Program Details
Program Eligibility
About
Practice self-reflection and introspection in the tranquil landscape of Sicily. Participate in a variety of opportunities, including eco-biking, art and nature therapy, and yoga in nature, all of which will enhance mindfulness and overall well-being. Your home base will be Siracusa, a city on the eastern coast known for its layers of history,—including a Greek theatre that is still in use today— lively markets, and a small-town atmosphere.
Through learning about Sicily's history and cultural diversity, you will connect to the country and gain a sense of belonging and wellness. The Mediterranean cuisine of Sicily boasts enhanced well-being due to its local and fresh options. You will have the opportunity to prepare and consume local cuisine, which will not only enhance your knowledge of what you are eating, but also give you a sense of connection to their food.
Some topics that may be discussed within this course are mindfulness, emotional wellness throughout the city, and the relationship between the two through certain topics like cuisine. Explore spirituality and resilience of the people in the city, as well as the longevity of life of the residents. Open your mind to health and wellness through various activities and new experiences, and learn about the pillars of wellness in the city of Sicily.
Note: This program includes varied outdoor activities such as light hiking, a bike tour, and outdoor yoga. This is in addition to being required to walk a minimum of 30 minutes at a time without breaks during walking tours, some excursions, and maneuvering around the city for daily errands (getting to/from class, grocery shopping, etc.). We recommend that you are comfortable with the varied physical activities planned in order to participate in this program.
We will work with you on any accommodations requested prior to the start of the course. Questions or concerns can be directed to the program leaders or the Learning Abroad Center contact.
Housing & Meals
Live in shared housing with fellow program participants. A welcome and farewell meal and some additional meals are included in the program fee. We will take additional meals in the housing or at local restaurants and eateries.
Excursions
Excursions/Activities in Sicily may include:
- Yoga led by local yoga schools/instructors
- Eco-biking along the sea with local ecological groups
- Ceramic art therapy with local Fine Arts Academy
- Day trip to Sardinia or various locations throughout Sicily
- Chocolate making experience
- Cooking classes to learn about traditional Sicilian food
- Market tour to learn about local food produce and products
- Hiking on Mount Etna
- Guest speakers on the Mediterranean diet
- Walking tours to learn about the history of Ortigia
Accessibility
If you have a disability and plan to study abroad, visit our Accessibility Abroad page to learn about considerations, answer questions, and request accommodations before you go abroad.
Flight
The LAC will provide information on booking a designated flight. This flight will be the one the leader travels on and/or will include airport pick-up and transfers in-country. Estimated flight costs are noted in the budget, but fares may change until booked. You are advised not to book flights until given program confirmation from the LAC.
Learning Outcomes
- Develop independence by challenging yourself in a new environment
- Function as an effective team member by utilizing your personal strengths in a group setting
- Explore a specific topic through experiential and interdisciplinary approaches
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Andrea Silva, PhD, a Kinesiology professor with a background in psychology and exercise/sports science. Dr. Silva's specific focus area is mental skills training, specifically how we can perform to our best ability. She has led this course previously.
Program Structure
One 3-credit course
This seminar is a 2+ week study abroad program led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–20 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
Course Schedule
This is an embedded spring semester 2027 course, with the abroad portion in Sicily, Italy taking place over May session 2027 at the end of the semester. On-campus classes take place during the spring semester.
The course meets: B-term Spring Semester 2027, course schedule forthcoming.
Abroad term: mid May–late May/early June, 2027
Coursework
This program will focus on mindfulness and emotional wellness. Lessons will focus on learning, practicing, and mastering these areas within our daily lives. You will also get to practice various modes of mindfulness and activities to improve your emotional wellness. Specific topics that will be discussed include but are not limited to: mindfulness, emotional wellness, spirituality, resilience, and Blue Zones and their effect on quality and longevity of life.
Mental skills training is generally thought of within a sport or exercise domain, but mental skills are transferable to most aspects of life. Some of the mental skills training in this program include: being present, being resilient, being connected with self and others, and being mentally focused.
Performance will be addressed through a myriad of assessments, including, but not limited to, quizzes, journaling, activity participation, and a mindfulness project. You will be expected to participate in discussions with guest speakers, as well as join several visits to locations connected to the course.
Receive credit for: KIN 4720
Approved for: Major-related electives in Kinesiology BS, Sport Management BS, Physical Activity & Health Promotion BS and minor.
Pillars of Wellness in Sicily: Empowering Minds, Bodies, & Emotions Syllabus (2025 Program syllabus)
Sustainability
The Learning Abroad Center is committed to sustainability and incorporating this into its programs. This course can be tied to Sustainable Development Goals through course content and program activities including:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being—Participate in a myriad of activities that can improve health and well-being, including yoga by the Mediterranean Sea, walking/hiking in the Sicilian mountains, and preparing local Mediterranean cuisine. We will discuss differences and similarities between the United States and Italy with regard to physical activity, local cuisine/diet, access to fresh produce, and overall mindfulness practices, which could all lead to overall enhanced health and well-being.
SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy—We will lessen our carbon footprint during this program by walking, biking, and hiking more, and relying less on motorized vehicles, just like the residents of Sicily do. We will discuss the similarities and differences of participating in and having access to these activities in the United States and Italy.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| May Session 2027 | mid-May–late May/early June, 2027 | December 1, 2026 |
Program dates are subject to change.
