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Italy

Island Ecosystems in the Mediterranean

(Filling; Apply by Oct 1, 2025)
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Explore marine and coastal ecology and the unparalleled biodiversity of Sicily and Sardinia. Island biodiversity hotspots in Sicily and Sardinia provide unique insights into ecological adaptation, conservation challenges, and sustainable solutions.

At a Glance

Credits

16

Prerequisites

None

Language of Study

Italian

Courses taught in

English

Dates

Jan 26 – May 10

Program Countries

Italy

Program Base

Palermo, Italy

Visa

Required

Critical Global Issue of Study

Climate & Environment

Program Cost

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Overview

From the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna to the ancient cork oak forests of Sardinia, this program provides a living laboratory for studying biodiversity, endemism, and ecological adaptation. In the Mediterranean’s two largest islands, Sicily and Sardinia, you’ll investigate how geographic isolation shapes unique ecosystems and examine how centuries of human-environment interactions illuminate current conservation challenges.

Your base will be Palermo, Sicily’s largest urban center, known for its rich cultural heritage and access to diverse ecosystems. You’ll also spend time in Cagliari, Sardinia, where you’ll investigate coastal management, wetland restoration, and sustainable resource practices in cork oak forests. Throughout both locations, expert guest lectures from researchers at the Universities of Palermo and Cagliari, along with local community partners will provide insights into ongoing conservation projects.

Throughout the program, you’ll engage in hands-on field research, comparing local perceptions of environmental change with long-term data. The program addresses both STEM and social science interests through its multi-scale approach to understanding climate, ecology, and human societies. Key topics include marine and coastal ecology, sustainable agriculture, and the challenges of conservation in the face of climate change and tourism. You’ll also explore traditional ecological knowledge in the Madonie mountains, where communities maintain centuries-old harvesting techniques, and learn about innovative technologies in climate-smart agriculture.

Highlights

  • Choose between one of two tracks: Environmental science or environmental social science to customize your coursework to your major and academic interests.
  • Develop practical field research skills across diverse Mediterranean ecosystems, preparing for careers in conservation, environmental consulting, community engagement, and climate policy.
  • Analyze real-world environmental challenges where ecosystem protection meets human activity, from Mount Etna’s volcanic landscapes to Poetto Beach’s coastal management issues.
  • During free weekends, enjoy Sicily’s outdoor activities from the beaches to the mountains, as well as the food and nightlife in Palermo, the program’s base city.

Prerequisites

None

program map

Excursions

Sicily

In Sicily, you will explore geographically significant sites:

  • The Madonie Mountains, UNESCO Geopark with exceptional plant diversity and endemic species
  • Mount Etna, an active volcano ecosystem showcasing specialized organisms adapted to unique soil conditions
  • Ustica Marine Reserve, the first marine protected area in Sicily, demonstrating successful conservation and biodiversity recovery through ecosystem-based management

Sardinia

In Sardinia, you’ll visit incredible sites:

  • Cork oak forests, where you’ll study sustainable traditional management that balances biodiversity conservation with economic production
  • Molentargius-Saline Regional Park, a restored wetland ecosystem supporting diverse migratory birds, one of the main nesting sites of aquatic birds in Europe, including the iconic flamingos
  • Poetto Beach, a five-mile coastline, where you’ll study erosion management, tourist impacts, and marine-terrestrial interactions in a dynamic Mediterranean shore

Please note that SIT will make every effort to maintain its programs as described. To respond to emergent situations, however, SIT may have to change or cancel programs.

Academics

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the program, students will be able to:

  • Apply the principles of island biogeography to analyze biodiversity patterns, endemism, and ecological connectivity across Mediterranean island ecosystems in Sicily and Sardinia.
  • Evaluate the complex interactions between terrestrial, coastal, and marine ecosystems in Mediterranean islands, with a focus on their vulnerability to climate change and human impacts.
  • Design evidence-based conservation and sustainability strategies that integrate both technological solutions and local ecological knowledge to address environmental challenges in Mediterranean island contexts.
  • Demonstrate proficiency in quantitative/qualitative field research techniques, data analysis, and public communication specific to island ecology studies.
  • Critically assess the role of both traditional ecological practices and innovative technologies in creating sustainable solutions for Mediterranean island environments and their potential applications to broader global challenges.

Read more about Program Learning Outcomes.



Coursework

The following syllabi are representative of this program. Because courses develop and change over time to take advantage of dynamic learning opportunities, actual course content will vary from term to term.

