01. Am I eligible to apply? Is there a G.P.A. requirement?
Students are required to be 18 years of age and have a minimum GPA of 2.75. Students with a GPA less than a 2.75 will be considered on an individual basis, and should contact the Study Abroad Italy office to discuss enrollment.

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02. What about students with Learning/Physical disabilities?
Study Abroad Italy is dedicated to providing education abroad opportunities to students with physical disabilities or learning difficulties. If you experience any learning difficulties (e.g. dyslexia) which may interfere with your ability to pursue an academic course, and which you wish to be taken into account, please notify Study Abroad Italy during your application. Although we may not be able to offer any specialized instruction or resources, we can offer understanding and respect, and will do our best to replicate any assistance (extra time in tests, etc.) offered at the student's home institutions. Regarding physical disability, it is important to note that Italy’s infrastructure and ability to accommodate disabled individuals differs from what is available in the United States. Among our program choices, certain sites are better equipped to assist students with disabilities than others. As this may be a factor in choosing which SAI program abroad to attend, please notify us of any and all disabilities before application.

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03. Can I get a scholarship or other financial aid?
SAI awards a number of full and partial tuition scholarships each term. See our page on scholarships for more information.

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04. Can non-US students enroll?
Yes. JCU is an American university, but it caters to students from all over the world. The presence of students of many nationalities stimulates cultural exchange and enriches the scholastic environment.

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05. What programs does the school offer?
At John Cabot University (JCU) in Rome, Study Abroad Italy is pleased to offer students the following programs: Semester; Summer; Academic Year. The school offers only undergraduate coursework.

See our program pages for details.

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06. Does the School offer excursions or field trips?
A large number of classes at John Cabot University involve field trips which take advantage of the cultures preserved in the city of Rome. In addition, our on-site SAI program coordinator in Rome offers a series of additional optional day or weekend excursions each semester. Information on all available excursions will be sent out to students prior to their departure.

See our excursions page for details.

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07. Is the School accredited? Can I get US academic credit?
John Cabot University is accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, 3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104; Tel. (215) 662-5606. Accreditation by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education is an expression of confidence in an institution’s mission and goals, its performance and its resources. Accreditation by a regional accrediting association certifies to other educational institutions and the public that an institution has been evaluated, meets or exceeds established standards, and is achieving its own goals.

Transcripts: Students attending the SAI Rome program at John Cabot University (JCU) will receive US credit directly from JCU, since JCU is a US accredited university.

See our US Credit page for details.

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08. How do the course numbers work?
John Cabot University course codes consist of a pair of alpha characters which signify the subject area and one 3-digit numeric component. The numerical character designates the level of the course.

For example: AH 223 Ancient Roman Art and Architecture
AH: Art History
223:Lower Division course

Generally, undergraduate course (100 to 399) credits may be transferred toward fulfillment of requirements for the Bachelor's degree. The significance of the numerical portion is as follows:
100 - 299 Lower Division courses
300 - 399 Upper Division courses

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09. What is the grading system?
JCU uses the grading system used by most schools in the United States, the 4.00 scale. On this scale, 4.00 is the highest possible score and 0.00 is, of course, the lowest. Teachers ascribe letter grades (A,B,C,D, or F, sometimes followed by a + or -) to the performance of each student in his or her particular class, and the University in turn translates these letters into numerical values on the 4.00 scale. See the following table for a grading reference:

10. Are courses taught in English?
Since John Cabot University is an American University, all courses are taught in English with the exception of Italian language (immersion style for English-speakers) and other classes marked "in Italian" in the catalog and class schedules.

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11. Who teaches at the school?
John Cabot University prides itself on the diversity not only of its students, but also of its faculty. The faculty of John Cabot University have earned degrees from such internationally respected colleges and universities as Cambridge University, Harvard University, Rutgers University, Johns Hopkins University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Chicago, Stanford University, California Institute of Technology, The London School of Economics, and Oxford University, just to name a few.

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12. How many students are in each class?
Studio courses have a maximum of 20 students.
Academic courses have between 7-18 students.
Lectures can have up to 30 students.

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13. Do I have to take Italian?
While Italian Language is not required, it is highly recommended that visiting students take a course in Italian at JCU as part of their curriculum.

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14. Do I need to take placement exams?
An Italian language placement exam is administered to those students with some knowledge of Italian who plan to enroll in an Italian course. The exam is used to determine the student’s level of proficiency in order to ensure correct course selection. All placement exams are administered during orientation week.

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15. Do I have to buy books or pay any lab fees when I arrive?
You can expect to spend $200-250 U.S. dollars, depending on the number and type of courses selected.  All students are required to purchase the required textbooks that have been assigned by their professors.  Books and supplies are purchased at one of two university bookstores located close to the JCU campus.  Books and supplies are purchased from the Anglo American bookstore in Via delle Vite, near Piazza di Spagna (the Spanish Steps).

