Syracuse Academy

An exceptional program that deepened my knowledge of Mediterranean food systems and sustainability. The excursions were well-organized and fun. I've always been passionate about cooking and the farm-to-table movement. The idea of learning about sustainable food systems in Italy, a country known for its rich culinary history and biodiverse agriculture, was incredibly appealing. I understood how traditional practices could be integrated with modern sustainability efforts to create food systems that are both ethical and environmentally friendly.

The Cultural Heritage and Identity program at Syracuse Academy caught my attention because of its focus on hands-on learning experiences. The program promised an in-depth exploration of Sicily's rich cultural heritage through a combination of archaeological fieldwork and studies in environmental humanities. This blend of practical and theoretical learning, set in the context of Sicily's landscape, seemed like the perfect way to gain a comprehensive understanding of how cultural heritage shapes and is shaped by societal and environmental factors.
Exploring Sicily's mosaic of cultures was an unforgettable experience. The program's interdisciplinary approach provided a comprehensive understanding of the island's identity. More interactive Italian language sessions would have enhanced the learning experience.

As an Environmental Sciences major, I found this program to be incredibly enriching and a pivotal experience in my academic journey. The curriculum's focus on hands-on activities was particularly engaging, offering me the opportunity to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings. This approach facilitated the understanding of complex environmental issues, making the learning process both effective.
Moreover, the capstone project allowed me to collaborate with peers on developing viable solutions to real-world environmental challenges. This project not only honed my problem-solving skills but also provided experience in project management and teamwork, which are essential in any professional setting.
The combination of academic training, practical experience, and cultural immersion this program offered has been instrumental in my personal and professional development. It has broadened my perspective, improved my communication skills, and strengthened my commitment to pursuing a career in environmental science.

I really liked everything about this program. We learned a lot from books and also by doing things. We went to places where they keep bees and make honey, which was very interesting. We also learned about old plants that people don't grow much anymore. This was fun and I learned a lot. But, I think it would be better if we also learned more about food and health, like what food is good for us and why. This is important too and can help us understand how to eat better. This program is very good for anyone who likes to learn by doing and seeing things, and also for those who want to know more about different foods and how they help our health.

This course was really great for learning and also for understanding different cultures better. We learned through stories and saw many kinds of art, which was very interesting and fun. We also talked about what is right and wrong in different situations, which made the course more important and interesting. These talks helped us think more deeply about how people live in different places and how they think. I think this course is very good for anyone who wants to learn more about how different cultures around the world work and how they can understand them better. If you like to learn about different ways of living and thinking, you should definitely take this course. It helps you see the world in new ways.