University of Messina

  English Guide

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

WELCOME

 THE UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA
1.1 A SHORT HISTORICAL OUTLINE ABOUT UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA
1.2 UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA AND ITS LOCATION
1.3 FACULTIES AND DEGREE COURSES

STUDYING  AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA
2.1 WHAT’S ECTS
2.1 POST GRADUATE STUDIES
2.2 POST DOCTORAL STUDIES & FUNDING
2.3 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE

WELCOME

Dear International Student,

Deciding to apply for University is a huge step in anyone's life even more for a foreign University.     To make the most of these opportunities, it is important that you spend time considering your options carefully. This prospectus will help you to select the course of study that is right for you and will, we are sure, convince you that Messina is the right step towards a professional and human growth
since  the University of Messina is recognised as a centre of teaching excellence and stands among the best in Italy.
We have every confidence that the subjects remaining to be assessed will be rated just as highly. As well as being recognised for the excellent quality of teaching, we sincerely hope that your stay with us in this beautiful city will be an interesting, rewarding and useful experience.
We are sure that you have chosen our University aware that mobility is one of the keys to improving the quality of European competitiveness, it contributes to the building up of a society which is based more and more on the principles of knowledge and whose awareness of the existence of different cultures and traditions is an incentive, rather than an obstacle, to innovation and to the creation of a concrete and functional European system for international cooperation.
Your time at University will be both challenging and exciting whether you are away from home for the first time. There is a lot of information you need to know about being an Unime student and how you will spend your time at Messina.
We have all this and more in our guide, so why not take a look and see for yourself what it's all about.

International Relations Office

THE UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA

1.1 A SHORT HISTORICAL OUTLINE ABOUT THE UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA

1.2 UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA AND ITS LOCATION

1.3 THE FACULTIES OF THE UNIVERSITY OF MESSINA

2.1 WHAT’S ECTS

The ECTS system is based on three core elements:

• Information (on study programmes and student achievement)
• Mutual agreement (between the partner institution and the student)
• The use of ECTS credits (to indicate student workload)

These elements are made operational through the use of three key documents:

• the information package
• the application form/learning agreement

the transcript of most of all, ECTS is made operational by students, teachers and institutions who want to make study abroad an integral part of the educational experience. In itself, ECTS in no way regulates the content, structure or equivalence of study programmes. These are issues of quality which have to be determined by the higher education institutions themselves when establishing a satisfactory basis for cooperation agreements, bilaterally or multilaterally. The code of good practice called ECTS provides those actors with tools to create transparency and to facilitate academic recognition records.

Full academic recognition means that the study period abroad (including examinations or other forms of assessment) replaces a comparable period of study at the home university (including examinations or other forms of assessment), though the content of the agreed study programme may differ.

The use of ECTS is voluntary and is based on mutual trust and confidence in the academic performance of partner institutions. Each institution selects its own partners.

ECTS provides transparency through the following means:

• ECTS credits which are a numerical value allocated to course units to describe the student workload required to complete them

2.1 POST GRADUATE COURSES, MASTERS and PHDs

The updated list of Postgraduate Masters  offered by University of Messina is  avalilable at http://www.unime.it/didattica/master/

The updated list of Postgraduate Courses is available at http://www.unime.it/bandi/cor_perfez.htm

For those who wish to study for a Phd (Dottorato di Ricerca), as general rule,  there exist an open competition launched every year. A quota of posts is reserved to graduate students holding a nationality other than italian.Generally, such open Competition is launched between  November- March every  year. We strongly reccomend those students interested in carrying out Phds studies to log on the following web site: http://www.unime.it/bandi/bandi.htm during the mentioned period.

FUNDING & SCOLARSHIPS

There exist a constistent unmber  of opportunities in order to apply for a financial contribution at European and  national levels. Many scholarships may cover  courses fees for specific subjects; while some are only available for specific institutions.

