The first two weeks in Catania provide an introduction and orientation to life in this Sicilian city. Each day, students receive intensive language instruction: through reading and writing in Italian, they sharpen their understanding and abilities in preparation for course work at the University, all of which is conducted in Italian. Students explore the city's historical background with tutors, graduate students and professors from the University of Catania. Through excursions that include visits to museums, churches and other ancient sites, students receive a firsthand introduction to Catania's history and culture.

During this period, the many excursions help students get their bearings so that they can easily navigate around the city by foot or by bus. Trips to local markets familiarize students with shopping customs, visits to libraries acquaint them with collections and policies, and outings to movies and theatres expose them to entertainment options around Catania.

Students on the program also visit Siracusa, one of the most important ancient Greek colonies, with its well preserved theatre, built in the 5th century B.C., and its extensive archaeological museum. A day trip to Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe, provides a close-up perspective on a geological presence of immense importance to the history of Catania and the entire region.