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Syracuse Academy
Summer 4 weeks II 2023
3 - 6 credits
SAI students enrolled in the 4 week summer program at Syracuse Academy have the option to complete 1 or 2 courses for a total of 3 - 6 credits. Courses are closely tied to the island’s rich natural and human history, taking advantage of the academy’s location with several field trips. Students are also encouraged to engage with the local community through community service, language exchange and integrated activities. SAI offers two 4-week summer programs at Syracuse Academy, each with different start dates: Summer I and Summer II.
Application: now open
Closes: April 12, 2023
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 all courses.
- Course highlight: Volcanology of Sicily: Mt. Etna Revealed.
- Spend your summer on the Italian island of Sicily, living like a local in a student apartment or family homestay
Program Dates
July 8, 2023 – August 5, 2023
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
Environment & Biodiversity
Modern Language & Cultures
Modern Language & Cultures
3.0 Credits
Marine Ecology | Course #: ES 251 | Open
Pre-requisite: Includes site visits
The Mediterranean basin is recognized as a biodiversity hotspot: although it only covers less than 1% of the planet's ocean area, it is one the major reservoirs of coastal and marine biodiversity, with about one-third of endemic species, 18% of the world's marine flora and 7.5% of its marine fauna. This relatively small, semi-closed sea has an abundance of islands and underwater beds and is also a major area of wintering, reproduction and migration.
This course provides a comprehensive investigation of the rich and diverse biota, of the past geological events, of the variety of climatic and hydrologic conditions that make the Mediterranean Sea, amongst the most complex marine a ecosystems on the planet, situated at the crossroads of different biogeographic regions, inhabited by a rich and diverse flora and fauna, currently imperiled by different pressures, mainly induced by human activities.
Site Visits:
1. Visit to the Plemmirio Marine Research Centers
2. Field trip to Vendicari marine reserve and its Tonnara
3. Snorkeling trip to Plemmirio Marine Protected Area
4. Visit to Marine Wildlife Rescue organization HQs
This course provides a comprehensive investigation of the rich and diverse biota, of the past geological events, of the variety of climatic and hydrologic conditions that make the Mediterranean Sea, amongst the most complex marine a ecosystems on the planet, situated at the crossroads of different biogeographic regions, inhabited by a rich and diverse flora and fauna, currently imperiled by different pressures, mainly induced by human activities.
Site Visits:
1. Visit to the Plemmirio Marine Research Centers
2. Field trip to Vendicari marine reserve and its Tonnara
3. Snorkeling trip to Plemmirio Marine Protected Area
4. Visit to Marine Wildlife Rescue organization HQs
Contact Hours: 45
3.0 Credits
Volcanology | Course #: ES 250 | Open
Pre-requisite: Includes site visits
This course explores the many aspects of volcanism on Earth, from the
formation of magma below or within the crust to its eruption at the
surface, focusing on the volcanism of Mt. Etna, one of the most active
volcanoes in the world and a perfect natural laboratory thanks to its
peculiar characteristics. The different types of eruptive styles of
volcanoes will be briefly described and explained within their
geological and tectonic contexts, with several case studies. Specific
attention will be devoted to the impact of volcanic eruptions on
human activities and life, unveiling the close interplay between man
and volcanoes around the world and throughout history. The classes
will then be introduced to modern volcano monitoring techniques,
with a particular focus on geochemical methods.
The course will be largely devoted to the volcanism of Sicily and in
particular of Mt. Etna, describing its history, types of eruptions,
eruptive products and the long-term beneficial effects of its activity on
human life.
Close reading of specific sources will be combined with visits to
relevant sites on Mt. Etna and surrounding areas, to provide a
comprehensive overview on volcanism in Sicily.
formation of magma below or within the crust to its eruption at the
surface, focusing on the volcanism of Mt. Etna, one of the most active
volcanoes in the world and a perfect natural laboratory thanks to its
peculiar characteristics. The different types of eruptive styles of
volcanoes will be briefly described and explained within their
geological and tectonic contexts, with several case studies. Specific
attention will be devoted to the impact of volcanic eruptions on
human activities and life, unveiling the close interplay between man
and volcanoes around the world and throughout history. The classes
will then be introduced to modern volcano monitoring techniques,
with a particular focus on geochemical methods.
