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)
Illustration: Find Your Own Voice
Visual ArtsCOURSE CODE
ARTS 258
TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Inroduction to Digital Photography
Visual Arts PhotographyCOURSE CODE
PHV 100
TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Introduction to Analogue Photography
Visual Arts PhotographyCOURSE CODE
PHV 250
TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Italian Cinema in Sicily
Film Studies History Italian Language & CultureCOURSE CODE
ITAL 253
Students will explore the best works of Italian cinema, their role in history, and their cultural impact, particularly through the context of Sicily. Students will review the work of impactful players in Italian film, such as Luchino Visconti, Federico Fellini, Roberto Benigni, Franco Zeffirelli, and more. The course will examine the variety of film movements and styles that developed in Italy, from the mid 1900’s to present day. Note: Course can be taught in English or Italian. If taught in Italian, Italian proficiency is required as determined by prior coursework or placement exam.TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Italian Language & Culture
Cultural Studies Italian Language & CultureCOURSE CODE
ITAL / SOC 151
Each student will complete an intensive Italian Language and Culture course. By beginning the term with an intensive 4-week Italian Language and Culture course, students are prepared for more meaningful engagement with their environment. Students 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, students are empowered to interact with the local community in a respectful and meaningful way. With this groundwork in place, students will be set up for success to engage with all that Sicily has to offer and to set themselves apart by completing their MADE program. Italian classes are offered at all levels, from A1-C2, and a placement exam is offered online, pre-departure.TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Italian Language 1
Italian Language & Culture Languages & LinguisticsCOURSE CODE
ITAL 100
This course includes the development of basic conversational, reading, listening, and writing skills. Focus will be given to the development of a vocabulary that will enable students to have simple but useful everyday conversations, which will be a support to their Italian experience. The course will give students the basic elements useful for everyday conversations, such as at the cafe, the train station, the post office, the restaurant, etc.TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
To be eligible for a Hop Education Abroad program, students must be currently enrolled at a degree-granting college or university, have completed at least one year of their undergraduate studies prior to departure, and be in good academic standing at their home institution.
We do not have a set GPA requirement to participate in our programs—we believe in making global experiences as accessible as possible. However, some of our international university partners or your home institution may set their own academic eligibility criteria.
The Rosario Gagliardi Academy of Fine Arts has a minimum GPA requirement of 2.5.
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!
Illustration: Find Your Own Voice
COURSE CODE
ARTS 258
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
Inroduction to Digital Photography
COURSE CODE
PHV 100
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
Introduction to Analogue Photography
COURSE CODE
PHV 250
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
Italian Cinema in Sicily
COURSE CODE
ITAL 253
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
Italian Language & Culture
COURSE CODE
ITAL / SOC 151
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
Italian Language 1
COURSE CODE
ITAL 100
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
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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.
Find balance and clarity through guided yoga and meditation at a Austrian resort.
Lace up your snowshoes and experience the magic of the Alps on a breathtaking alpine hike.
Nourish your body with hearty alpine meals shared in a cozy mountain setting.
Arrive grounded, inspired, and ready to embrace your journey in Europe with clarity, connection, and a renewed sense of self.
Mayrhofen, Austria
The Hop Well-Come Abroad:
a mindful start to your semester
The exclusive Hop Well-Come Abroad program in Mayrhofen sets the tone for an uplifting and balanced start to your time in Europe. Nestled in the Austrian Alps, this active program blends fresh mountain air with a focus on mental and physical well-being. Each session equips you with the confidence and resilience needed to settle into your new home while embracing alpine traditions and cultural moments. Expect panoramic hikes, cozy mountain huts, hearty Tyrolean meals, and plenty of laughter—all surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery.
Rome
Tour the Colosseum, indulge in authentic Italian gelato, and explore the vast riches of the Vatican Museums. Rome wasn’t built in a day but see it all in a Hop weekend.
EXPERIENCE MORE OF
Europe
Siracusa is just the start. Explore Europe through excursions and cultural experiences, with one weekend excursion of your choosing included with your Hop study abroad program.
Prague
Chase castle views, cobblestone streets, and storybook sunsets on your Hop weekend getaway to the fairytale city of Prague.
making it happen
Siracusa, Italy
Spring: Jan 28 – May 16, 2027
Fall: Sep – Dec 2027
starting at
$XXXXX
inclusions
Semester tuition for 12 to 16 US Credit hours
Twin-share furnished apartment accommodation
Your choice of Rome or Prague weekend escapes
The Hop Well-come in Mayrhofen, Austria (and travel to Siracusa)
Airport reception and pickup
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.