Schedule
Students enroll in four (4) to five (5) courses over the 15-week semester and earn a total of 12 – 16 U.S. semester credits. The curriculum includes two required courses designed to support students’ academic success and cultural integration from the very start of the program.

Required Courses

• Italian Language & Culture (First 4 weeks / 3 credits): Offered at all proficiency levels, this intensive course begins immediately upon arrival. Students complete a four-week Italian Language & Culture course to build foundational language skills and cultural awareness, preparing them to engage confidently with the local community throughout their time abroad.
• Directed Undergraduate Research (Full semester / 3 credits): This semester-long course strengthens students’ understanding of research methodologies while supporting the development of individual research projects aligned with their academic and professional interests. Students gain hands-on experience and build essential research and analytical skills applicable across disciplines.

Academic Tracks & Areas of Study
Students will choose one of three tracks, detailed below, in addition to the two required courses listed above. Each track has two (2) or three (3) courses and allows students to hone their academic focus while in Sicily.

• Art & Design Track: Designed for both fine arts and design majors as well as non-majors, this track offers a multifaceted academic experience through a wide range of accredited courses. Areas of study include Design such as Graphic, Fashion, Sound, Product, Interior, Set Design, and Urban Planning, as well as Fine Arts, including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Videomaking, and Photography.

• Interdisciplinary Mediterranean Studies Track: Offers a multidisciplinary exploration of the Mediterranean world through both ancient and contemporary perspectives. Coursework includes fields such as Anthropology, Classics, History, Gender Studies, Philosophy, Sociology, Environmental Studies, Economics, Geography, Political Science and International Relations, and Urban Studies and Planning. This track provides students with a broad understanding of Italy and Sicily’s historical development and modern identity.

• Italian Studies Track: Sicily has played a central role in the development of Italian culture, making Syracuse an ideal setting for Italian Studies. This track explores Italy’s history, literature, cinema, and cultural traditions within a city where students actively engage with the local community in Italian. Students with sufficient language proficiency may choose to enroll in Italian Studies courses taught in Italian. As they deepen their understanding of Italian culture, students also strengthen their language skills through Italian language courses offered at all levels.

Courses Registration
Students select courses as part of the enrollment process by completing a course selection form. Course schedules are confirmed 4 weeks prior to the program start, and finalized schedules with class days and times are provided at orientation.

*prices are subject to change

Please see SAI Policies for SAI cancellation & withdrawal deadlines.

Note: certain SAI-affiliated US universities require specific payment arrangements. These may require that some fees are paid by the student directly to SAI, and other fees are paid to SAI by the affiliated university on behalf of the student. If you attend a SAI-affiliated university please contact your study abroad office or speak with your SAI Admissions Counselor for details.

This is a SAI 360° Services Program; it includes our full services!

• Program tuition and U.S. academic credit
• Accommodation in carefully selected student housing
• Airport pickup on arrival day
• Welcome reception and events
• Orientation to the host city and school
• On-site staff who foster a welcoming community for you and provide assistance when needed
• SAI Viva Experience: cultural engagement, excursions & wellness activities
• Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
• 24-hour on-site emergency support
• Farewell event

Pre-departure and Re-entry services

• Knowledgeable Admissions Counselor dedicated to you, providing friendly assistance
• Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
• Parent & family resources
• Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
• Student visa advising
• Assistance with financial aid processing
• Need-based SAI scholarships
• Alumni Ambassador Program, with paid internship opportunities
• SAI alumni network

SAI offers all students the Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities, at no extra cost, for participants to get to know their community, city and country. Following is a sample of the activities included in this program. Please note that actual activities may differ.

Welcome Event
Welcome to Sicily! Students meet the on-site team as well as the other students in the program and sit down together for a Sicilian meal.

Visits to Archeological Sites and Museums
Discover the fascinating history of Sicily and Siracusa through its archeological sites and museums. Visit the Ancient Greek Theatre and Ancient Roman Amphitheatre in the Neapolis Archaeological Park. Check out the ancient ruins and artifacts displayed in the world class Paolo Orsi Archeological Museum. Walk amongst the first Greek temples in Sicily when you explore the historical layers in the ancient neighborhood Ortigia.

Boat tours and hikes in the natural reserves
Explore the natural beauty that Sicily is famous for, from its diverse coastlines to crystal clear seas. Visit nearby natural preserves, such as the Plemmirio Reserve and Vendicari Reserve for hikes, boat tours, and swims!

“Market to Table” Mediterranean cooking course
Learn about the cuisine of Sicily directly from a Sicilian chef! Explore the vibrant atmosphere of the historic Ortigia street market as you shop for supplies. Learn about the importance of eating fresh, local, and seasonal foods while diving into the unique cultural blend that makes up Sicilian cooking.

Day Trip to Mount Etna
Visit the captivating INGV center in Catania that monitors volcanic activity at Sicily’s majestic Mount Etna – the tallest active volcano in Europe. Learn about volcanoes from an expert volcanologist and then head to Mount Etna to experience it first hand. Learn about the role that Mount Etna has played in shaping all aspects of Sicilian history and life, including the fertile soil that creates the abundance of fruit and vegetables Sicily is so well known for.

Visit Noto, Sicily’s “Golden City”
Explore Sicily’s “Golden City” that was completely rebuilt after an earthquake in 1693 in the Baroque style. Enjoy a granita or other traditional Sicilian desserts at Noto’s famous pastry shop, Caffe Sicilia.

Day Trip to Taormina
Wander through the small historic center of one of Sicily’s most famous towns, Taormina. Enjoy stunning views of Mount Etna, visit the incredible Ancient Greek Theater, and explore the island and nature reserve of “Isola Bella.” Savor a sweet treat of granita at Taormina’s famous “Bam Bar.”

Weekend Excursion to Palermo
Travel to Northwestern Sicily to experience the vivacious capital and largest city of Sicily. Discover Palermo’s countless UNESCO World Heritage sites, such as the Royal Palace and Palatine Chapel, the churches of Saint John of the Hermits, St. Mary of the Admiral, and San Cataldo. Learn about Palermo’s history through food as you explore Palermo’s famous outdoor food markets, like Ballarò and Capo.

Farewell event
Say arrivederci to Sicily and the friends you’ve made as you enjoy one last dinner full of traditional Sicilian food in Siracusa.

Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms. Typical residences house 2 – 8 students and contain a combination of private and shared bedrooms, kitchen, bathroom and living areas. Furnishings, a washing machine, basic kitchen supplies, bed linens and towels are provided. All apartments are equipped with wireless Internet. Housing configurations are designated as female, male, and in some locations, gender-inclusive.

Passports
Passports should be valid for 3 months after planned departure from Italy.

Student Visas
In accordance with Italian law, students studying in Italy for 91 days or more are required to obtain a student visa. Those with Italian/EU citizenship are exempted. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.

Depending on the consulate, students will either mail in their student visa application or appear in person to present their application to the consulate. Our Student Visa Office is available to assist students in preparing for the appointment; SAI Student Visa Consulting is part of the SAI 360° Services included in the program fee. SAI Student Visa Processing Service is available for select consulates only, for an additional fee.