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sun, sea, and history
SIRACUSA, ITALY
a Sicilian paradise
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)
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.
Aeolian Islands
Gorgeous blue seas, white sands and volcanic mudbaths: explore the Aeolian Islands on our three night excursion.
Rome
Hop’s exclusive “Well-come” Program takes place in Rome for three days of mindful, health and wellness activities to ease you into the Italian lifestyle.
Mt. Etna
Hike Mt Etna, one of Italy’s active volcanos on the east coast of Sicily.
experience more of Italy
Sicily is just the start. Explore Italy through excursions and cultural events, all included with your Hop study abroad program.
making it happen
Spring: January 25 - May 17, 2025
Fall: September 1 - December 19, 2025
Program Fee:
Semester: $14,495 USD
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
Three fantastic Hop exclusive local day excursions
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
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.
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