The first time I went to Sicily was in 2017. I immediately fell in love with everything. The breathtaking nature: The Mediterranean Sea. The flowers popping up everywhere, already in March, a wonder for a Norwegian after a long winter. The palm trees are always an immense pleasure to see. And Mount Etna, which I…
When planning a stay in Italy, many people wonder what the minimum vocabulary in Italian should be to know in order to interact with native speakers. Is it enough to be able to ask the price in a store, ask for directions, know your way around, be polite, and be able to make small talk,…
by Hannah Lotherington A year ago, I decided that I wanted to travel to Italy and explore my interest in food culture and all that goes with it. I thought that in order to make the most of this experience, I would also learn Italian as this would deepen my understanding and bring me closer…
by Grant Rocco, student at Centro BABILONIA in Taormina, Sicily My time in Taormina, at the Italian language school Babilonia, was unique for a few reasons: it was my second time studying Italian at Babilonia, it was during COVID epidemic, and I was there to prepare for the CELI exam. Most Babilonia students have not…
If you’ve ever wondered this, then this is the article for you. In this article, you will discover all the secrets to how you can choose the best time for your trip as we explore each season’s advantages and disadvantages.Whilst Italy’s stunning coastlines make summer perfect for sun worshippers and beach lovers, its snow-capped mountains,…
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…
