Learn Italian in Sicily
Learn Italian in Sicily, a unique location famous for its relaxed, easy-going lifestyle, marvellous climate and friendly locals.
Prices & dates for Taormina
Why learn Italian in Sicily?
Sicily is an exceptionally unique and captivating location for those wishing to study Italian abroad. It is renowned for its laid-back, easy-going lifestyle, which allows for a more relaxed approach to learning, as well as its marvellous climate that boasts plenty of sunshine throughout the year. The locals are famously friendly and welcoming, making it an ideal environment for language immersion. Nestled in Sicily and overlooking the stunning Ionian Sea, Taormina is a picturesque hilltop town that is rich in fascinating history and adorned with magnificent architecture.
While in Taormina, you can visit the ancient Greek theatre, a remarkable historical site that offers insight into the region's past. Additionally, you can practise your Italian skills in one of the town’s lively bars, where you can engage with locals and fellow learners alike. Alternatively, you might choose to take a leisurely stroll around the breathtaking surrounding countryside, soaking up the glorious Italian sunshine and enjoying the stunning views.
What’s more, Taormina serves as a perfect base from which to explore the rest of Sicily, allowing you to easily venture out to discover the delights of Syracuse, the vibrant city of Palermo, and the stunning architectural wonders of Monreale. Each of these locations offers its own unique charm and cultural experiences, enriching your time in Sicily even further
Our school in Taormina
The setting for our partner school in Taormina is nothing short of spectacular! Located in the centre of Taormina but encompassed by high stone walls, students enjoy learning Italian in a tranquil paradise that feels hidden from the many visitors to one of Sicily’s premier tourist hubs! Teaching space can be found in the historic villa, but on first entering the school grounds students are instantly enchanted by the beautiful botanic gardens, shaded and scented with fruit trees and wisteria. The verdant lawns offer places to sit and gather with fellow students or enjoy a quiet coffee from the school’s own cafeteria.
The school building dates back to the 1800s and classroom spaces combine a sense of tradition with modern amenities like air-conditioning. There are nine classrooms and other learning spaces like the well-stocked library. Classes are sometimes held outdoors under the cover of one of the many trees. There is also a teaching kitchen where cookery lessons are held. The school director is a professional chef, so he knows a thing or two about creating tasty Sicilian dishes!
On the first morning of the course new students are invited to meet the Coordinator of Studies over a coffee and an Italian pastry at the garden café (which is also a popular Wi-Fi area). This café is open through the day for snacks and light meals. The school also has its own restaurant that serves more formal lunches and dinners using fresh, seasonal ingredients.
The school building and its lush botanical gardens are protected by Soverintendenza alle Belle Arti (the national agency for the preservation of arts and monuments) and many members of the local community, or even Italian visitors to Taormina, enjoy spending time here. The school actively encourage this by regularly hosting book presentations by authors, and performances by musicians, as well holding exhibitions of sculpture and art. These opportunities for true social interaction really enhance the language programme and provide wonderful memories and photos - the garden looks truly magical when it is lit by fairy lights in the evening.
Established in 1992, the school in Taormina has used its considerable experience to curate a wonderful range of Italian language and culture programmes, with add-on programmes focusing on various arts and crafts, history, literature, food and wine, and pursuits like hiking and diving. Teaching Italian to speakers of other languages remains the school’s passion though, and accreditations by the Italian Ministry of Education, IALC (International Association of Language Centres), and EDUITALIA (to name a few) verify the quality of the courses available. Selected programmes are also approved for CSN, Bildungsurlaub and College Credits.
Taormina is a treasure trove of historical monuments, and our partner school sits comfortably between the Greek Theatre, which is just 200m away, and Corso Umberto, the elegant main thoroughfare that links Porta Catania to Porta Messina. After classes, the delights of one of Sicily’s most important cities are never far away.
Location of our school in Taormina
What courses are available in Taormina?
Available courses
If you would like to learn Italian but still have plenty of time to explore the island of Sicily, you can take a Semi-Intensive Italian course of just 10 lessons per week. Alternatively, to learn at an even faster rate, choose an Intensive course of 20 lessons per week or even a Super-Intensive course of 30 lessons per week.
