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.
