Ortigia is a centuries-old island off the coast of Sicily that bears the imprint of many civilizations. From Greeks and Romans to Byzantines and Bourbons, the cultures blend into a rich, complicated history. Enchanted with its mystery and romance, Campbell University student Joanna Coda, of Apex, N.C, chose Ortigia for her home away from home during her recent semester-long study abroad in Sicily.
Coda, an English and Public Relations major, attended classes at the Mediterranean Center for Arts and Sciences (MCAS) in Syracuse, Sicily, while living on Ortigia.
“I wanted to experience a culture outside of the big cities and tourist spots and was naturally drawn to southern Italy because my ancestors are from there,” Coda said.
Since her degree requires a number of electives, Coda decided to take all of her elective courses in one semester so that she could spend the time studying abroad at MCAS. An institution of higher education dedicated to study abroad programs, MCAS follows a U.S. academic calendar and offers semester, quarter, summer programs and internships in a number of liberal arts disciplines such as classical studies, environmental studies, history and political science, Italian and Mediterranean studies, art history and studio and fine art. Coda took classes in Italian, Sicilian Culture, the Mediterranean Diet, the Mafia and photography.
“Although I learned a lot in my classes, I also learned from the Sicilian people,” Coda said. “Sicily not only boasts some of the greatest art, architecture and archeology in the world, but it is home to a rich cultural heritage. I was impressed that, while leading a very simplistic lifestyle, Sicilians seem to have a wisdom that many Americans lack. They were some of the kindest and most hospitable people I have ever had the privilege to know.” Coda is the daughter of Tom and Peggy Coda of Apex.
For more information about Campbell’s Study Abroad program, contact Dr. Donna Waldron, coordinator, at 910.893.1576 or é-mail her at [email protected]/* */.
Photo Copy: Campbell study abroad student Joanna Coda stands before the ruins of the Temple of Apollo in Ortigia, a small island off the coast of Sicily.