Italy > Programs > MCAS Semester

Study Abroad at the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Science

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.
Interact through weekly events with local students to hone your language skills, and gain an authentic sense of Mediterranean culture.
Participate in an exciting field-study excursion to Tunisia!

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.

Sicily Core Course

The Sicily Core course is an inclusive two credit class for Arcadia students (for students whose schools will not accept classes of less than 3 credits there is an option to extend the Sicily Core to 3 credits through the completion of a research paper). 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 two-credit 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.

Credits

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

Fall or spring semester: 14-18 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 Arcadia’s College of Global Studies will consider your application.