Our Team

Our Mission & Values

Quality, Interculturality, Connection: inspire to learn and grow with us in the heart of the Mediterranean.

We are an international hub for transformative education. Our mission is to inspire and guide students through a journey of profound personal and professional growth.

Every member of our team is part of a larger project: promoting dialogue between cultures and empowering students to achieve their goals through excellence in learning. If you are passionate about education and cultural exchange, you belong here.

The Academy at a Glance

We take pride in a team that reflects the global world we prepare our students for:

A diverse community: growing team of 50+ professionals.

Expertise & Education: 70% of our team hold advanced degrees

Global DNA: We are a melting pot of backgrounds with 15+ nationalities. Our faculty includes international experts, fostering a truly multicultural workplace. We share a common passion for international education: most of our team have studied, worked and lived abroad, speaking on average more than 2 languages.

Balanced, Dynamic & Passionate about International Education: With an 80:20 female-to-male ratio and an average age of 37, we combine youthful energy with seasoned experience.

Our commitments & Quality are Certified: We are proud to be ISO9001 certified and compliant with UNI/PdR 125:2022 standards for Gender Equality. We are currently developing our first Sustainability Report to share our progress in social and environmental impact.

Giada Bonaventura

Partner Relations Manager

Contacts & Bio

 

Giada manages administration for the programs at Syracuse Academy, including program accounting and contract reviewing, as well as working on grant applications and being involved in the partnership development process.  Giada completed a BA degree in Tourism Management at the University of Catania and a MA degree in International Business at the University of Venice Ca’ Foscari, awarded cum laude distinction for both degrees. During her studies, Giada attended an Erasmus exchange program in Southampton (UK) and a research internship at Bilgi University in Istanbul (Turkey), followed by a 6-month working experience in the US as part of an Italian Cultural Promotion program. Giada fluent speaks English and Spanish and over the years has continued to be actively involved in several volunteering activities in Sicily. 

Ilenia Cappadona

Academic Coordinator

Irene Zappulla

Student Enrollment Manager

Federica Basile

Student Affairs Manager

Stefano Puglisi

Housing Coordinator

Silvia Taglia

Student Enrollment Advisor

Miriana Majeli

Student Affairs Advisor

Miriam Ruggiero

Student Affairs Advisor

Virginia Pappalardo

Student Affairs Advisor

Giulia Palumbo

Student Affairs Advisor

Elisa Saladino

Digital Marketing

Mattia Zambuto

Digital Marketing

Gesualdo Busacca

Stanford PhD Educator, Activist

Sustainability Program Leader

Giuseppe Macca

Kore University PhD, Educator, Consultant

Innovation Program Leader

Oleana Prato

U of Messina PhD, President of WWF Sicily South East

Ecology Program Leader

Peter Neri

Managing Director

Contacts & Bio

   

Peter leads the strategic development of international partnerships, as well as community engagement initiatives at Syracuse Academy.  He holds an Honours degree in Neuroscience at University College Dublin, an MA with Distinction in Educational Technology at the University College London Institute of Education, and was Visiting Postgrad at Stanford University. Peter provides business development consulting for university innovation labs and actively volunteers within NGOs promoting educational and social justice; he served as National Representative for Ireland of the Erasmus Student Network, coordinating a range of volunteering projects with international offices and the growth of the association across several university campuses. He currently works alongside the administrative and faculty teams at Syracuse Academy to further expand the reach of academic offerings through innovative pedagogies and institutional collaborations.

Sean Neri

Center Director

Contacts & Bio

 

Sean is a Forum on Education Abroad Certified Professional, having completed the body’s certification process. Sean manages the preparation and implementation of study, internship and research programs at the Syracuse Academy study centers, as well as institutional relations with local and international partners. He holds a BA degree in Economics and Politics from University College Dublin and currently serves as President of the Confindustria Giovani group for the province of Syracuse, liasing with a wide network of organizations to advance entrepreneurial education for sustainable development within the local community. Sean’s role at Syracuse Academy includes leading, motivating and coordinating the Syracuse Academy team on-site, while managing institutional relations and program development.

Elisa Amato

HR Manager

Davide Novara

Administrative Director

Alessandra Manieri

Accounting

Roberta Di Luciano

Accounting

Interested in working with us? Explore our Career Areas

🎓 Academics & Teaching

Our heart beats here. From language instructors to curriculum designers and faculty members for pre-university and university courses: this team ensures our educational standards remain world-class.

🤝 Student Affairs, Advisory & Enrollment

The first point of contact for our international students and their support network when they arrive. This team guides learners through their learning journey, providing support from initial inquiry to course completion.

⚙️ Operations & Management

The engine that keeps us running. This includes HR, Administration, Marketing, and IT professionals who ensure a seamless experience for staff and students alike.

We are always looking for talent. View our current vacancies and apply directly via our LinkedIn.

Can’t find the right role? We love meeting proactive people. Send your CV and a brief cover letter for a spontaneous application to: 📧 hr@syracuseacademy.org

Years established

sdgs supported through international education programs

Get In Touch

Campus Location:

– Piazzale San Marziano, 1, 96100, Siracusa, Italy

– Piazza Duomo, 20, 96100, Siracusa, Italy

Telephone: (+39) 0931-61424

Email: info@syracuseacademy.org

Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 9am – 6pm CET