Study Abroad at the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences

  • Study 100 feet from the ancient sea walls of Syracuse, Sicily, in a 17th century palazzo.

  • Immerse yourself in the study of Italian language and culture in the historic center of this legendary city.

  • Earn credit at a renowned international institute with classes taught in English by expert faculty.

  • Interact through weekly events with local students to hone your language skills, and gain an authentic sense of Mediterranean culture.

  • Participate in exciting field-study excursions!

  • There is an optional Granada excursion for spring 2012 students.

  • Summer programs are also available.

Program

The Mediterranean Center for Arts & Sciences (MCAS) offers a wide range of liberal arts courses every semester which, combined with academic fieldtrips (included in the program fee and an integral part of the program in Sicily) enable students to explore the diversity of the Mediterranean world from a unique perspective and experience the richly varied culture of this fascinating island.

Its faculty and their interests are international in scope. The five main discipline areas – classical studies, environmental studies, history and political science, Italian studies, and studio and fine arts – offer you a unique cultural and educational experience that fosters the positive expression of ideas and ideals. You can take up to 18 credits per semester. At least one of your courses must be in Italian language, and the remainder can be selected from across disciplines. Coursework focuses on both the rich resources of the center’s Mediterranean surroundings, and more mainstream areas of academic inquiry. All courses are taught at the Palazzo Ardizzone, but instructors make frequent and engaging use of the city and its environs as an extension of the classroom.

Students in archaeology and certain other classics options, art history, and environmental science classes should expect to be required to attend at least two to three Friday fieldtrips in the semester session. Academic fieldtrips (program inclusive, depending on class selection) examine the following sites: Agrigento; Piazza Armerina and Morgantina; Taormina and Castelmolo; Ragusa, Modica, Noto, and Scicli; Pantalica and Anapo Valley; and Mount Etna.

MCAS excursion to GranadaGRANADA EXCURSION!

New for ALL MCAS Students spring 2012, as part of the Sea of Faith: Conflict and Co-existence in the Medieval Mediterranean course students will have the option to travel to Granada, Spain.

This four days and three nights excursion is an amazing opportunity for students to see first-hand how the Arab conquest of the Mediterranean shaped the culture of the region.

Those students not enrolled in the course can participate in this dynamic excursion for an additional fee (hotel accommodation and transportation to and from Granada provided).

Students will participate in a variety of activities, including discussions about the influence of multi-monotheistic religions and experiencing the extraordinary art and architecture that arose from this cultural exchange.

Sicily Core Course

The Sicily Core course is an inclusive three-credit class for Arcadia students. This class, assessed by journal and participation in discussions, includes a series of presentations on the social, political, historical, artistic and religious themes present within the cultures of Sicily and the Mediterranean and an array of extended day and overnight excursions.

Programs of study at the Mediterranean Center include individual academic fieldtrips (see class descriptions for details), but regardless of academic choices and course selections, all students are exposed to the cultures of the Mediterranean through the inclusive Sicily Core Course. As part of this course, students can also expect to take part in excursions to Palermo, Western Sicily, and even a four-day, three-night excursion to Tunisia. Arcadia students may also sign up for optional excursions and activities.

CreditsContact a Past Participant

Courses may be selected among various departments. You will earn the following hours of credit.

  • Fall or spring semester: 15-18 credits.
  • Academic year: 32-36 credits.

Admission Requirements

GPA Requirements: 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.

You must be in good academic standing and not on disciplinary probation. You need to submit a complete application including a transcript, letter of recommendation and an advisor's form before The College of Global Studies at Arcadia University will consider your application.

Application Deadlines

  • Fall: April 20
  • Spring: October 1
  • Academic year: April 20