SAI’s internship programs invite participants to experience the professional working environment in Sicily, Italy, while building tangible skills in their chosen field. Completing an international internship also gives participants a competitive advantage in the global workforce by demonstrating cross-cultural competencies. SAI’s 8 week internships awards 6 US credits, and placements are available in a wide variety of areas, including Art & Design, Business & Finance, Humanities & Social Sciences, Tourism, and more. While Italian language proficiency is not required, it may open up more internship options.
Application open until: March 6, 2026
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Professional cover letter (see App Reqs)
Resume (see App Reqs)
Letter of rec (see 6/4/26)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Digital photo (passport style)
Privacy consent form
Highlights
- High quality internships available in a wide range of fields, from Business to Design.
- Take advantage of professional connections made in the workplace, while enjoying the support of SAI’s on-site team.
Program Dates
June 4, 2026 – August 1, 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: Sophomore or above (at least 2 completed semesters at application).
*contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Cumulative GPA:* 2.75 (on a 4.0 scale)
Italian Language: Italian language is not required, but it is helpful for expanding options.
Below please find more detail on the application requirements for this program:
Professional cover letter: The professional cover letter should include a self-introduction, as well as information about your professional sector of interest, and any reference contacts you wish to provide (recommended).
Resume: The resume should include a comprehensive description of your academic and professional experience to date. Feel free to include information about any special skills you possess.
Letter of recommendation: Please provide one (1) letter of recommendation. It may be from professors, university staff, or former workplace supervisors. Please do not provide recommendations from family members or social acquaintances; these recommendations should be academic or professional in nature.
Interview: Once your application is complete, your SAI Admissions Counselor will schedule a time for a virtual interview. This interview is an opportunity to discuss your goals for the internship, as well as a chance for you to ask any questions you may have about the internship placement process.
The SAI internship program is unpaid and awards 6 US academic credits, with grades assessed on a pass/fail basis.
The 8 week internship program consists of approximately 256 total hours of on-site professional experience (about 32 hours per week). Weekly totals may vary slightly, depending upon the needs of the organization where the student is placed. This intensive internship program is designed for college students and young professionals who wish to compress significant professional experience into a relatively short period of time.
Internships are available in a wide variety of fields, including (but not limited to) the following:
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Art
- Communications
- Culinary Arts
- Education
- Event Planning
- Fashion Design
- Finance
- Graphic Design
- Information Technology
- Journalism
- Marketing
- Psychology
- Sciences
- Social Services
- Tourism
To ensure maximum benefit from the internships, participants will reflect on their experiences throughout the term. Such guided reflection will consist of various assignments and self-evaluation exercises, and the keeping of a “work journal” throughout the course of the term. Details can be found in the syllabus.
Students will receive notification of their internship placement within 8 weeks of submitting their complete application and no later than 30 days before the program start date. Once notified, students must confirm acceptance of their placement within 2 weeks.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| March 6 2026 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (non-refundable, applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| March 6 2026 |
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. |
| March 6 2026 |
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 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. |
| March 20 2026 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| March 20 2026 |
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. |
| April 5 2026 |
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 | |
|---|---|
| June 4 2026 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| June 5 2026 |
Orientation Students are welcomed to the program with an orientation that introduces them to their program while covering safety, policies, academics, housing, and culture. |
| June 8 2026 |
Internship Begins |
| July 31 2026 |
Internship Ends |
| August 1 2026 |
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: 6 credits Includes internship placement, 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 Sicily |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$600 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $250 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Syracuse area Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$50 / month | $100 / 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!
- Internship placement for 256 hours over eight weeks
- 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
Welcome to Sicily! Students meet the on-site team as well as the other students in the program and sit down together for a Sicilian meal.
Visits to Archeological Sites and Museums
Discover the fascinating history of Sicily and Siracusa through its archeological sites and museums. Visit the Ancient Greek Theatre and Ancient Roman Amphitheatre in the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Check out the ancient ruins and artifacts displayed in the world class Paolo Orsi Archeological Museum. Walk amongst the first Greek temples in Sicily when you explore the historical layers in the ancient neighborhood Ortigia.
Boat tours and hikes in the natural reserves
Explore the natural beauty that Sicily is famous for, from its diverse coastlines to crystal clear seas. Visit nearby natural preserves, such as the Plemmirio Reserve and Vendicari Reserve for hikes, boat tours, and swims!
“Market to Table” Mediterranean cooking course
Learn about the cuisine of Sicily directly from a Sicilian chef! Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Ortigia street market as you shop for supplies. Learn about the importance of eating fresh, local, and seasonal foods while diving into the unique cultural blend that makes up Sicilian cooking.
Day Trip to Mount Etna
Visit the captivating INGV center in Catania that monitors volcanic activity at Sicily’s majestic Mount Etna – the tallest active volcano in Europe. Learn about volcanoes from an expert volcanologist and then head to Mount Etna to experience it first hand. Learn about the role that Mount Etna has played in shaping all aspects of Sicilian history and life, including the fertile soil that creates the abundance of fruit and vegetables Sicily is so well known for.
Visit Noto, Sicily’s “Golden City”
Explore Sicily’s “Golden City” that was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693 in the Baroque style. Enjoy a granita or other traditional Sicilian desserts at Noto’s famous pastry shop, Caffe Sicilia.
Day Trip to Taormina
Wander through the small historic center of one of Sicily’s most famous towns, Taormina. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Etna, visit the incredible Ancient Greek Theater, and explore the island and nature reserve of “Isola Bella.” Savor a sweet treat of granita at Taormina’s famous “Bam Bar.”
Weekend Excursion to Palermo
Travel to Northwestern Sicily to experience the vivacious capital and largest city of Sicily. Discover Palermo’s countless UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel, the churches of Saint John of the Hermits, St. Mary of the Admiral, and San Cataldo. Learn about Palermo’s history through food as you explore Palermo’s famous outdoor food markets, like Ballarò and Capo.
Farewell event
Say arrivederci to Sicily and the friends you’ve made as you enjoy one last dinner full of traditional
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.