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)
Mediterranean Anthropology: Environment, Population, Art, and Tradition
Anthropology Film Studies Visual ArtsCOURSE CODE
In this course, students will first review the basics of anthropology and study anthropological methods in the context of the Mediterranean. Building upon that, students will then explore the relationship between anthropology and art, film, and tradition. Students will have the opportunity to engage in Practical Labs, led by Gabriella Ciancimino, focusing on art as a catalyst for social change and community engagement.TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Shaping, Molding, and Casting
Animation Visual ArtsCOURSE CODE
Through a theoretical and strongly experiential learning process, students will be introduced to molding and casting techniques, which are the basis of tridimensional reproducibility. They will create their own shapes and learn how to cast copies of them in different materials such as clay, plaster, silicone, and resins. Ranging from the oldest to the newest techniques, including 3D printing, students will be able to take inspiration from their use in some of Sicily's iconic objects, such as typical ceramic shapes (“formelle”) for quince marmalade, plaster molds for sugar puppets (“pupi di zucchero”), and casting techniques to produce the Moro Head (“Testa di Moro”).TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
Sicilian Traces: Designing a Living Font
Anthropology Communication & Media Visual ArtsCOURSE CODE
We all leave traces: when we move, when we communicate, when we listen, eat, and live. These “traces” are imprinted in the urban space, modifying and sculpting its identity. During the course students will collect these traces to use them as a starting point to create an original analog font to be used for poetic and pictorial compositions, to rethink the identity of a place and make it more coherent with the territory that generated it.TERM
Fall, Spring
CREDIT
6 ECTS
The Conquer(ing) of Space
Anthropology Cultural Studies HistoryCOURSE CODE
Starting from the reality of spaces, we see the city as a stage for situations. Situations are a set of conditions: informally, accidentally, or potentially planned. The aim of the course is to question critically the realm of existing realities, changing the perception of the ordinary through an investigation of the anatomy of the space, built or not built, defined or not defined, connected or disconnected. We rely on the potential of design to reconnect broken spaces and reopen them to experience. In this course, students will consider the unique relationship between spaces and the people that interact with them, analyzing the impact that a setting can have on human activity and experience. As a case study, students will examine the spaces around Syracuse, analyzing how they shape their interactions with and impressions of the city. They will contemplate how the spaces found in Syracuse interplay with behavior, customs, and daily life for the local community as well as tourists and visitors. Students will then create their own designs, proposing adaptations to public spaces that could improve the human experience. Coursework will involve theoretical context for urban planning as well as practical projects, utilizing critical thinking and creative problem solving skills. Throughout the duration of the course, students will continually return to the concept of "design for change," to build a deeper understanding of how creativity can impact society.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!
Mediterranean Anthropology: Environment, Population, Art, and Tradition
COURSE CODE
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
Shaping, Molding, and Casting
COURSE CODE
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
Sicilian Traces: Designing a Living Font
COURSE CODE
CREDIT
6 ECTS
TERM
Fall, Spring
The Conquer(ing) of Space
COURSE CODE
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.
The Hop Well-Come Abroad:
well-come to Italy!
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.
Prague
Hit all the highlights on your Hop weekend trip to the fairytale city of Prague.
experience more of Europe
Siracusa is just the start. Explore Europe through excursions and cultural experiences, all included with your Hop study abroad program.
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
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
Hop exclusive Rome and Prague weekend escapes
The Hop Well-come in Mayrhofen, Austria
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.