Located on the southeastern coast of the island of Sicily, the ancient city of Syracuse (Siracusa) provides students with an abundance of unique opportunities to explore historical and modern enigmas. Students of the humanities, arts and sciences can ponder ancient Greek civilization, study medieval treasures, and examine the impact that archaic languages and cultures have had on modern day literature, art and thought.

Set against the glimmering deep turquoise waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Syracuse possesses a temperate climate and fertile land, which lured Greek settlers to its shores as early as 734 BC. Syracuse flourished under Greek rule, and was soon recognized as one of the most powerful and influential of all Greek colonies. Control of the city changed hands several times-the Greeks, Romans, Normans, and Aragonese all controlled the area before 1860, when the Italians ultimately incorporated it into a newly unified Italy.

The sheer number of powerful empires exerting influence over Syracuse throughout time has helped build vast and varied collections in architecture, humanities, art, craftsmanship, theater and more. Syracuse and the nearby Rocky Necropolis of Pantalica are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the city has drawn some of the most brilliant philosophers and scholars of all time, including Plato, who once taught in the city. The scientist Archimedes was slain by the Romans here, and the tyrant Dionysus eavesdropped on prisoners in the 200-foot long purpose-built chamber called the "Ear of Dionysus."

The main institutes of higher learning and language study are located in the historiccenter of Syracuse on the small island of Ortigia. Housed in a restored 17th century baroque palazzo, the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences offers programs in archaeology, geology, volcanology, environmental studies, anthropology, classical studies and fine arts. U.S. undergraduates can apply to MCAS through Arcadia University, Center for Education Abroad.

Linguaviva, an Italian language center, is housed in a 15th century building and equipped with computer facilities, photography labs and art studios. Open from July to September, the center offers specialized programs in Italian language and studies for students of all ages, including cooking, photography and studio arts.

Students who choose to study abroad in this ancient city will find that the region offers many opportunities for study tours. Geology students will want to experience the spectacular Aeolian Islands, a volcanic archipelago to the north of Sicily featuring one of the world's most active volcanoes, Stromboli. The Vendicari nature reserve near Syracuse, a way station for birds migrating between Africa and Northern Europe, is one of many great natural sites of interest to students of the natural sciences and related fields. Students of architectural history and art history flock to the towns of Ragusa, Noto and Catania, which feature stunning examples of the particularly Sicilian style of Baroque architecture.

During breaks from class, the gorgeous Mediterranean seaside offers a welcome respite. In the evenings, students can unwind with leisurely strolls through the Piazza Archimede, the Piazza Pancali and the open air markets, sampling the local cuisine along the way. Steeped in history, brimming with culture, and surrounded by breathtaking scenery, this slice of Mediterranean paradise is sure to entice students of all levels and backgrounds.

Resources -

IIEPassport.org: www.IIEPassport.org
Study Abroad Funding: www.StudyAbroadFunding.org
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship Program: www.iie.org/gilman
Arcadia University, Center for Education Abroad: www.arcadia.edu/abroad