Study Abroad

Set in the beautiful Simeto Valley, in Eastern Sicily, UofM students and faculty will engage with Simeto residents and officials in an action-research process aimed at revitalizing a declining historic neighborhood through advanced historic preservation and community development strategies. The focus will be on the restoration strategies for an old railroad, including the historic train station in the San Marco area, city of Paternò. The main challenge is to preserve the existing cultural richness and authenticity while addressing the fast economic and population decline.

In this class we will:

• Explore different ways of thinking about what aspects of culture contribute to a neighborhood's unique and authentic qualities.
• Conduct ethnographic research on the practices, beliefs, and history of the railroad
• Use spatial analysis in order to understand how the built environment reflects cultural forms and practices
• Look at best practices of cultural-based revitalization processes
• Contribute to a participatory community process that is committed to environmental sustainability, social justice and historic preservation.

This engaged-learning experience is part of an ongoing collaboration between the University of Memphis and the Simeto Community, within the framework of an internationally renowned community development plan for the Simeto Valley, called the "SIMETO RIVER AGREEMENT". Within the broad framework offered by such Agreement, which has identified Historic Neighborhood Revitalization among its top priorities, the class offers the opportunity to link economic sustainability with socio-cultural and eco-environmental dimensions of development.

Credits - University of Memphis Students will be eligible for 3 credits via credit by exam

Cost $3,300 + airfare (approx. $1,000-1,500) + $60 credits by exam fee
Scholarships available up to $2,000

How to Apply for the program
• Go to https://www.memphis.edu/abroad/
• Click on "find a program"
• Search for "Environmental Planning"
• Click "Apply Now"
• Application deadline is March 1st

Study Abroad Scholarship
• At the end of your application for the program, you can apply for the Study Abroad Scholarship
• Or, go to https://www.memphis.edu/abroad/ and click on "scholarships"
• Deadline March 1st

For more info
Dr. Antonio Raciti (araciti@memphis.edu / 211 McCord Hall)
Dr. Laura Saija (lsaija@memphis.edu / 215 McCord Hall)
Dr. Katherine Lambert-Pennington (almbrtpn@memphis.edu / 302b Manning Hall)

To Discuss Summer Financial Aid, Contact the Study Abroad Financial Aid Officer, Joanna Darden (jpullis@memphis.edu / 103 Wilder Tower)

For Passport Information, go to https://www.memphis.edu/abroad/ and click on "get a passport" (plan for the process to take 8 weeks)