51福利社

Immerse yourself in Rome, the Eternal City, with 51福利社 in Spring 2025! This semester abroad includes courses in contemporary literature, writing, Italian Language, and Art History while living "la dolce vita" (the sweet life) in the historic city center. The program is academic in nature, but it also provides opportunities to make new friends, explore personal interests, and become acquainted with Italy's living history. 

The program will also include an overnight group excursion to Florence. Students are welcome and encouraged to use Rome as their springboard for further European travel. Please email Jordan Molina (jlmolina1@pipeline.sbcc.edu) if interested and with any questions. Ciao!

Depart the U.S. Sunday, February 2, 2025
Arrive in Rome on Monday, February 3, 2025
Spring Break Dates: Monday, March 31st  to Sunday, April 6th
Depart Rome on Friday, May 2, 2025

Professor Jordan Molina has been teaching English at SBCC for eight years and previously taught in San Diego County for six years. She earned her M.A. in English, with an emphasis in American Literature, from SDSU. She enjoys teaching composition, literature and non-fiction. Jordan has traveled extensively throughout Europe to England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Greece, and, of course, Italy--which is, without a doubt, her favorite country to visit. Professor Molina is thrilled to share her love of all things Italian with her students: the food, culture, and history! She will be travelling to Rome with her husband, Chad, and sons, Dane and Cole.

Students are welcome to contact Professor Molina via email at jlmolina1@pipeline.sbcc.edu

As part of the academic program, students will participate in many excursions, including: (These excursions are tentative and subject to change)

• Walking tours and sightseeing walking tour in Rome
• Workshops with local staff about life in Itay
• Guided tours to the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill and the Vatican Museums
• Two-day, one-night excursion to Florence with guided walking tour
• Three-day, two-night excursion to Sorrento and Pompeii icluding day excursion to Capri
• Weekly program of subsidized cultural activities such as walking tours, cooking classes, wine lectures, bellet, soccer matches, day trips, concerts and film nights

 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
• 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
• ENG110 Pre-requisite for ENG240 and ENG 271 NF courses
• There is no major or language requirement for this program
• Must submit the non-refundable application fee/ deposit upon acceptance notification to confirm the spot on the program. The spot is not confirmed until the fee has been received
• Due to the ENG courses, there is an ENG110 pre-requisite for this program

After acceptance to the program and official program-go announcement:
- You must enroll at SBCC for the spring 2025 semester in order to participate in the program.
- If you have not completed ENG110 at SBCC, but have completed an equivalent course at a different college or have completed an AP English Test with a score of 3 or higher, please view options for clearing a prerequisite on the website.
- If you are currently taking ENG110 at SBCC, please provide the name and contact information for your professor so a progress report can be requested.
- 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 to 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 14 units throughout the whole program. Please note the ENG110 Requirement.

Classes offered on this program are:

ENG 240 Contemporary Fiction (3 Units)
Prerequisites:  or .
Course Advisories:  or .
Reading of representative works of 21st century and late 20th century fiction. In-depth exploration of representative fiction with such themes as alienation, spiritual search, identity quests, etc.
SBCC General Education: SBCCGE Area C
Transfer Information: CSU GE Area C2, IGETC Area 3B, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

ENG 271NF Creative Writing: Non-fiction (3 Units)
Prerequisites:  or .
Course Advisories:  or .
Advanced study and practice of creative writing in non-fiction genres. Transfer Information: CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

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: CSU GE Area C2, IGETC Area 6A, CSU Transferable, UC Transferable

 $8,995 (subject to change)

* based on 20-24 students
** includes mandatory international health insurance through CISI insurance plan
*** does not include flight, tuition, books
**** includes $450 Initial Deposit

Below information is tentative and is subject to change until the program is finalized.

Program Fee Includes:

- Accommodations (see details under "Housing")
- All required field trips and excursions including the transportation and entry fees to/from/on excursions (see 'Program Highlights")
- 1 month travel pass for unlimited travel on public transit in the central zones of Rome
- Pre-departure orientation by SBCC (on-campus)
- Rome on-site orientation
- 24/7 emergency service with local number to reach on-site staff and toll-free number in the U.S. 
- CISI insurance plan
- AIFS tour manager
- Student Medical Insurance 

Program Fee Does Not Include:

- Round-trip airfare (an optional group flight is available through AIFS) see "Travel"
- Passport or visa fees, if applicable
- Meals other than those listed
- SBCC tuition, fees, books (non-residents are required to pay out-of-state or out-of-country fees)
- Additional field trips and excursions to those listed
- Ground transfer from and to the Rome airport is only included for those students on the group flight. Students who purchase their own flight tickets may request a seat on the pick-up directly from AIFS on a space-available basis and an additional fee may be requested by AIFS
- Quarantine housing in case of Covid infection (please go to "Housing" for more details on Quarantine housing costs)
- Optional Trip Interruption or Cancellation Insurance via AIFS or you can secure you own plan individually)
- Personal expenses

