The Italian Academy - Syracuse - Italy

The Italian Academy in Syracuse has over 35 years of experience and has grown over the years to include a botanical garden on a campus of beautiful villas. With these years of experience come expertise, and teachers at the Academy have learned to use the communicative method in order to encourage students to speak and communicate in Italian as soon as their lessons begin. Teachers are also able to take into account their students' interests as they choose course materials and plan lessons with all lessons adhering to the guidelines set by the Common European Framework. Students can choose between General Italian and Intensive Italian, or they can combine their studies with Italian food, phot

ography, Italian history and culture, or tours of the island of Sicily. Young students can also take part in a gap year program, and prospective university students can take a university preparation course in order to prepare for life at an Italian university. The school owns both individual and shared apartments, though students can also choose to live with an approved Italian host family who will provide some meals. The island of Sicily is known as a beautiful locale with an exciting culture. The city of Syracuse with 122,000 residents is known for being a friendly, close-knit community that welcomes visitors and Italian students, giving students ample opportunity to practice their language skills with willing participants. The Italian Academy is located slightly inland though still near several beaches, and a quick trip to the tip of the island brings students to the 7th century Cathedral of Syracuse, the famed Fountain of Arethusa, and the Island of Ortigia archaeological site. Just ten minutes from campus on foot is the Neapolis where the ancient ruins of a Greek theater and a Roman amphitheater help bring the history of the island alive. Of course, students will have plenty of opportunity to learn why Sicilians are world-famous for their food, further instilling in each student a love for the culture and its language.