Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs

Below are some responses to students’ most frequent questions about the Summer 2020 online program. If you don’t see the answer to your question here, contact us.


ISI Abroad is the US-based office for study abroad programs in Italy including the Umbra Institute in Perugia and the International Studies Institute in Florence. ISI Online is the delivery platform for the online versions of courses taught at both Institutes as well as courses from our academic partners in Italy.

Not necessarily. While these courses are designed for undergraduate students in the US university system, students and professionals from around the world* are welcome to enroll. All students must have a GPA of at least 2.75.

These classes may also be a good idea for recent high school graduates (18 or older) interested in taking a few online courses before starting their university experience.

Internships are only available to university students (18 or older) or recent graduates.

*International students must be able to prove proficiency in English.

The pivot to online courses was difficult for many colleges and universities. Many professors were and are still “learning on the job”. Our instructors haven’t just moved their regular courses online: they’ve thought about teaching and learning in the digital environment and made new courses that build community among students while setting them up for success in learning. ISI Abroad has selected instructors whose online teaching techniques have been exceptionally well-received by students.

Payment for elective courses is due on or before September 21st – Classes start on September 28th.

We cannot process financial aid for you. Each student will have to contact their home university or financial aid office to determine if funds are applicable. If so, we can assist by creating a payment consortium agreement with your college or university.

For elective courses:
Until September 28th: Fees can be refunded in full.
September 28th – October 2nd: A refund can be issued for 50% of the program fees.
After October 2nd: No refunds are available.

For elective courses, you can choose to add or drop your courses until October 2nd. You’ll have to email one of our admissions counselors to request a change to your enrollment.

Yes you can! However each university transfers credits differently and it is up to you to ensure your home school will accept our courses. Some will ask you to go through the study abroad office, others will ask you to go through your university’s Registrar. If you’re unsure, feel free to contact us and we’ll work with you and your advisor to assist you through the course transfer process.

Our transcripts will provide letter grades according to the grading system used by most American universities. That said, every university will accept credit differently. We recommend that you discuss this question with one of our admissions advisors so that we can help you look into the policies applicable at your home institution.

Absolutely! If you participated in our Summer 2020 online program, you can choose if you’d like to take advantage of the voucher, or not, but we believe that study abroad is a life-changing opportunity for personal and professional growth. We’re happy to help you have that experience!

Please note that the voucher can only be applied to the list price of your program of choice and cannot be combined with any other grants or scholarships offered. The voucher cannot be applied to faculty-led, discounted, or other custom programs. Also, some restrictions may apply for international students not enrolled in an American college or university.

Of course! If you complete at least one course among our Fall 2020 online offerings, then you can choose if you’d like to take advantage of the $500 voucher or not. Study abroad is often a once-in-a-lifetime growth experience that we’d be happy to help you achieve!

Please note that the voucher can only be applied to the list price of your ISI Abroad program of choice and cannot be combined with any other grants or scholarships offered. The voucher cannot be applied to faculty-led, discounted, or other custom programs. Also, some restrictions may apply for international students not enrolled in an American college or university.

Please send your resume and cover letter to our Internship Coordinator Ashley Ipakchi at [email protected]. If you need the internship to be credit-bearing, please specify the number of credits or hours you would need in your email.

Of course! Internships not offered for credit do not have any associated fees. Internships offered for-credit will cost $250 per credit. An additional fee may apply if you need an accredited transcript. For more information, please contact our Internship Coordinator, Ashley Ipakchi at [email protected].


Ready to join us online this summer?