Study Abroad Programs

Taormina is like a treasure chest of history: walking along its main street, Corso Umberto, and the maze of narrow stair-cased streets and small beautiful squares, you discover Theatres and Gymnasium from the Greek Age, Odeon and Baths from the Roman Age, stunning buildings in which the Arab and the Norman cultures melt together in a memorable sense of beauty, traces of the Byzantine domination and beautiful villas which belonged to the European aristocracy in the 18^th and 19^th centuries. All have left their “footprints” in Taormina in the form of beautiful buildings, monuments, churches, villas, parks and castles in this small town on top of the hill of Monte Tauro, overlooking the coastline of the Ionian Sea.

Taormina plays a fundamental role as one of the most important archaeological locations in Italy. In fact, the Greeks, fathers of Italian and European culture, settled their first colony in Italy exactly here in the Bay of Naxos, in 735 BC. Taormina is home to one of the most famous Greek Theatres in the world. Here, in summertime the main events of the International Film, Music, Dance and Theatre Festival of Taormina Arte takes place.

From the center of Taormina, in 2 minutes, a cable-car connects Taormina to the internationally acclaimed beaches. Isola Bella, the Bay of Mazzarrò, the Bay of Giardini Naxos and the Beach of Spisone are among the most famous beaches in Italy.

Taormina is perfectly situated … the ideal location to Learn Italian and Discover Sicily!

Babilonia – Center for Italian Language and Culture is housed in a charming four story 19^th Century building which faces the community tennis courts, the lush public gardens, the Bay of Naxos and the Ionian Sea and the mythological Mount Volcano Etna. Our roof-top terrace and our student lounge offer one of the most amazing views available in Taormina.

Since 1992, we have passionately dedicated ourselves to promoting our Sicilian heritage and culture along with the study of the Italian language. We strive to offer opportunities for learners of the Italian language to also become learners of the Italian culture and Italian life.

A language is not the result of a set of grammar rules. A language is the result of a culture, of its history, its traditions, its territory.

Accrediting bodies:

· the Italian Ministry of Education
· University for Foreigners of Perugia as Authorized Exam Center for the CELI exam
· University “Ca’ Foscari” of Venice as official Teacher Training Center

· A.S.I.L.S. - Association of Schools of Italian as a Second Language
· I.A.L.C . - International Association of Language Centers
· NAFSA - Association of International Educators

Credits

Students seeking academic credit for study at Babilonia can:

1. Apply for direct acceptance of credits - many universities will accept and transfer credits directly from Babilonia – Center for Italian Language and Culture

2. enroll in short term summer programs through our partners:

3. earn academic credits for independent short term, or semester long study through Auburn University

Best Time to Go

The busiest time of the year is from May to September (summer season). The weather is warm and sunny. Some students prefer the quieter winter and spring months (from November to April) when fewer students are in the school and fewer travelers are in Taormina.

Language Courses
NB: Each course is 4 credits and takes 80 contact hours

ITA 101 Elementary Italian I
This course is designed especially for students at the beginning level of Italian. It serves as an introduction to Italian grammar and pronunciation.

ITA 102 Elementary Italian II
This course help students develop a basic language proficiency in Italian. During this course, students will make progress in listening, speaking, reading and writing, as well as towards knowledge of Italian culture. Focus is on the development of oral competence and active language use in everyday situations. Students will often interact with their classmates to learn more about themselves and others, and develop strategies for communication in Italian.

ITA 111 Intermediate Italian I
This course is a multimedia course that combines oral and written expression through video, audio and printed materials to teach Italian language and culture. A variety of resources (journals, reviews, magazines, commercials, TV ads, video clips and music) expose students to the sights and sounds of contemporary Italy. This course, designed for students with some prior knowledge of the language, is a systematic review within a cultural context. Practical, conversational usage of the language is stressed, as is study of the culture of Italy.

ITA 112 Intermediate Italian II.
This course is designed to give a balance of all four language skills: speaking, listening comprehension, reading and writing, as well as a deeper knowledge of the Italian life and culture. Students should be able to listen to more complex conversations or stories and understand them; read and understand short texts, engage in brief conversations on everyday topics, and write short essays on familiar topics using the structures and vocabulary learned.

The course ends with the study of future tense, its application as an expression of probability, and the pluperfect tense, which provides a review of imperfect verb conjugations.

ITA 201 Advanced Italian I
This course combines oral and written expression through video, audio and printed materials to teach Italian language and culture. A variety of resources (journals, reviews, magazines, commercials, TV ads, video clips and music) expose students to the sights and sounds of contemporary Italy. This course is designed for students who have mastered the basic concepts of the language. It reviews structures such as compound tenses and the subjunctive. Grammar and vocabulary are studied within the context of the culture of Italy.

