Sustainability & Innovation
SEMESTER PROGRAM IN SICILY
Program Highlights
Get an Academic Transcript for University Credit Transfer
All programs are designed with the University of Minnesota (among the Top 50 of World University Rankings)
Learn alongside experts in innovation and sustainable business
We partner with innovation hubs and social enterprises in green and digital technologies, community engagement and sustainable food.
Explore Italian traditions and Sicilian culture and enjoy a rich social activity program
Visit Libera Terra, a cooperative that transforms mafia-seized land and assets into ethical enterprises
Course Selection
Students can choose to enroll in the track-specific courses below.
Program Dates 2027:
- A) Spring Semester
January 22nd to April 30th: 14 weeks in Sicily
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: C1 level (non-native English speakers)
Students may also select additional courses from the full course list to combine with the track-specific courses. The number of courses that each student can enroll in is based on their term of study (Fall/Spring Semester = 4-5 courses).
Innovation Labs: Sustainability in Action
Term: Fall, Spring
Course code: SCLY3213W (University of Minnesota)
Contact Hours: 45 (30 in-class; 15 partner visits/mentoring)
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
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Real-world consulting engagement in partnership with Isola Catania
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Site visits to SIBEG (The Coca-Cola Company) to analyze carbon footprint and water management initiatives
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Professional client-facing deliverables, including sustainability reports and executive presentations
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Hands-on Synthesis Labs to pressure-test data quality and logic of inference
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Public-facing digital storytelling through the creation of a StoryMap for non-technical audiences
Course Description: This project-based course places students in small consulting teams to help Sicilian enterprises and social ventures diagnose and advance sustainability initiatives
The curriculum pairs academic seminars with practical sustainability consulting labs and site visits to local industry leaders
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
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Scope and manage a professional client engagement using consulting best practices
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Diagnose sustainability challenges and design feasible research plans grounded in ESG standards
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Apply ESG Data Management practices to communicate evidence-based findings to executives
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Operate effectively in teams with clear roles and peer accountability
GREEN TECHNOLOGIES AND INNOVATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Term: Fall, Spring
Course code: SCLY3212 (University of Minnesota)
Contact Hours: 45
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
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Visit to 3Sun Solar Panel Production Facility, Europe’s largest solar manufacturing site
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Field trip to a hydrogen technology company (e.g., NextHy) to observe electrolysis and storage equipment
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Analysis of “Etna Valley”, Sicily’s global semiconductor hub, and its role in renewable energy
- at ENI’s Gela and Siracusa refinery conversion project
- Guest lecture with local grid operators to discuss the technical integration of variable renewables
Course Description: This interdisciplinary course examines the intersection of technology, renewable energy, and societal impact in Sicily, an island at the forefront of the Mediterranean’s energy transition
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:
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Describe the engineering principles of energy conversion and efficiency for key green technologies
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Evaluate the social and economic factors fostering the adoption of renewables in the Mediterranean
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Critically assess new technologies through the lenses of sustainability, justice, and cultural context
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Analyze the technical and policy requirements for integrating renewables into modern power grids
AGRICULTURE, FOOD AND SUSTAINABILITY IN THE MEDITERRANEAN
Term: Fall, Spring
Course code: SCLY3211 ( University of Minnesota )
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
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Visit to Libera Terra to learn about social farming on land confiscated from organized crime
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Field trip to Orti Sociali (Urban Gardens) in Siracusa to discuss local food security
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Ancient Sicilian Grains workshop, including grain recognition and traditional bread tasting
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Collaborative Design Project where students draft a comprehensive sustainable agroecosystem plan
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Engagement with local experts on the “Caporalato” undocumented migrant exploitation system and migrant labor rights in Italian and European agriculture
Course Description: Adopting a holistic systems approach, this course offers an interdisciplinary investigation into sustainable food systems and ecological practices in Sicily. Students explore the island’s agricultural evolution—from Neolithic fertility rituals to the “Green Revolution”—to understand how historical globalization shapes contemporary farming .
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Understand the core principles of agroecology, permaculture, and sustainable agroecosystem design
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Design a conceptual development plan for a sustainable farm or local food system
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Evaluate the impact of farming practices on ecological sustainability and biodiversity
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Compare Mediterranean food systems with global agroecosystems to identify resilience strategies
Your Learning Journey
Starts Here
Meet Silvia
From your very first steps, she’ll be here to guide you through the Study Abroad Program structure, answer your questions, and support you during the enrollment process.
