51福利社

Immerse yourself in experiential learning and spend the spring semester 2024 in Florence, Italy with 51福利社!  

Florence is the capital of the Italian region of Tuscany and is the birthplace of the Renaissance.  Known for its art, architecture and history, Florence is considered one of the most beautiful cities in the world. While in this unique environment you will experience Italian culture through study, instruction and immersion in daily Italian life.  Field trips and excursions are planned to other cities and regions in Italy as well.  

The SBCC Semester Abroad in Florence includes courses in European history, art history and the Italian language.  The program is academic in nature, but it also provides you with the opportunity to make new friends, become acquainted with Italy's living history and learn through direct experience with the Italian language, customs and cuisine.

February 3, 2024 (depart U.S.) - May 3, 2024 (depart Florence)
Easter Holiday: Saturday March 30, 2024 - Monday April 1, 2024
Spring break dates March 18-22, 2024

Professor David Elliott has been teaching European history at 51福利社 since 2000.  His graduate training at UCSB specialized in different aspects of this history, including a focus on the Italian Renaissance.  He has traveled extensively throughout Europe and has participated in study abroad programs there as a student in high school and in college.  Professor Elliott has previously directed two SBCC semester programs to Italy, the first in 2006, the second (accompanied by his wife, also an educator and seasoned traveler) in 2016 and the third one, cut short due to Covid, in spring 2020.  He strongly believes in the value of study abroad and is excited to be leading the program to Florence, Italy again in spring 2024.

  E-Mail: dmelliott@pipeline.sbcc.edu

To acquaint program participants with the cultural aspects of life in Florence, a series of mandatory as well as subsidized cultural some free or inexpensive activities is planned, such as walking tours, cooking classes, wine lectures, ballet, soccer matches, day trips to Pisa or other nearby locations, concerts and film nights. Additionally, there will be the following activities (activities are based on curriculum and are subject to change):

 - Full-day excursion to San Gimignano

- Two-day, one-night excursion to Venice with accommodations in a hotel including breakfast, and 24-hour vaporetto pass

- A two-day, one-night excursion to Rome with accommodations in a hotel including breakfast, where you can visit the  Rome city center, Vatican Museum (including Sistine Chapel), and the Roman Forum and Colosseum

- Half-day sighseeing walking tour in Florence with guide

- Local area walking tour

- Workshops with local staff about life in Florence and differences you will encounter

- Many more activities and excursions

You do not have to be currently enrolled at SBCC to apply for the program. However, you must meet the following requirements:

• Must be in good academic standing to participate in the program (2.0 GPA >)
• Must be at least 18 years old on the day of departure
• Must have successfully completed at least 12 college level units
• Must have a minimum grade point average of 2.5 or higher
• There is no major or language requirement for this program
  
  

After acceptance to the program and official program-go announcement:
- You must enroll at SBCC for the spring 2024 semester in order to participate in the program.
- You will need to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) of the U.S. Department of State   prior to departure.
-Covid vaccination is not required for this program, though it is strongly encouraged by SBCC and the service provider AIFS to be current on the vaccination. The Italian decree considers the vaccination current for nine months after the initial full dose and has no expiration on the booster
- You must follow the steps provided in the registration letter to register for courses on this program once registation opens for you. Course CRN numbers can not be accessed via the SBCC course catalog.
- You must complete, sign and return all legal documents to SBCC Study Abroad. Not submitting the required legal documents on time may cancel you from the program.

Acceptance and participation in the program is not guaranteed until you receive officiall notification from the SBCC Study Abroad office and you make your application fee payment, which will be invoiced by AIFS.

The courses that are offered as part of the program are usually transferable to the University of California and California State University. Check with your academic advisor for possible exceptions.  You must enroll in a minimum of 12 untis throughout the whole program. 

Classes offered on this program are:

HIST 103 History of Western Civilizations (3 Unit): Analysis and discussion of major ideas, attitudes and events that have shaped the Western mind and the structure of Western civilization. Emphasis on the relationship of ideas to their historical context. Traces civilization from the ancient world through the development of the nation-state system to 1660. SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area C. Transfer Information: CSUGE Area C2, CSUGE Area D6, IGETC Area 3B, IGETC Area 4F, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

HIST 104 History of Western Civilization (3 Units): Analysis and discussion of major ideas, attitudes and events that have shaped the Western mind and the structure of Western civilization. Emphasis on the relationship of ideas to their historical context. Surveys Western civilization from the era of Louis XIV to the present.SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area B, SBCCGE Area C, Transfer Information: CSUGE Area C2, CSUGE Area D6, IGETC Area 3B, IGETC Area 4F, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable, UC Transfer Limit:  and  combined: maximum credit, one course, C-ID: HIST 180.

