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.
Application open until: October 1, 2024
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Passport copy (photo & signature page)
Official high school transcript
Academic letter of recommendation
Italian privacy consent form
Supplemental JCU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Explore unique college courses and fields
- Develop independence and leadership skills
- Attend a US-accredited University in the Eternal City of Rome
Program Dates
January 15, 2025 – May 10, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
High School GPA:* 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 85+ (internet based) or IELTS: 6.5+.
The Global Leadership Exploration Program (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.
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.
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. We are happy to provide a list of suggested courses that will help to prepare students for their degree-seeking college coursework.
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.
Spring Semester: coming soon
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 1 2024 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closes as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| October 15 2024 |
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 1 2024 |
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 2024 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| Coming soon |
JCU Course Registration Opens Registration opens at 3:30PM Pacific Time. |
| November 15 2024 |
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 2024 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| January 15 2025 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students fly into Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO). SAI airport pickup is provided between 9:00am and 2:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| January 16 2025 |
SAI Orientation Mandatory SAI orientation is held at JCU and introduces students to their city while covering safety, policies, housing, and culture. |
| January 17 – 19 2025 |
JCU Academic Orientation JCU holds several-day orientation activities. In addition to the mandatory orientation, students have opportunities to take city tours, join clubs, and meet professors. |
| January 20 2025 |
JCU Classes Begin |
| January 24 2025 |
JCU Drop/Add Deadline |
| March 10 – 14 2025 |
Spring Break |
| March 24 2025 |
Last Day to Withdraw from a Class |
| April 30 2025 |
JCU Classes End |
| May 2 – 4 2025 |
Study Days |
| May 5 – 9 2025 |
Final Exams |
| May 10 2025 |
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). |
$19,950 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$1,500 |
| 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
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.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Rome |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Visa Visa and Permit to Stay fees. |
$250 | $275 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$100 / course | $300 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$650/ month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $300 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Rome Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$125 / month | $150 / 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 and provide assistance when needed
- SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
- Global Leadership Exploration Program with certificate and letter of recommendation
- 24-hour access to English speaking psychologist
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 20 meals at Tiber Café
- 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 to Rome and the Roman Hills
SAI welcomes students with a day trip to Frascati in the beautiful Roman hills. Students tour the town and discuss its history, enjoy the views from a family-run vineyard, and share a meal featuring local specialties.
A Taste of Rome Food Tour
Students get to know their new home by exploring the Trastevere neighborhood and tasting some of Rome’s most celebrated culinary traditions.
Ancient Appian Way Bike Tour
Students enjoy a guided bike ride down the Appian Way, an ancient Roman road that went to the eastern tip of Italy. After a morning of biking, the group stops for lunch in the Roman countryside.
Night Tour of the Vatican Museums & Sistine Chapel
This special night tour of the Vatican Museums is only available in the summer and fall months, and it’s truly one-of-a-kind. Students have the chance to admire the revered collection of art and gaze away at the astounding Sistine Chapel without the larger daytime crowds.
Treasures of Tivoli
Just a short train ride outside of Rome, Tivoli is a pristine mountain town with cascading waterfalls, exquisite gardens and world-renowned historical sites. Students tour one of Tivoli’s most enchanting gardens, Villa d’Este, which is a jaw dropping gem and a UNESCO world heritage site. The afternoon ends with lunch at a nearby farm featuring all locally produced specialties.
Italian Cooking Lessons
Students join Italian cooking lessons taught by local Roman Chef Andrea Consoli. Each lesson covers how to make a traditional Roman three-course meal that is easy to recreate independently. At the end of the lesson, students enjoy their own homemade Italian meal.
Farewell Evening
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.
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.