Course Location
The Italian language Course is hosted at The Italian Academy’s Neapolis Study Center in Syracuse (Siracusa), Sicily. This historic villa is nestled in the heart of Syracuse’s archaeological district, adjacent to St. John’s Church, which provides access to ancient catacombs, and is near the Archaeological Museum and the Basilica of Our Lady of Tears. The center is within walking distance of the renowned Greek Theater and the picturesque island of Ortigia, offering students a rich blend of cultural and historical experiences. Surrounded by a lush two-acre botanical garden filled with citrus trees, Mediterranean flora, and century-old palms, the Neapolis Study Center provides an inspiring and tranquil environment for creative pursuits.
Program Partners
Isola
Isola Catania serves as a next-generation ecosystem for social innovation and impact-driven entrepreneurship, operating from the historic Palazzo Biscari—a UNESCO World Heritage site that embodies the fusion of Sicily’s cultural heritage with future-facing technology. As a Certified B Corp and recognized social enterprise, Isola acts as a strategic bridge between international corporations (such as Amazon Web Services and Enel), local startups, and academic institutions. Its mission is to combat regional brain drain by fostering a “Make in South” philosophy, turning the Mediterranean into a competitive laboratory for sustainable business models and digital transformation.
Isola’s impact is defined by high-level transnational collaborations, most notably its partnership with EIT Food (European Institute of Innovation and Technology), which recently culminated in the Isola Demo Day focused on water management and circularity in Mediterranean food systems. The hub also hosts the Make in South festival, an annual convergence of “impact makers” that addresses global challenges like the climate crisis and sustainable urban transitions. For international students, Isola serves as a professional incubator where they don’t just study sustainability—they practice it. Through project-based learning, students collaborate with Isola’s startups to deliver professional outputs such as B Impact Assessments and sustainability audits, gaining direct insight into how social enterprises scale ethical solutions in a globalized economy.
Euromeditteranean center for sustainable development - svimed
Svi.Med. operates at the forefront of regional innovation and ecological resilience, positioning itself as a strategic hub for sustainable development across the Mediterranean basin. As a non-profit Euro-Mediterranean center, Svi.Med. specializes in the integrated management of coastal zones, water conservation, and the promotion of circular economy models. The center is a prominent lead partner in numerous interregional EU programs collaborating with a vast network of ministries, research universities, and NGOs from Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
Svi.Med. is widely recognized for its impactful transnational projects, such as NAWAMED, which focuses on nature-based solutions for greywater treatment, and MEDWAYCAP, an initiative designed to improve non-conventional water reuse across Mediterranean urban environments. Through these projects, the center translates complex environmental policy into tangible local actions, such as the implementation of “green walls” and sustainable irrigation systems. For international students, engaging with Svi.Med. provides a rare opportunity to bridge the gap between academic theory and high-level project management, offering direct exposure to the technical and diplomatic efforts required to tackle the climate crisis in a transnational context.
SDG Project-Based Learning
All programs at Syracuse Academy are designed to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations by providing accessible global learning opportunities for international students. The Sustainability and Innovation track focuses on the following SDGs:
HEAR FROM STUDENTS THAT JOINED OUR PROGRAMS
How Do Businesses Balance Sustainability and Social Responsibility in Southern Europe?
This immersive course takes you into the heart of Sicily’s vibrant economic and cultural landscape, where tradition meets innovation in sustainable business practices in Sicily. You’ll explore how local enterprises integrate social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and cultural heritage into their operations while striving for profitability.
Through hands-on experiences like visits to sustainable businesses in Sicily and conversations with social entrepreneurs, you’ll witness the complexities of ethical business in action. Dive into case studies of forward-thinking enterprises, collaborate on projects to design your own sustainable business proposal, and reflect on the global impact of local entrepreneurship. This program offers more than academic insight—it’s a chance to engage with a living model of sustainable economic growth in Sicily rooted in community and culture.
Cultural Trips
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES VISITS TO
3 unesco world heritage sites
+ weekly social & cultural activites
MT ETNA VOLCANO & TAORMINA TRIP
VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES TRIP
VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES TRIP
TRIP TO MODICA & CHOCOLATE-MAKING WORKSHOP
What our students say
How to apply
Apply by: September 15th, 2026
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NEXT PROGRAM START DATES
22
January
SPRING SEMESTER
14 weeks
When should I apply?
