Frequently Asked Questions
Can't find what you're looking for? Call our admissions office at 215-387-0620.
Will
SBI credits transfer to my school?
Beginning in the Spring 2008 semester, Liberty University will serve as
Saints Bible Institute's official school of records. This means that many
of the courses you pass at SBI can be transcripted by Liberty University,
which is regionally accredited. Course credits can then be transferred
to your home institution by way of a Liberty University transcript consistent
with transfer policies at the home institution.
What
is the admission process?
The first step in the admission process is to fill out a student
profile and to submit it along with your application deposit.
Next, you will want to have your pastor complete a pastor
reference form. Upon acceptance to the program, a few additional
forms, such as proof of immunization and insurance, are necessary to complete
the admission process. All forms can be found here.
What
is included in the program cost?
The program cost includes tuition, room and board, a full time resident
dorm director, and travel expenses in Italy (train, bus, or van) during
programmed activities. Expenses not included in this cost are: airfare
to and from Italy, passport fees, luggage, sleeping and personal items,
snacks, gifts, spending money, and travel insurance. For most students,
airfare is the only major expense not included in the program cost.
Which
airport will I use in Italy?
Students fly into the Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), which is approximately
an hour's drive from the SBI Center.
Will
transportation be provided when I arrive?
Yes, transportation is provided for students throughout the semester,
including airport pick-up upon arrival and drop off upon departure.
Are
there computers at S.B.I.?
Yes, there are a couple of computers available to students in the Student
Lounge. However, they are for academic and emailing purposes only and
are available only when the Student Lounge is open (7am-11pm). We would
recommend that if you have the means to bring a personal laptop that you
please do so.
Is
there internet availability at S.B.I.?
Yes, we have wireless available in the Student Lounge. This is an open
network available to SBI students and staff.
How
much spending money should I bring?
This depends on your spending habits and extracurricular plans. A student
who spends modestly can get by for $500. If you are planning to travel
during the Fall/Spring break, purchase expensive souvenirs, or eat out
often, you may need to bring more like $1000-$1500.
Do
I need a student visa?
No. The SBI semester is intentionally scheduled to run less than 90 days.
Italy requires students to obtain a visa only if they are planning to
remain in the country more than 90 days.
Can
I have packages sent to S.B.I.?
Yes, but we do not recommend it for the following reasons: In Italy, all
incoming foreign packages are subject to heavy taxes and custom fees,
usually totalling 23% of the package's total declared value. This means
that often you have to pay in cash to receive your package. Plus, there
is
lengthy paperwork to be filled out (in Italian) which has to be done by
SBI staff. Lastly, the Italian postal service can be quite slow so if
you do have friends or family sending a package, ask them to do so 3-4
weeks before the semester is scheduled to finish or else you risk not
receiving the package at all. SBI will not forward any mail/packages received
after students' departure.
Are
scholarships or financial aid available?
Unfortunately not. However, students can receive a reduction in tuition
for referring other students to the program. There is also a discounted
tuition for SBI alumni.