Optional Insurance upgrade: Optional Extra Protection Insurance Coverage, including increased medical insurance as outlined in the AIFS insurance brochure. Cost: $65 (Choose this option in the AIFS portal)

Optional Meal Plan: 25-vouchers for use at local restaurants in Rome. 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. Cost: $575 (Choose this option in the AIFS portal)

Optional single room supplement: Students can request a single occupancy room where available. This is offered on a first-come first-serve basis and applies to the main student housing option only. Additional fees would apply if students wished to upgrade to single occupancy on overnight excursions. Single occupancy rooms are not guaranteed. Cost: $2,150 (Choose this option in the AIFS portal)

Optional Trip Interruption and Cancellation Insurance: SBCC students will have the option of purchasing additional trip cancellation or interruprion insurance which allows  you to protect yoru 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 are available on the Cultural Insurance Services International (CISI) website: You may purchase your plan directly through the CISI website.

$450 Initial Deposit due immediately after being accepged into the program to confirm your spot. (Payment made through the AIFS Student Portal no later than November 8, 2024)

$4,272.50  - 2nd payment due November 22, 2024

$4272.50 - Final payment due by December 13, 2024

All payments for the program cost and/or group flight must be made to AIFS by each participant. Payment amounts may vary if you choose the group flight, single housing supplement, optional Trip Interruption or Cancellation insurance, meal vouchers or enhanced medical insurance.

Air Transportation. SBCC has contracted with AIFS to provide travel and housing arrangements for the Rome Spring 2025 Semester Program.

Once the program has reached its 20-student minimum and has officially been given to "Go", AIFS will organize an optional round-trip group flight from LAX to Rome on a regularly scheduled airline.

Airfare is not included in the program price.. The airfare package is optional to student participants and offered on a space-available basis. 

The group flight must have a minimum of 10 participants by October 25, 2024.  AIFS can not arrange airline tickets for students applying after Friday, November 8, 2024.

Estimated cost of group flight:  $745 plus $510 taxes & surcharges = $1,255 (Choose this option in the AIFS portal)

• AIFS representative(s) will meet the participants of the group flight at the appropriate airport in Rome
• For the group arrival transfer, AIFS will arrange a coach bus or taxi transfer from the Rome airport to the designated arrival point in Rome.
• Participants missing the designated group arrival transfer are responsible for checking in at the designated arrival point and time on the scheduled date of arrival and are responsible for all transfer arrangements and costs.
• Detailed arrival information will be provided to all participants approximately two weeks prior to arrival.
• Participants who are unable to check in at the designated arrival point and time may be required to make and pay for their own accommodations for the first night.
• On the group departure date, AIFS will arrange a group transfer (via coach bus and/or taxi) from the designated departure point in Rome to the Rome airport.
• Transportation to and from LAX are not included

You may make your own travel arrangements if you do not wish to travel with the group. If you wish to utilize the AIFS group airport transfer, you must arrive before the group and meet up with them at the airport. You must let AIFS know directly in advance. Transportation is on a space-available, first-come, first-serve basis and an additional fee will be charged by AIFS. Transport can not wait for students if individual flight is delayed.

Other Transportation:
Travel Pass: A month travel pass for unlimited travel on public transit in the central zones of Rome for the first month of the program. Students may recharge their travel passes or purchase individual tickets for the remaining time of the program on their own.

- Double/triple occupancy rooms in shared student apartments with a kitchen, bathroom, and general living area
- Mixed gender housing (no mixed rooms)
- Pets are not allowed in program housing
- Exact housing placements will be given to participants upon arrival (roommate requests can be made until the pre-departure meeting in December)

Single Room Supplement: Students can request a single occupancy room where available. This is offered on a first-come first-serve basis and applies to the main student housing option only. Additional fees would apply if students wished to upgrade to single occupancy on overnight excursions. Single occupancy rooms are not guaranteed.

Additional cost for single room: $2,150 (Choose this option in the AIFS portal)

Should participants have to self-quarantine outside of program housing due to a positive test for COVID-19 during the program or due to local quarantine mandates for international travelers upon arrival, AIFS will assist in locating temporary housing for the participant as quickly as possible.

The cost for quarantine housing is the responsibility of the student and will be invoiced to the student directly by AIFS.

Optional Meal Plan: 25-vouchers for use at local restaurants in Rome. 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 to for a limited number of restaurant options.

Meal Voucher: $575 (Choose this option in the AIFS portal)

Application Deadline:  October 27, 2024

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.

All 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. The transcript must show the name of your institution, your full name, all the courses you have taken so far with the grade and your GPA. Screenshots from your phone can not be accepted unless each image identifies your institution and your name.