Students are advised to apply as soon as possible to reserve their preferred courses and housing options: program housing is offered on a “first come, first served” basis.
Who can apply for this program?
This program is intended for international undergraduate (bachelor degree) students currently enrolled in a university or college, as well as for recent graduates (within 12 months from graduation).
Students attending a graduate degree program (master’s students) may also apply for the program. Their application will be reviewed to ensure an appropriate fit with their academic and professional experience.
Can I pay in installments?
Summer program fees (tuition, housing and service fees) are payable in 3 instalments:
- Application fee (€50): at the time of application
- 1st instalment (50% of program fees): within 7 days from the receipt of the letter of offer
- 2nd instalment (50% of program fees): 60 days before the program start date
Semester program fees (and summer program fees for students enrolled via the University of Minnesota):
- Application fee ($50): at the time of application
- Program deposit ($400): upon receipt of the letter of offer
- Outstanding program fees: in line with U of M payment deadlines
What are the application requirements?
Applications are open to all students currently enrolled in a university or college, as well as recent graduates (within 12 months of graduation).
Students are required to upload the following in the online application form:
- University transcript or certificate/statement of attendance: 2.5 GPA or higher
- Letter of motivation
- Passport (or ID for EU students)
- English language certificate: IELTS Academic = 6.5; TOEFL iBT = 79; Cambridge Scale = 180 (Upper B2); DET = 110; PTE Academic = 59. Exemptions apply for students from countries whose first language is English (see U of M list of English certificate exempt countries), students currently enrolled in an English-taught degree or who have completed an English-taught curriculum in high school.
Do I need a visa? And if so, can you support me in the process?
You can find out more about whether you require a visa by filling out 4 questions on the official Italian government website. NB: Summer programs are “less than 90 days”, Semester programs are “more than 90 days”; reason for travel is “Study”.
By completing the application form you will be assigned a personal student advisor that will provide guidance each step of the way on matters such as visa applications, depending on your current status. The Letter of Enrollment and Proof of Accommodation issued by Syracuse Academy are generally attached to your visa application as supporting documentation.
Program Fees
To apply and reserve your place in the program, you should complete the online form.
All students currently attending a US university or college will be enrolled via our academic partner institution, the University of Minnesota, to receive a U of M Transcript and Certificate upon completion of the program, allowing for US credit transfer to other US Higher Education Institutions. Students can benefit from enrollment in the U of M International Health Insurance provider and receive additional support services from the U of M Learning Abroad Center. All payments made to the University of Minnesota are in US Dollars ($); therefore, the fees below shown in Euro (€) may be subject to change due to exchange rates and U of M additional services. Students may request information to apply for Financial Aid via their home institution.
If you are a US university student, complete the online form for guidance from our student advisors on how to complete your program enrollment.
Tuition Fees
Spring semester: 14 weeks
January 22 - April 30 2027- ✔ Tuition for 4-5x course (selected among Semester course options): 12-16 US Credits / 22-30 ECTS equivalent
- ✔ Seminars, Field Trips, Labs and On-site lectures with guest speakers and practitioners
- ✔ Student pack and learning materials
- ✔ Guided tours and cultural activities
- ✔ Excursions to 3 UNESCO sites: Mt. Etna volcano & Taormina Greek-Roman Theater, Valley of the Temples, and Modica’s baroque center with a traditional chocolate-making workshop.
- ✔ Academic support drop-in sessions and Project mentoring.
- ✔ Intercultural learning workshops & Survival Italian language sessions
- ✔ Syracuse Academy certificate and transcript
- ✔ INCLUDED IN FEE:
- University of Minnesota Certificate and Transcript for US university credit transfer.
- International health insurance
Student Housing and Services
Students may choose between self-catering shared apartments (double or single rooms). Studio apartments are also available upon request for students that are 23 or older by the start of the program.
SHARED APARTMENTS
STUDIO APARTMENT
Housing & Services Fee
Semester (Fall / Spring)- Double Room in Student Residence with Self-Catering facilities and study areas, includes: utilities, wifi, maintenance service, bed linen and towels, kitchen equipment, washing machine
- (Optional) Single Room occupancy may be requested upon program application. Student opting for a single room option will be charged an additional supplement = €140 per week.
- Airport transfer and housing check-in.
- Welcome and farewell meals.
- Student Card for discounts at local sports and leisure clubs, shops and services
- 24/7 emergency assistance and on-site student consultant support.
- Social events calendar
- Volunteering with local NGOs opportunities facilitation.