The Italian Academy, Syracuse, Sicily
The Italian Academy, established in 1984, is specialized in language teaching and is fully recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education. It is situated in the city centre close to the archaeological park and archaeological museum, within easy reach of the main shopping streets of the city, the old town on the the island of Ortygia and the outdoor solariums.
- Centrally located, modern premises with WIFI and air-conditioning throughout and a media centre and computer lab
- 7 comfortable and fully-equipped lecture rooms, an outdoor terrace with cafè area
- 24/7 student support
- Optional Tandem language exchange programs with local students
- CILS and DITALS (University of Siena Certification of Italian for students and teachers) preparation and examination centre
All our teachers are Italian native speakers who are highly specialized and experienced in the teaching of Italian to foreigners. The staff at the Italian Academy are professional and friendly, they will always do their utmost best to help with any queries and ensure that your stay is as productive and enjoyable as possible.
We also offer long-stay courses throughout the year which prepare our students for the CILS certification of the University of Siena, which is a prestigious and widely recognised certification of Italian language competence.
Italian is the most studied language in the world for culture and pleasure! Italian ranks as the fourth most studied language in US colleges and high schools, where the enrolment rate for Italian classes is growing 20% faster than for any other language. Italy is the world’s hub when it comes to fashion and design. A knowledge of Italian allows you to study the original work of renowned Italian designers such as Versace, Gucci, Armani, Benetton, and Prada, to name but a few, and find employment at one of the world famous Italian fashion houses.
Siracusa (or Syracuse), short-listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a treasure trove located on the south-eastern coast of the Italian island of Sicily. Over 3 millenia, it has collected a wealth of art and precious architecture which bears witness to the passage of many glorious civilizations. Today Siracusa is a warm-welcoming, lively city with much to offer to adventurous souls and culture vultures alike: one may choose to get lost in the labyrinth of narrow streets of the historical centre, take a stroll around the medieval castle that overlooks the natural harbour or explore the pristine beaches and marine reserves that surround the city.
Upon arrival, visitors and students are always delighted to find that the cost of living in Siracusa is among the lowest in Italy. As the southern-most tip of the country, the city also enjoys clear blue skies and warm temperatures all year round, the ideal weather for a relaxed studying experience and outdoor excursions.
For more information on The Italian Academy, please write an e-mail to StudyWesternEurope EU <- click for e-mail
General Italian Courses
(2017 prices)
Our General Italian courses are designed to provide the opportunity to attend top quality Italian language classes, while enjoying all that the fascinating city of Siracusa has to offer. Whether you are an absolute beginner, or a fluent speaker, we will offer you a course which reflects your personal needs. All our courses are based on the communicative method, giving you the opportunity to practise your spoken Italian, develop your comprehension of the language, extend your use of vocabulary and enhance your understanding of grammatical structure.
Students who attend our general Italian course can also choose each day from a wide range of optional afternoon, evening and weekend activities.
€ 210 per week for 20 hours classes without accommodation
Italian+ History, Myth and Culture
Siracusa, listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, is the ideal setting to undertake or further your study of Greek and Roman history. This captivating city, renowned around the world for the most famous of its early citizens, Archimedes, was at the time of Dionysius I the most important centre of the hellenistic civilization in Sicily and later became a strategic hub within the Roman empire. It has been the inspiration for countless myths and legends such as the romantic tale of Alpheus and Arethusa or the alleged burning of the invading Roman ships by Archimedes, ingeniously using huge mirrors placed on a hill top castle.
€ 400 per week for 20 hours classes without accommodation
Italian+ The Sicilian Adventure
All the activities are coordinated and led by professional guides and instructors. Depending on the length of the course chosen, the afternoon and weekend program will include:Trekking on the Etnavolcano; Horse-back river trek; Kayaking; Archaeological Snorkelling; Sailing Trip; Marine turtle beach reserve
€ 400 per week for 20 hours classes without accommodation
Italian+ Food and Wine
This flavour rich experience is dedicated to those who wish to discover the unique taste of our local Sicilian specialities while learning how they are actually produced from the masters of the art. Sicilian cuisine is second to none among the many varieties of Italian cooking. We offer classes and wine tasting sessions which will allow each participant to learn how to select the freshest produce at a traditional street market, cook seafood delicacies and exciting pasta dishes, learn how to fill a ricotta cannolo or distinguish among the many varieties of Sicilian wine.
€ 400 per week for 15 hours classes without accommodation
Italian+ Photography
Our goal is to offer our guests unique photography adventure. Our tours, photography holidays and workshops are designed to meet the needs of professional photographers and photo enthusiasts looking for the perfect shot or those who simply intend to start approaching the world of photography through a innovative and exciting travel experience. The tours are designed with the mind of a travel photographer. We want to find the best light, the most amazing sceneries and traditions.
Please ask for a quote.