In this context it’s worth mentioning a variety of scholarships which are funded and managed by the Italian Foreign Ministery and pubblished every academic year. Whichever scholarship, grant or award is best for you, we can help you to find it.

2.2 POST DOCTORAL STUDIES & FUNDING

Marie Curie Intra-European Fellowships (EIF) are a relevant opportunity for researchers from EU or Associated States with at least four years of postgraduate research experience or a PhD willing to spend a mobility period working (1 or 2 years) at Unime . Proposals from all areas of scientific and technological research of interest to the European Community are welcome and there are no predefined priority areas.

The researcher should apply  in liaison with Unime’ s academic unit.

The  call for proposals has been published on 20 July 2005 with a deadline of 18 january 2006. Additional information on the progress of calls and the status of proposal evaluation, as well as guidance on how to apply and manage your project can be found at the new Marie Curie information service on CORDIS.

Marie Curie Incoming International Fellowships (IIF)

These fellowships are addressed to  researchers with at least four years’ full-time postgraduate research experience or a PhD from third countries(other than  the EU and Associated States) to work and undertake research training.To get to know more info please log on Marie Curie information service

The  call for proposals has been published on 20 July 2005 with a deadline of 19 January 2006.

Unime may offer the widest range of field of studies with over 60 Departments, we’d be pleased to provide any useful information in order to apply and carry out research activities either funded or self-funded.

Before you travel to Italy, be sure you have the following documents:

1. Identity Card or Passport (for all EU citizens).
As a citizen of another EU Member State or of an EFTA Country (except Switzerland) your identity card will be sufficient to enter Italy.

2. Passport + VISA.
VISAs and passports are essential documents for anybody from Bulgaria, Cyprus, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. VISAs can be obtained at the Italian Consulates (or Embassies) present in these Countries.

5. E111 or E128 for Healthcare.
Healthcare is very important: it may happen that you will need medical assistance and, if you are not in possession of any appropriate documents, medical assistance can be very expensive. E111 and E128 forms are issued by the official body responsible for healthcare in your Country (AOK, etc.). One of these forms will be necessary for registering at the local healthcare service (Azienda Sanitaria Locale) in order to receive free medical treatment .

6. Some passport-size photographs (at least 4).
Citizens from EU and from EFTA Countries (excluding Switzerland) are entitled to enter and stay in Italy for a period of three months without any permit. If you wish to study for a longer period, you must apply for a residence permit either at the Embassy in your home Country or at the local Italian Immigration Board (Questura di Messina – Ufficio Stranieri – Via XXIV Maggio).

If you intend to apply for this permit at the local Immigration Board, you will need 3 photographs, your Identity Card (or passport) and E111/E128 forms are to be hand to the Board. You must apply for a residence permit within 10 days of your arrival.

Come and see us at the International Relations Office as soon as you arrive in Messina; after sorting out matters concerning your accommodation, you will be able to carry out all the necessary procedures for registering at your Faculty. Such procedures consist in:
1. filling in a form containing your personal details;
2. filling in a form stating your identity;
After completing the registration procedures, you will meet your University Coordinator who will help you to choose the courses you would like to attend and who will give you important information about the services and activities offered by the University of Messina. University Coordinator will be your reference point for academic problems that may occur during your stay here at the University of Messina: s/he will assist you in your studies, consider your request to prolong your stay in Messina, sign your certificate of attendance at the end of your stay in Messina and s/he will support you in the management of your academic experience.
On the other hand, Internationial Relations Office will be a constant reference point concerning any practical, administrative and logistic problems that may arise during a long stay abroad.

  2.3 ACADEMIC SERVICES AND STUDENT FACILITIES

Regarding academic services and student facilities offered by the University, each Faculty has its own Main Library, there are also specialised libraries in the single Institutes and Departments. From the University network (www.unime.it) it is possible to consult the various on-line data banks and the last updated information on the teaching activities, research and services offered to students.

