Catania
Dominated by Mount Etna, the Baroque town of Catania dates back to 729 BC. Catania lies on the eastern side of the island and is the second largest city in Sicily with a population of nearly 350,000. Catania was founded by Greek colonists and was then conquered by Rome in 263 BC. It was built on lava left over from eruptions of Mt. Etna and was rebuilt in 1169 and 1693 due to earthquakes.
Positioned at the crossroads of the Mediterranean, Catania is an optimal site for a study abroad experience thanks to its warmer weather, extensive university resources, immersion opportunities, and close proximity and easy access to other towns on the island and mainland.
University of Catania The
program is based at the University of Catania. The University of
Catania was established in 1434 and is the oldest university in Sicily.
In the center of town stands the old University building. The
University of Catania has various departments including arts and
philosophy, mathematical, physical and natural sciences, engineering,
agriculture and education located throughout Catania.
CET Sicily classes are held in the CET Center, which is located in the Palazzo Biscari near the Duomo in the historical center of town and is fully equipped with class room space, internet and office space for CET staff. Housing One
of the highlights of CET's Sicily program is the opportunity to live with an Italian housemate. CET Sicily students share apartments with Italian housemates throughout the city. Apartments are centrally located and are within an easy walk or short bus ride to the University of Catania and other sites within the city.These sites may include the daily fruit and vegetable market, fish market, Roman Amphitheatre, Duomo, BelliniGardens and more.
Meals During
the spring and fall, students receive meal tickets for four meals a week at the University of Catania cafeteria. For all other meals, students may try out local restaurants or cook in their own kitchens with their Italian housemates.
Organized Activities with CET Our
on-site staff will organize various kinds of extra-curricular
activities each term, all of which are intended to expose students to
different aspects of Italian culture and society and/or engage them
with Italian students and peers. To learn what activities this term's CET Sicily students are attending, click here.
Traveling Seminars A
unique feature of CET Catania is its traveling seminars, made possible
by the small size and specialized curriculum of the program. Each
traveling seminar is a part of the program's capstone course, History and Culture of Sicily, is led by a faculty member, and meets up with local
guides and lecturers who have expertise in particular study topics. CET Sicily offers two traveling seminars each fall and spring--one to points of interest in Sicily and one to Rome. In the summer, the Traveling Seminar comprises day trips to areas surrounding Catania.
