General Information
Sicily, Syracuse, and the Mediterranean
Fairfield University's program at The Mediterranean Center is located in a completely restored 17th century Baroque palazzo on the island of Ortigia, the historical center of the ancient city of Syracuse. This historic building has three floors that look down upon a traditional central courtyard, an ideal gathering place for students. The school's facilities include large classrooms, a library, photography lab, computer lab and multimedia room with audio and video facilities, as well as an updated art studio and a comfortable student lounge.
Located less than 100 feet from the ancient sea walls, Palazzo Ardizzone commands superb views of both the Mediterranean Sea and the intricate baroque streets of the town.
The largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, Sicily's strategically desirable location has set the stage for a colorful and conflicted past. Inhabited since prehistoric times, Sicily has been shaped culturally and physically by each of her rulers, and the resulting mixture of architecture and tradition represents the whole of Western civilization's history and culture.
The city and province of Syracuse, home to the Mediterranean Center, boasts a wealth of archaeological and architectural remains, ranging from Classical to Baroque and from Gothic to Arabesque, reflecting the uniquely diverse and oftentimes overlapping historical narratives of Sicily; passing from Greek colonists to Roman governors, from Byzantine Patriarchs and Arabic Emirs to Norman Lords and the Royal houses of Spain and France, before her unification with the Italian Nation in the 19th century. This fusion of style and meaning is nowhere more evident than in the structures of the great Duomo, or cathedral, of Syracuse: a Greek temple with Norman walls, a Byzantine apse, and a Baroque facade.
Rich in history, remarkable architectural diversity, and natural wonders, Sicily is a rich resource for the study of Ancient, later and contemporary Mediterranean cultures.
The academic program is based on the American university credit system. Fairfield offers two full semester programs (from September to December and from January to April) and two Summer Sessions (May to June and July to August).
Housing
Student accommodation is provided in comfortable apartments, shared with other MCAS students or on a single-occupancy basis (additional cost). All reasonable charges for utilities are included in the program cost. All apartments include separate living and sleeping areas, and come with a TV, bed linen, basic cooking utensils, equipped kitchens and bathrooms. All apartments are inspected on a regular basis and are located within 20 minutes walk of the school. Each student receives a cell phone, allowing them to be reachable at all times.
Since you'll have your own kitchen, you can prepare all of their own meals at home. You can opt to pre-purchase a meal plan for the duration of the semester, in which case you will be issued with prepaid meal vouchers for five full meals (pasta dish or first course, meat or fish or vegetarian second course and fruit or desert) per week at a variety of local restaurants. Prices for the meal plan are available on request.
Home stay options are available on a very limited basis and are not available during the summer programs.
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