Environment & Biodiversity
Environment & Biodiversity
SUSTAINABILITY SUMMER SCHOOL IN SICILY
START
JUNE 29TH 2024
DURATION
2-4 WEEKS
LEARNING
experiential & project-based
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
PRICE
from € 1.970
Program Highlights
Join conservation efforts with the WWF Sicily Marine Turtle project
Learn from experts, meet activists and practice digital storytelling
Embark in dolphin and whale monitoring with MareCamp NGO
Academic Transcript for University Credit Transfer and Digital Certificate
Course Selection
Students can choose to enroll in 1 or 2 courses from the list below:
marine ecology & biodiversity in the mediterranean
Term: Summer Session I and III
Course code: ES251
Contact Hours: 45
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Whale and Dolphin monitoring activities on sailing boat with MareCamp NGO
- Marine turtle nest monitoring activities with WWF Sicily experts
- Snorkeling eld trip at Marine Protected Area and visit to Plemmirio MPA laboratories
Course description:
This course provides a comprehensive investigation of the rich and diverse biota, of the past geological events, of the variety of climatic and hydrologic conditions that make the Mediterranean Sea, amongst the most complex marine a ecosystems on the planet, situated at the crossroads of dierent biogeographic regions, inhabited by a rich and diverse ora and fauna, currently imperiled by dierent pressures, mainly induced by human activities.
Students engage in comparative eld studies through experiential learning during eld trips, which will complement the classroom teaching and will be carried out in distinct coastal and marine environments. Students are led by expert professionals and researchers of the Plemmirio Marine Reserve research institute during visits to the laboratory facilities and on activities of census and control in the Protected Area, investigating its eect on marine biodiversity.
Environmental Humanities: Storytelling and Ethics
Term: Summer Session II and III
Course code: ES200
Contact Hours: 45
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
Participate in hands-on digital multimedia storytelling projects that bring to life the lessons learned from Sicily’s enduring struggles, tales and creative expressions.
Course Description:
Students immerse in the rich cultural heritage and diverse landscapes of Sicily in this unique study abroad course focused on environmental humanities. The course delves into Sicily’s profound history, where the crossroads of Mediterranean cultures have woven a vibrant tapestry of stories, traditions, and artistic expressions. From the ancient Greek and Roman inuences to the intricate patterns of Arab and Norman civilizations, experience how these diverse cultural threads have shaped Sicily’s relationship with its natural environment.
Capstone Project: Sustainability in Action
Term: Summer Session II and III
Course code: ES252
Contact Hours: 60
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Libera Terra NGO: Hands-on experiential activities, impact analysis and communication strategies with Libera Terra’s leadership on (1) organic farming, (2) community engagement with promotion of justice and Anti-Maa values:, and (3) economic development.
- WWF Sicily: Direct involvement in the monitoring of marine turtle nesting sites and other ora and fauna, gaining hands-on experience and understanding of conservation realities and efforts. Course description: Students engage in independent and small group project-based learning activities with mentoring and support from local faculty and community project partners working collaboratively on a project brief based on addressing Critical Global Issues and the needs of the local NGOs.
ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE: levels a1 to c1
Term: Summer Session I, II and III
Course code: ITL100 / ITL150 / ITL200 / ITL250 / ITL300
Contact Hours:
- Session I or II: 45 hours
- Session III: 90 hours
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Field trip to historical and cultural sites of interest (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) – Visit to local traditional street market
- Traditional Sicilian Cooking class
- Intercultural exchanges with local and international students
Course description:
The language courses are oered at dierent levels for students who are either approaching the study of the Italian for the rst time or who have already taken previous Italian courses.
Lessons are held in Italian through a communicative approach and take into consideration the need to combine the study of lexis and grammar with the development of communication skills and cultural awareness. The instructor encourages students to put the language structures and vocabulary studied in class into practice in real life situations, thus accelerating the learning process and bringing students into contact with local society so that they may fully appreciate the way of life and cultural dierences. This knowledge is an integral part of linguistic competence.
SDG Project-Based Learning
All programs at Syracuse Academy are designed to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the United Nations by providing accessible global learning opportunities for international students. The Environment and Biodiversity track focuses on the following Goals:
HEAR FROM STUDENTS THAT JOINED OUR PROGRAMS
How to preserve a biodiversity hotspot?
Sicily has been a central crossroads of human activity for thousands of years. The island offers a prime perspective on all the challenges of accommodating the co-existence of humans and nature: indigenous flora and fauna are increasingly at risk within the highly populated and polluted Mediterranean basin. Tackling these issues requires an understanding of the basics of ecology and environmental sciences.
The largest island in the Mediterranean offers, in fact, a rich palette of diverse habitats and ecosystems: marine, coastal, inland and high-mountainous, including several volcanoes, such as Mt. Etna. The possibility to combine classes with practical activities in the field gives students the unique opportunity to directly observe and research the subjects of their studies.
Cultural Trips
THE PROGRAM INCLUDES VISITS TO
3 unesco world heritage site
MT ETNA VOLCANO & TAORMINA TRIP
VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES TRIP
VALLEY OF THE TEMPLES TRIP
PALERMO WEEKEND TRIP (OPTIONAL)
How to Apply
Select the course(s) of interest below to apply for the program.
To reserve your seat on the program you should complete the payment of the application fee = €60
Start Dates 2024
Students are advised to apply as soon as possible to reserve their preferred courses and housing options.
Program housing offered on “first come, first served” basis.
Apply by April 14TH
Day(s)
:
Hour(s)
:
Minute(s)
:
Second(s)
29
June
SUMMER SESSION I
2 weeks
13
JULY
SUMMER SESSION II
2 weeks
29
JUNE
SUMMER SESSION III
4 weeks
Accommodation Options
Students may choose between self-catering shared apartments and homestays with half-board (double or single rooms). Studio apartments are also available upon request for students that are 23 or older by the start of the program.
