Finances

Credit cards are widely used in Italy. The most common are Visa and MasterCard, and to a lesser extent, American Express. Be prepared to show identification in order to use your card (this happens infrequently, but you should always have your ID with you anyway!)

Be sure to notify your bank and credit card companies that you will be traveling so that
1) they do not freeze your account, and
2) to ensure that your card and PIN will work while you are abroad.  

 ATM/debit cards can be used to obtain cash if they have a major credit card logo (Visa, MasterCard) on them. The exchange rate for ATM withdrawals is usually the best available since it is the bank’s own bulk rate plus a 1-2 percent charge. Keep in mind that when you change cash abroad at a dedicated exchange business, they may have what appear to be low exchange rates, but they frequently also charge a large commission. ATMs are typically the way to go. It is recommended that you carry the phone number of your local bank in case you misplace your ATM card. 

Digital banking apps like Revolut are becoming popular. You may want to look into them and consider setting one up before departing the States. Revolut, for example, is widely recognized and convenient, allowing you to exchange money in real-time, spend and withdraw money from ATMs in numerous currencies, and make peer-to-peer payments. 

All students are responsible for making their own flight arrangements. Tickets are an out-of-pocket expense.

When you book your flights, we strongly recommend you purchase your tickets directly from the airline rather than a third-party vendor (like Expedia or Travelocity). Why? Making changes or cancellations is generally easier to do directly with the airline. 

We also strongly advise students to purchase airline tickets that permit a change of date. You should therefore purchase a flexible flight, researching many different airlines to see what they offer. Some will waive change fees, regardless of fare type. For other airlines it depends on the fare you purchase. 

Be sure to read all of the rules associated with any airline ticket before purchasing! As indicated in the Study Abroad Acknowledgement and Release Form, Holy Cross is not responsible for travel expenses, including but not limited to: airline tickets and transportation to / from airports, in addition to expenses resulting from program suspension or termination, schedule changes, flight changes, emergency evacuation, or any other exigency. Such expenses are the sole responsibility of the student.

• All students will be charged Holy Cross home tuition and the standard room charge. There is no "board" fee / meal plan charge for the CIEE Milan program. 

• All students will be billed approx. $235 per semester for GLOBAL SECURITY ASSISTANCE and international MEDICAL/TRAVEL INSURANCE provided by International SOS (ISOS) and Cigna Global health/Lloyd’s insurance. (Students are NOT charged the Health Service fee.) Coverage is mandatory.

The reason the student is billed directly by Holy Cross for the College’s tuition and housing is because they remain enrolled at Holy Cross, ensuring academic continuity and retaining access to important on-campus resources including College advising, academic oversight, transcript and degree-planning processes, Class Dean and Chaplaincy support, health and safety support, emergency assistaance, and other services associated with an approved study abroad experience. This is the primary benefit of the Home School Tuition (HST) model.

HST also helps ensure that approved coursework taken abroad contributes appropriately to the student’s Holy Cross degree, and that participation does not unnecessarily disrupt progress toward the College’s eight-semester residential requirement or timely graduation.

The Home School Tuition policy permits eligible federal and institutional financial aid to be applied to a student’s Holy Cross account (subject to the requirements and limitations of the applicable aid programs). Therefore, financial aid “travels” and can be applied towards the student’s Holy Cross term bill during the Fall/Spring terms that a student studies abroad.

Students should expect some additional expenses related to studying abroad. The following list may not be comprehensive and is subject to change. Additionally, students should not expect to have the same amenities abroad as they have at Holy Cross. Each program has different components unique to each location: 

• Flights

• Refundable deposits (i.e., housing deposits if applicable)

• Transportation to and from their home airport, on both ends of their trip

• Public transport within Milan

• Meals 

• Books

• Personal expenses (including bedding, entertainment, and travel)

• Laundry 

• Gym