Italy

Overview

From the volcanic landscapes of Mount Etna to the ancient cork oak forests of Sardinia, this program is an expedition into the heart of Mediterranean biodiversity. Sicily and Sardinia have been continuously farmed, fished, and settled for thousands of years. By ecological logic, they should be depleted. Instead, they are two of the most biodiverse places in Europe, with hundreds of species found nowhere else on Earth.

Your base will be Palermo, Sicily’s largest urban center, known for its rich cultural heritage and access to diverse ecosystems. You will 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. Choose between environmental science or environmental social science: One track dives into the science, asking bold questions about how these ecosystems function and thrive. The other explores the human story, unpacking the social and political forces that have shaped them over centuries. You’ll spend the final weeks of the program either conducting original field research or working directly inside a conservation organization or research institute in Sicily, producing work that is actionable and genuinely useful to the communities and organizations you have been working alongside.

Whether you’re passionate about marine ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, or climate resilience, this program brings together STEM and social science in a dynamic, immersive experience.

Highlights

• Visit Mount Etna, Europe's most active volcano and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, survey species in a restored wetland where flamingos have returned, study erosion on a five-mile Mediterranean coastline in Sardinia, and walk through cork oak forests that have been sustainably harvested for centuries.
• 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.
• Explore traditional ecological knowledge in the Madonie mountains, where communities maintain centuries-old harvesting techniques, and learn about innovative technologies in climate-smart agriculture.
• 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

Earn a Minor

Students studying on this SIT semester-length program can choose to simultaneously complete a minor, with no additional coursework or cost. At SIT, a minor is a minimum of 16 credits taken within a content area. This standout credential can help boost your future job or graduate school applications.

SIT's program in Palermo, Italy, offers the choice to do a minor in island studies or global environmental studies. You’ll develop practical skills in marine and coastal research, biodiversity assessment, and apply environmental field research methods across Sicily and Sardinia's unique island ecosystems while studying endemic species adaptation and conservation strategies in Mediterranean environments.