At the beginning of each semester, normally October and March, International students registered at the University of Messina, may benefit an intensive Italian language course delivered by the Faculty of Humanities. The aim of the course is to extend students’ vocabulary and, in particular, develop the academic skills necessary for following lectures and seminars in Italian.

Students are divided in two different groups (elementary and intermediate): the level of each student is established by means of an entry test at the beginning of the course. Applying for the course is not automatic: you must clearly specify on the application form that you would like to attend.

Cultural activities and social events are integral part of students’ life and the University itself promotes links with different sectors of the local community ranging from folks celebrations and international events which reflect the cosmopolitan flavour of the City.

(www.cittadimessina.it/spettacoli.htm ).

Sports facilities available to students are mainly but not exclusively offered by University Sports Centre – (CUS) (Information Office:V.le Regina Elena 125, Messina Tel. 090/ 42575), you can enjoy: a gym for volley ball and basketball; 3 gyms for body-building; 3 football pitches; a rugby field; 2 athletics tracks; tennis courts, 2 of which are indoor; 2 indoor pitches for 5-aside football, handball and volley ball; 3 outdoor pitches for 5-aside football; a field for beach volley; a fencing hall; 2 swimming pools.

CUS also organises preparatory courses for volley ball, basketball, body-building, tennis, swimming, gymnastics, aerobics, horse-riding, judo, karate, golf and pre-skiing.

Courses start in November: a health certificate and an enrolment fee are required.

The University’s Accommodation is structured on the Global Integrated Planning System (GIPS).

A leading example of GIPS’s model is the renovated accommodation building

Casa dello Studente, right into the heart of the City enabling students to enjoy city life with ready access to University departments.

The  average costs per  room is 80 Euro, however, due to the growing incoming trend of Erasmus students at the University, the availability of the rooms for all students is not guaranteed as well as for other Campuses accommodation.

At the present students who come to study at Messina spend a significant part of their time living in the private rented sector close to the Faculties and generally the quality is reasonable and the price affordable. A help to find accommodation in the private rented sector is always guaranteed.

2.4 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS OFFICE

The International Relations Office is the University's central resource with responsibility for maintaining and extending University 's position as one of the leading Italian suppliers of higher education to non-Italian customers. The office co-ordinates the University's links and agreements with institutions worldwide.

THE TOWN

3.1 THE HISTORY OF THE TOWN

Many times destroyed, many times rebuilt, the ancient Zancle later called Messanion, was stubbornly reconstructed always there in the same natural "arm of land" where wars, earthquakes and destructions changed its look but not its inhabitants’determination.

Historians tell us that the city of the Strait was always enriched by some elegant buildings.

Among them was the courtly Palazzata along the port. The first terrible 1783 earthquake reduced it to bust and the same happened in 1908 when there were more than hundred thousand victims. After this earthquake the new Messina was rebuilt using some anti-seismic systems and a modern urban design. Messina is in a strategical position:ferries leave Messina harbour to go to Reggio Calabria and Villa San Giovanni, in Calabria.

Hydrofoils allow quick transfers; A18 and A20 motorways link Messina to Catania and Palermo. The nearest airports are "Strait" in Reggio Calabria and "Fontanarossa" in Catania.

Ferries and hydrofoils leave from Messina and Milazzo towards the Eolian Islands. This is the reason why Messina is also called the "Gate of Sicily". Nowadays, even if only a few things are left of its ancient heritage, the enchanting restored Cathedral ( Duomo) can still be admired in its original form dating back to the 12^th century. Close by the Norman Church, you can admire one of the Montorsoli’s masterpieces: the Fountain of Orion. The Cathedral square is the heart of the historical centre. A few meters away, there are the Church of the Catalans in arab-style and the 19^th century Vittorio Emanuele Gallery. The most impressive testimony of Messina’s faith and tradition, is the statue of the Virgin of the Letter. It is placed on a tall column at the mouth of the port. She blesses Messina and all foreign people arriving to or departing from the City of the Strait. In front of the religious statue is the Fountain of Neptune. The synthesis of the historical-artistic patrimony of Messina is held in the Regional Museum where it is possible to see two magnificent Caravaggio’s paintings.

