Immerse yourself in the ancient beauty of Rome! SAI students studying at JCU select 4 or 5 courses from the wide range of disciplines offered for a total of 12 - 17 credits. Courses available include Art History, Business, Political Science, and Communication, among many others. Semester students have the option of enrolling in the SAI Global Leadership Certificate, or completing a part-time internship, to further their academic and community involvement.
Application open until: October 1 , 2024
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Transcript
Digital photo (passport style)
Passport copy (photo & signature page)
Italian privacy consent form
Supplemental JCU privacy consent form
Highlights
- Earn a Global Leadership Certificate or Certificate in Entrepreneurship
- Attend a US-accredited University in the Eternal City of Rome
- Explore courses in Race and Gender, Art History, Engineering, and more
Program Dates
January 15, 2025 – May 10, 2025
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
English Language:* Non-native English language speakers must submit TOEFL: 85+ (internet based) or IELTS: 6.5+.
Internships
Semester students with junior or senior class standing can apply for a part time credit or non-credit internship to be completed as part of their elective program. JCU’s selective internship program offers a wonderful opportunity for motivated students to pursue a major or minor field of study under the guidance of an internship supervisor. For more information on internships see JCU Internships.
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).
International Service Certificate
The SAI International Service Certificate is awarded to SAI semester students who are motivated to engage with and give back to their host community. Supported by SAI on-site staff, students who earn the certificate gain valuable skills collaborating with local community groups, and obtain a unique perspective of their host city. Volunteers are able to explore a field of their interest, and build skills that can transfer into their future careers. For more information see SAI International Service Certificate.
Certificate in Entrepreneurship
JCU offers a Certificate in Entrepreneurship, which provides students with a taste of the entrepreneurial world early on in their careers. Students that successfully complete the program will acquire a good understanding of how to identify, evaluate and execute business ideas; meet entrepreneurs, investors and scholars in the discipline; apply their new knowledge to a real project or situation; and gain a tangible way to signal their interest in entrepreneurship on their resume. To apply, students must register for at least one pre-approved entrepreneurial course (see below) and fill out an application once in Rome. To earn the certificate, students attend 3 entrepreneurship events throughout the term and write summaries of each, and produce a final reflection paper. Students receive an official JCU certificate, which can be added to a resume.
Pre-approved entrepreneurial courses:
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship
- International Entrepreneurship
- Strategic Decisions in Entrepreneurship
- Social Entrepreneurship
- Entrepreneurial Finance
Courses & Schedule
JCU courses run Monday – Thursday, and SAI students are free to enroll in any combination of elective courses.
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
Honors Program
Students with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 have the option of taking specially designated Honors Courses for 4 academic credits. Students who register for such courses as Honors Courses must complete additional assignments (e.g., research papers or portfolios) in which they delve more deeply into the subject matter in question. Students taking a course as an Honors Course also enjoy additional mentoring time with the instructor. For more information on the Honors Program see JCU Honors.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| October 1 2024 |
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) |
| 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 |
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 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 (no class) |
| 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 |
| Extra Credit Fee Additional fee for each credit over 17 credits. |
$1,350 |
| 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.
In addition to SAI scholarships, eligible students are encouraged to apply for the JCU Columbus Guarini Scholarship (external link), available to Italian descendants with financial need.
| 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 JCU meal plan, 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
- 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.
Olive Oil Harvest & Tasting
Students will visit an olive grove farm in the countryside of Rome where they will learn how Italy’s prestigious extra-virgin olive oil is produced. They will see firsthand how olives are harvested from groves and visit a traditional frantoio (olive oil mill) to see the olives being freshly pressed into oil. Finally they will taste the oil and enjoy a light lunch featuring the freshly pressed olive oil.
Discover Monti
Once the slum of ancient Rome, Monti is now one of the city’s coolest and most charming neighborhoods home to vintage stores, art studios, chic cafés, and quaint squares. Students will visit Domus Aurea (“Golden House”), an impressive palace built by Emperor Nero, and go on a virtual reality tour. They will then explore the neighborhood’s shops and conclude with lunch at a famous local trattoria.
Ancient Rome Tour
Visit the Centro Storico, Rome’s historic center, and step back in time on a guided tour of some of the most iconic monuments of the eternal city: the Spanish steps, Trevi Fountain, Pantheon, and Piazza Navona.
Hike to Janiculum Hill
Walk up to the Janiculum Hill for a bird’s eye view of Roma! As the sun sets over the city, enjoy a refreshing “grattachecca” – Italian ice – and take in the amazing views of your new home!
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.
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). 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.