Program Reviews

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.

Participating in this summer program was an extraordinary experience that masterfully combined academic seriousness with the thrill of adventure. As a student from the Netherlands, I was eager to immerse myself in a learning environment that was both challenging and engaging, and this program did not disappoint. The opportunity to visit places like Mt. Etna and the Aeolian Islands as part of our field studies was truly beyond educational. It wasn’t just about reading or hearing about these places; being there, observing, and studying them firsthand brought the lessons to life in a way I had never experienced before.

Despite the program’s many strengths, I found myself wishing for more comprehensive sessions specifically focused on marine biology. The glimpses into this field were fascinating and certainly piqued my interest, but I felt there was room for a deeper dive into the subject matter. Given the rich marine ecosystems we were surrounded by, especially near the Aeolian Islands, there was a missed opportunity to explore marine biology in greater depth, which would have added even more value to the educational aspect of the program.

Nevertheless, the multicultural environment of the program was one of its major pluses. Interacting with students from different backgrounds and cultures was incredibly enriching, offering perspectives I might not have considered otherwise. This aspect of the program fostered a sense of global community and mutual respect among us, which I found to be just as valuable as the academic learning.

Another significant advantage was the ability to earn college credits through the program. This not only added to the academic rigor but also provided a practical benefit, helping me advance my studies and making the summer both productive and enlightening.

Overall, while there was room for improvement in terms of offering more in-depth sessions on certain topics like marine biology, the program was a well-rounded and deeply enriching experience. It struck a fine balance between academic learning and adventurous exploration, all within a vibrant multicultural setting. This summer program not only enhanced my knowledge but also broadened my horizons, making it a summer well spent.

The Cultural Heritage and Identity course was an amazing journey into the heart of Sicily's long and rich history. For someone like me, coming from Spain and not very familiar with Sicily before this, the course was an eye-opener. We went deep into understanding how Sicily has been a melting pot of various cultures throughout the centuries. Each lesson was like peeling back layers of history, revealing the influences of different civilizations that have called Sicily home.

The field trips were a highlight of the course. Seeing the historical sites in person was not just educational but truly enlightening. It's one thing to read about these places or see pictures, but standing there, where history happened, is a completely different experience. Each trip was well organized and informative, adding layers of understanding that classroom learning alone could not provide.

Learning Italian as part of the course was another aspect that I found very valuable. It added a whole new dimension to the experience. Being able to understand and speak even a little Italian helped me connect more with the culture and the people of Sicily. It was challenging at first, but also very rewarding. Speaking another language, even at a basic level, opens up so many doors and helps in appreciating the nuances of a culture in ways that would be difficult otherwise.

By the end of the course, I left with a profound appreciation for Sicily's diverse cultural influences. I realized how much the past has shaped the present, and how understanding this history is crucial in understanding the identity of a place. The mix of classroom learning, field trips, and language study was perfect for a deep and rounded understanding of Sicily's cultural heritage. This course was not just about learning facts; it was about experiencing and understanding the soul of Sicily.

Participating in this program was an incredible journey that blended educational learning with deep cultural exploration in a way that was truly unique. As an American student with Latin roots, the opportunity to dive into the world of sustainable agriculture through this program was not only enlightening but also deeply meaningful. The visits to local cheesemakers were a highlight for me, providing a firsthand look at the intricacies of cheese production and the importance of short supply chains in promoting sustainability within the food industry. These experiences offered valuable insights into how communities can work together to create more sustainable and resilient food systems.

Moreover, the program's focus on the principles of sustainable agriculture, including the importance of local sourcing and minimizing the carbon footprint, resonated with my personal values and my family's heritage of respecting and working with the land. It was fascinating to see these principles in action and to learn about the ways in which they contribute to a healthier planet and more equitable food systems.

However, while the program excelled in many areas, there was room for improvement in terms of offering more practical, hands-on experiences related to cooking. As someone who has always been passionate about cooking and the culinary arts, particularly with my background of rich culinary traditions from my Latin heritage, I would have appreciated more direct cooking experiences. This would have allowed participants to fully engage with the farm-to-table concept by not only learning about sustainable agriculture but also applying these principles in preparing meals from the ingredients produced in this system.

In conclusion, the program was an enriching experience that successfully combined learning about sustainable practices with cultural exploration. It provided me with a broader understanding of the impact of our food choices on the environment and communities. Nevertheless, incorporating more cooking sessions would enhance the program by allowing students to connect more deeply with the food, from its source to the table, thereby enriching the overall learning experience.

The Environment and Biodiversity program in Sicily was an experience that truly changed my life. Being from a Spanish-speaking background, the journey to understand and engage with new ecosystems, especially in a place as diverse as Sicily, was both challenging and rewarding. We explored various ecosystems, from the beautiful coasts to the impressive Mount Etna, each offering unique learning experiences that you cannot find anywhere else.

The program was well-structured, combining theoretical lessons with practical fieldwork. This balance was crucial for me as it allowed me to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-life situations. The capstone project, in particular, was a highlight. It gave me the chance to dive deep into a specific area of interest, applying all the knowledge and skills I had gained throughout the program. This hands-on project helped me understand the importance of protecting our environment and biodiversity.

Additionally, the opportunity to learn Italian was an unexpected bonus. As a Spanish speaker, picking up Italian was easier for me than I anticipated, and it greatly enriched my experience. Being able to communicate, even at a basic level, allowed me to connect more deeply with the local community, understand their culture, and appreciate the beauty of Sicily in a way that would have been impossible otherwise.

This program didn't just teach me about environmental science; it broadened my perspective, taught me the value of cultural exchange, and inspired me to pursue a path where I can make a difference in the world. The memories and lessons I've taken from this program will stay with me forever, shaping my future both academically and personally.