The Program
This is a unique opportunity to learn about the history, culture, food, and environment of Sicily in the crossroads of the Mediterranean.
This two-and-a-half-week, 3-credit program will explore the environment and culture of Sicily, Italy and its centrality to the history of the Mediterranean. Students will have the opportunity to learn Italian while living in the historic Ortigia section of the city of Siracusa on the eastern coast of Sicily. They will learn about and visit pre-historic and historic sites from the Greek, Roman, Islamic, and Norman periods of Sicily’s history.
We will have a multi-day excursion to tour Roman villa, walk through ancient Greek temples in Agrigento, and visit the capital city of Palermo. Students will also have an opportunity to hike Mount Etna and learn about how the volcano has shaped the island’s history and present, and to go kayaking through one of Sicily’s most scenic river valleys. There will also be a fun weekend afternoon outing where students will learn to make Sicilian-style pasta.
Program Location
Italy
Sicily
Located south of the Italian Peninsula, Sicily is the largest Mediterranean island, and one of the autonomous communities of Italy. Palermo, its capital, boasts of more than eleven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Its Greek temples and theaters, Arab fortresses, Norman Palaces, and Baroque churches make Sicily a truly Mediterranean gem.
Academics
Students will learn about the history and culture of Sicily through visits to historical sites, museums, and other places of interest. There will be daily Italian language instruction followed by lectures and site visits.
The program themes will cover contemporary issues facing social and political identities, immigration and integration, the environment, and the economy of Sicily and the Mediterranean region. In addition to lectures led by the Rutgers faculty instructors, we will host local experts and scholars.
Students will be evaluated through written work and reflections for a travel blog, participation and engagement with the program, and a final exam.
Classes will be held at the Sicily Center for International Education, located just steps away from the Piazza del Duomo amid Baroque architecture and palaces overlooking the Mediterranean.
Housing and Meals
Students will live in comfortable, air conditioned apartment-like residences in the beautiful coastal section of Ortygia in Siracusa. The residences have kitchens, laundry facilities, and wifi.
We will travel to other towns by bus and during overnight visits students will stay at hotels. The program will include three group dinners. In addition to the kitchens at the student residence there are many affordable, excellent dining options steps away throughout Ortigia.
Financial Information
Program Costs
NJ Resident | non-NJ Resident | |
---|---|---|
Undergraduate | $5,530 | $5,860 |
Program Cost includes:
- Tuition
- Housing
- Some Meals
- Administrative Fees
- Emergency Medical Access Abroad
Out-of-Pocket Costs
Airfare | $1,400 |
Meals | $300 |
Books and Classroom Materials | $50 |
Local Transportation | $50 |
Personal Expenses | $400 |
Total | $2,200.00 |
Out-of-Pocket Cost includes:
The above costs are estimations and represent the known out-of-pocket costs students encounter during their time abroad.
Some of these expenses will be paid for prior to going abroad, such as an airline ticket and visa costs, while some of these expenses, such as meals and local transportation, will be paid in-country as part of your daily expenses. As you plan, you will need to budget these costs and spend wisely throughout your time abroad.