The Italian Academy’s School of Sustainability
Summer Schools in Sicily and Lake Como
Experience hands-on programs in Marine Ecology, Archaeology, Human Rights, and Entrepreneurship.
Summer tracks
Weeks abroad
June / July
Syracuse
Fieldwork
A Living Laboratory in the Mediterranean
A Living Laboratory in the Mediterranean
Syracuse Academy, The Italian Academy’s School of Sustainability, offers a study abroad experience that goes beyond the classroom. In partnership with the University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center and local research institutions, our summer programs transform Sicily into an active field laboratory.
Whether you are monitoring biodiversity in a marine protected area, excavating ancient Greek temples, or engaging with the geopolitics of the migration crisis, you will work side-by-side with experts in the field. This is your opportunity to build your resume and experience the Mediterranean lifestyle in one of Italy’s most beautiful historic cities.
Program Dates 2026
3 weeks in Sicily (1x course)
6 weeks in Sicily (2x courses)
8 weeks in Sicily & Lake Como (3x courses)
Program Requirements
Programs are open to students who fulfill the following requirements:
- University transcript: the program is exclusively open to current or recent graduates within 12 months of graduation
- Passport/ID scan
- Letter of motivation
- English language certificate: IELTS Academic = 6.5; TOEFL iBT = 79; Cambridge Scale = 180 (Upper B2); DET = 110; PTE Academic = 59.
Your student advisor for the Summer School programs.
Apply
Your Learning Journey Starts Here
Spaces for the summer tracks are limited to ensure high-quality field mentorship. Housing preferences are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
Apply early to secure your place.
Summer School Program Tracks
Three ways to turn Sicily into your field laboratory.
Marine Ecology & Biodiversity
Marine Ecology & Biodiversity
A field-based program focused on the marine biodiversity of the Mediterranean. You will utilize the Plemmirio Marine Protected Area as your primary laboratory.
Program Highlights
- Monitoring of invasive species and climate change impacts at the Marine Protected Area
- Dolphin and whale watching activities in the bay of Catania
- Snorkeling census of fish and benthic species.
- Engaging with local fishermen community and NGOs
Course List
- Marine & Coastal Ecology
- Mediterranean Conflict: Humans and the Environment
Program Partners
- Plemmirio Marine Protected Area
- WWF South Eastern Sicily
Human Rights, Migration & The Media
Human Rights, Migration & The Media
Sicily is the frontline of the European migration crisis. This track examines the intersection of border politics, human rights law, and media representation.
Program Highlights
- Conduct undergraduate research at leading institution on Human Rights.
- Meetings with journalists, NGOs, and local activists.
- Visits to Italian Coast Guard and NGOs such as PassWork, CIAO (Center for Intercultural Aid and Orientation) and Libera.
Course List
- Migration, Human Rights & the Media
- International Human Rights Law
- Research (Migration and Human Rights)
Program Partners
Siracusa International Institute for Human Rights and Criminal Justice
The Siracusa International Institute is a non-profit foundation that holds consultative status with the United Nations and participatory status with the Council of Europe. It is dedicated to education, training and research in international and comparative criminal justice and human rights worldwide.
Archaeology Field School
Archaeology Field School
An intensive excavation program within one of the most iconic monuments at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Syracuse: Temple of Zeus. Students work alongside professional archaeologists to uncover the ancient past.
Program Highlights
- Active excavation at the Temple of Zeus, guided by expert archaeologists.
- Stratigraphic excavation techniques and spatial data.
- Artifact cleaning and cataloging in museum laboratories.
Course List
- Archaeology Field School at the Temple of Zeus (Syracuse)
Program Partners
- Archaeological Park and Museum of Siracusa
- University of Naples “Federico II” Department of Humanities
Summer School Optional Extensions
Optional extensions for a broader Italian academic experience.
S.I.L.K. Program
Sustainability, Innovation, Legacy & Knowledge on Lake Como
S.I.L.K. program – optional 10-day Summer School extension
An immersive program set in the heart of Como, where 500 years of silk heritage meet cutting-edge sustainable innovation. Students explore the “Made in Italy” brand through the lens of circular economy and design thinking.
Program Highlights
- Field visits to Lake Como’s artisans and businesses: textile manufacturing, startups and cultural hubs
- Hands-on Design Thinking workshops
- Team-based SILK Challenge project
- Guidance from faculty and local experts
Program Partner
SILK: Sustainability, Innovation, Legacy and Knowledge on Lake Como
This course explores how sustainability, innovation, and local heritage shape Lake Como’s unique cultural and economic landscape, with a focus on its long-standing silk tradition. Through lectures, field visits, workshops, and team-based design activities, students learn how local craftsmanship and entrepreneurship adapt to contemporary challenges.
Working with the Design Thinking method, participants develop creative solutions to a real-world challenge and present their final projects to faculty and local partners.
Italian Language Courses
Italian Language Courses
Italian language
45 hours | 3 US Credit equivalent | 3 weeks
This beginner Italian course, taught entirely in Italian, integrates vocabulary and grammar study with communication practice and cultural awareness. Students are encouraged to use what they learn in real-life situations, accelerating their progress and deepening their understanding of local culture, which is considered essential to true language competence.
Level: Introductory (A1) to Advanced (C1)
Student Life during the program
Student Life during the program
We believe that immersion happens as much outside the classroom as inside it. Summer School students are housed in comfortable, shared apartments located in the center of Syracuse.
Ortigia Study Center
Classes are held at the prestigious Ortigia campus of The Italian Academy, 12th century Baroque Palazzo in Piazza Duomo.
Housing Amenities
Single and Double rooms in Shared Student Residences. Fully furnished with equipped kitchens, Wi-Fi, and bed linens provided.
Housing Location
A short walk from the Academy, the historic island of Ortigia and its monuments, bars and beaches.
Community
You will share your experience with other international students from around the globe, fostering a vibrant community atmosphere.
What’s Included
Everything students need to focus on the field experience.
Tuition
Full academic tuition and transcript
Housing
Shared student apartment or Studio Apartments in Syracuse city center.
Excursions
Guided trips to Mount Etna, Taormina, and Noto.
Field Activities
All transportation and equipment for site visits included
Support
On-site orientation, social activity program and 24/7 emergency support.
Program Partners
A network of academic, cultural and field partners.
Ready to Apply?
Spaces for the summer tracks are limited.
Apply early to secure your place.
Contact our team
Take the first step and contact our team. We are here to help!
Our team of student advisors is glad to support you every step of the way: from enrolment and visa application, to departure preparations, orientation and settling into your new city and home.
Address
Main Campus
Piazzale San Marziano, 1, Siracusa, Italy
Ortigia Study Center
Piazza Duomo, 20, Siracusa, Italy
Call Us
Phone: +39 0931 61424
info@theitalianacademy.com