Earthquakes have repeatedly destroyed the town but not its traditions. In fact the town preserves those festivals and feasts that recall the splendours of the 16^th century. The most important event is the procession of the "Vara" which is held every year on the 15^th of August. It is a very suggestive feast crowded with people. The day prior to the feast the mythical founders of Messina, the two giants "Mata e Grifone" are brought in procession.

The Messinese gastronomy has its own traditions as well. Among second courses, for instance, the simple but unrivalled taste of fish-dishes is the highest expression of local cuisine. Talking about sweets, Messina has its own say with some delicious pastry and mouth-melting ice creams. Visitors can taste them in between visiting a monument and admiring a panorama, in the bars or in the typical confectioneries, walking through the sea villages of Torre Faro, smelling the green Peloritani Mountains perfumes and getting lost while thinking of ancient legend such as the one Scylla and Charibdis monsters.

3.2 TAKE A LOOK AROUND MESSINA

• THE AEOLIAN ISLANDS

The Aeolian Islands have undergone extraordinary events, which were told us by poets and writers. They were modelled by a lot of eruptions, which carved them out along the centuries. The winner has always been nature. There are quite few places in the Mediterranean where it is possible to read "past times" as it is in the Aeolian Islands. Its volcanoes Stromboli and Vulcano, placed in the same islands, characterised the story of these islands. After having left Milazzo or Messina Harbour, Vulcano comes first in view. One can meet a lot of excursionists putting on their way to the crater all around the year. Tourists love the volcanic sand of the "black beaches" and they bathe in the thermal springs.

Those who want to discover the island by sea can visit the marvellous "Grotta dei Rossi and del Cavallo". After Vulcano comes Lipari,"the capital of Aeolian Archipelagos" with an extraordinary historical-artistic-patrimony. The most striking site is the Civitade (Ancient City) with its castle, Museum and Archaeological Park.

Salina is a wonderful island with three villages: S.Marina, Rinella and Malfa.Visitors are advised to visit the natural Reserve of "Fossa delle Felci " and of "Porri". Capper production is famous in the world.

Stromboli is one of the two volcanoes of the Archipelagos. The top of the volcano is easily reachable but you need to go with an authorised guide. From the sea you can see the incandescent magma coming down of the volcano straight into the sea.

Panarea is the trendy island, strictly for those who love jet set holidays and going to bed very late.

Filicudi deserves a visit to the famous grotto called "Del bue marino" and to the volcanic cliff "La canna". The sea tour of Alicudi offers a unique wild nature sightseeing experience. (see:www.eolieonline.net/).

• THE IONIAN RIVIERA

Talking about the Ionian Riviera it is very easy to think of the sea, the sun and the beaches. Its coasts as well as the inland have some enchanting sites. In the villages of Mili and Itala, for example, there are two wonderful basilian Churches. Those who loves feudal traditions will discover them admiring both the splendid Ruffo’s castle in Scaletta and the Aunt Paula’s tower in Roccalumera. The Mother Church of Alì Superiore, dedicated to S.Agatha, is a place to visit. Alì marina houses the famous thermal resort. Nizza of Sicily and Furci Siculo, indeed, stretch along the sea. Going downhill towards the sea, one can go for relaxing walk along S.Teresa Riva bay and view what remains of the ancient "casati". Going uphill, one can enter into the "mysteries" of Savoca village. Its Mother Church dates back to 15^th century while the Monastery of Cappucini order with its "mummies" is a historical site. The Church of SS.Apostles Peter and Paul is Casalvecchio Siculo is one the most important Churches in the area of Val d’Agrò. The basilica is a gem of bricks, mortar and stones built by the genius of gerard the Frankish. Our "Art walk" goes on among the picturesque nooks and crannies of Antillo as well as full of charm are the rocks of Ranciaro Gorges placed in the district of Limina village. A stop at the sanctuary of mount Kalfa at Roccafiorita is an absolute must.

