Frequently Asked Questions
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Will SBI credits transfer to my school?
Most students are able to have S.B.I. course credits transferred to their home institution, although transfer of credits is not guaranteed. Please contact S.B.I. Admissions for a list of schools that have accepted S.B.I. credits in the past.
For students attending Bryan College who enroll in S.B.I. through their institution, course credits are officially transcripted. Please contact your school's study abroad coordinator and registrar for details.
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.
How do I have my grades/transcript sent to my college/university?
Upon request, students can receive an unofficial transcript in the mail about four weeks after the semester ends. If official transcripts are needed to be sent to a college/institution, the student must make a request by email to admissions@saintsbibleinstitute.org. Voice messages will not be processed. The following information must be included in the email in order for your transcript request to be processed:
- student name and social security number
- year of attendance
- name of college/institution
- address of college/institution
- registrar's name
Transcripts must be requested by email well in advance of the date you need them to be received by your home institution. Transcripts will be mailed to designated institutions/individuals within one week of the request date. It is the student's responsibility to confirm that the transcript is received by the home institution. Please indicate any changes to your address or contact information. Your first official transcript is free. Additional transcripts will be processed and mailed for a $5 fee.
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.
