Link: Fairfield University HomeStudy Abroad
Study Abroad > Fairfield Students > Syracuse, Italy
Link: About FairfieldLink: AdmissionLink: AcademicsLink: AthleticsLink: Student LifeLink: Arts & EnrichmentLink: Service at Fairfield


Study Abroad

Summer in Syracuse

Fairfield University and The Mediterranean Center
Through a direct academic affiliation with The Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences, Fairfield University offers a comlete undergraduate program. An international faculty teaching in English provides a hocused and involving summer in Syracuse.

Fairfield University is a fully accredited university and member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and a member of AACUPI, the American Association of Colleges and Universities in Italy. Students attending the Fairfield Program will receive a Fairfield University transcript with graded credit for courses completed. Virtually all American colleges and universities accept Fairfield transfer credit.

Eligibility
A cumulative GPA of 2.8 is required for participation. Students should be at least 18 years of age, and should exhibit the maturity required to live independently in Syracuse.

Student Life
The city and province of Syracuse has an enormously rich cultural heritage and boasts a wealth of archaeological and architectural remains that reflect a uniquely varied historical narrative. The city is host to a rich program of shows, exhibitions, and cultural events throughout the year. Student accommodation is provided in comfortable apartments, shared with other MCAS students or on a single occupance basis (upon request; additional cost). All reasonable charges for utilities (gas, electricity, and water) are included in the program cost and 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 a few minutes walk of Palazzo Ardizzone.

An variety of quality academic courses in English to choose from.
Students select two courses from the offerings at The Mediterranean Center (up to a total of 7 credits). All courses are presented in English, except for Italian language classes, by a talented and knowledgeable faculty, who are credentialed in their fields.

Course schedule and descriptions:
                          Session I   - May 21 - June 28, 2008
                          Session II  - July 2 - August 9, 2008

Classes are taken at The Mediterranean Center, located in the heart of ancient Syracuse in a completely restored 17th century Baroque Palazzo, or palace. This historic building, with three floors that look upon a traditional central courtyard, includes large classrooms, a computer lab and multimedia room with audio and video facilities, a photography lab, art studio, library, and student lounge. The Mediterranean Sea is visible from the school's entrance and balconies, and swimming spots are only steps away.

Academic Fieldwork
Academic fieldtrips are included in the program tuition. Please see course descriptions for details of which classes contain field elements. A sample of fieldtrip locations:

Agrigento - Palermo - Catania - Piazza Amerina - Cefalu - Vendicari Wildlife Reserve - Mount Etna - Selinunte - Erice

Orientation, Tours, Excursions & Cultural Activities
When you arrive in Syracuse, you'll enjoy a welcome reception and have some time to settle into your apartment. During the next few days you'll have a thorough orientation to MCAS and the city of Syracuse. You're welcome to participate in a program of site visits and free lectures and events, which have been designed to immerseall students into the cultural context of Sicily and the Mediterranean.

 

Application Instructions
 The deadline for application is March 15. After this, placement in the program will be on a space-available basis only.