ITA 202 Advanced Italian II
This course develops skills in speaking, understanding, reading and writing contemporary Italian and the exploration of Italian culture is continued. At the end of the course students should be able to listen to and understand complex conversations and stories, read and understand difficult texts appropriate to this level, engage in longer conversations, and write essays on familiar topics using the structures and vocabulary learned in 101, 102, 111, 112 and 201.

ITA 211 High Advanced Italian I
This course is a multimedia course that combines oral and written expression through video, audio and printed materials to teach Italian language and culture. A variety of resources (journals, reviews, magazines, commercials, TV ads, video clips and music) expose students to the sights and sounds of contemporary Italy. The course develops abilities in everyday spoken communication with emphasis on building vocabulary and speaking proficiency.

ITA 212 High Advanced Italian II
This course is the continuation of ITA 211, a multimedia course that combines oral and written expression through video, audio and printed materials to teach Italian language and culture. A variety of resources (journals, reviews, magazines, commercials, TV ads, video clips and music) expose students to the sights and sounds of contemporary Italy. Italian 212 study develops abilities in everyday spoken communication with emphasis on building vocabulary and speaking proficiency. Writing skills are also emphasized.

ITA 301 Superior Italian I
This course is a multimedia course that combines video, audio and printed materials to teach Italian language and culture. A variety of resources (journals, reviews, magazines, commercials, TV ads, video clips and music) expose students to the sights and sounds of contemporary Italy. Together these materials are designed to place emphasis on communicative proficiency.
The course implements the necessary skills to communicate effectively in Italian, at a level that would enable students to attend a University course in Italy. Students learn how to activate their linguistic knowledge not only in the context of real situations, but also through academic, scientific and technical readings and Italy’s everyday verbal communication.

ITA 302 Superior Italian II
The course is designed to develop oral and written communication and reading and listening skills within a culturally rich environment that introduces students to today’s Italians, their language and their varied lifestyles.Through discussion, presentations and additional materials students and instructors will add to that content. In this way, students will learn Italian and the history, the geography, the society and the traditions of Italy at the same time. At the end of this course students will have acquired enough information about Italy and the Italians to help them to understand what Italians say or read what they have written, not simply because students “know the words”, but because they'll share some of the cultural background that is necessary to know what they're talking about.

IT 400 History of Sicily (in Italian)
Prerequisite: Advanced level of Italian. This course is designed to present a comprehensive overview of Sicilian history beginning with the prehistoric era through to present day. The course is built around lectures examining the history of Sicily and the influences of the many nations which have ruled the island. Additionally, this course introduces students to the essence of Italian/Sicilian culture through immersion, observation and reflection. Reading assignments include a selection of both primary and secondary source material. No prior knowledge is necessary, although review of reading selections from the list of supplementary readings will enhance appreciation of the course material.

HI 401 History of Sicily (in English)
This course is designed to present a comprehensive overview of Sicilian history beginning with the prehistoric era through to present day. The course is built around lectures examining the history of Sicily and the influences of the many nations which have ruled the island. Additionally, this course introduces students to the essence of Italian/Sicilian culture through immersion, observation and reflection. No prior knowledge is necessary, although review of reading selections from the list of supplementary readings will enhance appreciation of the course material.

IT 410 Art History of Sicily (in Italian)
Prerequisite: Advanced level of Italian. This course explores chronologically the art produced by civilizations and cultures that occupied Sicily for over 2000 years. Beginning with the Greeks’ first colony of Naxos and their significant impact on Sicilian art, then moving to consider Roman artistic ingenuity, splendid examples of the Byzantine period, the rebirth of antiquity in the Renaissance, the Catholic response to the Reformation, and the exuberant production of Sicilian Baroque art and architecture. The course not only acquaints students with the techniques of art production, but also the unique Sicilian culture which contributed to the art forms.

FA 411 Art History of Sicily (in English)
This course explores chronologically the art produced by civilizations and cultures that occupied Sicily for over 2000 years. Beginning with the Greeks’ first colony of Naxos and their significant impact on Sicilian art, then moving to consider Roman artistic ingenuity, splendid examples of the Byzantine period, the rebirth of antiquity in the Renaissance, the Catholic response to the Reformation, and the exuberant production of Sicilian Baroque art and architecture. The course not only acquaints students with the techniques of art production, but also the unique Sicilian culture which contributed to the art forms.

