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Academics

Fields of Study: Humanities, Social Sciences, Sciences

Global Start in Sicily offers a unique range of courses developed by local experts. The program courses are an immersive academic experience for UC students, using the Mediterranean city of Syracuse as the classroom. You will learn about the local culture with Italian language and culture courses, in addition to studies in psychology, migration, and climate change. Each class includes local excursions that allow you to explore this unique region of the world.

Unique study opportunities

  • Small classes with embedded experiential learning opportunities, field trips, and projects.
  • Immerse in a lively Mediterranean city community.
  • Get a headstart in your intercultural competencies, develop global citizenship and leadership skills early in your academic career.

Language

Language of instruction: English

Italian Language Study: Optional

Courses and Credit

REQUIREMENTS WHILE ABROAD

To successfully complete this program:

  • Take three to four lower-division courses for a total of 13.5-18 quarter UC units. Each course is worth 4.5 quarter UC units. 
  • You may take one course for pass/no pass.

CURRENT PROGRAM COURSES

During the program, you'll take courses that may fulfill general education requirements offered in various disciplines. Exact offerings may vary depending on enrollment and instructor availability. Final course offerings are announced before the start of the program. Course enrollment is held on a first-come, first-served basis; enrollment in your top course preferences is not guaranteed, so be sure to have backup courses in mind.

Anticipated course offerings include:

Catalogs and resources

  • Campus Credit Abroad: Learn the types of credit (major, minor, general education, elective) students from your campus received at this location. There are currently no listings for this program in the database.

Academic culture

Classes are small, and the courses are designed for UC students. You'll attend the program with other UC students and potentially a small number of non-UC students from the US.

You will be required to attend class, arrive punctually, and participate actively in your courses. Attendance is taken at every course meeting.

You will complete regular assignments, including presentations, analyses of literature, quizzes, and papers. Site visits will provide additional opportunities to experience the course material in live settings.

The faculty members are experts in their fields with international teaching experience and reside locally in Sicily. 

You should expect to be in class Monday through Friday, with occasional weekend excursions. Expect to be in class between two and five hours per day.

The Accent center in Sicily provides students on-site support with an academic orientation that outlines academic policy. Students will be given helpful advice to get the most out of the experience.

Grades

You will earn direct UC credit and grades for all coursework.