Study Abroad / Affiliated Programs

SAI Programs

SAI Programs

Saint Mary’s University students may study abroad in Europe.

SAI offers cultural and educational experiences abroad for students of all majors while providing them the opportunity to enroll in some of the finest schools available to English speaking students in Europe. All SAI programs award U.S. credit, and most SAI programming only requires English fluency.

Additionally, SAI on-site staff regularly organize social and cultural events for SAI students, including events held in cooperation with local students, such as sporting events and participation, museum visits, as well as volunteer community service opportunities.

Visit the SAI website

Locations

SAI Slideshow Presentation (link)

Florence

Study abroad amid the Renaissance.

The treasure that is the city of Florence has attracted visitors from every society, from Roman to modern times. Though Florence is an ancient city, the focal point today is its Renaissance art and architecture, which have contributed to it frequently being named one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Considered the birthplace of the Renaissance, its streets present a stunning reflection of the birth and development of modern society, which shifted importance toward the individual and creativity. Today Florence is also a busy center for art and design, home to top fashion, architecture and culinary delights. Click here to learn more.

Rome

Study abroad in the Eternal City.

It has been said that more than a lifetime is needed to experience all that the capital city of Rome has to offer. It is a city layered with art and antiquities encompassing 2,500 years of history – from the Coliseum, the Imperial Forum and the Roman Pantheon, to Vatican City, with the Sistine Chapel and Vatican museums. Regarded as a birthplace of Western civilization, Rome is a major tourist destination, although it maintains an authentic and traditional atmosphere in the peace of its small streets and the splendor of its piazzas bursting with life. Click here to learn more.

Milan

Study in the global fashion capital.

Milan is the industrial, commercial, and financial center of Italy and a leading global powerhouse. The city of Milan presents a harmonious fusion between stunning historical monuments such as the Milan Cathedral, cutting-edge fashion and design seen in the fashion district of Quadrilatero dell Moda, internationally recognized music and performance in noteworthy theaters, and the financial district of Porta Nuova teeming with powerful executives. Milan welcomes people from around the world, with one sixth of its population being foreign born. Click here to learn more.

Sorrento

Study on the Amalfi Coast.

Sorrento is located on the north end of the Amalfi coast, on the Mediterranean Sea. The natural beauty of the Sorrentine landscape with its mild climate, lively piazzas, vibrant cultural scene, lemon groves and the allure of nearby sights such as Pompeii, Capri and the Amalfi Coast all conspire to make Sorrento an inspiring location to study abroad. The town of Sorrento is quaint and gorgeous, nestled on the bluff above the sparkling sea. Click here to learn more.

Siena

Study where the streets breathe history.

Nestled in rolling hills in the heart of Tuscany, Siena was first settled during Etruscan times and during the time of Emperor Augustus, a Roman town was founded on the site of Siena. With its narrow winding roads and medieval architecture, Siena appears all but untouched by modern times. One can wander through tucked-away squares and tour museums and churches that are home to countless renowned works of Byzantine, Renaissance and High Renaissance art. Click here to learn more.

Sicily

Study on the Mediterranean.

The Italian island of Sicily is the largest in the Mediterranean, with idyllic climate, notable history, welcoming people, and beautiful terrain including Italy’s largest volcano, Mount Etna. The 2,700 year-old city of Syracuse (Siracusa in Italian) is a stunning seaside city on the southeastern coast of Sicily that was once a major Mediterranean power. Founded by Ancient Greeks, Syracuse was often described as “the greatest Greek city and the most beautiful of them all.” Ancient Greek structures and ruins dot the city and its surrounding region, in particular the district of Ortigia, which is the historic and cultural heart of the city. Click here to learn more.

Barcelona

Study in a vibrant Mediterranean city.

Barcelona has always been a vital hub for Europe and the Mediterranean. Dynamic and cosmopolitan, it is a modern city that also preserves its important cultural heritage and 2,000 years of history. Students studying abroad in Barcelona immerse themselves in the unique blend of Mediterranean beach lifestyle and European urban culture that defines the city. Known for its flavorful Mediterranean cuisine, lively nightlife, distinctive architectural and artistic highlights, and welcoming residents, Barcelona inspires visitors and locals alike. Click here to learn more.

Paris

Study abroad in the City of Lights.

One of the most beloved cities in the world, Paris awakens students’ creativity, sense of adventure and global understanding. Paris is known for its stunning neo-classical architecture, and its historical center has remained largely unchanged since the 1860s. The capital of France, Paris is a city for students to discover, with lively streets, stunning architecture, historical and contemporary art, fashion, and delectable food around every corner. Students living in Paris become a part of the international patchwork of citizens who make it their home. Click here to learn more.

Housing

SAI housing is included in 360° Services programs. Students can choose between:

  • Standard Housing, included in the program fee
  • Optional Housing, where available, which may incur an additional fee (ex. homestay with meals)
  • Alternate Housing, opting out of SAI housing (available in some instances)   

See each program for information on available housing options.

Costs/Scholarships

The cost of the program is approximately the same as tuition and room charges are for a regular semester on the Winona campus. In addition to that, there is a $1050 foreign study fee.

SAI is an affiliated program, as such, all federal and state aid (except work-study) and up to $2,000 in Saint Mary’s institutional aid may be applied to a program’s costs. However, certain forms of institutional aid, including tuition remission, the Catholic Educator Promise, and the Cardinal Promise, are not eligible for this $2,000 allocation.

Students may be eligible for SAI-sponsored merit & need-based scholarships as well as early application discounts.

Program Dates/Deadlines

Visit the SAI programs website for program dates and application deadlines.

Course placement is verified at the time of applicants acceptance, so students are encouraged to submit their application early.

Application Procedure

To be eligible, students need to be a Sophomore, Junior or Senior and have a GPA of 2.75 or better.

Apply Online – Print a copy of application and submit it to Study Abroad Office. One personal statement emailed to admissions@saiprograms.com. Tell us the reasons for your decision to study abroad, and what you hope to accomplish during your time. Essays are limited to a single page.

Submit Saint Mary’s required paperwork to the Study Abroad Office.  Applications available in the International Center, the Heights.

Acceptance is contingent on a thorough review of the student’s application and subsequent approval from SAI.

Find Us

The Heights International Center, Room 104
Winona Campus
Hours: Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.