Taormina is the top touristic town in Sicily. Visitors may spend a lovely day in this lovely village called "the pearl of the Ionian Sea".

One of the main entrances to the ancient city is "Porta Messina" (19^th century), next to it is the Church of san Pancrazio, the Patron of Taormina, which structure in baroque style dates back to 16^th century. Passing through Porta Messina, one can walk towards the heart of Taormina where a stop at Corvaja’s Palace is a must. This palace was built in various styles, going from the 11^th century Arab style to the 13^th gothic one up till the 14^th century Spanish structure. The most famous monument in Taormina is the ancient Greek-Roman theatre. Since ages it was the seat of important cultural events such as the festival "Tao-Arte, the top artistic event of Taormina’s summers. Beyond the monuments Taormina is loved for its natural performances: the green and the sea live in keeping with the gorgeous rock of "Isola bella" Those who love nightlife will find discos really entertaining ( see: www.comune.taormina.it/).

-THE TYRRHEINAN RIVIERA

Tyrrhenian Riviera starts at Cape Peloro, the farthest eats point of Messina. The first towns you will meet are Villafranca, Rometta and Saponara. All around you will see vegetable-farms and citrus trees stretching as far as Milazzo, one of the most important towns of the province. Trade, agriculture, industry and tourism are all present in this town which holds some historical attractions such as the magnificent castle, natural jewels and enchanting sea-views of the Aeolian Islands.If you are on this way, we recommend you to visit the 16^th chemist’s in Roccavaldina, with its hand-painted ceramics and the mediaeval castle of S.Lucia del Mela.Passed Milazzo, you will get the Barcellonese interland, the heart of the Tyrrhenian district.

Here is where the Peloritani Mountains begin to thin out, leaving place to the Nebrodi ones. The shores have a particular charm. Sacred and profane are blended in Tindari: pilgrims visit the Sanctuary of the miraculous "Black Virgin", art-scholars visit the Greek-Theatre and naturalists come for the Marinello Lakes. The Roman Villa of Patti holds some Roman-Byzantine mosaics. Towards the Nebrodis rises Montalbano easily recognisable on account of the bulk of the towns’ mediaeval castle. If you are sea lovers there are the beaches of Falcone, the touristic resort of Portorosa, Patti Marina, Cape Calavà, Gioiosa Marea and further on, westwards, Piraino, Brolo and Cape of Orlando. The sea road will lead you to S.Agata Militello, another important town of the district. S.Stefano di Camastra is well known for its productions of ceramics and Tusa for the mysterious diggings of Halaesa. If you want to come here by car, take the A20 Messina-Palermo Highway or State Road 113.

Nebrodi Park is divided in four areas each having its own peculiarities.The boundaries are marked South by Mount Etna and North by the Tyrrhenian Sea. The woodlands are impressive.

Each season has its own charm. In wintertime, the mountains will be white with snow, in spring; flowers will dazzle you with thousand colours. Migratory birds such as the royal-eagle and others are among the precious fauna of the park:Among the towns of the area a special attention is deserved by S.Fratello which is considered as an island for its unique linguistic peculiarities.The stud-farms of "sanfratellani"horses are quite well known in Italy.These powerful horses can be seen in the wilderness.

The Nebrodi area is rich of ancient festivals.At Easter time, thousands of visitors come to see the procession of Giudei during which the inhabitants, wearing big masks on their faces, frighten the visitors. Alcara Li Fusi is very famous for the festa of "Muzzuni.Those who are artistically inclined cannot abide to visit S.Marco d’Alunzio, a town full of ancient Churces. To complete your Nebrodi tour you must visit Frazzanò,Tortorici,Castell’Umberto,Capizzi and Mirto.You will surely find out that hospitality among Nebrodians is unrivalled.