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 (Rome Spring 2025). 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. Please ask to have the form sent back to you so you can upload it with your online application.

Instructions for the Student Conduct Release Form and Recommendation Form before starting your online application: 
1. Download each fillable PDF form and save them to your computer.
2. Complete the parts as instructed in the document and save the form again with the changes.
3. Email the forms with your information to the individuals who will complete them and request they return them to you.
4. Once the forms have been returned to you, click on the Online Application link below to start the application process.
5. Upload all required documents with your online application.
6. You will get to a screen that confirms your application and all forms have been submitted. If you do not get to that screen, your application has not been submitted.

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

Please make sure you read all the instructions on how to apply before starting your application. All information on the application will be lost when you close the site.   You will need to complete your required documents prior to starting the application. 

After submission of your application it will be reviewed and forwarded to the program directors, who will reach out to you for an interview.  Interviews may be held in person or by phone or Zoom.
 
You will be notified of your acceptance into the program in writing via email from the Study Abroad office. You are not officially confirmed on the program until you receive the notification, make the non-refundable $450 fee payment directly to AIFS via their Online Portal and return the signed Student Participation Agreement, which will be sent with the acceptance notification. 

Once you have officially been accepted to the program, you will need to register online with AIFS and make the payment of the application fee. The non-refundable $450 application fee will secure your spot in the 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 program 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. Tuition and fees is paid to SBCC upon registering for the courses.

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 AIFS and is effective the date of the receipt by AIFS. In addition, students must e-mail the SBCC Study Abroad office at nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu to confirm their withdrawal

If an individual student withdraws there will be a refund according to the following schedule:

Withdrawal on or before: Friday, November 8, 2024 - All fees paid less a $150 processing fee.

Withdrawal after Friday, November 8, 2024 but on or before Friday, December 13, 2024 - All fees paid less the $450 deposit and any non-refundable deposits paid by the student or by AIFS on the student鈥檚 behalf.

Withdrawal after: Friday, December 13, 2024 - 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.

In case of program cancellation during the program, AIFS will assist students with organizing return tickets home. Any additional charges for transportation or housing will be at the student's expense.

We encourage all participants to purchase a Trip Cancellation policy. AIFS offers and optional via CISI

Please refer to and updates and consult the updates

In addition, if you are planning on traveling outside of Italy, please keep in mind that the majority of European citizens are now fully vaccinated, and local regulations provide the freedom to explore, learn, travel, and partake in the unique cultural experiences we have offered for many years. In most cases, however, these freedoms apply solely to fully-vaccinated individuals (or those who have recently recovered from COVID-19). 

All program participants deserve a transformational academic experience abroad and should be permitted equal access to all elements of their international program.

Traveling in the Schengen area prior to or after the program dates: You can not stay more than 90 days in the Schengen area. If you plan on traveling prior to the start date of the program, or after the program ends, you can not stay in the Schengen area as the program is 88 days long. You may leave the Schengen area any chance you get during the program (i.e. on weekends when no mandatory excursions are planned) to subtract days from your total stay in the Schengen area. Leave the Schengen area via an airport so you have proof of exiting the Schengen area. You will most likely not be able to apply for any type of visa to stay beyond the 90 days. However, you may call the Italian embassy to inquire and SBCC Study Abroad can provide you with a letter of proof of your program participation including program dates upon request.

Service Provider: AIFS Customized, Faculty Led Programs are a division of the American Institute For Foreign Study (AIFS). AIFS was founded in 1964. Since then, over 1.6 million students have participated in our educational and cultural exchange programs. Over 6,000 American college students study abroad each year with the AIFS College Division鈥攁pproximately 2,000 of these are on customized, faculty-led programs organized through the AIFS Customized, Faculty Led Programs Division. Contact AIFS for any housing, group flight or payment related questions at (800) 727-2437

Follow SBCC Study Abroad on Instagram for meeting announcements, information and photos from past programs and more 

Program Orientation: A mandatory pre-departure meeting will be conducted in person on the SBCC campus in December 2024, 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 participants at a later date. It is the responsibility of the students to provide this information to parents or guardians. Due to FERPA regulations, the Study Abroad office communicates only directly with the student participants. 

An on-site orientation in Rome will be held by AIFS staff on the day after arrival and 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 Rome.

Sponsoring Institution:
51福利社
Study Abroad Office
Nicole Walther
International Education Center, Room 1
721 Cliff Drive
Santa Barbara, CA 93109
Phone: (805) 730-4294
nwalther@pipeline.sbcc.edu

Interesting websites to prepare for your trip:

Info sessions will be held in spring 2024 and summer 2024. No rsvp is required for in-person meetings. Some Zoom sessions may require prior registration to receive the direct Zoom link. Please contact the program director Jordan Molina at jlmolina1@pipeline.sbcc.edu for Zoom related inquiries or problems.