Summer Away

To be eligible for a study away program, undergraduate students must:

• Be enrolled full-time as a degree-seeking student*
• Have completed at least 30 credits at SAIC including upper-level studio work. Transfer credits may count towards the total 30 credit requirement
• Have completed their Contemporary Practices courses
• Have completed or are on track to complete their Sophomore Seminar  
• Be in good standing

Undergraduate transfer students are eligible as long as they meet all the requirements outlined above.

*Students pursuing a reduced course load as per their accommodations through the DLRC may be considered full-time students and could be eligible if other requirements are met. Connect with the Study Abroad office to discuss further if this applies to you.

During the program, students are enrolled at SAIC and continue to pay SAIC tuition. All the financial aid and SAIC merit scholarships that students receive towards their tuition will remain in place during their term abroad. Students will be billed for the number of credits they would take abroad.

Note: Different programs offer different numbers of credits. Please note that undergraduate students are not eligible to receive loans for enrollment in less than six credit hours. If you plan to enroll in Summer Away and on-campus classes, the combined amount of hours will determine loan eligibility. Always consult with Student Financial Services if you have questions regarding financial aid.

Students would be responsible for housing, transportation, visa (if applicable), and other fees. These fees vary by the program. 

Two-Part Application Process:

1. Apply to SAIC Study Abroad. Find instructions below.
2. Apply directly to the school you selected. If your application is approved internally by SAIC, apply directly to the partner school/ program.

Before applying to partner schools' summer programs, students must first apply to and gain approval from the Study Abroad Review Panel.

The application period for summer 2026 programs is now open! All applications must be submitted via SlideRoom. Access applications via this link.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a final submission deadline of January 12, 2026. Applications submitted by December 16, 2025 will be reviewed and applicants notified before SAIC’s holiday break; applications submitted by January 12, 2026 will be reviewed and applicants notified by January 20, 2026.

A complete summer application consists of:

• Study Abroad Semester Away application submitted by the student via SlideRoom

AND

• One letter of recommendation from SAIC faculty submitted by the faculty via email directly at studyabroad@saic.edu

Application:

• Application form
• Artist statement (part of the application form)
• Portfolio (attachments, up to seven items)
• Degree audit (attachment, must be a .pdf file) completed by your Academic Advisor. Please plan ahead and make an appointment with your Academic Advisor to obtain a degree audit.

Letter of Recommendation:

One letter of recommendation from SAIC faculty is a required part of your application. The letter must be submitted by the faculty via email directly at studyabroad@saic.edu. 

Course options:

• 3-week courses: Earn 3 SAIC studio credits for each course. Can combine courses/sessions for more credits.
  • Sessions:
    • Summer Study Abroad Session One: June 20–July 16, 2026
    • Summer Study Abroad Session Two: July 20–August 6, 2026
• 8-week program: Earn 12 credits (credits vary by the program)
  • Session: June 8–July 31, 2026
    • Introduction to Fashion Business: Summer School
    • Introduction to Fashion Design: Summer School

Housing:

UAL offers housing in student residence halls for summer study abroad students. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Course options:

• 4-week courses: Earn 3 SAIC credits for each course. Credit allocation depends on the type of the course (ex., studio, social science, etc.). Can combine courses/sessions for more credits.
• Special Summer Programs 
  • LdM-CAMNES Archaeology Field School (July only, 6 SAIC social science credits)
  • Summer Conservation Workshop (June or July, 6 SAIC studio credits)

Sessions:

• Session One: June 2026
• Session Two: July 2026

Housing:

LdM offers housing for summer study abroad students. It is on a first-come, first-serve basis. 

Course option: 

4-week summer residency: Earn 6 SAIC credits—3 studio credits and 3 natural science credits. NOTE: there is no option to split up the credits and only pursue the program for 3 credits. This program is offered as 6 credits. 

Sessions:

• Session One: June 13–July 11, 2026
• Session Two: July 11–August 8, 2026

Housing:

Housing and a meal plan is required for all participants and is based on twin room occupancy in self-catering accommodation walking distance from Burren’s campus.

Course option: 

4-week courses: Each earn 3 credits

• Contemporary Art Market—3 SAIC social science credits
• Re-Mixing the Prado Museum—3 SAIC studio credits 

Session:

July 2026

Housing:

Universidad de Nebrija offers housing options in student residence halls for summer study abroad students.

Course option: 

4-week summer residency: 4 SAIC studio credits. 
NOTE: This program is awarding 4 credits.

Session:

May 29–June 29, 2026

Housing:

Housing and a meal plan (during work days) is required for all participants.