Frequently Asked Questions

Can't find what you're looking for? Call our Director of Recruitment at 205-304-2807.

Will SBI credits transfer to my school?

Yes, most students attending SBI are transferring their credits back into their degree program at their "home college". However, SBI does not determine if or how many credits can be transferred. Students are advised to contact their registrar or academic counselor for credit approval before attending SBI.

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. Approximately 3 months before the beginning of the semester you are attending, you will be sent an INFORMATION PACKET that includes additional paperwork such as: proof of immunization and insurance, waiver forms, a packing list, general travel information, and a student handbook.

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 insurance*.

*Students are required to be covered by medical insurance. Additional travel insurance is strongly suggested, but not required..

Are scholarships or financial aid available?

YES! SBI currently offers a couple of promotion discounts that can be found here. A growing number Christian Colleges are allowing students to use their financial aid to attend SBI. In fact, some students are actually spending less money at SBI than if they had stayed at their degree granting school during that same semester! Students are encouraged to contact their schools Financial Aid Director to determine eligibility and amount of financial aid available.

How do I have my grades/transcript sent to my college/university?

As of Spring 2011:

All students attending SBI will be enrolled as visiting students in Bryan College, a regionally-accredited institution.  Upon completion of the courses students can go to www.bryan.edu/transcript for transcript request instructions.

Before Spring 2011:

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 transcripts@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 totaling 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.