The course will be largely devoted to the volcanism of Sicily and in
particular of Mt. Etna, describing its history, types of eruptions,
eruptive products and the long-term beneficial effects of its activity on
human life.
Close reading of specific sources will be combined with visits to
relevant sites on Mt. Etna and surrounding areas, to provide a
comprehensive overview on volcanism in Sicily.
Contact Hours: 45
Syracuse Academy's Italian Language courses, which cover all levels from beginner to proficient, are focused on giving the students the appropriate communication skills by learning Italian in the most natural way, combining the communicative tools with a comprehensive study of Italian grammar and syntax.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening)ÃÂ the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening)ÃÂ the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
Contact Hours: 45
Syracuse Academy's Italian Language courses, which cover all levels from beginner to proficient, are focused on giving the students the appropriate communication skills by learning Italian in the most natural way, combining the communicative tools with a comprehensive study of Italian grammar and syntax.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
Contact Hours: 45
Syracuse Academy's Italian Language courses, which cover all levels from beginner to proficient, are focused on giving the students the appropriate communication skills by learning Italian in the most natural way, combining the communicative tools with a comprehensive study of Italian grammar and syntax.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
Contact Hours: 45
Syracuse Academy's Italian Language courses, which cover all levels from beginner to proficient, are focused on giving the students the appropriate communication skills by learning Italian in the most natural way, combining the communicative tools with a comprehensive study of Italian grammar and syntax.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
Contact Hours: 45
Syracuse Academy's Italian Language courses, which cover all levels from beginner to proficient, are focused on giving the students the appropriate communication skills by learning Italian in the most natural way, combining the communicative tools with a comprehensive study of Italian grammar and syntax.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
The teaching is based on the communicative approach. Through the development of the four skills (speaking, writing, reading and listening) the course provides students with the tools necessary to use the language and interact in various situations in everyday life. This communicative based approach is complemented by the in-depth study of Italian grammar structures, important for the correct use of the Italian language. Lessons are held exclusively in Italian and combine lessons in the classroom with activities outside the classroom in real life situations
The materials used are carefully selected, based on the interests of the students and in line with the guidelines laid out by the Common European Framework.
Contact Hours: 45
Syracuse Academy holds service learning as a pillar of academic excellence. Courses are intimately connected to the needs of various aspects of the community; they work in tandem with the community to create new ideas and new visions for future improvement. Students attending Syracuse Academy have various unique opportunities to get involved in their community beyond their classroom, including cultural and language exchange programs, classroom and youth engagement programs, and much more. Students receive information about all service and volunteer options upon arrival in Sicily.
Course Registration & Schedule
Students select 1 or 2 courses for a total of 3 – 6 US credits. Syracuse Academy courses run Monday – Friday. Students register for courses during the SAI application process. Course schedules are confirmed 4 weeks prior to the program start, and finalized schedules with class days and times are provided at orientation.
