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We invite you to participate in this unique and exciting API summer program in beautiful Sicily, which offers the ideal environment for hands on learning through field studies. Located in the city center near the world famous archaeological park and museum, the Syracuse Academy offers a broad array of humanities, social sciences and STEM courses taught in English. Every class includes experiential learning activities such as field work and visits to relevant cultural and historical sites, making this the ideal program for anyone seeking a meaningful and engaging international experience. Earn valuable academic credit, learn by doing, enjoy all that southern Italy has to offer, and spend your summer in the Mediterranean!

What's Included?

Highlights

Pre Departure Services

Advising

APIConnect Platform

Orientation Materials and Resources

Access to International Phone Plans

API Alumni Network

Social Networking

On Site Services

Airport Reception

On-Site Orientation

Housing

Excursions 

Resident Director

Tuition

Medical and Life Insurance

Social and Cultural Activities

Welcome and Farewell Group Meals

Volunteer Opportunities

Re-Entry Services

Re-Entry Materials and Support

Post-Program Evaluation

Transcript

Alumni Network and API Ambassador Program

View all opportunities and amenities

Application Requirements

  • Minimum 2.5 G.P.A.
  • Open to sophomores, juniors, and seniors
  • Completed API application
  • University Approval Form
  • One official transcript
  • Entry requirements: valid passport
Session Program Dates Program Cost Application Deadline Extended Application Deadline Payment Deadline
Summer 1 Jun 10, 2023 - Jul 8, 2023

Pricing Additional Information

$5,880 for a 4 credit elective.

$6,180 for 3 credits Italian Language elective.

Mar 24, 2023 No Extension Apr 23, 2023
Summer 1 and 2 Combined Jun 10, 2023 - Aug 5, 2023 $12,900 Mar 24, 2023 No Extension Apr 23, 2023
Summer 2 Jul 8, 2023 - Aug 5, 2023

Pricing Additional Information

$5,880 for a 4 credit elective.

$6,180 for 3 credits Italian Language elective.

Apr 12, 2023 No Extension May 12, 2023

API students participate in excursions designed to help familiarize them with the culture and surrounding areas of their host city and country. The following is a listing of potential excursions for API Syracuse programs. API may need to modify the excursions offered in a given term due to travel restrictions or health and safety concerns. API Syracuse summer students will attend the Aeolian Islands excursion in addition to two excursions per session.

  • Aeolian Islands

    Students will have the opportunity to island hop across the 3 most iconic islands of the volcanic archipelago: Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli. This excursion will include a guided hike to the Sciara del Fuoco on Stromboli, to view the regular eruptions and lava flows reach the sea, and to the Vulcano Gran Cratere.

    Students will also have the chance to visit the Aeolian Museum of Lipari, famous for its submarine archaeology and volcanology sections and located in old town citadel, and the golden palace of Aeolus, the deity of the winds, as mentioned in The Odyssey.

  • Mt. Etna: Mythological Sicily

    This excursion offers students a real adventure and the unique opportunity to hike to the craters of Mt. Etna — the largest volcano in Europe! Expert volcanologists will explain both the history and mythology that has been carved into the Mediterranean World, and the scientific phenomenon we see today. This may be the closest thing one can experience to being on the moon, including the best views of Sicily and the surrounding sea.

  • Noto & Vendicari: Baroque Sicily

    Students will embark on a tour of the Baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its architectural splendor. There, students will discover the winemaking tradition in Noto.

    After Noto, students can relax on the pristine beach of the Vendicari marine reserve, laying grounds of sea turtles and of other Mediterranean wildlife species. Students can try their hand at bird watching to view one of the largest pink flamingo colonies in Europe and visit the old Spanish tuna farm!

  • Pantalica: Prehistoric Sicily

    Students will feel as though they are taking a step back in time while exploring the neolithic settlement of Pantalica. After admiring the breathtaking views of the cliff-side necropolis, there will be ample time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine lakes of the Anapo River and to taste traditional Sicilian delicacies in a local agriturismo.

  • Aeolian Islands

    Students will have the opportunity to island hop across the 3 most iconic islands of the volcanic archipelago: Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli. This excursion will include a guided hike to the Sciara del Fuoco on Stromboli, to view the regular eruptions and lava flows reach the sea, and to the Vulcano Gran Cratere.

    Students will also have the chance to visit the Aeolian Museum of Lipari, famous for its submarine archaeology and volcanology sections and located in old town citadel, and the golden palace of Aeolus, the deity of the winds, as mentioned in The Odyssey.