ART 210 Survey Of Renaissance And Baroque Art (3 Units): Survey of the evolution of major styles, meanings, iconography and innovations in art during the Renaissance and Baroque periods, with investigation of the social, cultural, political and philosophical contexts of the art. Emphasis on the interdisciplinary aspects of expressive behavior during these periods. SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area C. Transfer Information: CSUGE Area C1, IGETC Area 3A, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

ITAL 101 Beginning Italian I (5 Units): Focuses on the essentials of spoken and written Italian for the beginner, and provides an introduction to the culture of Italian speakers.. SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area C. Transfer Information: CSUGE Area C2, IGETC Area 6A, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable ** if you have already successfully completed ITAL 101, please let the Study Abroad office know once you have been accepted into the program so we can look into alternative options for you.

 $8,195 without airfare (Subject to change)

* Based on 20 - 24 program participants
** Including $450 application fee (AIFS will charge a $35 returned check fee on each check returned by the bank for insufficient funds)
*** An optional Group Flight is available for an additional fee through AIFS from LAX to Florence and back to LAX. 

Includes: 

• Accommodations in a central hotel for the first night where AIFS staff will be on duty to answer any questions and help with the transition to Florence. The following day, after orientation, students will be transferred by taxi to the apartments. 
• Accommodations in apartments. See more under "Housing" 
• Required field trips and excursions (see "Highlights")
• Enrollment in CISI insurance plan and global app with access to "My Cisi"
• Welcome reception
• 24/7 AIFS emergency service
• Student medical insurance policy (please request brochure from AIFS or SBCC Study Abroad office for details)
• Pre-departure meeting at SBCC
• Orientation in Florence
• Access to student computer lab in the AIFS Student Center
• Local staff supporting you with information about the area and more

Does Not Include:

• Round-trip airfare or optional group flight
• Transportation to and from LAX
• Transfer from Florence airport (unless part of the group flight)
• Passport fee or  visa fees
• Additional liability insurance. (Students who carry costly laptops, cameras, cell phones and other valuables are strongly encouraged to purchase private insurance, which will cover them for any losses due to theft, damage, or other causes)
• SBCC registration fees (non-residents are required to pay out-of-state or out-of-country fees)
• Textbooks, food, personal expenses, and any other expenses not specifically listed as included
• Optional Single room supplement ($895 - see more under "Housing")
• Optional Meal Plan ($550 for 30 - See more under "Housing")
• Meals other than the welcome dinner
• Additional field trips and excursions to those listed
• Optional CFAR/IFAR Trip Cancelation insurance. More info
• Optional Medical Insurance upgrade ($65 - inquire with AIFS or SBCC Study Abroad office for details)
• Anything not specified

(2nd and 3rd payment to be made directly to AIFS)

$450 application fee due immediately after acceptance notification into the program but must be received no later than October 22, 2023. Make check out to AIFS and submit it to the SBCC Study Abroad Office.

$ 3,872.50 - 2nd program payment due November 10, 2023

$ 3,872.50 - 3rd program payment due December 7, 2023

OPTIONAL: 
AIFS Group Flight $1,260 payment due December 7, 2023
30 Meal Vouchers $550 payment due December 7, 2023
Single Room Supplement $895 payment due December 7, 2023
Medical Insurance Upgrade $65 payment due December 7, 2023

American Express, MasterCard and Visa are accepted by AIFS for the 2nd and final payment.

A $35 returned checkfee will be charged on all checksreturned by the bank for insufficient funds.

Please note that any student who is academically withdrawn by SBCC after your application has been processed by AIFS is subject to the standard refund policy.

Financial Aid students are responsible for paying by Friday, December 8, 2023, the airfare, an $850 program reservation deposit, payment for optional program components, and any remaining balance that will not be covered by aid.

Airfare is not included in the program price. You may make your own travel arrangements if you do not wish to travel with the group. Transportation to and from any of the airports are not included in the program cost and you will need to make your own arrangements if you don't fly with the group.

SBCC has contracted with AIFS to provide and optional group flight.

