SAI students enrolled in the 2 week summer program at Syracuse Academy complete 1 course for a total of 3 - 4 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 2-week summer programs at Syracuse Academy, each with different start dates: Summer I and Summer II.
Application open until: March 29, 2024
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 select courses.
- Course highlight: Capstone Project: Food Sustainability in Action.
- Spend your summer on the Italian island of Sicily, living like a local in a student apartment or family homestay
Program Dates
July 13, 2024 – July 27, 2024
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
Sustainability Field School
Lessons are held in Italian through a communicative approach and take into consideration the need to combine the study of lexis and grammar with the development of communication skills and cultural awareness. The instructor encourages students to put the language structures and vocabulary studied in class into practice in real life situations, thus accelerating the learning process and bringing students into contact with local society so that they may fully appreciate the way of life and cultural differences. This knowledge is an integral part of linguistic competence.
In this course, students will explore the art, history, and ethics of environmental conservation through the unique lens of Sicilian culture and heritage. Engage directly with Sicily's diverse environments, exploring how its historic sites, ancient ruins, and artistic treasures tell a story of human-nature interaction over the centuries. Participate in hands-on projects that bring to life the lessons learned from Sicilyâs enduring tales and creative expressions.
Guided by local experts and community partners, students will embark on a transformative learning journey, bridging the past and present, as they contribute to sustainable practices that honor Sicilyâs rich cultural and environmental legacy. Throughout this course, Sicilyâs extraordinary heritage serves as both classroom and inspiration, fostering a deep appreciation for the interconnectedness of culture, history, and the environment in the heart of the Mediterranean.
This capstone project, in collaboration with WWF South-Eastern Sicily, aims to immerse students in the robust efforts undertaken towards the safeguarding and monitoring of marine turtle nesting sites in Sicily. WWF South-Eastern Sicily has been at the forefront of conservation efforts, dedicating resources and expertise in protecting these majestic marine creatures and ensuring the survival and thriving of their nesting habitat. Students will collaborate closely with WWF experts, applying interdisciplinary approaches to enhance existing conservation efforts. They will engage in activities such as monitoring nesting sites, data collection and analysis, community education, and awareness campaigns, and develop innovative strategies to address challenges faced by marine turtles in their nesting processes.
Food Module: Libera Terra NGO
Libera Terra is a pioneering NGO that has boldly transformed the landscapes marred by maa control into blossoming beacons of hope and sustainability. Operating on the evocative foothills of Mt. Etna, Libera Terra manages organic citrus farms nourishing on conscated lands, once suocated under the maa. Rooted in the spirit of justice, freedom, and respect for the land and its communities, Libera Terra’s vision blooms beyond the realms of traditional agriculture. It strives to heal the wounds engraved by criminal organizations, seeking to nurture not just the soil, but the fabric of Sicilian society, intertwining social redemption with agricultural revitalization.
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 course for a total of 3 – 4 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 | |
|---|---|
| March 29 2024 |
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 2024 |
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 12 2024 |
Enrollment Closes Students must complete their enrollment, including paying deposits, by this date. |
| April 14 2024 |
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. |
| April 29 2024 |
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 14 2024 |
Balance of Total Program Fee Due |
| On-Site Calendar | |
|---|---|
| July 13 2024 |
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. |
| July 14 2024 |
Orientation & Welcome Events |
| July 15 2024 |
Classes Begin |
| July 26 2024 |
Classes End & Final Exams |
| July 27 2024 |
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). |
$3,950 |
| Program Fee: 3 – 4 sustainability credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$4,130 |
| Program Fee: 4 archaeology credits Includes tuition, standard housing and SAI 360° Services (see What’s Included). |
$5,490 |
| Optional / Additional Fees: | |
| Optional Private Room Housing Supplement Private room in a shared apartment, with a shared bathroom. |
$300 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement: private room with breakfast Option to live with a local host family in a private room; includes breakfast daily. |
$450 |
| Optional Homestay Housing Supplement: private room with half board Option to live with a local host family in a private room; includes breakfast and dinner 5 days/week. |
$570 |
| Optional Weekend Excursion: Palermo Students have the option of paying for an additional excursion, beyond those included, to Palermo. |
$410 |
| 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
- SAI Student Visa consulting
- 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. SAI on-site staff is available to respond to any maintenance needs that may arise.
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 (half 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.