Romana Cortese, professor of Italian at Montgomery College, will lead a group of students and other travelers interested in Italian culture, food and history to Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, for an adventure-filled trip set for May 12-26, 2007. The group will travel extensively about the island, visiting such famous sites as the Valley of Temples, learning about the island’s rich architectural heritage, its famous writers, its history, and, of course, sampling its celebrated cuisine.
The trip is an opportunity to experience Sicily in the company of Dr. Cortese, a native of Rome, Italy, who teaches several popular courses in Italian language and conversation at Montgomery College. Dr. Cortese has a deep knowledge of the cultural history of Italy. An inspired chef, she hosts Italian ten-course holiday dinners for her Italian students.
“Traveling Italy with Dr. Cortese,” says Montgomery College student Carol Boulware, “was enlightening and memorable. We experienced the essence and heart of Italy. Dr. Cortese introduced us to the people, language, culture, art, literature and food with a depth and breadth seldom experienced in European travel. In addition, we had a lot of fun.”
Dr. Cortese has previously taken students to Spain, France, and to Italy several times. The May 2007 tour begins at Palermo and continues on to Syracuse, Modica, Catania, Agrigento, Segesta, and Cefalu.
The traveling group will consist of students interested in continuing their studies in Italian language, and of tourists who love Italy and want to come along for the fun and the experience.
“This custom-planned trip was designed to give a small group of people the most authentic experience possible,” Dr. Cortese said. “We will travel around three quarters of the coast of Sicily, with its fabled sights and unparalleled cuisine, famous for its fish, pasta, and, of course, the cannoli--as only the Sicilians can make them.”
Students who are interested in earning six credits of Italian language can sign up for Italian 2311 and Italian 2312. The for-credit students will have to meet four additional times on campus (two before the trip and two after the trip). The non-student tourists will not have to meet any additional times other than come to one general orientation meeting prior to departure.
For more information, e-mail romana.cortese@lonestar.edu or call (936) 273-7484. The cost of the trip for non-credit travelers is $3,150 plus a $20 fee that goes toward Montgomery College scholarships for students; the cost for Italian credit students is $3,150 plus tuition.
Montgomery College is located at 3200 College Park Drive, one-half mile west of Interstate 45, between Conroe and The Woodlands. For more information about the college, call (936) 273-7000, or visit montgomery.lonestar.edu.
NHMCCD, among the largest and fastest growing community colleges in Texas, comprise, Cy-Fair College, Kingwood College, Montgomery College, North Harris College, Tomball College, six satellite centers, and The University Center.