Airfare (payable to AIFS): $695.00 + $565 estimated tax and fuel surcharge = $1,260

• AIFS will reserve spaces on an optional round-trip group flight from LAX to Florence to LAX on a regularly scheduled airline according to the information provided by the student on the AIFS student online enrollment form (separate from the SBCC Program application.)  The group flight must have a minimum of 10 participants and will be cancelled if the minimum is not reached. Space on the group flight cannot be guaranteed after November 10, 2023.
• Students purchasing the group flight will be picked up and dropped off at the airport in Florence. AIFS can not arrange group flight tickets for students applying for the transportation package after November 10, 2023. Students must have been accepted into the program and chosen the transportation package via the AIFS online portal no later than October 26, 2023. 
• Group transfer is cancelled if the group flight is cancelled and students will be responsible for their own transfer arrangements to and from the student housing
• Participants missing the designated group arrival transfer are responsible for checking in at the designated arrival point and time on the scheduled date
• Detailed arrival information will be provided by AIFS to all participants approximately two weeks prior to arrival

 Transportation on site:

• Transportation and entries on all course-related visits and excursions are included
• Transportation to and from LAX is not included whether you are or are not on the group flight
• A 24-hour vaporetto pass in Venice is included 

Students will be accommodated in a central hotel for the first night where AIFS staff will be on duty to answer questions and to help with the transition to Florence. The following day, after orientation, students will be transferred by taxi to their apartments.

Program Housing: students will be housed in twin rooms in student apartments with cooking facilities in the Historical Center of Florence within 30-minutes walking radius of the Study Center. Typically 4 - 6 SBCC students sharing a two-or-three bedroom apartment. Adequate utilities will be provided up to a normal consumption for the duration of the program. Students will be expected to pay for anything above this amount directly to the Florence AIFS office before leaving the program. 

Venice: Students will be accommodated in twin or triple bedded rooms in a centrally located, tourist-class hotel with breakfast.

Rome: Students will be accommodated in twin or triple bedded rooms in a centrally located, tourist-class hotel with breakfast.

Exact housing placements will be given to participants upon arrival.

Pets are not allowed in program housing.

Optional Single occupancy supplement: Offered on a first-come, first -served basis on the main student housing option only. Additional fees would apply if students wished to upgrade to single occupancy on an overnight excursion. Please note that single occupancy rooms are not guaranteed. 

Single supplement: $895

Optional Meal Plan: 30 vouchers for use at local restaurants in Florence. The vouchers can be used for breakfast, lunch or dinner at selected restaurants. They have no cash value and must be exchanged for the set menu. Dietary requirements are catered for at a limited number of restaurant options.

Half-board options of breakfast and dinner is available to add to the program in the form of vouchers for use at the cafeteria. There is no cash option or refund if unused.

Meal Vouchers (30) $550

Application Deadline: October 22, 2023 - THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS

Start your application process well in advance of the application deadline. You will need to submit several required documents with your online application. Some of the documents need to be completed by school officials and other persons, which may take several days or weeks. You must have your completed required documents before you start your online application.

Required documents needed for your online application are:

1. A current photo. This should be a close-up headshot which clearly identifies you. Please do not wear sunglasses or hats.

2. Unofficial Transcript. SBCC students can follow THIS LINK for instructions on how to get their unofficial transcript. If you apply from another institution, he transcript must show the name of your institution, your full name, all the courses you have taken so far with the grades and GPA. Screenshots from your phone can not be accepted.

3. A completed Student Conduct Release Form. This form must be completed by the school official at your current or most recent institution who is responsible for Student Conduct. If that is SBCC for you, the form can be sent to Candee Gyll at gyllc@sbcc.edu. Be sure you complete the top part of the form and clearly identify the program you are applying for (Florence Spring 2024). Failure to clearly identify the program may result in a delay in processing your application and forms. 

4. Two recommendation forms. One form must be from a current or past professor/ teacher. The second form can be completed by a professor/ teacher, advisor, coach, manager or supervisor.

Downloadable forms:
- Student Conduct Release Form
- Recommendation Form Template

CLICK HERE for instructions to complete fillable PDF documents.

THIS PROGRAM IS FULL AND NO LONGER ACCEPTS APPLICATIONS

Please make sure you read the instructions on how to apply before starting your application. All information on the application will be lost when you close the application without submitting it.   Complete your required documents prior to starting the application. 

What happens after I submit my application:

After submission of your application it will be reviewed and forwarded to the program director David Elliott, who will reach out to you for an interview.  Interviews may be held in person or by phone, Zoom or Skype.
 
You will receive the acceptance decision in writing via email from the Study Abroad office once we have confirmed that you meet the requirements and have completed the interview. You are not officially confirmed on the program until you receive the notification fomr the Study Abroad Office (not the program director), return the Student Participation Agreement and pay the non-refundable application fee. 

