Fall: Sept 1 – Dec 19, 2025
Spring: Jan 26 – May 17, 2026
Architecture, Art History, Ceramics, City Planning, Cinema, Drawing, Fashion Design, Graphic Design, History, Interior Design, Italian Culture, Literature, Museum Studies, Painting, Photography, Product Design, Sculpture, Sound Design, Theater Design, Volcanology
starting at
$14,495
Let's hop to it!
the rundown
Dreaming of Italy for your semester abroad? Picture this: an Italian city as old as Rome and some 650 years older than Florence, yet sitting right on the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Imagine gorgeous beaches and a scenic coastline alongside archaeological treasures, narrow winding streets, baroque cathedrals and mouth watering seafood. A place dripping in history, culture and natural beauty and now available as a study abroad destination with academic courses inspired by the region's unique vibe. Sound epic? Read on.
your academic journey
The Rosario Gagliardi Academy of Fine Arts or MADE, was established in 1995, and is a fully accredited international institution, recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education for Universities and Research (MIUR). MADE offers full degree programs in Fine Arts, Design, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Italian Studies. The Academy is located within Palazzo Boccadifuoco, one of the most interesting Art Nouveau buildings in Siracusa. Directly overlooking the sea, it is just a few steps away from the island of Ortigia, the historical center of the city.
MADE - The Rosario Gagliardi Academy of Fine Arts, founded in 1995, is an internationally accredited institution, offering full degree programs to Italian and international students. The MADE School of Arts & Sciences provides international study abroad programs in Fine Arts, Design, Liberal Arts and Sciences, and Italian Studies. MADE aims to work at the crossroads of design, art, traditional crafts, and local culture.
The two following courses are compulsory:
Italian Language and Culture
Each MADE student will begin their study abroad program by completing an intensive Italian Language and Culture course. Over the span of the first four weeks, you will explore Italy’s history, culture, and language, both through lectures and local site visits. By developing an understanding of the unique historical and cultural context of Sicily as well as key Italian words and phrases, you are empowered to interact with the local community in a respectful and meaningful way. With this groundwork in place, you are ready to engage locally. *Students with advanced Italian language experience can instead complete an additional elective course.
Mediterranean Studies Research Project
An important element of a MADE study abroad experience is the Mediterranean Studies Research Project, which allows you to develop research skills while pursuing one of your passions. With a foundation of research methodologies, you will set out to explore an individual academic or career interest, supplemented by Sicily’s unique attributes and resources. With the support of our industry experts, such as a local NGO leader, volcanologist, designer, or artist, you will put to use valuable professional competencies, such as critical thinking, leadership, and communication. By the end of the term, you will have completed a final project or product, giving you a tangible takeaway from your high impact learning experience.
In addition to the compulsory courses, students can select one (1) of the following reflective courses: Drawing, Creative Writing, Photography.
Students then have the choice of choosing one of the following 6 credit tracks:
Fine Arts Track (painting, drawing, sculpture, photography): these are 6 credit studios
Design Track (mixed media, graphic design, fashion design, product design): these are 6 credit studios
Mediterranean Studies/Liberal Arts Track: choose two (2) of the following courses: (Migration in the Mediterranean, Geology of Sicily/Volcanology, Marine Biology, Greek and Roman Ingenuity, Art History, Modern Italy, Western Civilization, Mediterranean Anthropology)
Italian Language Track (additional Language Course; Italian Cinema/Special Focus in Sicily; Sicilian Writers taught in Italian)
Ancient Mosaic Making
Visual Arts HistoryCREDIT
6 ECTS
COURSE CODE
TERM
Fall, Spring
PREREQUISITE
NAStudents will be introduced to the basic mosaic techniques, to the theories of color, and to the materials used for the creation of a mosaic. They will also receive basic notions about the different mosaic styles, particularly the Roman and Byzantine mosaics present in Sicily. They will learn to cut the materials available (stones and marbles) with traditional tools and will be introduced to the complexity of a fascinating technique that requires all-round skills.Ceramics: Technique and Intuition in the Art of Making
Visual Arts HistoryCREDIT
6 ECTS
COURSE CODE
TERM
Fall, Spring
PREREQUISITE
NAStudents learn the skills that will allow them to construct their own personal artistic development in the field of ceramics, which is necessarily an experiential process. The selection of clays, decorative techniques, and interaction with fire and oxides opens up an infinite range of conceptual and decorative research and experimentation inherent in the art of sculpture and potting.Directed Undergraduate Research
CapstoneCREDIT
6 ECTS
COURSE CODE
TERM
Fall, Spring
PREREQUISITE
NAPursuing an individual research capstone allows MADE students to explore their individual interests in the context of Sicily and the Mediterranean Basin, enhance their research skills, and learn from industry mentors. Starting with a foundation of interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks and research methodologies, each student sets out to explore their individual academic and career interests, supplemented by Sicily’s unique attributes and resources. With the support of industry experts, such as a local NGO leader, volcanologist, designer, or artist, students gain valuable professional competencies, such as critical thinking, leadership, and communication. By the end of the term, each student will have completed a final project or product, giving them a tangible takeaway from their high impact learning experience. Designed to be uniquely customizable for all levels, thanks to individual mentorship from local professionals and practitioners, this course is just as relevant for a rising senior working on their honors thesis in Psychology as it is for a rising sophomore delving into their Economics major for the first time. The course spans the entire semester, with an intensive four-week period at the beginning of the term.