IT 420 The Sicilian Writers in the Italian Literature (in Italian)
Prerequisite: Advanced level of Italian. This course is designed to provide a general knowledge of Sicilian literature. Readings include a selection of prose, drama and poetry and include readings from such Sicilian literary figures as Pirandello, Quasimodo, Verga and Sciascia. The historical, political and social context will be presented to provide an understanding of Sicilian culture.

LIT 421 The Sicilian Writers in the Italian Literature (in English) This course is designed to provide a general knowledge of Sicilian literature. Readings include a selection of prose, drama and poetry and include readings from such Sicilian literary figures as Pirandello, Quasimodo, Verga and Sciascia. The historical, political and social context will be presented to provide an understanding of Sicilian culture. All readings are in translation.

ITC 310 Many Manifestations of Italian Culture (Italian/English) This course is designed to introduce students to conversational Italian and southern Italian culture. All levels of language skill can be accommodated, with each student placed in an appropriate conversational Italian class. Students learn conversational Italian through two weeks of class immersion. The second half of the course (taught in English) is rooted in the history and culture of the island, during which students are introduced to topics such as the Arabic poets of Sicily, Bellini’s operas, the geology of Mt. Etna, myths and legends, the history of the puppet theater and carretti, the evolution of ceramics, and an introduction to regional foods including marzipane and the role of olive oil in the island’s multicultural cuisine.

CLS 431 The Archaeology of Sicily (in English)
This course provides a general overview of Greco-Roman history and archaeology of ancient Sicily that offers insight into its prehistoric and protostoric periods. The topography of the major ancient cities of the region, the architecture of the major monuments, and the Greek and Roman findings unearthed in Sicily will be explored. The course will also provide basic knowledge of general archaeological topics encountered during the lectures that are essential for the understanding of specific Sicilian subject matters.

Additional Information

Classes start every Monday. Classes for Absolute Beginners begin on specific Mondays.

An orientation coupled with an extensive tour of Taormina is provided.

Classes are from Monday to Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 1:20 p.m.

Students have placement exam (written and oral) on the first day of arrival in order to place students in one of the six levels of language study.

Special Courses

A language is not the result of a set of grammar rules. A language is the result of a culture and its traditions, its history, its life style and its places. With this in mind, if want a fuller cultural experience in Sicily, and not just be a simple tourist but be a real traveler, you can combine

Inquire for more information about any of the above courses. They can be run in conjunction with your academic credit course i.e. Italian academic program in the morning and Specialty course in the afternoon.

The Executive Program (2 days per week/ 2 hours per day)

If you are in business, are a lawyer, an architect or a doctor, and you want to meet with Italian colleagues in the same field to discuss professional issues, we will set up "meetings" on business, finance, law, medicine and architecture with experts from the same sector.

We organize tailored private tutoring to learn Italian for special purposes (business, finance, law, medicine and architecture) to be combined with one of our Italian language group courses or Italian private lessons. We can also arrange an individualized study of specific vocabulary or terminology related to your profession.

Commercial Writing (5 days per week/ 2 hours per day)

If you work in an office that has commercial or academic business relations with companies or institutions in Italy, and you want to learn how to write, compose or reply to commercial letters in Italian, we offer a commercial correspondence in Italian course to be combined with one of our Italian language group courses or Italian private lessons

A private airport pickup and/or drop off at Fontanarossa Airport in Catania which is available 24 hours. Driver will carry a sign with your name and will meet you in the airport as you exit international customs. Service must be reserved at least one week in advance of arrival. All flight changes or late flights must be immediately communicated directly to the service. Direct contact information is provided. This service is not cancellable within 48 hours of your arrival.

Larger groups may be accommodated on request and with appropriate advanced notice.

A public bus runs from the Fontanarossa Airport in Catania to the Bus Terminal in Taormina. The bus stop is immediately across the street after exiting the airport. Cost is approximately 5 Euros for a one way trip. Taxis are available at the Taormina bus terminal to drop you off at your homestay, pensione, apartment or hotel. Many accommodations are within an easy walk from the bus terminal.

Price per one-way
Public Bus Service: Fontanarossa Airport (Catania) to Taormina	5 Euro
Private Pick-Up Service: Airport to Taormina (1 person)	65 Euro
Private Pick-Up Service: Airport to Taormina (2 persons, same address)	65 Euro
Private VAN Transfer: Airport to Taormina (3 to 7 persons, same address)	To be quoted

Babilonia – Center for Italian Language and Culture is located in a very safe, convenient, central area within a 30 minute walking distance to most parts of the town.

Public buses, trains, taxis and a cable car are available to travel to the beach, historical sites and all major cities in Sicily.

