Programs in Sicily will introduce the natural wealth comes from the island’s location. The city of Syracuse will serve as a home base on the island and will set the scene for all cultural explorations.

Through on-site lectures, learning field trips to businesses and organizations, students will discover the interconnectedness between the many civilizations and cultures which have made Sicily what it is today.
A service-learning component may be included in the itinerary.

Some notable local EdOdyssey connections include the Center for Integration and Orientation of Migrants, also known as “C.I.A.O.”, an intercultural space that provides assistance and orientation through vocational courses and legal assistance clinics to young immigrants/refugees who live in the area.

Some possible activities and guided learning visits:

-The island of Ortygia / Syracuse historical center to discover Sicilian history and Mediterranean multiculturalism

-Traditional street market tour and cooking class

-The Necropolis of Pantalica (UNESCO site)

-Neapolis Archaeological Park and Greek Theater (“Language and theater”)

-Archaeological Trek at Massoliveri, a naturalistic haven steps from Syracuse

-UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Val di Noto, as Modica: Baroque and chocolate (“Tradition and Merchandising”) in Noto

-Roundtable / service-learning opportunity with NGO such as CIAO (“Migration and the importance of Cultural Mediation”)

-UNESCO World Heritage Sites: hike on the slopes of Mt Etna volcano and the Greek theater in Taormina

-Cultural & language exchange with local students

-Meeting with an “antimafia” organization

And much more!

The Pellice Valley has been a place of resilience, first to the religious persecution of the Waldensians and then in opposition to Nazi-fascism during the second world war.

This troubled history over the centuries has created it’s current reputation as “Hospitality Village”.
In such a small community there are more than 40 different ethnicities and it’s one of the few mountain municipalities in Italy that is attracting new residents for its quality of life and the beauty of its environment.

Nowadays, in particular thanks to the Waldensians community, that made Torre Pellice their home, a profound culture of kindness and solidarity is at the root of different social projects helping and assisting the vulnerable and people in need.

In accordance with specific learning outcomes, American university students would attend and benefit from a unique custom experiential learning program strongly linked to local heritage and resources, in order to experience an authentic full immersion with Italian culture, while at the same time engaging in a cultural exchange with the local community.

Some selected highlights and advantages of developing these kinds of short programs in this area:

-An “off the beaten track” location.

-A less chaotic environment making it easier to manage students.
Increased safety as compared to a metropolitan area.

-Affordable housing options.

-A more impactful exposure to cultural diversities.

-The feasibility to organize a mindful and structured service-learning project (on request).

-Some hours of "Survival Italian Language" with fun practical experiences in the local community (shopping in the market; ordering a cappuccino, etc.).

-A language and cultural exchange with local high school students.

-The possibility of developing the experiential learning of the program on the base of specific learning outcomes in different fields (Humanities; Business; Environmental Studies; Studio Arts, etc.).

-A competitive and affordable price-point.

-The possibility of organizing a one or two-day excursion to the Slow Food Movement homeland (Langhe area).

-A one- or two-day excursion to Turin often lauded as ‘the Paris of Italy’ due to its royal past and majestic architecture. Turin is also known as the “the chocolate heart of Europe”.

-Guided hikes in the Alps in accordance with the season and the conditions of the mountains.

-Cooking demonstration (Pizza and bread making in a traditional wood oven).

-Visit and cheese making demonstration in an Alpine farm.

And much more!

Open to college and university students with a 2.75 GPA or higher.

• Spring Semester: Early February to mid-July.

• Fall Semester: Early August to mid-December.

• In-country support from EdOdyssey’s Country Director, from pre-departure to your return home.

• Two days of special orientation in the country upon your arrival.

• One long weekend in the Italian Great North West (Alps and Langhe region).

• Regular experiential learning opportunities and courses tailored to you!

• Middle School groups.

• High School groups.

• College and University groups.

Trips are executed all year round. Exact dates are tailored to your availability, budget, and learning objectives. The average duration of a custom program is between 1 to 4 weeks.

Includes lodging, tuition, transportation in-country, activities, meals, an in-country EdOdyssey Educator, and much more!

Popular destinations include cities that represent every region or cultural hub in the country: Rome, Syracuse, and Venice. However, the program destinations can always be tailored to your learning objectives in places like the Italian southwest, and the Alps as well.