Program Details
Location
Syracusa, Sicily
Term
May Session
Housing
Apartment
Languages Taught In
English
Program Eligibility
Student Type
UofM Students
Student Year
Freshmen
Sophomores
Juniors
Seniors
Graduate Students
GPA
2.5
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 by the sea, 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.
Program Model
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:
- Seaside yoga led by local yoga schools/instructors
- Eco-biking in the mountains with local ecological groups
- Ceramic art therapy with local Fine Arts Academy
- Day trip to Sardinia or various locations throughout Sicily
Flight
All program participants will take the coordinated group flight to and from the program site. The cost of the group flight is included in the program fee that will be posted to your student account. Do not book your own flight; you will receive information from the Learning Abroad Center about your seat on the group flight once your participation has been confirmed.
Faculty & Staff
This program is led by Andrea Silva, a Kinesiology professor with a background in psychology and exercise/sports science. Professor Silva's specific focus area is mental skills training, specifically how we can perform to our best ability.
Program Structure
Program Level
4000-level coursework
Courseload
One 3-credit course
Global Seminars are 3-week study abroad programs led by University of Minnesota faculty and staff that feature:
- Intensive learning in a location that illuminates the topic
- Small groups of 15–25 students
- No prerequisites or language requirements
- Included excursions and cultural activities
- Instruction in English
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 4520
Approved for: Major-related electives in Kinesiology BS, Sport Management BS, Physical Activity & Health Promotion BS and minor.
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.
Course Registration
If confirmed, you will be registered for your course by the Learning Abroad Center once registration opens for your term abroad. Make sure you have no holds that would prevent registration.
If you haven't already, communicate with your academic adviser(s) as applicable to review the course for your major, minor, or college requirements. University of Minnesota students should use the Academic Planning Form (PDF), located on your confirmation checklist.
Dates Details
Submit the online application and complete the assigned application checklist according to the appropriate deadline:
| Term | Program Dates | Priority Application Deadline | Final Application Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| May Session 2025 | May 18–June 8, 2025 (tentative) | February 1, 2025 | March 1, 2025 |
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 |
|---|---|---|
| TBD | TBD | TBD |
Orientation Dates & Locations
Orientation will be conducted in 2 parts: an online orientation—which is mandatory—and in-person or online program-specific session with program leader(s). All meetings are required and failure to complete the online orientation will impact your ability to go abroad. The online orientation module is found on your application checklist and is due by your first orientation session.
You will be notified of the official date and time of required orientation sessions or will be contacted to send availability in order to schedule sessions. Reach out to your program leader directly for any concerns about orientation session date and times. You will receive applicable orientation materials from your program leader either in advance or after the orientation session(s).
Priority Deadline
If you apply by the priority deadline and confirm within the allotted time you will receive the published program fee. Applying after the priority deadline and/or not confirming within the allotted time means you may be subject to an airfare increase.
Fees
May 2025 Cost of Participation forthcoming
The cost of participation can vary widely due to location, cost of living, airfare, and program inclusions. The program fee generally includes tuition, group flight airfare, airport transfers, in-country program related transportation, housing, some meals, entrances to course-related excursions and site visits, program administration, and international health insurance. Generally, program fees to these locations range between $7,500–$9,000. You must also budget for passport and passport photos, some meals, textbooks, independent travel, and miscellaneous living expenses.
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.
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.
This program is considered part of summer enrollment for the purposes of registration and financial aid.
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.
Prepare
Be aware: Learning Abroad Center programs require a $50 application fee. This fee will be charged to your student account upon submission of an online application.
Apply
The COVID-19 vaccine series is strongly recommended, pursuant to CDC guidelines, but not required for participation in this program.
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.
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
Jemma Lund at [email protected],
or call at
612.625.8827