| Pre-Departure Calendar | |
|---|---|
| April 12 2023 |
Application Closes Applications accepted after closing as space permits. |
| Within 1 week of acceptance |
SAI Deposits Due $500 Confirmation Deposit (applied toward program fee) $300 Security Deposit (refundable) |
| March 15 2023 |
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. |
| April 9 2023 |
50% of Total Program Fee Due Students who are accepted and submit SAI deposits after this date will have an amended pay schedule. Either 50% or 100% of Program Fee will be due within 5 business days, based on the deposit payment date. |
| May 9 2023 |
SAI Financial Aid Verification Deadline Students wishing to defer payment until financial aid disbursement must submit the financial aid verification forms to SAI by this date. |
| May 9 2023 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| July 8 2023 |
Arrival & Housing Check-in Students arrive into Catania-Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). SAI airport pickup is provided between 10:00am and 3:00pm, and students are transferred to SAI housing. |
| July 9 2023 |
Orientation & Welcome Events |
| July 10 2023 |
Classes Begin |
| August 4 2023 |
Classes End & Final Exams |
| August 5 2023 |
Program End & Housing Check-out Students must move out of 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: 3 language credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$4,400 |
| Program Fee: 3 elective credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$5,200 |
| Program Fee: 6 language & elective credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$6,200 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$500 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement: private room Option to live with a local host family in a private room; includes breakfast daily. |
$720 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement: private room (full board) Option to live with a local host family in a private room; includes breakfast and dinner 5 days/week. |
$985 |
| Optional Weekend Excursion: Aeolian Islands Students have the option of paying for an additional excursion, beyond those included, to the Aeolian Islands. |
$480 |
| 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
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 Combination of cooking at home and eating out. |
$600 / month | $800 / month |
| Personal Expenses | $250 / month | $350 / month |
| Transportation in 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 and transportation on arrival day & drop-off on arrival day
- Welcome reception and events
- Orientation to the host city and school
- Staff on-site dedicated to fostering a welcoming community for all students by providing assistance to diverse needs
- SAI Viva Experience: frequent cultural activities & trips outside host city
- Student health insurance providing full coverage and medical emergency evacuation
- 24-hour on-site emergency support
- Farewell event with all students
Pre-departure and Re-entry services
- US-based admissions counselor assigned to you, providing friendly assistance
- Helpful pre-departure tools and resources
- Online student groups to acquaint you with other SAI students
- Assistance with student visa application
- Assistance with financial aid processing
- Need-based SAI scholarships
- Paid registration fees for national re-entry conferences
- SAI Ambassador Program for SAI alumni, 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
All students are invited to a typical Italian meal welcoming them to the program and their host city.
Welcome Tour of Syracuse
Students tour Syracuse, including stops at popular shops, supermarkets, and places of entertainment, as well as important landmarks such as main squares, post offices, bus stops and taxi stands.
Day Trip to Noto and Vendicari: Baroque Sicily
Students go on a guided tour of the Baroque town of Noto, UNESCO world heritage site for its architectural splendor, followed by a Sicilian wine tasting in a traditional Val di Noto cantine. The day continues with leisure time at the pristine beach of the Vendicari marine reserve, laying grounds of sea turtles and of other Mediterranean wildlife species. This is followed by bird watching to view one of the largest pink flamingo colonies in Europe. Students then visit the Spanish tuna farm and the ancient Roman summer estate Villa Tellaro, famous for its brilliant mosaics. The day ends with a sunset aperitif in the charming fisherman village of Marzamem.
Day Trip to Mount Etna: Mythological Sicily
This excursion takes students on a unique hike to the craters of Mt Etna, the tallest active volcano of continental Europe. Students visit the volcanic caves, led by an expert volcanologist, and learn about the mythology and traditional storytelling inspired by the volcano. Students then have leisure time to take in the narrow streets and majestic views that were the setting of the Godfather movie scenes and inspired the works of DH Lawrence, Oscar Wilde and many more.
Tandem Language Aperitif
Meet local students while enjoying an aperitif during Syracuse Academy’s weekly language exchange program.
Outdoor Cinema Nights
Students enjoy the beautiful Sicilian evenings as they gather on the school’s lawn for an outdoor movie.
Farewell Event
Before heading home students and staff share in a celebratory final meal to reflect and say goodbyes.
Standard Housing: Student apartment
SAI student apartments are convenient and well equipped, with shared occupancy bedrooms (option to upgrade to private bedroom, if available). 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.
Optional Housing: Family homestay (additional fee applies)
Students choosing the family homestay option are placed with a local family, which could be an older married couple or a family with children. Homestay families are typically within a short walking distance to the school. Homestay housing includes a private occupancy room and either weekday breakfast or weekday breakfast and dinner (full board).
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.
About SAI
SAI is dedicated to providing academic and cultural learning experiences abroad that enhance global awareness, professional development and social responsibility. We concentrate our programs in Europe, with a focus on in-depth learning of individual European countries and their unique global role in the geopolitical economy, humanities, and in the arts.