If there are specific areas you wish to focus on during your Italian language-learning, a course of Private Lessons may just be the perfect choice for you. You can even choose to combine your group lessons with individual tuition on an Intensive + Private Lessons course.
If you are studying for the internationally recognised CELI language exam, you can choose to take an Examination Preparation Course. On this course you will gain a thorough understanding of the style and structure of the CELI examination, and have the opportunity to prepare using authentic materials, including past exam papers.
If you are aged 50 and above and would like the opportunity to learn Italian uniquely with other students of a similar age, you can take one of our Club 50+ courses, which combine Italian-learning with a variety of activities and excursions.
We also offer a variety of cookery courses, including an Intensive + Local Gastronomy course which gives you an insight into the foods and wines of Sicily, as well as an Intensive + Cookery course, giving you the chance to combine your Italian lessons with Italian cooking workshops. If culture is more your thing, why not opt for an Intensive + Cultural lessons course?
Our school also offers An Intensive + Diving course, allowing both new and experienced divers to experience the underwater delights of the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.
Special courses in Taormina
Accommodation options in Taormina
Available accommodation
For a complete immersion into the Italian language and culture, choose to stay with one of the school’s carefully-selected host families on a bed and breakfast, half-board or full-board basis.
For a little more independence during your stay in Taormina, our school also arranges accommodation in self-catering shared apartments, where you will live with other students from our school. Alternatively, choose a studio apartment if you would prefer the place to yourself.
Available activities in Taormina
Our school in Taormina offers a lively activity programme which is designed to help you discover the local area and Italian culture, as well as giving you the perfect opportunity to socialise with your classmates. Some examples of activities arranged by the school include lectures and seminars, guided walks, Italian film screenings, theatre and concert trips and excursions to places of interest within Sicily, such as Mt. Etna, Palermo and Syracuse!
How to get to our school in Taormina
Our Italian language school in Taormina can arrange airport transfers from Catania Airport for an additional fee, if you would like to be met on arrival and taken to your accommodation.
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Taormina: Student reviews & feedback
Intensive with Studio apartment
The teaching sessions were enjoyable, varied in content and totally interactive.
Clean, luminous spacious accommodation, near to all shops and facilities. Great sea views from balconies, totally ideal.
I have attended many courses with Apple languages and I can recommend them very highly and hope to continue my language learning with them.
- J. Howle
Intensive & Club 50+ with Studio apartment
Everyone was so friendly. The food at the school was amazing and I mostly enjoyed everyone being together with lunches and dinners.
- J. Dagato
Intensive 20
The course has been very challenging as I am a beginning student but the instructors have been amazing, helpful, and patient. It can be overwhelming upon first arriving because Italian is the only language spoken but one quickly realizes that it is the best way to learn, to be motivated to try to speak the language rather then depend on your native language. I would definitely return.
- F. Fanali
Semi Intensive with Studio Apartment
I loved it! Difficult at first but everybody is so helpful. The teachers gave a lot of different classes to make it interesting and fun.
I had two different accommodations as one was not available for the full two weeks. But I was offered enough alternatives to choose from. Both accommodations were close to the school which was a big plus! Furthermore beautiful apartments on self serving basis, which is how I preferred it.
It was a really great experience, during which I met a lot of people to undertake activities with.
- N. Janssen
Club 50+
The course itself was good, with the main focus on the understanding and use of two verbs. The school staff were helpful and informative. The service given by Stephanie at Apple Languages was very good. Thank you
- W. Thomas
Intensive 20
I thought the teaching standard was really excellent. It was a really enjoyable week and I definitely made progress. I will use your school again. Thank you
- L. Dennis
Semi Intensive
I loved my experience [in Taormina] - a great school. I feel more confident and determined to keep learning.
- N. Katchinska
Semi Intensive
I decided to concentrate on the grammatical side of my Italian this year. My teacher Michaela was excellent, very clear and concise with her instructions.
I booked my accommodation separately. The apartment was set in a beautiful setting about 20 minutes walk from the school
This is my second year to do a course in Sicily and I will certainly return to do follow up courses next year.
