Sustainable Food Systems
Sustainable Food Systems
SUSTAINABILITY SUMMER SCHOOL IN SICILY
START
JUNE 29TH 2024
DURATION
2-4 WEEKS
LEARNING
experiential & project-based
LANGUAGE
ENGLISH
PRICE
from € 1.670
Program Highlights
Visit the Libera NGO mafia-confiscated organic farms on Mt. Etna
Learn first-hand about sustainable agribusiness and quality certifications
Explore traditional markets and master Sicilian recipes
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:
Mediterranean Food Systems: Identity, Innovation & Human Rights
Term: Summer Session I and III
Course code: SFS250
Contact Hours: 45
Program Highlights & Experiential Learning:
- Field trip to local sustainable agribusiness and traditional street market
- Traditional Sicilian Cooking class
- Visit to Libera Terra, NGO operating organic citrus farms on maa-conscated lands on the foothills of Mt. Etna
Course description:
This course will focus on Food and Culture, and particularly on how consumer choices related to one’s diet have wide-reaching eects, beyond the individual’s health, on a local and global scale. This course will provide students with the chance of exploring the regional culinary identity of Sicily by visiting agribusinesses, meeting with food quality activists and local entrepreneurs to share a meal and discuss lifestyle and values.
This course relies on cultural exchanges among students, food producers and the local community to provide an impactful learning experience. The course takes place in Sicily, a land that during the past centuries was ruled by many dierent civilizations (Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Spanish, etc.). Sicilian food style was deeply aected by this rich mixture of dierent cultures. After learning about Mediterranean diet features and its relationships with human health, students will get the chance of cooking and tasting typical Mediterranean recipes along with Italian people and learn about how food can be an expression of people’s history, character and identity. Students are directly engaged in these topics by participation in eld trips.
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.
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.
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 Sustainable Food Systems track focuses on the following Goals:
HEAR FROM STUDENTS THAT JOINED OUR PROGRAMS
How do tradition and innovation coexist in Mediterranean food systems?
This unique program invites you to explore the delicate balance between age-old culinary traditions and innovative practices shaping the future of sustainable food systems in the Mediterranean. Set against the backdrop of Sicily’s rich landscapes and vibrant food culture, you’ll engage directly with local communities, farmers, and food artisans. Learn how sustainable practices can uphold human rights and cultural heritage while adapting to modern challenges. This course isn’t just an academic journey; it’s a chance to be part of a meaningful movement towards a sustainable, equitable food future. Join us to taste, learn, and contribute to the vibrant tapestry of Mediterranean food sustainability.
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.