Snack Bar / Canteen / Restaurants on Campus Espresso, cappuccino and chocolate available with home made cakes for breakfast at the students’ lounge. Catering service at school at lunch time

Disabled Access unfortunately the school is not accessible to disabled people with wheelchairs, as the building is an old historical building.

Garden / Terrace The terrace off of the student lounge offers a spectacular view of Taormina.

Computers PCs are available in the student lounge with free internet access, and wireless system

Internet Access Free Internet access is available in the computer lounge and Wireless is available throughout the school building.

Nearest Cybercafé All around the town – nearest is several buildings from school.

Student Nationalities USA 17%, GERMANY 16%, SWITZERLAND 12%, UK 10%, NEITHERLANDS 08%, JAPAN 07%, FRANCE 05, AUSTRIA 03%, SPAIN 03%, SWEDEN 2,5%, BELGIUM 01%, IRELAND 01%, NORWAY 01%, AUSTRALIA 01% OTHER

Holidays

Public Holidays for 2007

Activities Available

During your full immersion Italian language courses, there is a scheduled program of free social and cultural extra-curricular activities which are included in the price of the course of Italian. These activities may include, but are not limited to lectures, walks, films, games, seminars. Our weekly seminars cover a variety of subjects from Italian literature and poetry to Sicilian-specific subjects including history, politics, cuisine, etc.

Additionally, excursions, guided tours, field trips and trips in Sicily, dinners, theatre performances and concerts are offered which are not included in the price of the course. Generally our excursions take students to places which are not the excursions most travel agencies offer, however we are flexible to deliver programs desired by our students. We take our students to the truly special places off the beaten track, places known more by "locals" than by tour buses and travel agencies. Students can very easily go to the main sites with the excursions organized by the many travel agencies located in Taormina.

Our office is the central core of activity for our school. The school office can also facilitate individual students in making connections for various excursions, agencies, appointments, and activities. Learning Italian in Italy is not just language training, but a full cultural experience.

Accommodation options

· home-stay (breakfast, breakfast and lunch or dinner, breakfast, lunch and dinner)

Since all accommodations are privately owned and operated, there are minor differences in amenities, but all meet a standard level of quality and convenience and are monthly checked by our Accommodation Manager. In matching housing needs with what is available, everyone must keep in mind the seasonal and limited nature of housing resources in Taormina. The sooner you communicate your housing needs, firm registration and deposit, the better we can respond.

All housing is on a first reserved (after sending the deposit), first served basis, so we highly recommend making your reservation well in advance to secure optimal results.

Please, note that double rooms are intended only for two people who ALREADY know each other. We do not couple people together who previously did not know each other.

Prices

	4 weeks	5 weeks	6 weeks	7 week	8 weeks	9 weeks	10 weeks	11 weeks	12 weeks	13 week	14 weeks
Standard 4 hours per day	€ 776	€ 970	€ 1.164	€ 1.358	€ 1.552	€ 1.746	€ 1.940	€ 2.134	€ 2.328	€ 2.144	€ 2.309
Standard plus one hour private 4 + 1 hours per day	€ 1.516	€ 1.895	€ 2.274	€ 2.653	€ 3.032	€ 3.411	€ 3.790	€ 4.169	€ 4.548	€ 4.549	€ 4.899
Intensive 6 hours per day	€ 1.476	€ 1.845	€ 2.214	€ 2.583	€ 2.952	€ 3.321	€ 3.690	€ 4.059	€ 4.428	€ 4.419	€ 4.759

	15 weeks	16 weeks	17 weeks	18 weeks	19 week	20 weeks	21 weeks	22 weeks	23 weeks	24 weeks
Standard 4 hours per day	€ 2.474	€ 2.638	€ 2.803	€ 2.968	€ 3.133	€ 3.298	€ 3.463	€ 3.628	€ 3.793	€ 3.958
Standard plus one hour private 4 + 1 hours per day	€ 5.249	€ 5.598	€ 5.948	€ 6.298	€ 6.648	€ 6.998	€ 7.348	€ 7.698	€ 8.048	€ 8.398
Intensive 6 hours per day	€ 5.099	€ 5.438	€ 5.778	€ 6.118	€ 6.458	€ 6.630	€ 6.798	€ 7.138	€ 7.478	€ 7.818

· first day package
· free internet access (DSL & wireless area)
· student discount card
· free extra curricular activities
· student insurance
· educational material
· oral and written entrance test
· final certificate

Minimum course length: 1 week
Maximum number of students: 10
Lesson hour: 55 minutes
Classes take place: from Monday to Friday

Location – Taormina, Sicily, Italy