- L. Russell
Club 50+
School set up alongside a shady courtyard was lovely. Courtyard cafe set up ideal for socialising too. Interesting mix of students and good teaching. But I was very glad to escape the afternoon heat to my hotel's poolside for homework.
- M. Moffat
The school in Taormina was excellent. It is situated in a beautiful location. I enjoyed the classes, the staff were very helpful and assisted in every way possible. The school provides extra curricular activities also so there is always something to do in the evening.
My accommodation was very good. I had a nice clean bedroom, with a view over looking the sea. Maria the lady of the house was very helpful. I had no complaints at all.
I would just like to say I had a very enjoyable two weeks in Taormina. I will definitely do the course again next year, but this time I will book an apartment rather than stay with a family. That is just a personal choice and no reflection on the family at all. Everything was excellent.
- L. Russell
Intensive 20 with Shared Apartment
Good teaching. Good mix of ages. Management v concerned that it should be good and level appropriate. THe accommodation had wonderful and fantastic views but I was not told clearly how many tiring stairs there would be. Had I known I might have sacrificed the view of Etna for a place I could go back to during the day. Otherwise I had to climb about 100 metres up steps twice a day. Ok if you are 30 but not 65!
- J. Cragg
The course was very well organised and every lesson started on time. The lessons were all well structured, stimulating and enjoyable. I was very impressed by the school - the cleanliness, the organisation, the facilities were all top rate. I had a very nice apartment with my own gate and door so that I was free to come and go as I pleased. I was very happy with my accommodation but the only problem I encountered was with the mosquitoes.
I would recommend the school in Taormina to anyone wishing to study Italian - it is very friendly, extremely well organised and the teachers are second to none.
- J. Ingleby
Friendly teacher, well-structured class thorough introduction on first day Landlady was very friendly, nice & well-equipped studio appartment.
- S. Tilly
Intensive 20 with Host Family
The teachers were excellent. The extra-curricular programme was also excellent, especially the trip to Mount Etna. I was made very welcome in my host family. Even though I paid for just bed and breakfast I was invited to have dinner three times. I was very happy with my room and particularly because there was air conditioning. I have done many courses in many languages and the garden of the school was really better than any outdoor social area I have experienced to date.I also liked that there was a really broad age range of people attending the course.
- J. Connor
The school was well organised and a small number of students per class. The classes were well structured. The accommodation was basic but clean and the people were friendly.
- R. Yvonne
The school was lovely, good food, really lovely staff, and the standard of teaching was high as well. All the teachers were good. Absolutely gorgeous apartment, and apparently one of the best on offer - thanks!
- S. Uppal
The course was excellent. The teachers were friendly and approachable, the lessons varied and interesting and the outings with Club 50 were well run and to places of great interest. My host and her children could not have been kinder. they included me in their Easter festivities and even encouraged me to invite a couple of friends. The food was quite basic but it was flavoursome and made with good quality ingredients. They were a very relaxed family to live with.
- J. Theakston
The course perfectly suited for my level. I would recommend my host family's cooking to anyone. Yum!
- M. Alston
Generally excellent. Good, knowledgable and helpful teachers, excellent approach to learning. Especially liked the grammer 1st, repetition and then practice for 1st session; then opportunity to practice again in more relaxed 2nd session.
- R. Thomas
I started as a complete beginner, and I developed so much knowledge from the course. My host family was great. They were kind, helpful, and amazing people. I hope that in the future I will come back to Taormina to study more.
- F. Postiglione
The courses where good and very helpful. My accomodations were great, my host family's house became home in no time. Very nice lady, and good kids. Great view from the terrasse. It was fantastic!
- C. Ayala
I really enjoyed my two weeks in Taormina, the time went very fast. The teaching was excellent and the teachers were great. I am definitely coming back, want to stay for a month but if my work commitments wont allow this then I will be back for two weeks. My accommodation was very comfortable and the host was very helpful and very pleasant, the food was also good and very varied.
- S. Vickery
I really enjoyed my course and feel I have learnt a lot in the week that I was there. On the first day we were made to feel most welcome at the school. I hope to return next year and hopefully stay for more than a week. In the meantime I will continue with my Italian studies. The accommodation was good,a nice sized room with a television, big bed and a desk which I used for homework etc. ensuite was a toilet and shower. The staff were friendly and efficient. The breakfast was good, and it was different every day. I really had an enjoyable stay at Taormina and wished I was there for longer than a week.
