by Stephen Jacobs Study abroad experiences are encouraged for a variety of reasons. Most often cited are improved language skills, a better understanding of oneself, intercultural exchange, increased job prospects, and above all, the experience of living in a completely new environment. While these are excellent outcomes, one’s classroom impact at the home institution is…
The levels of knowledge of a foreign language are defined internationally by the CEFR – Common European Framework of Reference for the Knowledge of Foreign Languages. Within this framework, there are six Italian language levels: from level A1 (absolute beginner) to level C2 (mastery).Before discussing how to move from one level to another, we must…
Our guide to Italian gestures Learning a language is not just learning grammar rules. A language is so much more then grammar rules. Every language is the mirror of a culture. Learning Italian is also learning how to use our hands to add meanings to what we say, to visualize what we mean. Here you…
by Steven Jacobs Let’s face it. You aren’t coming to Sicily just to study. The pristine beaches, tropical climate, breathtaking landscapes, and cannoli galore play an important and fundamental role in your decision to haul your portly luggage over to this strange, triangular island. Although small, Taormina and the surrounding area offer a plethora of…
So how can you learn fluent Italian in just two months? Though I would have thought it to be mission impossible, I was surprised at how much Italian I was able to learn to use effectively in just two months. What you need are clear ideas about what and how you want to learn and…
by Steven Jacobs As my semester abroad studying Italian language and culture at Babilonia comes to an end, I have noticed a change in Taormina. The place that I have called home for the past four months has been coming to life. In perfect polyphonic harmony with the blooming of the almond blossoms, wisteria, and…
Choosing an Italian school is never easy especially when you want to choose the right schoolfor you. The first questions you need to ask yourself are : Are you looking for the best school or the cheapest school? What factors do you need to take into consideration when choosing the school? And just how do…
by Steven Jacobs When you decide to study abroad, you have a lot of things to consider such as: how long you will be staying, which classes you want to take, and whether or not you should bring those cheetah-print slippers. Another important consideration is whether or not you want to live with a host…
by Steven Jacobs I am sure that by now you have heard the saying “studying abroad makes you grow as a person” enough times that it makes you want to pull your hair out. I know I have at least. However, just how Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” being an overplayed song does not make it bad,…
How knowing Italian can make the difference Researchers in the field of neuroscience, social psychology, and psycholinguistics unanimously state that the knowledge of foreign languages is very important for a person. Studying a foreign language can really change your life for the better, both from a material and spiritual perspective. “The limits of my language mean…