  • Mt. Etna: Mythological Sicily

    This excursion offers students a real adventure and the unique opportunity to hike to the craters of Mt. Etna — the largest volcano in Europe! Expert volcanologists will explain both the history and mythology that has been carved into the Mediterranean World, and the scientific phenomenon we see today. This may be the closest thing one can experience to being on the moon, including the best views of Sicily and the surrounding sea.

  • Noto & Vendicari: Baroque Sicily

    Students will embark on a tour of the Baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its architectural splendor. There, students will discover the winemaking tradition in Noto.

    After Noto, students can relax on the pristine beach of the Vendicari marine reserve, laying grounds of sea turtles and of other Mediterranean wildlife species. Students can try their hand at bird watching to view one of the largest pink flamingo colonies in Europe and visit the old Spanish tuna farm!

  • Pantalica: Prehistoric Sicily

    Students will feel as though they are taking a step back in time while exploring the neolithic settlement of Pantalica. After admiring the breathtaking views of the cliff-side necropolis, there will be ample time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine lakes of the Anapo River and to taste traditional Sicilian delicacies in a local agriturismo.

  • Aeolian Islands

    Students will have the opportunity to island hop across the 3 most iconic islands of the volcanic archipelago: Vulcano, Lipari, Stromboli. This excursion will include a guided hike to the Sciara del Fuoco on Stromboli, to view the regular eruptions and lava flows reach the sea, and to the Vulcano Gran Cratere.

    Students will also have the chance to visit the Aeolian Museum of Lipari, famous for its submarine archaeology and volcanology sections and located in old town citadel, and the golden palace of Aeolus, the deity of the winds, as mentioned in The Odyssey.

  • Mt. Etna: Mythological Sicily

    This excursion offers students a real adventure and the unique opportunity to hike to the craters of Mt. Etna — the largest volcano in Europe! Expert volcanologists will explain both the history and mythology that has been carved into the Mediterranean World, and the scientific phenomenon we see today. This may be the closest thing one can experience to being on the moon, including the best views of Sicily and the surrounding sea.

  • Noto & Vendicari: Baroque Sicily

    Students will embark on a tour of the Baroque town of Noto, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its architectural splendor. There, students will discover the winemaking tradition in Noto.

    After Noto, students can relax on the pristine beach of the Vendicari marine reserve, laying grounds of sea turtles and of other Mediterranean wildlife species. Students can try their hand at bird watching to view one of the largest pink flamingo colonies in Europe and visit the old Spanish tuna farm!

  • Pantalica: Prehistoric Sicily

    Students will feel as though they are taking a step back in time while exploring the neolithic settlement of Pantalica. After admiring the breathtaking views of the cliff-side necropolis, there will be ample time to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pristine lakes of the Anapo River and to taste traditional Sicilian delicacies in a local agriturismo.

What You’ll Study

TOTAL CREDITS - 3-6 U.S. semester credits

Students will enroll in one or two courses for a total of 3-6 U.S. semester credits.

Experiential Learning

Students also have the opportunity to participate in additional opportunties including internships and service learning in migrant communities.

Campus Setting

The Syracuse Academy is located in a historic villa set in two acres of lush botanical garden filled with citrus trees, century-old palms and Mediterranean flora; the main entrance to the campus is located next to the Catacombs of St. John, one of the first places of Christian worship in the West, where St. Paul is said to have preached. It is in the heart of the city of Syracuse, next to the world-famous archaeological park and museum and at a short walking distance from the island of Ortigia.

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    Kelsi Maddock

    Kelsi Maddock will be your Program Coordinator and will help prepare you for your API program.

    (she/her/hers)

Click Here to Find Classes

COURSE OFFERINGS

Summer students have the opportunity to enroll in Italian language courses (beginning through advanced level) or take classes in English in the following areas of study: cultural studies, environmental studies and social sciences (including immigration studies).

Courses at Syracuse Academy (Summer Mediterranean and Field Studies Program)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Syracuse Academy (Summer Mediterranean and Field Studies Program)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

Courses at Syracuse Academy (Summer Mediterranean and Field Studies Program)

For the most up-to-date course availability on this program, explore our Class Finder. Sort courses by term, area of study, and more!

Click here to find courses, syllabi, and more!

API students in Syracuse will live in shared apartments.

Students will enjoy API’s shared, fully furnished flats in the center of town. Students will be in shared bedrooms with 4-8 students per flat with shared living areas and kitchens. The apartments are located in the center of town and is offered on a "space-available" basis and single rooms may be requested (for an additional fee). Internet access is included in both options and all housing is centrally located within an easy walk or tram commute to class.