Academic Overview
The Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences offers university-level course work to students from around the world. The academic program explores the history and natural science of Sicily and the Mediterranean, as well as its artistic and architectural treasures.
MCAS is located in the heart of the ancient city, in a completely restored Sicilian palazzo. The building includes a traditional central courtyard and three floors, large classrooms, a computer lab, and multimedia room with audio and video facilities, photography lab, library, and student lounge. The Mediterranean is visible from the entrance, with swimming spots only steps away.
No previous knowledge of Italian is needed, though all students are required to take at least one 3-credit course in Italian while at MCAS. Students generally take 5 courses, for which they are awarded Fairfield University credit and grades. The common theme in all courses is a focus on the Mediterranean world: the unique history, natural wonders, and the people. Curriculum at the Mediterranean Center is built on the premise that art and science are historically and naturally interwoven, and that each discipline informs the other. Interdisciplinary courses at MCAS encourage students to broaden their understanding of a subject, and independent studies can be arranged in a variety of areas.
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Student Life
The walls along the seaside are lined with cafes where students, travelers, and locals gather for conversation and to watch the sunset each evening. Streets and piazzas are the social centers here, making for a friendly and vibrant social atmosphere. MCAS students often join with Italian students from the University of Catania's nearby Academy of Fine Arts (Syracuse) for social and cultural events: film nights, collaborative art exhibits, social, sporting, and musical events.
Students are encouraged to explore the treasures of the Mediterranean. Besides the many swimming spots in town, there are several great beaches 15 minutes outside the city. For those wishing to explore the rest of the island, buses and trains depart frequently. Every effort is made to help students visit the wonders of Sicily; student field trips and excursions are frequent, and led by faculty and staff.
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Housing
Students live in comfortable shared apartments, in double rooms (singles available for an extra fee). All apartments include a living room, kitchen with basic utensils, and linens. Host families are available with half or full board, upon request. All accommodations are inspected by the school and are within easy walking distance. Students can opt to purchase a meal card, providing them with five meals per week in a nearby restaurant. Students also cook for themselves, and shopping for food at the nearby open market is itself a delightful experience.
Orientation/Excursions
Upon arrival, students are taken by bus from Catania airport to Syracuse, a 45-minute drive. After seeing their lodgings, a quick tour of the town provides a pleasant way for the new arrivals to get their bearings. An information package on Syracuse and its province, including a town map and general information about shopping, activities, and public transportation, is given to each student.
The first three days are designed to provide students with a thorough orientation of the city and surrounding area, and an introduction to faculty. The program includes guest speakers and walking tours of the city and nearby towns.
Students participate in program excursions each term to such places as Palermo, Agrigento, Piazza Amerina, and the Aeolian Islands of Greece. Many of the classes themselves include off-site field trips as an integral part of the course. Optional excursions are also offered each term. Students can sign up for exciting trips to Malta, Catania, Taormina, and other surrounding towns and islands off the main coastline of Sicily.
Costs
Students pay the normal Fairfield University fees for tuition and room. The program cost includes:
- Tuition for 15 Fairfield University undergraduate credits
- Pickup at Catania airport
- Living accommodations in shared apartments with cooking facilities
- Orientation program and included excursions
- Access to all student services and facilities
- Insurance
- ISIC card
Note: Airfare not included
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