Sicily Study Abroad (CSUDH 2023)

Fly to Rome Italy and be met by the Stone and Compass staff as you arrive and check into your hotel. Enjoy an evening walk and a traditional Italian welcome dinner.

Today we visit the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, and Trevi Fountain.

Enjoy a full day roaming the Vatican. Visit St. Peters Square, the Basilica, and the gardens. Find out how this “Country within a Country” came to be and why it is such an important site for millions of people.

Today we fly to Palermo Sicily! Visit an olive plantation and winery. Enjoy a private tasting and traditional Sicilian appetizers. Step back in time as we head out into the countryside and explore this amazing island. We will visit archaeological sites that date back to before the Roman Empire. In the afternoon we tour a wonderful villa and return to Palermo for dinner.

Today students are met by Dr. Anita Bestler, the foremost academic on the history of Sicily. Walk the city and markets as Dr. Bestler takes us back in time 3000 years. In the afternoon students “get to work” as we head to an orphanage and meet with locals to discuss how the pandemic has created new challenges for youth already burdened. In the evening Students get a rare treat as we are met by Giorgio Flaccavento who will take us on a “foodies” tour to learn about the traditional “street food” of Sicily.

Another Student driven day where our early childhood development students will get visit various schools and youth care centers and learn about the ongoing challenges Sicilians face with regard to raising children on the Island. In the afternoon local officials will meet with students to discuss possible service projects that could be implemented to help. Our cross-cultural students will visit town hall and meet with officials to discuss how Sicily has changed in light of COVID-19. In the evening we take in a traditional puppet show. This is no ordinary puppeteer, but one of the last great masters of a dying Sicilian tradition. We will also meet with the Master puppeteer to learn about how he is using his art to help local youth.

Today we head East! Travel along the beautiful roads from Palermo to Catania. Check into our hotel as we will be treated to a night in this incredible city. Our students will be met by Anna Maria Mirabella who’s family goes back generations in Catania. Students will learn why this city is very different from other parts of Sicily. Cross-cultural comparisons will be made, and we will even take a visit to a local youth club to learn about the opportunities children have to develop skills outside the classroom. Sports of course play a huge role in Sicilian society and in Catania “football” reigns supreme. Lectures will be available on how COVID has impacted sports and how child development has been hindered due to the inability to play in large groups.

Awake in the morning and head to the famed Island of Ortigia! Swim in the Mediterranean Sea off of one of Ortigia’s famous swim platforms. Watch cliff divers and enjoy some relaxing time. In the afternoon stroll around the Piazza Duomo and relax Sicilian Style.

Today we head to the valley of the temples! Visit the Temple of Zeus, Heracles, and the famous temple of Concordia. This UNESCO world Heritage site will leave you breathless.

Today we travel back to Palermo and students spend the afternoon meeting and receiving lectures in their respective disciplines.

Fly back to Rome, where we will all enjoy a farewell dinner at a famous Italian Eatery

Enjoy one last glimpse of this amazing country as you enjoy breakfast then it is off to home with memories that will last a lifetime.