SAI students enrolled in the MADE 6 week summer program begin with a one week Survival Italian Language Course (1 credit), designed to help students feel confident with basic communication skills. Then students enroll in 1 or 2 elective courses over four weeks (3 - 7 credits), and the program concludes with a one-week intensive Art & Design workshop (3 credits), known as a MADE Lab, for a total of 7 - 11 US credits. Led by world-renowned creative professionals, MADE Labs are perfect for designers, architects, and artists eager to explore cutting-edge developments in their fields. MADE Labs offer an opportunity to “level up” and refine skills, with each session guided by thematic perspectives such as sustainability or migration.
Application open until: February 15, 2026
Apps accepted on a rolling basis, and after closing as space permits
Application Requirements
Complete online application
Personal statement (300-500 words)
Official transcript
Passport scan (photo page)
Italian privacy consent form
Highlights
- Unique site visits integrated into courses
- Spend your summer on the Italian island of Sicily, living like a local in a student apartment
- Art & design workshops
Program Dates
Late May 2026 – Mid July 2026
Eligibility Requirements
Age: 18+
Academic Year: High school graduate or above.
Cumulative GPA:* 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale)
* contact SAI if you don’t meet requirements
Course Registration & Schedule
The term begins with a one-week Survival Italian Course (1 credit), followed by 1 – 2 electives for the 4 weeks (3 – 7 credits), and 1 design lab (3 credits) for the last week for a total of 7 – 11 credits.
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.
MADE Labs have a unique structure that includes: a weekly theme or topic addressing a pressing global issue, daytime workshops led by some of the most prominent artists and practitioners of the 21st century, evening lectures by thought leaders, visits to local towns, and final presentations by participants.
MADE Lab Summer 2026:
The topic of the MADE Lab Summer 2026 has not yet been announced. As soon as it is, the information will be posted here.
Please find below the topic of a previous MADE Lab Summer 2025 session, for reference.
IN/VISIBLE: The Elephant in the Room
Digital technology has permeated everyday life.
What is the role of designers, artists, researchers, students, and the educational system in this scenario? How is modern democracy based on the capitalist economy, from production to distribution, changing? Beyond doomsday scenarios, can we use technology in directions capable of shaping the imagination of contemporary society as much as the “utopias” that were the basis of modernity? Is it possible to imagine alternative ways of using technologies or coping with, resisting, understanding, and reusing them?
In its best tradition, design reflects our ever-changing society, aspires to shape it, interprets behavior, offers pragmatic solutions to problems, and improves our daily experience. And the most radical solutions are often due to countless, virtually unknown “inventors” who belong to the anonymous history of the 20th and 21st centuries. The history of design does not always coincide with the history of designers.
The topic has become too important for it to be left to technology experts and entrepreneurs.
It is time to look at the elephant in the room.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| February 15 2026 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Enrollment Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| Coming soon |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. 50% of the Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| Coming soon |
Financial Aid Agreement & Financial Aid Program Deposit Deadline Students wishing to utilize SAI financial aid payment deferment must complete the Financial Aid Agreement form and submit the Financial Aid Program Deposit by this date. Students whose deposit payment date is on or after this date will have a deadline of 5 days after the deposit. |
| March 1 2025 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| March 15 2026 |
SAI Scholarship Application Deadline Students wishing to apply for a SAI scholarship must have all application items submitted by 11:59pm Pacific Time on this date. |
| Coming soon |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification form to SAI by this date. |
| Coming soon |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due (For students utilizing SAI financial aid payment deferment, any balance not covered by aid is due) |
| On-Site Calendar | ||
|---|---|---|
| Coming soon |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive at Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing |
|
| Coming soon |
Orientation & Welcome Events Coming soon |
Italian Language Classes Begin |
| Coming soon |
Italian Language Classes End | |
| Coming soon |
Elective Courses Begin | |
| Coming soon |
Elective Classes End & Final Exams | |
| Coming soon |
Lab Begins | |
| Coming soon |
Lab Ends | |
| Coming soon |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of SAI housing by 10:00am to return home or pursue independent travel. |
| SAI Program Fees* | USD |
|---|---|
| Application Fee | $120 |
| Security Deposit Refundable at the end of the term. |
$300 |
| Program Fee: 7 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
Coming soon |
| Program Fee: 11 credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included) |
Coming soon |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| International Mailing Supplement When applicable, students are charged an international mailing supplement to ensure visa paperwork arrives in a timely manner. |
$90 |
*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.
| Budget | Low Est. | High Est. |
|---|---|---|
| Airfare to/from Sicily |
$900 | $1,800 |
| Books, Supplies & Course Fees |
$25 / course | $50 / course |
| Meals Includes groceries and eating out. |
$600 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $250 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation within Syracuse area Public transportation with some taxi rides. |
$50 / month | $100 / month |
| Weekend Travel Cost varies greatly by student. |
$300 / month | $1,000 / month |
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, U.S. students studying in Italy for 90 days or less are not required to obtain a student visa. Therefore all U.S. students do not require a student visa for this program. Non-US nationals should consult their local Consulate for information on student visa requirements.