career fields, and receive personalized guidance and mentoring from SAI staff on leadership, cultural competency, and value setting.

Highlights

Explore unique college courses and fields, alongside students from around the globe
Develop independence and leadership skills
Attend a US-accredited university in the Eternal City of Rome
Get involved with JCU’s robust student life offering

Key Details

Application Deadline

April 17, 2027

Program Fee

Coming soon

Program Dates

August 25 – December 11, 2027

Enrollment Deadline

May 1, 2027

Requirements

Age

18+

Academic Year

High school graduate

High School GPA

3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)

Application Materials

SAI application
Personal statement
High school transcript
Passport scan
2 academic letters of rec

Visa Required?

Yes

Academics

As a US-accredited university, JCU offers a wide variety of courses designed to offer a rich and well-rounded education, blending classroom learning with hands-on experiences. Students can explore everything from creative disciplines and cultural studies to professional fields and innovative programs, all while engaging with the vibrant history and community of Rome.

Courses & Schedule
SAI Gap program students enroll in 12 – 15 credits (12 recommended). Students must enroll in one Italian language course and at least one course that is designated a global awareness course. The remaining courses can be chosen from any electives, provided the student meets prerequisites.

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 bedroom in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom.	coming soon

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Financial Assistance
SAI offers discounts to students wishing to complete a Gap Year (two consecutive gap semesters). Additionally, students are able to apply for a personal loan through JCU to assist with paying for their SAI Gap Program. Please contact our Business Office for more information.

Financial Deadlines


Within 1 week of acceptance	SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable)
May 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.)
May 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.)
June 1 2027	SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Complete application due by 11:59pm Pacific Time.
June 15 2027	SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Applicable to students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment process.
July 1 2027	Balance of Total Program Fee Due

Budgeting


Airfare to/from Rome	$900 – $1,800
Student Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees (incl. possible travel fees–varying based on consulate location and student’s residence).	$300 – $1,500
Books, Supplies & Course Fees	$100 – $300 / course
Meals Includes groceries and eating out.	$650 – $850 / month
Personal Expenses	$300 – $450 / month
Transportation within Rome Public transportation with some taxi rides.	$125 – $150 / 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 – 8 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 – 8 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

Enrollment & Course Registration

Phone Interview & Consultation
After all application materials are submitted, students complete a phone interview and consultation with their admissions counselor. This call is meant to help admissions counselors get to know students and their interests, as well as for students to ask questions about the program and get assistance with determining what courses might be best suited for them.

Course Registration
SAI students complete their course registration directly with JCU through their JCU student account. Students receive their student account login about 1 week before registration opens. JCU courses are competitive, and students should complete their course registration on the registration date. JCU course registration begins on the following date:

Fall Semester: early June (date TBD)

Global Leadership Exploration Program

All Gap semester students complete the Global Leadership Exploration Program (Explore Program). The Explore Program is designed to enrich students’ experiences abroad and to provide additional support and structured exploration of global themes to students completing a gap semester program. Students enrolled in the Explore Program broaden their awareness of global issues and explore various career fields and themes, through research, engagement in community service, and interaction with experts and leaders.

Students enrolled in the program must:

Enroll in one (or more) global awareness course;
Engage in community service during the semester for a minimum of 15 hours;
Participate in four exploration activities, in which students join local leaders in various career fields in discussions about their field in a global context as well as their career path;
Maintain a journal of activities, observations and reflections on how their study abroad experiences may inform their understanding of global issues;
Meet with their SAI mentor to discuss leadership and career exploration topics;
Submit a 350-word career exploration paper that delves into a career field of interest and its evolution in a globalized world, and identifies one or two leaders in the field who are engaged in globally aware action.

Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a reference letter that confirms completion of the certificate and related activities, along with a certificate suitable for framing.

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.

Walking Tours & City Exploration

A group of study abroad participants pose for a photo in front of ancient Roman building.

Day Trips

Three women pose in front of a waterfall.

Walking Tours & City Exploration

People walking in a garden in front of old stone walls.

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