Value-based International Education
Syracuse Academy is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and equitable learning environment that not only enriches the study abroad experience but also prepares students to become global citizens. Our Global Access policies are designed to support this commitment, ensuring that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in the vibrant and culturally rich setting of Sicily. Through initiatives like the MARE Initiative, and comprehensive student resources, Syracuse Academy is dedicated to breaking down barriers to international education and creating a community where every student feels valued, supported, and empowered.
Syracuse Academy MÁRE Initiative
Syracuse Academy is delighted to introduce the MÁRE “Mediterranean Awareness and Respect for Everyone” Initiative. MÁRE, meaning “sea” in Italian, symbolizes the depth and breadth of the Mediterranean’s diverse cultures and the commitment to respect and inclusivity for all. Reference to the “sea” also serves to celebrate students’ understanding of the potential for the Mediterranean basin to provide a connecting space among many diverse peoples and cultures, rather than a border and barrier.
Through the MÁRE Initiative, Syracuse Academy strives to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that reflects the diversity of our global community. Our commitment to inclusivity and support for all students is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring a rich and transformative study abroad experience in Sicily.
A compass to navigate the MÁRE Initiative
Syracuse Academy’s MARE Initiative is grounded in four fundamental pillars, providing latitude and longitude for all our staff. These pillars support our mission to not only educate but also empower students as global citizens within the Mediterranean context:
Intercultural Competency Workshops
Recognizing the critical role that our administrative and academic staff plays in supporting students, Syracuse Academy invests in comprehensive intercultural training. This training equips our team with the skills and knowledge needed to effectively address the needs of a diverse student body, fostering an environment of understanding, respect, and support.
Intercutural Competency Workshop Series for students are embedded in each program at Syracuse Academy, from pre-departure to re-entry preparation.
Inclusive Housing and Academic Programming
Our programs are carefully curated to include a wide range of academic disciplines and cultural experiences that reflect the diversity of the Mediterranean region. From immersive language courses to community engagement projects, we ensure that our programming is inclusive and representative of various perspectives and histories.
Inclusive Housing options are offered on all programs. Advisors and students may reach out during planning and throughout the programs on-site to receive term-specific information on options available.
Financial Accessibility
We are committed to making study abroad accessible to all students by offering a range of short- and long-term program options and supporting students with financial resources such as scholarships, awards, grants and flexible payment plans. Our goal is to remove financial barriers, allowing students from diverse backgrounds to benefit from international education.
Targeted Outreach
Syracuse Academy actively reaches out to underrepresented communities, including students from institutions with limited access to international education, to ensure that our programs are accessible to a broad spectrum of students. Our targetted outreach efforts are aimed at raising awareness and providing information about the unique opportunities available through our study abroad programs.
MÁRE Workshop Series
MÁRE is enacted as a pre-departure, orientation and continuos learning Intercultural Competence Series, a suite of sessions designed to prepare students for their study abroad experience in Sicily and to build on-site on their expanded understanding through the lens of their study abroad experience.
The series aims to address the concerns and questions of students, providing them with the knowledge and resources to navigate the diverse societal landscape of Sicily confidently. By fostering an environment of open dialogue and learning before departure, we ensure that all students feel supported and informed as they embark and thrive on their educational journey with Syracuse Academy. This initiative reflects our commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive atmosphere for students of all backgrounds, promoting a deeper understanding and appreciation of diversity as they explore the rich cultural heritage of Sicily.
The MARE Initiative is a toolkit and a set of comprehensive resources designed to support students in navigating the complexities of diversity and inclusion while studying abroad. This initiative provides a thorough guide for students, encompassing strategies to overcome adversity, effectively engage with the rich local culture, and access resources tailored to various aspects of diversity, including ethnic, religious, and LGBTQIA+ communities, as well as considerations for accessibility.
The MARE workshop series serves as a beacon for students, guiding them through their journey in Sicily with insights into how to embrace and celebrate the diversity around them. It includes:
Ethnic Diversity Resources
Information and support services that help students of all ethnic backgrounds immerse themselves in the local community, promoting mutual understanding and respect.
LGBTQIA+ Resources
A comprehensive list of LGBTQIA+ friendly spaces, events, and support networks within Sicily, fostering an inclusive environment for all students.
Religious Diversity Resources
Guidance on finding religious communities and spaces in Sicily, ensuring that students can continue their spiritual practices and find a sense of belonging.
Accessibility Resources
Detailed information on navigating Sicily with disabilities, including accessible accommodation, transport options, and physical access to historic sites and facilities.
MÁRE Inclusive Housing
Syracuse Academy proudly embraces the MARE Initiative’s commitment to inclusivity by offering gender-inclusive housing options to all students participating in our study abroad programs. Recognizing the importance of a safe and welcoming living environment, we ensure that accommodations are available that respect the identity and preferences of every student, including those from the LGBTQIA+ community.
Our gender-inclusive housing initiative is guided by the following principles:
Respect for Personal Identity: We honor and respect the personal identity and preferences of each student, providing housing options that reflect this commitment.
Safety and Comfort: Ensuring the safety and comfort of our students is paramount. Our housing options are designed to create a supportive environment where students can thrive both personally and academically.
Community and Belonging: By fostering an inclusive residential community, we encourage meaningful connections among students from diverse backgrounds, promoting a sense of belonging and mutual respect.
Accessibility and Support: We provide comprehensive support and resources to address the needs and concerns of our students, ensuring a positive and enriching living experience while studying in Sicily.
Syracuse Academy’s gender-inclusive housing is not just about accommodation; it’s about affirming the dignity and diversity of our student body. Through this initiative, we aim to create an environment that reflects our deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, making Syracuse Academy a home away from home for every student.
Through the MARE Initiative, Syracuse Academy strives to create a dynamic and supportive learning environment that reflects the diversity of our global community. Our commitment to inclusivity and support for all students is at the heart of everything we do, ensuring a rich and transformative study abroad experience in Sicily.
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Syracuse Academy | Piazzale San Marziano, 1, 96100, Siracusa, Sicily, Italy
info@syracuseacademy.org | +39 0931 61424