Program Reviews

My experience with the SCIE CENTER was a fantastic experience. I was studying abroad with 19 others and the SCIE center provided wonderful experts in their fields to teach us about the history and culture of Sicily. The SCIE center also coordinated fun activities like a boat tour of Ortygia, and learning how to make the typical Sicilian pasta. Franca, the director for the SCIE center, was a vital component to our success abroad as she went above and beyond to ensure that we had the best experiences touring Sicily. I learned so much about Sicily’s expansive and impressive history and culture with her as our tour guide. We toured Catania, Noto, Taormina, and Western Sicily during our 6-week program with the SCIE center and it was unforgettable!

My first experience abroad was absolutely amazing! The SCIE Center was incredibly helpful in all aspects whether that was coordinating lectures, organizing fun activities, or guiding us through every day life in Sicily. We were exposed to so much culture, food, and history that has impacted me academically and personally. From wandering through the streets of Ortigia to swimming in Mondello, we truly got a taste of Sicily in one program that you couldn’t find anywhere else. Franca, SCIE Center Director, was the best mentor and friend we could’ve had during our 6 weeks in Italy. She helped us not only as a director, but also as family. I’ve learned so much from her and her program and highly recommend this to any individual considering to study abroad!

My first experience abroad was absolutely amazing! The SCIE Center was incredibly helpful in all aspects whether that was coordinating lectures, organizing fun activities, or guiding us through every day life in Sicily. We were exposed to so much culture, food, and history that has impacted me academically and personally. From wandering through the streets of Ortigia to swimming in Mondello, we truly got a taste of Sicily in one program that you couldn’t find anywhere else. Franca, SCIE Center Director, was the best mentor and friend we could’ve had during our 6 weeks in Italy. She helped us not only as a director, but also as family. I’ve learned so much from her and her program and highly recommend this to any individual considering to study abroad!

Franca Lupo has been more to me on my study abroad program than I could have dreamed. The second I arrived at the airport, she bought me a sandwich because she knew I was hungry, and has been sure to treat me and all other students as her own children. The center itself was always clean, professional, and a great place to host our classes. I have loved this program more than I ever imagined, and would recommend it to anyone! Franca even opened her own home to all 20 of us, and taught us how to make bread and pasta. Her grandmother also made pizza for us. Besides classes at the SCIE center, Franca and her sister organized events/parties on some nights that were a blast! Franca also organized many events for our group, taking care to accommodate any special dietary needs we had.

Franca Lupo of the SCIE Center of Syracuse treated each of the students on our program as if we were her own children. With that in mind, each of us felt like a member of a Sicilian family, which greatly facilitated our language learning, how comfortable we felt, and cultural knowledge we were able to absorb. When any of the small problems typically associated with traveling arose, Franca swiftly solved the situation with grace and ease. She was so knowledgable about the history of Sicily, traditional recipes, and how to give us the best experience possible. I learned so much about nutrition, and myself, from my time here in Ortigia through lived experiences and Franca's kind spirit. I hope that so many more students can experience this amazing school.

I had an amazing time on my 6 week program abroad in Syracuse. The Sicilian culture is unique and inspiring, and Franca Lupo made sure that we were immersed in it. The food was outstanding, and I found myself enjoying foods I had never even tried before. Franca opened her arms and her heart to all 20 students, and made sure that we were comfortable, healthy, and happy. She arranged many excursion for our group, and knew the history behind every sight that we visited. My experience at the SCIE Center was nothing short of perfection. I would highly recommend this program to everyone I know, and even to people I don't know! (Like those of you reading this review) If you love food, history, and adventure, Sicily and the SCIE Center are the place for you. I am going to deeply miss living in Ortigia and being able to walk past the ocean and through the winding streets of the island on my way to class. I hope to be back soon to visit Franca and the lovely city she introduced me to.

Franca runs the SCIE Center so that you are not only attending a study abroad program, but are gaining a Sicilian family. She truly cares so much about all of the students involved with SCIE. Franca ensured that I always felt safe & welcome. She went above and beyond in ensuring that my dietary needs were met (vegan) while I was studying Nutrition in Sicily- something that is not always an easy feat, especially when I did not know much Italian. SCIE programs allowed me to travel all over Sicily, from Noto to Taormina to Trapani- learning about history & nutrition, & having FUN every step of the way. She truly made this study abroad absolutely flawless & I will forever consider her a Sicilian sister. She opened up her home & heart to us all!

The SCIE CENTER is a wonderful program and center! All my students enjoyed the activities/tours and became very fond of Franca. She is a kind and caring person, who truly bonds with every member and is extremely accommodating. She has wonderful connections and resources, which enhance the program at a gargantuan level! Resources include top professors/professionals who give guest lectures and tours of their profession. Franca's own knowledge of the history and culture of Sicily and Italy also added to the experience and helped all in our program to learn extensively about Sicily. She provided tours to many different places in Sicily.

The experience was both fun and academically stimulating. I definitely recommend this center to all study abroad programs!

The SCIE CENTER is a wonderful program and center! All my students enjoyed the activities/tours and became very fond of Franca. She is a kind and caring person, who truly bonds with every member and is extremely accommodating. She has wonderful connections and resources, which enhance the program at a gargantuan level! Resources include top professors/professionals who give guest lectures and tours of their profession. Franca's own knowledge of the history and culture of Sicily and Italy also added to the experience and helped all in our program to learn extensively about Sicily. She provided tours to many different places in Sicily.

The experience was both fun and academically stimulating. I definitely recommend this center to all study abroad programs!

The SCIE CENTER is a wonderful program and center! All my students enjoyed the activities/tours and became very fond of Franca. She is a kind and caring person, who truly bonds with every member and is extremely accommodating. She has wonderful connections and resources, which enhance the program at a gargantuan level! Resources include top professors/professionals who give guest lectures and tours of their profession. Franca's own knowledge of the history and culture of Sicily and Italy also added to the experience and helped all in our program to learn extensively about Sicily. She provided tours to many different places in Sicily.

The experience was both fun and academically stimulating. I definitely recommend this center to all study abroad programs!