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 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies and procedures 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, the MSI Outreach 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. This document outlines our approach to DEI, detailing the policies, programs, and resources that reflect our unwavering commitment to fostering an inclusive academic community.
Syracuse Academy MÁRE Initiative for Diversity Equity & Inclusion
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 and MSI Outreach 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 HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs, and AANAPISIs, to ensure that our programs are accessible to a broad spectrum of students. Our targetted outreach efforts outlined in the MSI Outreach Initiative 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 Diversity 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. These interactive workshops cover crucial topics such as racial and ethnic diversity, LGBTQIA+ awareness, and inclusive practices within the context of Sicilian culture.
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 Gender-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.
MSI Outreach Initiative
Syracuse Academy is excited to introduce our MSI Outreach & Partnership Initiative, a program dedicated to strengthening relationships with Minority Serving Institutions through focused engagement and tailored program development for educators, staff, and students alike. This initiative is centered around our commitment to diversity, offering unique academic programs and scholarship opportunities designed to meet the needs of MSI partners.
Our goal with this initiative is to highlight the importance of diverse perspectives in international education, by providing HBCUs, TCUs, HSIs, and AANAPISIs students with access to Syracuse Academy’s wide range of academic offerings in the heart of the Mediterranean. Through this partnership, we aim to enrich the study abroad experience for HBCU students, equipping them with global insights and understanding that complement their academic journeys.
This comprehensive approach ensures that students from MSIs receive the support and resources necessary to thrive in an international setting, furthering Syracuse Academy’s mission to create inclusive and transformative educational experiences for all students.
Student Resources
Racially & Ethnically Diverse Students
Syracuse Academy, through the MARE Initiative, offers robust support to racially and ethnically diverse students, providing resources that celebrate cultural diversity and promote inclusivity. Students have access to mentoring programs, cultural immersion activities, and workshops designed to explore Sicily’s multicultural heritage, ensuring a welcoming environment for all backgrounds.
Students from HBCUs and other MSIs
We actively engage with HBCUs and other Minority-Serving Institutions to offer tailored study abroad opportunities, highlighting scholarships and programs that honor the rich cultural legacies these students bring. Syracuse Academy is dedicated to enriching the academic and social experiences of HBCU students in the Mediterranean.
High Financial-Need Students
The MARE Initiative emphasizes financial inclusivity, offering scholarships, grants, and flexible payment options to ensure no student is left behind due to economic constraints. Our aim is to democratize access to international education for students with high financial need.
First Generation College Students
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by first-generation college students, Syracuse Academy provides specialized pre-departure orientations, ongoing support, and mentorship opportunities. We celebrate the resilience and perspectives these students contribute to our study abroad community.
Minority Religious Group Students
Syracuse Academy respects and supports students of all faiths and beliefs. The MARE Initiative includes resources for finding faith-based communities and spaces in Sicily, facilitating spiritual practices and fostering a sense of belonging among students of minority religious groups.
Students with Disabilities
The MARE Initiative is committed to accessibility and support for students with disabilities, offering detailed information on accessible facilities, accommodations, and support services. Syracuse Academy strives to ensure an equitable learning environment for every student.
LGBTQIA2S+ Students
Our commitment to LGBTQIA2S+ and queer students is unwavering, with the MARE Initiative offering guidance on LGBTQIA+ friendly spaces, events, and communities in Sicily. Syracuse Academy ensures a safe and affirming environment for students to express their identities freely.
Transgender, Non-Binary, and Gender-Expansive Students
We provide comprehensive support and resources for transgender, non-binary, and gender-expansive students, including gender-inclusive housing and access to gender-affirming healthcare services. Syracuse Academy advocates for the rights and well-being of all students, ensuring their study abroad experience is positive and inclusive.
Students from Rural Communities/Small Towns
Understanding the transition challenges for students from rural areas or small towns, Syracuse Academy offers resources and community-building activities to help these students acclimate to the urban and culturally rich setting of Sicily.
Non-Traditional/Adult Learners
Syracuse Academy values the diverse experiences non-traditional and adult learners bring to our programs. The MARE Initiative provides flexible scheduling, tailored support, and resources to meet the unique needs and goals of adult students studying abroad.
Through the MARE Initiative and MSI Outreach 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.