If the deadline falls on a weekend, submit your materials on the following business day.
Important Note: Enrollment on this program is limited to 25 students. Admission is granted on a rolling basis and applications are reviewed in the order they are completed. Some programs may fill to capacity prior to the application deadline, therefore applying early is recommended. Additionally, applying early will allow for more time to plan ahead and prepare for the program.
Information Sessions
Join in-person or over Zoom. Register and learn more about this and other events on our events page.
| Date | Time | Location | Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuesday, May 5 | 2:30 p.m. | In-person at Heller Hall 230 or online. | Registration required. |
| Wednesday, May 6 | 3:30 p.m. | Online only. | Registration required. |
| Monday, May 11 | 11:00 a.m. | Online only. | Registration required. |
On Campus Dates
The course meets: B-term, Spring Semester 2027, course schedule forthcoming.
Orientation Dates & Locations
The Learning Abroad Center facilitates a pre-departure orientation in collaboration with your program leader(s) in addition to any additional orientation sessions scheduled by your program leader(s). It is your responsibility to know the information shared at these orientations.
Orientation consists of several sessions, all of which are created to support your preparation to go abroad:
- Online Health & Safety Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory.
- LAC Seminar Pre-departure Orientation: This asynchronous module can be accessed in your LAC checklist and is mandatory. The discussion post is due before your LAC Program Orientation meeting.
- LAC Program Orientation: Program details and important UofM information will be covered (finances, health & safety, policies, insurance, etc.). This will be scheduled in collaboration with your program leader(s). Details will be sent to you via email from the LAC and/or your program leader(s). This is a mandatory meeting. **For embedded programs, this will likely be one of your class dates prior to departure.**
- Program Leader Orientation(s): Your program leader(s) will schedule 1–3 additional orientation sessions prior to departure. These will cover academic requirements and preparation, final travel and program logistics, cultural knowledge, and more. Details will be sent to you via email from your program leader(s). These are mandatory meetings. **For embedded programs, these will likely be included in your class dates prior to departure.**
The Learning Abroad Center also offers 2 optional orientations:
Fees
The cost of participation includes educational costs, program activities, housing, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, some meals, international medical, security, & evacuation insurance, local transportation, and program administration. Program fees can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions.
You must also budget for visa, passport and passport photos, international airfare, meals not included, spending money, and miscellaneous living expenses.
The LAC strives to follow best practices to provide the lowest cost program while ensuring a quality academic experience.
If you do not see a budget estimate for the term you intend to go abroad, the fee has not yet been finalized. We strive to post fees for this program at least 30 days prior to the application deadline. The Learning Abroad Center will delay the posting of some fees until enrollments, inflation and exchange rates are determined. Note the average increase in fees will be 3–10%. Program fees are based on estimates and may change depending on international economic factors.
If you are registered for less than 13 credits or if you are a non-UofM student or a UofM graduate student, you will be charged tuition for this course in addition to the program fee.
Billing & Payments
Visit Billing for information about the billing process for application fees, deposits, and program fees.
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Visit Financial Information for information on using financial aid and scholarships for study abroad.
Enrollment Note: This program is considered part of spring enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
Flight & Deposit Advance
The Flight & Deposit Advance (formerly Bridging Loan) is a no-interest/no-fees program that allows you to defer payment of your flight and LAC program deposit until your financial aid is disbursed.
Cancellation Policy
Before you apply to or confirm your participation on this program, review the Learning Abroad Center's Cancellation Policy to inform yourself of the timeline and financial obligations for canceling.
Apply
You will be charged a $50 application fee for each application you submit.
Complete
After you submit your application, you will receive an email notification confirming that your application was received. Submitted applications are assigned an application checklist, which will include the following items:
- Application Essay
Detailed descriptions and instructions for submitting each checklist item are included on the application checklist assigned to you.
If you do not meet the GPA requirement for this program you will be required to submit an additional essay. It will be added to your checklist after you start your application, and you will be notified when it has been added.
Next Steps
- After you complete all required application checklist items, you will receive an automated email message indicating your application is ready to be reviewed.
- Your completed application will be reviewed by the Learning Abroad Center.
- If admitted, the Confirmation & Payment Agreement form will be added to your checklist. Complete this form to secure your spot on the program. By submitting the form, you also give your approval for the program deposit to be billed to your UofM student account.
- Complete the confirmation checklist, which include the following items in additional to program-specific forms:
- Passport Information
- Emergency Contacts
- Health Information Form
- Online Health & Safety Orientation
- Release & Waiver
- You will receive information about additional steps from the sponsoring college/department.
Register for On-Campus Course
Your participation on this program is secured by applying and confirming through the Learning Abroad Center application process.
You will also need to register for the on-campus course KIN 4720.
Note: Registering for the course, but not confirming through the Learning Abroad Center, will not hold your spot in the program.
After You Apply
Before your program begins, review these resources.
Health & Safety
Learn more about staying healthy and safe abroad, including mental health and wellness, international travel insurance, and safety precautions.
Power of Attorney
Consider designating someone as your power of attorney to act as your legal representative while you’re abroad.
Student Identity
Consult our resources on student identities as you prepare for your abroad experience.
Travel Resources
Ready to go abroad? Our travel resources will help you pack and learn what to expect.
Program Contact
For further information or questions about this program, email