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16. Do I need a visa?
All students must obtain a student visa (see our page on visas). Upon acceptance, SAI will send you the application procedures for your student visa. It is very important that you start this process as soon as you are enrolled in the program, as the procedure will take time. For some Italian Consulates, SAI is able to handle the visa processing for you, and the fee for this service can be found on the Costs page.

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17. How do I travel to Italy?
Student should arrange to fly into Rome. See our travel advice page for details.

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18. Are there group flights?
Group flights are not offered through Study Abroad Italy; students must make their own flight arrangements.

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19. Can I arrange an airport pickup?
All SAI students arriving at the Rome airport on the official check-in date will be met by an SAI representative who will coordinate shuttle transfer to the school for program check-in, apartment check-in and cell phone pick-up. After check-in, students and their baggage will be taken directly to their apartment. This service is at no cost to the student, and is covered by program cost.

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20. Can the Host School store advance shipments of my belongings?
We recommend that you do not ship your belongings to Rome unless you will be there to receive them. JCU has no facility to store shipments.

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21. Where is the School located?
Rome is the Eternal City, where history and great art come alive on the streets. There is the Vatican Palace, with its masterpieces by Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, and Raphael; the Pieta, Bernini fountains, and the Renaissance architecture of St. Peter's Basilica; and archeological sites where ancient cultures are uncovered. Today Rome is a vital European center for religion, business, film, art and fashion, and home to one of the largest university student populations in the world.

The neighborhood of Trastevere, the location of John Cabot University, is quiet and friendly, yet exciting discoveries are around each corner. A thriving community of musicians and artists, Trastevere's gardens and cafes, parks and family businesses give way to the grander scale of the palaces, churches and fountains of Rome.

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22. What is the city like? Is it safe?
Rome poses no special threat to visitors in either health or safety. It is perfectly safe to drink water from a faucet and to eat at any restaurant. As elsewhere in Italy, pickpockets are a menace, especially in crowds, on buses, and near the train station. Fanny packs and purses are easy prey to thieves. Women traveling alone will draw attention from Lothario-types, and walking alone after dark should be avoided (take a taxi).

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23. What's the best map/guide book?
Most good bookstores have maps of European countries and cities. The best series of guide books for Italy is the Blue Guide series. In addition to maps, these guides will provide you with cultural and historical information as well as restaurant and hotel suggestions. Blue guides are published for Southern Italy, Northern Italy (including Milan), Florence, Rome and Sicily.

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24. What will the weather be like/what should I wear?
Fall Term
The hottest months in Rome tend to be August and early September, so be prepared for very warm weather. Temperatures will reach into the high nineties accompanied by some humidity. The temperatures from the end of October to the end of February are generally chilly and windy, and you can expect rain. It can get rather cold during these months, so pack some heavy clothes - socks, sweaters and a coat.

Spring Term
Weather during the spring semester will require clothing for both cold and warm weather. Most of the rain falls in the winter and spring months, from the end of October until about the middle of April. Even during the late winter and early spring when the days are sunny and pleasant, it can get quite cold during the days and evenings. Heating is expensive in Italy, so be sure to bring enough warm clothing to keep you warm inside and out. Slippers are a great idea for lounging in your apartment. From April to the end of the term, the weather can get quite hot and summery.

Summer Term
Expect the summer to be hot. Keep in mind, however, that in early summer (June) the evenings can be cool. Items such as jeans, light shirts and light jackets for the evenings should be included in your wardrobe.

What to Wear
Remember to layer! The weather can go from warm to quite cool rather quickly. Living on the sea requires adapting to rapidly changing weather patterns. It is always a good idea to bring comfortable shoes and clothing because you will be doing a lot of walking. Also, some excursions will require you to come in contact with relatively rugged terrain.

Italians normally do not wear shorts unless they are at the beach. American visitors to Italy are invariably identifiable by wearing shorts and flip-flops in public. While this is more a cultural choice, you should not wear shorts, sleeveless blouses or t-shirts when entering Italian churches or other holy places, as a sign of respect. You may notice that, in general, Italians dress slightly more formally than Americans. It is not uncommon to see men dressed in shirt and tie and women in elegant attire when they go out on the town or on a Sunday stroll.

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25. Where will I live?
SAI, with our rental agency partners, offers shared student apartments in Rome, but students are welcome to arrange their own accomodations if they wish.

Study Abroad Italy aims to create a comfortable living environment for each student by providing safe, well maintained student-level housing in quality apartments. Our staff will be on hand to greet and help orient you to your new city, and will remain available throughout the school term to answer questions and help with any maintenance needs that may arise.

See our housing page for details.

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26. What furnishings will be in my apartment?
Each student shared apartment is equipped with the following: basic kitchen supplies; furnishings; one set of sheets per student; washing machine and iron.

Apartments are NOT equipped with: towels (students should pack or purchase towels in Rome); telephones (students can use their cell phones); clothes dryers (Italians use clothes lines).

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27. Will I have a phone?
Study Abroad Italy provides all students with rental cell phones free of charge for the duration of their stay in Italy. No charges are made for incoming calls and text messaging received while in Italy. If a student opts to use the cell phone to make outgoing calls and/or text messages, relevant charges will be billed on a call by call basis.

