This is truly a unique place to live, learn and study Italian! Located on the outskirts of a small village in Calabria, you can study Italian in an old rustic estate, surrounded by overgrown gardens with orange groves, lemon trees, grapevines, fig trees all within a 10 minute walk to the beach.

The region of Calabria in Southern Italy is generally thought of as a Maritime region, a long peninsula with some 800-km of coastline, with sandy beaches, coves and is practically all-mountainous. Its ancient history dates back to the very roots of Mediterranean and European civilizations and is a land of traditions.

Capo Vaticano, the last strip of land before the Straits of Messina, thrusts dramatically from the sea, its white rocks battered and eroded by centuries of breakers that have taught sailors to respect and fear this fascinating, almost mysterious place. Life in this village is dominated by fishing, swordfish, tuna etc.

The Greeks, the Romans and even the Norman's recognized the delight of this fertile landscape across the bridge of the Italian Atlas "boot" and all remained there for long periods. Today well-preserved excavation finds from early settlements, temples, statues and columns give us an almost perfect view into the traditions and customs of this period. This is a haven for all those interested in archeology.

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Tropea (medieval town)
Santa Maria dell'Isola (collection of Cathedrals)
Beautiful beaches and rocky coves
Sila Mountains
Serra san Bruno (Roman monastery)
The Castle of Vibo Valentia (archeological museum)
Visit Pizzo (25 km away)
Water-sports including sailing, windsurfing & swimming.

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The small school building has a TV/video room, small outside enclosed kitchenette, internet access, beautiful gardens.

Our unique school, which is located on the outskirts of the small village of Santa Domenica, is the only one of its kind in the entire region and for this reason we have gained quite an excellent reputation.The relaxing environment and charming local town are conducive to learning Italian.

You are surrounded by postcard perfect views and beautiful beaches are only a 10-minute walk away. It is no surprise that many of our students visit a second, third or fourth time.

The school building is nestled in the center of an old rustic estate, surrounded by overgrown gardens with orange groves, lemon trees, grapevines and fig trees. Located in the grounds are idyllic bungalows with small outside terraces, which are used as guest apartments.

The school offers a very relaxed and friendly family atmosphere making it one of our most popular schools. The teachers are always available to practice the language with the students - in and outside of class! Most of the lessons are taught outside under the trees or orange groves thanks to the beautiful climate of the region. Students can walk to the beautiful beaches less than 10 minutes or walk to the village of Santa Domenica, which is only a few minutes walk.

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THE BASICS
Course for all language levels - set dates for beginners - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting at 09:00am - min age 18 - Max. 8 students per class - unlimited course length.
Holiday: (10 lessons per week)
Standard: (20 lessons per week)
Intensive: (30 lessons per week)
Long Stay: (20 lessons per week, min. 8 week stay)

Have you ever wanted to learn how to cook, Italian style? Our school also offers a one week course in Italian cooking, which can be added to any of our programs.

Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. Italian programs designed for all levels of the language and a lot emphasis is placed upon the speaking ability of the student. In addition to the normal classes, audio and video equipment, songs and local Italian newspapers are used to promote the many different ways the language can be used.

NOTES: Private lessons and additional options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes in length and you will be studying with international students from around the world. Lessons run from Monday - Friday, you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take a placement test and orientation meeting. During class only the local language will be spoken, the emphasis is to speak and think in the new language, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. The school is closed on all public holidays. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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Host Family: (private room) 2 meals daily.

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As Berlin is a very large sprawling city, host families are usually not more than 50 minutes away, (average 30 minutes by metro, bus or bicycle).

NOTE: Transfer to the airport on arrival and departure is included, when staying with a host family.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.

Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.

Apartment Share: (private room) no meals.

Apartment share is a popular form of living among Germans, especially in bigger cities. You have a single room in an apartment you share with one or more Germans and take care of all meals yourself. The Germans are aged between 20 - 50, either students at Berlin universities or professionals. Often you develop close contacts with the Germans in your apartment, this is great for practicing your german.

Included: single room with bed, table and closet, bed sheets and towels, bathroom which is shared, distance to school: max. 50 minutes, average 30 minutes by metro, bus or bicycle, reductions on public transport with school student ID.

NOTES: Airport transfers may be included or available, also extra nights can be booked before / after course (at an additional cost), please check price page for details. The Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included in the program price. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat.. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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