Program Overview

Program Overview

The Italy: Food in Sicily program is a unique opportunity for students to experience the cultural and historic food ways of Sicily, the Mediterranean's largest island. This program will travel Sicily's Eastern "Greek" coast to see and taste this unique island's rich history of food traditions.

Program Type and Academic Focus

• The program type is OHIO Credit.
• The academic focus is on Humanities and Social Sciences, Sustainability, Food, and Environment.
• The program feature is Gen Ed.

Country/Region and Program Term

• The country/region is Italy.
• The program term is Summer.

Application Deadline

The final deadline for application is January 23, 2026. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applying early is encouraged.

Program Details

Overview

The program allows students to explore Sicily's growing sustainable food movement while visiting the island's vibrant cities. Along with sampling local cuisine, there will be time for the beach and visits to baroque masterpieces and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Students will learn how Sicilian communities are reclaiming agricultural lands to strengthen cultural identity and promote economic development.

Highlights and Excursions

• "Italian for Table and Market" classes
• Visits to markets and sites in Ortigia, Italy, including the Catacombs of San Giovanni, the Jewish quarters, and Castello Maniace
• Assist with cooking dinner at a local soup kitchen
• Cooking classes and tasting
• Meet with local social enterprises
• Day trip to Catania, Italy, where you will visit the fish market, historic city center, Benedictine Monastery, Greek Theater, and Cathedral
• Day trip to Canicattini Bagni & Noto
• Day trip to Mt. Etna
• Day trip to Taormina
• Visits to farms, breweries, and wineries

Good to Know

• Some locations will have limited access to wi-fi or cellphone service.
• Students should expect a moderate level of physical activity (walking) on this program.
• This program admits students on a rolling basis. Early application is highly recommended.

Living Arrangements

Shared (2-3 students per room) occupancy housing in centrally located self-catering apartments in Ortigia. Welcome and farewell dinner included in program fee.

Program Dates

May 7, 2026 - May 27, 2026. Note that participants will need to depart on May 6th to arrive in Italy on May 7th.

Academics

This program offers Bricks & Tier III Course Options. Students will choose 1 course from each group, for a total of 6 credit hours.

• Group 1:
  • ENG 2800 - Gen Ed Tier 1 Junior English Composition, OHIO BRICKS: Foundation: Advanced Writing
  • CAS 2411 - OHIO BRICKS: Bridge: Learning and Doing
  • T3 4414 - Gen Ed Tier 3, OHIO BRICKS: Bridge: Learning and Doing
• Group 2:
  • LING 2750 - Gen Ed Tier 2 Cross Cultural Perspectives, OHIO BRICKS: Arch: Connected World (ACNW), Foundation: Intercultural Explorations, Arch Themes: Global Connections, Society & Justice
  • LING 3880
  • LING 4990
  • LING 5880

Cost

The total estimated cost is expected to be:

• Summer 2026 estimate:
  • Undergraduate: $7,196 + 6 Credits of Summer 2026 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees
  • Graduate: $10,269 + 6 Credits of Summer 2026 Athens-Campus Tuition/Fees
• Line Item | Undergrad Summer 2026 | Graduate Summer 2026
  • Summer 2026 Tuition*: Based on individual Tuition Guarantee or Graduate Program of Study | 6 credits Athens-Campus | 6 credits Athens-Campus
  • Program Fee: Student accommodations, some meals, excursions and activities, and transportation to all program-related activities | $3,999 | $7,099
  • Study Abroad Administrative Fee | $150 | $150
• Estimated Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
  • Passport and Photos ($185)
  • Airfare ($2,000)
  • Meals ($625)
  • ETIAS Processing ($10)
  • Required Cell phone ($100)
  • Incidentals ($100)
  • Total: $3,020 | $3,020

Funding Opportunities

More information on financial aid and scholarships can be found on the funding pages.

Eligibility

This program is open to all Ohio University students (undergraduates and graduates) who are in good conduct standing. Students who will be on probation at any point during the program for a conduct offense that took place less than a calendar year from the program start date may not study abroad.

Application Requirements

As part of the application, interested individuals will need to submit:

• 1 personal statement: must be between 250-500 words explaining why you would like to go on the program
• 1 Reference contact information
• 1 DARs (or in the event of a Non-Ohio student, an unofficial transcript) Applicants will also need to interview with the program director prior to nomination.

Entry and Exit Requirements

U.S. citizens are required to have a valid U.S. passport when traveling outside of the United States. U.S. citizens will not need a visa or other special document to enter the country for the length of this program. Please also note that visa requirements may vary if you plan to stay in the country longer than the program dates or travel to other countries during or after the program.