 3.3 HOW TO GET TO MESSINA

-TRAVELLING TO AND FROM MESSINA BY PLANE
Although Messina does not have its own airport, however it can be easily reached by flying through two main international routes which are via Milan Malpensa Airport (www.sea-aeroportimilano.it) or via Roma Fiumicino Airport (www.adr.it), and then on to the Catania or Reggio Calabria Airports(the nearest Airports to Messina) which are regularly connected to Rome and Milan with an updated timetable-flights (see Internet sites mentioned above).
Bus Service connection is provided from Catania Airport to Messina City centre (www.saisautolinee.it/regionali2.htm) as well as from Reggio Calabria Airport to Messina City centre.

-TRAVELLING TO AND FROM MESSINA BY TRAIN
You can find detailed information on trains and timetables at the multi-lingual FS (Ferrovie dello Stato) Web address http://www.fs-on-line.com; the site also contains an automatic operator that is useful for planning your journey.

You can also contact the FS Information Service (Phone: 1478.88088. The service is in Italian and it is available only from national phones. It costs no more than a city phone call).

There are three types of trains in Italy: normal trains (Regionale – R – or Interregionale – IR), fast trains (InterCity – IC – or Euro City – EC –), and very fast ones (Euro Star – ES –). Tickets can be bought directly at the railway station or they can be booked at the above-mentioned Web site. All tickets must be validated in the yellow machines available in all the railway stations.

It is necessary to reserve seats on some ES trains. The price of the ticket depends on the length of the journey and on the type of train chosen. IC and EC trains require a special ticket.

People aged under 26 may buy a special "Green Card" (Carta Verde) either at the ticket office or at some travel agencies which have a special agreement with FS (approx. 23,24 EUR). This card gives a 20% reduction on all trains in Italy. People aged under 26 may also obtain special reductions on international tickets (BIJ tickets, Inter Rail).

For further information you can ask directly at the railway station offices or at the travel agencies with a special agreement with FS. If you are travelling with friends (groups of 3 to 5 people or more), you can obtain a 30% reduction on all trains in Italy; this kind of reduction is not applicable in the Christmas, Easter and summer periods.

  3.4 USEFUL INFORMATION

-HEALTH CARE
Students from UE Countries have to register at the Azienda Sanitaria Locale di Messina (ASL) to be allowed access to the services guaranteed by the National Health Care System, in order to cover costs related to medical treatment and admission to hospital. It is issued under presentation of E111 or E128 forms, from the Health Authorities in your home Country. After registering, you will be able to choose from among the general practitioners available; this doctor will then be your reference point for any problem concerning your health.

For students from other Countries there are no official treaties ruling health care apart from national legislation: if this is your case, you must take out an international insurance which covers costs related to medical treatment and admission to hospital.

Nevertheless, in order to avoid problems it is advisable to contact insurance agencies before leaving for Italy. An insurance policy is compulsory if you apply for a residence permit.

-TAX CODE (CODICE FISCALE)
The Tax Code is a compulsory document if you wish to open an account with an Italian bank. This card is issued by the Ufficio Anagrafe Tributaria under presentation of a valid identity document: the card contains a code made up of letters and numbers which makes identification easier in the case of any tax controls.

As specified above, this is not a compulsory document, but it is necessary if you wish to open a bank account.

-EMERGENCY NUMBERS

The phone numbers listed here below may come in handy in case of an emergency during your stay in Italy:

Carabinieri 112 (Italian Police)

Messina Soccorso 118 (Emergency Health)

Ospedale Policlinico 090/3991 (Hospital)

Pronto Intervento 113 (Emergency)

Incidenti Stradali 116 (Road accidents)

Pompieri 115 (Fire Brigade)

Polizia Municipale 090/771000 (Town Police)

Municipio 090/7721 (Town Hall)

ENEL (Elettricità) 800-011322 (Electricity)

Servizio Acqua 090/675505 (Water )