I have just returned from 4 weeks studying at Babilonia language school in Taormina. I cannot say enough good things about. The teachers were enthusiastic and proficient, the accomodations were charming, airconditioned, and included a lovely terrace overlooking the sea and free wi-fi and also free computers. The students varied in age from young college (or almost college) kids to mature adults (70+).
The accomodations arranged by the school were lovely and economical. I had a beautiful apartment with two floors, all marble, a rooftop terrace from which I could see the sea and castelmoro, a great kitchen, a television, a wonderful bathroom, everything one could want for 30 euro a night. It was maybe a 10 or 15 minute walk to school and just great.
I loved the classes but should tell you all that some did not. The classes are total immersion -- no English or other language is spoken ever, even for the earliest beginnners (of course this is necessary, not all students speak English). For me, this was a good way to learn but others felt that an English explanation would have helped them learn more quickly. All I can say is the method is total immersion -- it works for me but if one doesn't like the idea don't go there.
The school plans activities, excursions, dinners, films, lectures, other activities. One can arrange lessons in tennis, hiking, cooking, etc (but all in Italian.)
I can't say enough about how nice everyone was. I arrived knowing only guide book Italian but after interview with person who did placement was moved out of class for absolute beginners into the next class. I spent 4 or 5 hours a day doing homework or studying and in 3 weeks moved into intermediate class. It was great -- every day 2 hours of grammar class and 2 hours of conversation class. I also did 1 hour private lesson every day. I have already signed up for 4 more weeks in October but this time I am doing a homestay with a wonderful woman that one of my friends was staying with. This lady is like an angel and the best cook ever. The only bad thing I can say about Sicilian cooking is that I gained 5 pounds, the good thing is everything is fresh, wonderful, mostly vegetarian except for seafood.
I would say the really good thing about Babilonia for me was that I enjoyed being in a very small city where things were beautiful, it was easy to go to the beach, and everything was relaxed. I don't think I could easily combine being in a city with a lot of tourist sites with a lot of study. I liked being someplace tranquil and beautiful where I could study in beautiful surroundings, relax and feel healthy, and have a lot of opportunity to speak Italian.
One last thing -- although I understand that in the country a lot of people speak a Sicilian dialect in Taormina everyone (will I don't know everyone but was told this by locals) speaks Italian. All in all it was a great experience and I am happy to answer any questions.
This message has been edited. Last edited by: Kim,
Sundaze Thank you for your write up on the Babilonia Language School. I enjoyed it as I did your other postings about the experience. I was in Taormina in May 2006 and it is a lovely place.
I could really enjoy a month there and as a result of your posting am actively running the numbers and harassing the calendar to see when that might be. It looks like next April or October 2008. At 64 I do not want to wait too long as the older I get my short term memory seems to desert me.
Staying in a house where the lady is an angel and a wonderful cook would be fantastic. Would the school be able to do that placement? I am also wondering if I should plan on a hotel for a day or two at the beginning of the course or was your apartment ready to move into? Thanks and welcome back. FootNotes
Posts: 158 | Location: West Virginia | Registered: 25 October 2005
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