- S. Vickery
The teachers were excellent and I really liked the whole set up. My host family was first class, they made me feel so welcome, it actually made the holiday perfect. Would highly recommend the school, the accommodation & Taormina
- J. Fidler
The teachers were friendly. There was a sice terrace on top of the buillding to relax. The activities in the afternoon were interesting.
- R. Ben-chur
Our tutor was informative but also very entertaining, lively, simpatica! We also attended a really interesting talk by another tutor - this was optional - on Italy over the last 50 years. He also was clear and informative, we were delighted to be able to folliow it for 2 hours! Our accommodation was in a tall, old house 2 mins from the school - very convenient! There were constant comings and goings in the house (family, friends, students) but the hosts were very friendly and the food excellent! Taormina is stunning! It would be difficult to imagine more stunning views than those from the school terrace where we ate lunch (even in January!) to blue seas way below and Etna gently smoking in the not-too-far distance!
- J. Nicholls
The course was really well taught, with some great teachers. The accomodation was really nice in a really nice area.
- G. Dalton
I had planned to do a super intensive course but changed at the last minute to private lessons. Liz organized everything for me & the school were superb at adapting to my personal needs. The flat was ideally located within the school. It was well equiped and comfortbale. Great school. Amazing location, I would recommend it to anyone…
- C. D'arcy
School statistics
Nationality (%)
Australia (4)
Austria (3)
France (4)
Germany (16)
Netherlands (6)
Russia (5)
Sweden (4)
Switzerland (15)
Uk (7)
Usa (18)
Average Student Numbers
Average ages (June - Aug)
Student stories on our blog
This is my third year!
My name is Stephen Blackhust and I am Deputy Head Teacher of a large comprehensive secondary school in Luton, Bedfordshire. For the third time in 4 years, during the school summer holiday, I am spending 4 weeks studying Italian in Taormina, Sicily.
When, in 2005, I decided to put myself in a classroom for 6 hours a day for 4 weeks, having just completed a busy school year, many people thought I was mad. I must confess to having a few doubts myself, people often comment on the length of teachers’ holidays but in truth without them teachers simply could not keep going (neither could the pupils). And my mayor doubt was how I could cope without the long break to prepare far the re-start in September.
What actually happened was that that summer holiday, with its total immersion in Italian language and culture was both the most stimulating, challenging and restful break I have had in 28 years as a teacher!
Read more...Italian… by the Mediterranean and under Mount Etna.
When I first embarked on my study of the Italian language, I had only a vague sense of the adventure I was beginning. The main images and conceptions that filled my mind of everything Italian were general and brief, and were associated with the bits and pieces of film, art and programs on the History Channel to which I had tuned, not to mention a few historical books which had caught my interest. None of this, however, spurred my interest enough until I met a group of Italians; finally I heard the language spoken in true form, and observed the culture and manner in which these people lived their life. I was enamoured.
After my initial purchase of an Italian textbook and 6 long months of trudging along on my own (but not without the occasional help of my new-found friends), I began to consider the possibility of a study-abroad experience. As an American college student, I needed foreign language credits for my degree and what better way to apply those electives of Art History, World Civilizations, Sensation and Perception, and Intro to Fashion, than to hop the Atlantic Ocean and take a dip right into the real thing?
Read more...Taormina, Sicily: an unmissable experience
For two weeks, Taormina, located on a terrace with its spectacular views of the beach below and Mount Etna in the rolling hills in the distance was where I called home.
I studied at the Italian language school and lived in a rented apartment located behind the sophisticated and chic main street of Corso Umberto. My accommodation was organised by the school and rented from one of the old typical sicilian nonna's and the three generations of her family that lived in the apartment above.
School life is interesting to say the least - for a 24 year old woman who has finished her university studies a few years ago, going back to school is an experience in itself!
School life consisted of 4 hours of learning, including grammar, conversation and fun activities within an intimate friendly environment catered for individual needs.
Read more...
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