your abode
You will feel at home in the stunning and very walkable city center of Siracusa. Your Hop-arranged, fully-furnished apartment will allow you to live like a local while exploring with other students on the program. Hop housing is clean, safe and comfortable with wifi, bedding, linens and towels. Spend your free time wandering the cobblestone streets filled with inviting restaurants, great shopping, museums, galleries and cafes or relax on one of the many beaches.
local vibes
Get ready to explore! From the awesome weekend trips to Palmero and Western Sicily to a three-night Aeolian Island Odyssey, we have bundled in some memorable excursions. With curated local activities like a boat tour of the coastline, visits to the multiple archaeological sites throughout the city, and a Mediterranean “market to table” cooking lesson, your semester will be filled with Italian moments.
The Hop Well-Come Abroad:
well-come to Italy!
experience more of Italy
Siracusa is just the start. Explore Italy through excursions and cultural experiences, all included with your Hop study abroad program.
Palermo
Spend an unforgettable weekend exploring Palermo, a city where vibrant markets, stunning architecture, and rich history come alive. From savoring Sicilian street food to wandering through ancient streets and majestic cathedrals, every corner of Palermo offers a new adventure.
Aeolian Islands
Gorgeous blue seas, white sands and volcanic mudbaths: explore the Aeolian Islands on our three night excursion.
Mt. Etna
Hike Mt Etna, one of Italy’s active volcanos on the east coast of Sicily.
where study abroad meets reality television
Become a reality television star! All the excitement, thrills, and challenges are captured to share on social media. Your friends and family can root for you from around the world.
making it happen
Siracusa, Italy
Fall: Sept 1 – Dec 19, 2025
Spring: Jan 26 – May 17, 2026
starting at
$14,495
inclusions
Semester tuition for 12 to 16 US Credit hours
Twin-share furnished apartment accommodation
Two amazing three-day weekend excursions to Palmero and Aeolian Islands
One Hop-exclusive local day excursion
Airport reception and pickup
The Hop Well-come and Orientation (based in Rome)
24/7 Hop support and your Hop Go-To (other programs say Resident Director)
Pre-departure advising to get you ready
International flights not included
why study abroad with Hop?
Because we do study abroad differently. We’re all about creating a community that’s as diverse, adventurous, and curious as you are. Our programs are anything but cookie-cutter.
unique & innovative experiences
Our programs offers one-of-a-kind experiences tailored to various interests—whether you're diving into Korean culture in Seoul, competing on Scholar Island in Fiji, exploring the world Down Under in Australia, experiencing the beating heart of Europe, or innovating with startups in Thailand.
a focus on you
Studying abroad is all about you—and we’re here to make sure you feel supported every step of the way. From our mindfulness-focused Well-Come Abroad orientation program to our dedicated on-the-ground support staff, we ensure you gain invaluable international experience, develop new skills, and boost your resume—all while having the time of your life and prioritizing your health and well-being.
global connections
Join a community of like-minded peers from around the world while building relationships with locals, professionals, and professors who can inspire your academic and career journey.
why study abroad with Hop this summer?
Summer with Hop isn’t just about academics—it’s about creating unforgettable memories, challenging yourself, and returning home with stories that will stay with you forever.
unique & innovative experiences
Our programs offers one-of-a-kind summer experiences tailored to various interests—whether you're diving into Korean culture in Seoul, competing on Scholar Island in Fiji, experiencing the beating heart of Europe, or innovating with startups in Thailand.
short yet impactful
Summer is the perfect time for a focused, immersive program. In just a few weeks, you can gain international experience, learn new skills, and build your resume without interrupting your academic year.
global connections
Join a community of like-minded peers from around the world while building relationships with locals, professionals, and professors who can inspire your academic and career journey.
We acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the lands upon which our students are welcomed, recognizing that our experiences are held on their ancestral territories. We deeply respect and honor the enduring cultures and significant contributions of all First Peoples, past, present, and emerging.
The course listings provided in our Course Finder are for informational purposes only and are subject to change. Our global partners keep things exciting—course offerings may change anytime! We do our best to stay up to date, but check with us to be sure. Got questions? Hop in and ask!
Ancient Mosaic Making
COURSE CODE
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
PREREQUISITE
Ceramics: Technique and Intuition in the Art of Making
COURSE CODE
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
PREREQUISITE
Directed Undergraduate Research
COURSE CODE
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
PREREQUISITE
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