Program Description 

This 3-credit course to Sicily, Italy will help students explore effective tools in the fight against organized crime, by allowing them to actively participate in the management of confiscated Mafia assets. Students’ learning experience will be articulated in the following phases:

1. Lessons. Students will get lessons on Italian organized crime and its impact on sustainable development goals.
2. Interactions. Students will meet with witnesses of Mafia crimes, relatives of Mafia victims, and anti-mafia activists.
3. Tours. Students will visit important places of the anti-mafia movement.

This immersive experience will increase students’ intercultural awareness while enhancing their critical understanding of the notions of community engagement and social responsibility.

Academic Program 

The course will count towards an Italian major/minor. Students will have the opportunity to practice their language skills and develop greater inter-cultural knowledge by experiencing Italy’s day-to-day life. While living, studying, and working in territories that are not affected by mass tourism, students will be provided with a more authentic experience of local customs. 

While langague students may be interested in this program, the course is taught in English and there is no language requirement. This course may also be interesting to students studying International Relations, Political Sciences, Social Justice, Criminology, Law, and Justice, and more.

 Faculty-leader

Irene Lottini holds a PhD in comparative studies from the University of Siena (Italy). At the University of Iowa, she directs the Italian program, serves as course supervisor for the Elementary Italian I and II sequence, and teaches language, literature, and culture courses. She is the recipient of the 2022-23 Collegiate Teaching Award. Her main research interests focus on Italian silent cinema, contemporary cinema, the relationship between film and the other arts, and Italian American cinema. Her most recent publications include essays on 1910s cinema and contemporary film. She has presented papers on silent, modern, and contemporary cinema at numerous national and international conferences.

Cultural Activities

Possible activities include the following:

• Guided Tour of Ortigia
• Guided tour of the Greek Theater in Syracuse
• A day trip to Catania including:
  • Meeting with a local anti-mafia organization in Librin
  • Guided tour of the city
• 5-day/4-night field trip to Palermo including:
  • Visit to Addiopizzo Association
  • Visit to Corleone and Laboratorio della Legalità
  • Visit to Bottega dei Saperi e Sapori
  • Visit to Borsellino and Falcone Memorial
  • Visit and tour of the Palazzo dei Normanni and the Cappella Palatina
• Day trips to Libera Terra 

Program Dates

Travel dates for the Summer 2025 session are May 26-June 15, 2025

For More Information

View a recording of the 2024 information session here.

For more details about this program, please contact Faculty Director Irene Lottini (irene-lottini@uiowa.edu) or Program Coordinator Lindsay Budde (lindsay-budde@uiowa.edu).

Sicily

Sicily, Italy's largest island, is a place of captivating beauty and complex history. It boasts diverse landscapes ranging from the dramatic Mount Etna. Rich in historical significance, visitors to Sicily can view Greek temples, Roman ruins, and stunning Arab-Norman architecture, showcasing the island's role as a crossroads of civilizations. Sicily is also known for its connection to organized crime. While significant efforts have been made to combat its presence, the Mafia's legacy is a part of the island's history, and its impact on Sicilian society and culture cannot be ignored.

Students on this program will travel around Sicily, visiting the cities of Syracuse, Catania, and Palermo.  

Italy

Italy, located in Southern Europe, is a captivating country renowned for its rich history, stunning landscapes, and delectable cuisine. Home to the ancient city of Rome, Italy boasts a remarkable historical heritage, with iconic landmarks such as the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. It offers an offering a wide array of outdoor activities and scenic beauty. Furthermore, Italy's culinary prowess is world-famous, with its pasta, pizza, and gelato being beloved worldwide. It is a place where centuries of culture, art, and gastronomy come together to create an unparalleled travel experience.

US Department of State Country Information

The US Department of State provides safety and security information for every country of the world to help you assess for yourself the risks of travel. Each country information page contains a Travel Advisory, Alerts, and other important details specific to that country that could affect you.

Pay close attention to the entry and exit requirements, local laws and customs, health conditions, and other details to help decide whether traveling to any given country is right for you. Non-US citizen travelers may also wish to seek guidance from the embassy of their country of citizenship. The UI International Travel Policy for Students addresses restrictions on student travel to high-risk locations and engagement in high-risk activities abroad

Living Arrangements

On this program, students will stay in double/triple occupancy rooms in a shared student residence and in double/triple occupancy rooms in a three-star hotel.

Passport

U.S. Citizens

U.S. citizens who do not have a passport should apply for one as soon as possible. More information about how to apply for a passport is available on the U.S. Department of State’s website.

Students with a valid passport should check the expiration date. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after the anticipated return to the US from studying abroad. US citizens who need to renew their passport can find more information on the US Department of State’s website.

Expedited processing service is available at an additional cost. UI Study Abroad encourages students to ask the passport agency at the time of application whether expedited service is recommended.

Non-U.S. Citizens

Students who are not U.S. citizens should contact UI Study Abroad (study-abroad@uiowa.edu) for information on how to ensure that their passport is valid for the duration of their time abroad.

