Student Life
It’s hard not to fall in love with life in Ortigia. Living on a tiny island in the Mediterranean means the sea is always a stone’s throw away, and taking a dip between classes or watching the sun set over the Great Harbour are things you’ll likely never get tired of.
Ortigia is intimate and welcoming, and everything is within a comfortable walking distance. There is a wide range of cafes and restaurants for all tastes and budgets, and it’s easy to get hooked on the cafe-culture as you sit in the squares watching the world go by. The Summer buzzes with tourism and lively night-life in the piazzas and along the waterfront, whereas the Winter is quieter and the city keeps its local character more.
Even in Winter, the weather is generally mild and you can enjoy the sun most days – Sicily is not known as the “Island of the Sun” for nothing!
FREE TIME
There will be plenty of time for you to explore Ortigia and the rest of the city of Siracusa over the bridge. We suggest you go to the morning market to shop like the ‘nonnas’ of Italy do, getting fresh fruit and veggies, and even fresh fish to cook yourselves.
For the artists amongst you, bring a sketchbook or camera as there is always something beautiful to record.
If you prefer phyiscal activities, while there many not be a handy gym in Ortigia, there is always the chance to swim in the sea, and running around the waterfront-road of Ortigia can become a daily habit.
THE LANGUAGE
You may feel nervous about coming to a country where English isn’t the first language. You needn’t worry as the locals are generally getting better at speaking English. In fact, you’ll find many of the young people are quite happy to speak English to you.
We like to teach you a few words and phrases of Italian so you can say “Ciao!” and order your gelato and panino in Italian, and we may even teach you some Sicilian so you can really impress the people you meet!
HEALTH AND SAFETY
It’s important to face the often overwhelming experiences of a study-abroad program feeling your very best. Exedra staff are here to make sure you don’t need to face any health issues large or small on your own. Whether you just need assistance in going to the pharmacy or have to see a doctor or go to hospital, an Exedra staff member will be with you to help navigate the health service.
On arrival in Siracusa, safety is discussed during orientation and this is a good time to express any worries you may have. While Ortigia is a very safe place to live, it’s good to be aware of how to look after yourself, and the Exedra team can advise on how to keep away from trouble.
ACCOMMODATION
Depending on the length of your program, your accommodation will either be in a B&B or in a residence. Either solution will be on the island of Ortigia, a few minutes walk from the Exedra Center.
Rooms will normally be shared, with an en-suite bathroom, AC and wifi.
In the residence, students will have access to a communal living and kitchen area. Each bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, fridge, TV, AC and wifi. Bedlinen and towels will be supplied, and the bathrooms have hair-dryers. Normally, rooms will be cleaned and linen changed once a week.
TRANSPORT AND TRAVEL
While you’re in Siracusa, it’s tempting to dream of travelling every weekend to places in Sicily, on the Italian mainland and even all over Europe.
Siracusa is one hour away from Catania Fontanarossa Airport and the two cities are well-connected with regular bus-services and a new train connection.
For other places in Sicily, public transport can be challenging and certainly time-consuming.
Be aware that you can’t hire a car if you are under 25 years of age.
EMERGENCIES
Exedra has an emergency number active 24/7 and will get someone to you rapidly if ever necessary.