Study Abroad in Italy: Intensive Italian Language & Culture Studies in Sicily – City & Daily Life

Sicily, Italy

The island of Sicily, with its enviable position at the center of the Mediterranean Sea, has long been the object of desire for nearby populations. Throughout history, empire upon empire has had its turn at the wheel: Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arabic, Norman. Each of these civilizations left a mark on Sicily. Today, the island displays a unique blend of historic and cultural influences.

The Sicilian city of Catania, population 350,000, lies on the eastern side of the island. Nearby Mount Etna has played a dual role in Catania’s history: the city was built in the 8th century BCE on lava left from eruptions, only to be all but destroyed by an eruption in 1669. Volcanologists share more of this cataclysmic history with CET Sicily students on an excursion to Mount Etna.

CET Sicily students are quick to fall in love with the vibrant city of Catania. Some savor the “Athens of Sicily,” as it is called for its Roman-influence Renaissance architecture. Some appreciate the “European Silicon Valley,” a moniker that pays tribute to the city’s position as a technological and economic center. And some simply relish in the warm weather, colorful markets and exquisite cuisine.

University of Catania

CET Sicily is based at the University of Catania. The University of Catania was founded in 1434 with six professors and 10 students. Today, a student body of 60,000 makes it the largest university in Sicily. Academic departments include: architecture, economics, law, philosophy, foreign languages and literature, medicine, education, mathematics, physical and natural sciences, political science.

CET Center in Sicily

The CET center is housed in a historic University of Catania building. This charming, restored building is located in the central town square. It houses classrooms and offices, and boasts air conditioning and wi-fi.

After class, CET Sicily students enjoy exploring the markets, Duomo, Roman Amphitheatre, Bellini Gardens and more—all within walking distance to the CET center.

Sicily Housing & Meals

CET Sicily students share apartments with Italian roommates. Apartments are centrally located, within easy commuting distance to the CET center. Apartments are fully furnished and provide air conditioning, internet access, a washing machine, cooking utensils and limited towels and linens.

Meals are not included in the program fee. Many students cook meals with roommates in their apartment kitchens. Some explore the countless local cafés, eateries and restaurants.

Italian Language Partners & Roommates

Language Partners

Each CET Sicily student is partnered with an Italian language partner from the University of Catania. Language partners—part tutors, part friends—meet regularly with CET students. They help students practice what they’ve learned in their classes, only this time without the chalkboard and textbook. Past students have looked forward to their one-on-one time: their chance to try out all the new vocabulary they’ve collected.

Roommates

CET students share apartments with Italian roommates. This is, in the words of many program alumni, “one of the best parts of the program.”

Italian roommates are Catania locals. They are selected by CET for their enthusiasm and commitment to cultural exchange. Many CET students become fast friends with their roommates. They tour museums together, enjoy movie night together, celebrate Carnevale together. And roommates are always more than willing to share a plate of pasta alla Norma, Catania’s most famous pasta dish.