Info for

Parents / Families

Parents, guardians, and families are important to the MADE community 

Thank you for trusting us with your student’s international experience. We are thrilled to support them before, during, and after their time in Siracusa. While we hope to empower your student to take initiative throughout the study abroad process, we are happy to provide you with materials to better support their experience. Below please find information about MADE, our study abroad process, and additional resources.

WHY STUDY ABROAD? 

ACADEMIC BENEFITS 

Continue to earn credit toward a degree 

Explore new academic interests

Engage with different teaching styles 

Encounter unique perspectives on a field of study  

Learn outside of the classroom, through interacting with another culture and language 

PERSONAL

GROWTH

Increase self-confidence 

Develop independence, leadership, and resilience 

Broaden perspective and worldview 

Explore new places, people, foods, and more  

Create friendships with people from different backgrounds

PROFESSIONAL

DEVELOPMENT 

Build skills that employers value, such as cross-cultural collaboration, problem solving,  adaptability, communication skills, and more   

Differentiate and enhance a resume

Deepen professional network with new connections 

Utilize learning from international industry experts 

WHY MADE?

HIGH QUALITY ACADEMICS

Italian Accredited Institution (MUR)

Courses led by Creative Professionals

INTEGRATION Italian & International Student Body
EXPERIENTIAL Hands-On Learning, using Sicily as the Classroom
CONNECTIONS Extensive Network of Industry Experts
VALUE Affordable Study in Italy!

LEARN MORE about MADE

MADE Study Abroad Process 

1. Application

MADE requires that students submit  an Official E-Transcript and Advisor Approval Form as well as some basic information. 

Upon acceptance, students must complete additional forms, including: 

  1. Course Selection Form 
  2. Housing Questionnaire  
  3. Financial aid verification form 
  4. Passport Style Photo
  5. Passport Copy 
  6. Visa Information? 
  7. Travel Plans Form  
  8. Health & Wellness Form 
  9. Code of Conduct

Program session Short code Program start date Sort descending Program end date Application deadline Payment deadline Program cost
Summer 2025 - 4 credits SUM-1 $ 4,200.00
Summer 2025 - 7 credits SUM-2 $ 6,200.00
MADE Labs - Combined Sessions 1 & 2 LAB-1-2 $ 5,200.00
MADE Labs - Session 1 LAB-1 $ 2,800.00
MADE Labs - Session 2 LAB-2 $ 2,800.00
Fall Semester 2025 SEM-FAL-25 $ 13,800.00
Academic Year 2025-2026 AY-2526 $ 24,840.00
Spring Semester 2026 SEM-SPR-26 $ 13,800.00

(*) Final 2025 program dates to be confirmed

Students must also work with their home institution to ensure they are adhering to all university protocol and requirements

Students will receive confirmation once their application is received (?)  

Students will receive an acceptance decision within 2 weeks after MADE receives all of their application materials. 

2. Pre-departure 

Students will receive detailed pre-departure orientation information including a checklist of all of the most important pre-departure considerations.  

As a reminder, all students must have a valid passport in order to participate. 

Any programs longer than 90 days will require a student visa. 

Pre-Departure Checklist 

Pre-Departure Packet 

3. On-site 

Support (health/safety/integration)

Housing 

MADE provides students with safe, clean, and comfortable shared apartments, located within the center of Siracusa.  

All apartments are fully furnished and include bedding, linens, and towels.  

All apartments are also equipped with WiFi and students will have access to a washing machine and a drying rack.   

Housing details, pictures where possible 

Excursions/Activities  
Academics 

Students must gain approval on courses from home institution 

Transcripts (Up to 90 days after program end date as long as the student does not have any outstanding fees) 

Link Academic Calendar

Health/Safety

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1Y9EplMMf4uS-MLd1CAN80C3XB-igUi08IrRhcxSbyo0/edit

Pre-Departure 

Review international health/safety resources 

Students should visit their doctors and dentists prior to departure 

Students should secure enough of any prescription medications they take for the entire program duration  

On-Site 

Support - Experienced Staff 

International Insurance?  

Health & Safety Procedures  

MADE Emergency contact info?  

Code of Conduct 

Communication illness/incidents?  

Resources  

Finances - What’s Included 

How to make program payments

Withdrawal policies 

Scholarship/Funding Resources 

Price Breakdowns

Staying in touch 

Cell Phones/Tech Advice for Students  

  • Research the most popular options for international coverage: 
    • Students should review the plans that their current US cell phone provider has for international coverage. Commons plans: 
      • AT&T: additional $10 per day 
      • Verizon: additional $10 per day or additional $100 per month 
      • T Mobile: $50 per month  
    • Another option that is popular with students on long term/semester programs is to utilize a local Italian SIM card on their current phone. One popular provider in Italy is  TIM  
    • Finally, since MADE campus and accommodations will be equipped with WiFi, students could consider using WhatsApp when on WiFi.  

Visiting Siracusa  

Family and friends of current MADE students are welcome to visit Siracusa. 

We encourage you to coordinate any travel plans with your student in hopes to not conflict with orientation, exams, excursions, or events included in the program. 

MADE Social Media  

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Youtube  

MADE Contact Info  

Request info form