Once you have officially been accepted to the program, the application will be forwarded to AIFS, our service provider for this program. We advise you to make sure you have the amount of the application fee set aside at the time you apply to the program.

Please review the cancelation policy below.
 
Subsequent payments must be made directly to AIFS. Failure to make any payment when due will automatically cancel you from the program one week after the payment due date. All payments are effective the day they are received by AIFS. 

For questions about the application or the application process please contact the Study Abroad office at 805-730-4294 or nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu. 

Any individual cancellation must be made in writing to Karen Winslow at kwinslow@aifs.com and Nicole Walther at nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu and is effective the date of the receipt by AIFS. 

When you withdraw from the program, there will be a refund according to the following schedule:

Withdrawal on or befor Friday, November 10, 2023: All fees paid less a $150 processing fee

Withdrawal after Friday, November 10, 2023, but on or before Friday, December 8, 2023: All fees paid less the $450 deposit/ application fee and any non-refundable deposits paid by the student or by AIFS on the student's behalf

Withdrawal after Friday, December 8, 2023: No refund and the total program fee is due

Withdrawal once the program has begun: No refund

Please note that any student who is academically withdrawn by SBCC after their application has been processed by AIFS is subject to the standard refund policy.

Participants will have the option of purchasing additional trip cancelation or interruption insurance which allows you to protect your study abroad program. This policy includes options to cancel for any reason (CFAR) and interrupt for any reason (IFAR). Details of the Worldwide Trip Protector Plans with travel insurance underwritten by the United States Fire Insurance Company, rated A (Excellent) by A.M. Best 2019, are available on the Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) website - . Students may purchase their plan directly through the CISI website.

Apply early because the number of places is limited and the program is likely to fill before the application deadline. 

You are required to submit a first payment of $450 as soon as you have officially been accepted into the program. This application fee is part of the program fee and will hold your spot. Should the program not meet its 20 student minimum participation, and the program does not move forward, this fee will be returned to you.

PROGRAM ORIENTATION

A mandatory pre-departure orientation meeting will be conducted at SBCC introducing the academic course work, addressing general aspects of study abroad and cross-cultural learning, and providing practical information regarding preparation and travel. Details will be provided to the program participants once they are available. 

A detailed itinerary of the program will be provided via e-mail by AIFS approximately 2 weeks prior to departure.

An on-site orientation in Florence held by AIFS on the day after arrival covers practical matters as well as aspects of cross-cultural living and learning, giving program participants the tools they need to make the most of their time in Florence. Practical walking tours of the areas in Florence around the AIFS Center will be conducted as part of the AIFS orientation in Florence.

The general orientation includes a tour of the AIFS facilities and addresses local customs, money, personal safety, emergency contingency plan, telephones, communications, transportation, etc. The housing orientation provides information specific to living in Florence and in the student residence. Orientation materials include maps, practical living information.

WEBSITES OF INTEREST:

For More Information...

51福利社
721 Cliff Drive 
Santa Barbara, CA  93109 
Phone: (805) 730-4294

AIFS - American Institute for Foreign Study
1 High Ridge Park
Stamford, CT 06905

Study Abroad Office

Nicole Walther 
International EducationCenter, Room 1
(805) 730-4294
nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu

Financial Aid can be used towards the program. You may also be eligible to apply for several Study Abroad Scholarships, such as the SBCC scholarships, Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship, Fund for Education Abroad Scholarships and more. Be sure to start your research early to not miss the application deadlines. Some deadlines may be up to one year prior to the program start. Visit our Financial Resources page HERE.

Information meetings are scheduled on the SBCC campus or virtual via Zoom. The info sessions are held by the program director, David Elliot. Please be sure to check in with professor Elliot at dmelliott@pipeline.sbcc.edu to confirm meeting times, locations or Zoom links. No rsvp required for any of the information meetings. Just stop by to meet the program director and learn about the program. Parents are welcome. 

WHAT? In- Person AND Zoom Information meetings
LOCATION? Center for Equity and Social Justice Room CC-228 (East Campus by the Cafeteria)
WHEN? Wednesday, September 6 at 2:00 pm
OR

WHAT? In- Person AND Zoom Information meetings
LOCATION? Luria Library - Faculty Meeting Room (L-137)
WHEN:
Tuesday, September 19 at 11:00 am OR
Wednesday, October 4 at 4:00 pm OR
Tuesday, October 17 at 3:00 pm OR

After registering for the Zoom session, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. No RSVP needed for the in-person session. Parents are welcome to join.