Travel Arrangements

A suggested flight itinerary will be shared with students accepted to the program. Students are strongly encouraged to book the suggested flight itinerary or an alternative itinerary that arrives in Sicily at approximately the same time. Transportation from the airport to the hotel will be provided for those who on the suggest flight.

Participants who are unable to meet onsite staff at the group arrival point in the airport are responsible for checking in at the designated arrival point at the appointed date and time and are responsible for all transfer arrangements and costs.

Local Transportation

Participants will be provided with transportation for all program activities.

Eligibility

This program is open to UI students who fulfill the following requirements:

• Good academic and disciplinary standing: Students must be in good academic and disciplinary standing at the University of Iowa. Academic and disciplinary history will also be considered when determining whether a student is prepared to represent the University of Iowa as part of this program. Students who, even after being accepted into a program, are put on either academic and/or disciplinary probation for any period of time overlapping with the study abroad program dates are ineligible to study abroad. In these cases, students will not be allowed to study abroad, and are wholly responsible for any and all financial expenses incurred.
• Minimum 2.75 GPA: Students must have at least a 2.75 UI & cumulative GPA. Applications from students who have a GPA below 2.75 but above 2.5 may be considered for the program on a case-by-case basis.
• Academic requirements:This program is open to both undergraduate and graduate students of all majors.
• Demonstrated preparedness and maturity: Students must meet entry requirements for the countries and venues visited by the program. Students must demonstrate preparedness to take on the heightened responsibilities associated with international study and travel and demonstrate a commitment to behave responsibly abroad while respecting cultural differences. Students are expected to obey both local laws and program directives conveyed to participants before and during the program. The University of Iowa Code of Student Life applies to all program participants while abroad.
• Attendance at mandatory orientation programming: Students must attend all in-person and online pre-departure orientation programming.

There is no Italian language requirement for participation in this course.

Costs

The cost sheet outlines the total estimated costs associated with participating in this program and can be used for financial aid and planning purposes. It includes fees charged on students’ U-Bill (course fee, Study Abroad Administrative Fee, and mandatory Iowa Regents CISI Travel Insurance), as well as out-of-pocket expenses. Actual out-of-pocket expenses will vary from individual to individual. Please see the respective websites for further details. Contact the UI Study Abroad advisor with questions regarding the cost sheet.

The 2025 course fee is $4,850. The course fee does not include the Study Abroad Administrative Fee, CISI Travel Insurance, or out-of-pocket expenses, all of which are listed in the cost sheet below. Financial Aid uses this document to determine participating students' funding awards for course.

Cost Sheet for Organized Crime and Social Sustainability, Summer 2025

Scholarships & Financial Aid

Most financial aid (scholarships, grants, and loans) is applicable to study abroad programs. Please check the Study Abroad website for information on financial aid and how it may be applied to studying abroad. You are also encouraged to speak with someone at the Office of Student Financial Aid to explore financial aid options.

Scholarship opportunities exist for study abroad participants. Please explore Study Abroad’s websites for UI Study Abroad Scholarship Opportunities and Non-UI External Awards.

How to Apply

The application for the Summer 2025 program opens on January 1, 2025 and will close on February 17, 2025. The application process consists of the following steps:

• UI applicants complete the UI Online Application for Study Abroad. Applicants will be charged a $50 non-refundable application fee.
• Once the application process is complete, application materials will be reviewed. All applicants will receive official notification of their acceptance status shortly after the final application deadline. Accepted students will also receive information about how to confirm their place in the course.
• Details about flights and orientation will follow soon after accepted students confirm their place in the program in February.

Application Deadline

Summer 2025 program: February 17, 2025

Acceptance & Confirmation Materials

Acceptance and confirmation materials will be distributed after the next application deadline.

Health & Safety Planning

All students preparing to study abroad should review the following:

Iowa Regents CISI Health Insurance Information

Students are also encouraged to complete the Health Preparation Guide for International Travel form with their medical practitioner. This document is intended to help you plan for your medical needs abroad. Please DO NOT turn this form in to UI Study Abroad.

Visa

U.S. passport holders do not need to obtain a visa for a stay in Italy of less than 90 days. Non-U.S. passport holders should consult with the UI Study Abroad advisor.

Orientation

In order to prepare for your time abroad, you are required by the University of Iowa to complete two orientations. These are in addition to orientations provided by ACCENT upon arrival in Italy. See below for more information.

Online Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation

You are required to complete the International Programs online “Education Abroad Pre-Departure Orientation” course distributed through ICON prior to departure. This orientation is mandatory for all students going abroad under the auspices of the University of Iowa. It covers many practical matters about living overseas, such as health and safety, communication, money, goals and much more. You will be enrolled in this course by International Programs and an email will be sent to you once enrolled. If you have any questions you can email safety-abroad@uiowa.edu.

Program-Specific Orientation

During this in-person orientation, students will receive information on registering for their program inn MyUI, payment and billing, course approvals and other practical matters. Students will also have the opportunity to ask the program director, questions about academics, Italian culture, and other general topics.