For registration and billing information see: http://www.studentcells.com

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28. How do I receive mail in Italy?
Even though you may be in your own apartment or living with a family in Rome, your name is not likely to appear on the mailbox. Have all mail sent to you at the school. Your mail should be addressed to:

Student Name
c/o John Cabot University
Via della Lungara, 233
00165 Rome,
Italy

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29. Should I bring my laptop computer? [return to top]
Bringing a laptop is fine as long as you know that it can handle the different electrical current in Italy (220V). Bear in mind that if you plan to use your laptop for Internet connection, telephone charges will apply, which are very expensive. Therefore, we suggest that you plan on using one of the convenient cyber cafés in Rome. Joining a cyber café is inexpensive and convenient, and most remain open late at night.

A laptop is not necessary for your courses at John Cabot University.

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30. What about Internet access?
Study Abroad Italy provides all students with the opportunity to rent a laptop modem while abroad through “Student Free Move”, our partner in Florence. Modems will allow students to access the internet from their laptops anywhere in Italy where cell phone reception is available.

Modems are available for the following SAI programs: Florence, Milan.

Technology:

Student Free Move uses brand new HSPDA technology with a speed of 7.2 Megabyte/sec (where available) with state-of-the art USB modems for both Mac and Windows, including Vista.

Cost:
The cost of this service is 49 euro/month, plus a one-time set up fee of 25/euro.
The monthly rate includes unlimited usage with an allowance LIMIT of 5 Gigabytes per week. NOTE: When accessing the internet outside of Italy roaming charges will apply.

Students will be informed via text message and email when they have passed the 80% usage amount in a single week. Again, when the student has passed the 95% usage amount, another warning email and text message will be sent to the student, warning them to stop usage or they will incur extra billing charges.

Please click on the following link for more information about costs: http://www.studentfreemove.com/rates.htm

How to Sign up:

Students sign up by accessing www.studentfreemove.com and go to the registration form.

Billing for Modems:

“Student Free Move” processes all billing for their modems, directly with each student, and students must present a valid credit card in order to purchase the modem plan. Study Abroad Italy makes this option available to students, however SAI is NOT part of Student Free Move and its billing practices. Once you have obtained a modem please direct all questions to Student Free Move.

Also, the JCU computer laboratories provide a central point for students to work on computer science projects, prepare business presentations, write compositions and papers, check and send e-mail, and surf the Web. The labs contain IBM and IBM-compatible personal computers equipped with the latest software, as well as high-speed printers and a full-color scanner. John Cabot's computer facilities are staffed with well-trained professionals and student assistants available to help. This provides students in all academic areas an excellent learning opportunity in the fast-growing fields of information technology and computer applications.

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31. How should I handle money while abroad?
We suggest that you arrive with enough cash to pay for your initial costs (essential food items, books and supplies, etc.). After that, it may be best to use your ATM card to withdraw money from your US account as needed. ATM cards are probably the easiest way to handle money; there are plenty of compatible ATMs in Rome. Check with your bank to ensure that your PIN number is valid in Europe. When planning major expenditures, remember that you will have the same daily withdrawal limit (about $300) as at home. ATMs in Rome have instructions in English.

Try to keep 150 euro in cash with you at all times in case of possible emergencies. There are three basic ways of obtaining euros in Italy: traveler’s checks, ATMs and credit cards.

Traveler's checks in U.S. dollars are widely accepted. In Europe, US traveler's checks often get a better exchange rate than plain cash. American Express traveler's checks can be cashed anywhere.

Visa and MasterCard are universally accepted; American Express and Diners Club less so; Discover not at all. Using your credit card at ATM's for a cash advance will work if you have a valid PIN number. You may also request a cash advance on your credit card at any bank.

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32. What's the exchange rate for Euro?
For exact current figures: Currency Converter

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33. What is the cost of living?
The cost of living in Rome is similar to that in the U.S. In Italy, a cappuccino costs about $1.50 and fruits and vegetables are perhaps a little less expensive than in the States, especially if you buy them at the open market. Telephones, on the other hand, are more expensive in Italy, as is energy in general (gas, electricity, gasoline), so things tend to even out. If you cook in your own house, you can live relatively cheaply. Italian consulates expect you to have about $1,000 - $1,200 per month for your stay in Italy, and this is a good estimate of the basic living cost.

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34. Can I get a Job in Italy?
Legally, you are not permitted to work as a foreign student in Italy. The school cannot be helpful to you in securing work.

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35. Am I Insured?
Study Abroad Italy automatically provides all students with an HTH Worldwide Insurance "Health Select Overseas Policy". Prior to your departure, you will receive an email explanation of benefits, as well as instructions on how to print your ID card from HTH and an "HTH (UNICARE) Authorization Form". This form must be completed, signed and returned to the Study Abroad Italy Office as soon as possible prior to departure.

See out insurance page for details.

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36. Sample budget

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