The syllabi can be useful for students, faculty, and study abroad offices in assessing credit transfer. Read more about credit transfer.

Course credits, codes, overviews, and syllabi coming soon.

Mediterranean Island Ecosystems (3 credits)

Mediterranean Island Ecosystems

Geographic isolation shapes species distribution, evolution, and diversity across island habitats. This course examines these phenomena through field experiences in Sicily and Sardinia, where Mediterranean isolation has created unique ecological laboratories. Students investigate how factors like island size, mainland distance, and geological history influence species colonization and adaptation. The course explores the intersection of natural processes with millennia of human presence, creating complex socio-ecological systems. Through engagement with local communities, students discover how island characteristics shape both biological and cultural diversity, informing conservation efforts amid climate change.

Technology-Driven Solutions for Mediterranean Ecosystems (3 credits)
or
Community-Driven Sustainability on Mediterranean Islands (3 credits)

Choose between the following two courses:

Technology-Driven Solutions for Mediterranean Ecosystems

This solutions-oriented course explores innovative strategies addressing Mediterranean island ecosystem challenges through immersive fieldwork in Sicily and Sardinia. Students engage with issues including water scarcity, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss. Technology is approached as applied knowledge to enhance ecological wellbeing. Learning from researchers and conservation professionals, students experience data-driven decision-making and emerging technologies that support ecosystem health, gaining firsthand exposure to science-based solutions.

OR

Community-Driven Sustainability on Mediterranean Islands

Island communities face distinct environmental challenges: increasing water scarcity, changing rainfall patterns, soil degradation, and coastal erosion. Yet these island communities also hold centuries of local knowledge about living sustainably in Mediterranean landscapes. Through engagement with farmers maintaining ancient groves, and communities managing shared water resources, students learn how local practices maintain environmental balance in fragile island ecosystems. Through direct participation in community initiatives, we examine how local knowledge can inform approaches to current environmental challenges.

Italian Language (3 credits)

Italian I
(ITAL 1003/3 credits)

Italian II
(ITAL 2003/3 credits)

Italian III
(ITAL 3003/3 credits)

Emphasis on speaking and comprehension skills through classroom and field instruction. Students are placed in beginning or intermediate classes based on in-country evaluation, including oral proficiency testing.

Environmental Research Methods and Ethics (3 credits)

Environmental Research Methods and Ethics

The Environmental Research Methods and Ethics seminar equips students for research in Mediterranean island ecosystems. It covers marine-terrestrial interactions, conservation challenges, and human-environment dynamics. Students gain hands-on field experience, learn ecological and social science research techniques (including community-based approaches), and develop independent research projects. The course addresses research ethics, IRB processes, and cultural considerations for Mediterranean communities, preparing students for their Independent Study Project or Internship.

Independent Study Project (ISP) or Internship (4 credits)

Choose between the following two courses:

Independent Study Project
(ISP 3000/4 credits)

The Independent Study Project is conducted in an approved location appropriate to the project in Italy.

OR

Internship & Seminar
(ITRN3000/ 4 credits)

This seminar consists of a four-week internship with a local community organization, research organization, local or international NGO in Italy. The aim of the internship is to enable the student to gain valuable work experience and to enhance their skills in an international work environment. Students will complete an internship and submit a paper in which they process their learning experience on the job, analyze an issue important to the organization, and/or design a socially responsible solution to a problem identified by the organization.

Housing

Housing

Host family: You may choose to live with a host family in Palermo. If you choose to pursue an independent project or internship in the city, you may be able to extend your stay for an additional four weeks. Living with a local family is a unique opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the people, realities, and challenges facing the region today. While offering an excellent opportunity to improve your language skills, the homestay experience will add warmth and create lasting bonds beyond the program. Your host family will also be a great source of information about local places to visit, eat at, and explore.

Residential housing: You may choose to live in a student residence in Palermo. Residences typically include kitchen facilities, a washing machine, and Wi-Fi. Rooms may be singles or doubles, depending on availability.

Please note that specific housing locations and amenities are subject to change.

Excursion & Orientation Accommodations

Bed and breakfast or small hotels

Discover the Possibilities

  • Cost & Scholarships

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  • HEALTH, ACCESS &
    IDENTITY

    A critical step in preparing for your study abroad program is planning how you will maintain your health and wellbeing. Please review the following information carefully and contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

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  • Visa
    Requirements

    Students are required to obtain a visa for this program. Your admissions officer will provide you further guidance on the process and support documents. Please do not apply without instructions from your admissions officer.