Learn Italian in Italy
Immerse yourself in language and culture at the Italian Academy in Siracusa
An Immersive Italian Language Experience in Sicily
The Italian Academy offers a range of language courses for students of all levels who want to learn Italian in Italy. Classes take place in our beautiful campus location, a large villa in the Siracusa city center a short walk to the sea and the archaeological park, surrounded by idyllic Mediterranean gardens.
Our experienced and passionate teachers provide a supportive and immersive learning environment, where you can improve your language skills while experiencing the beauty and culture of Sicily. Studying with us is the perfect opportunity to learn Italian in Italy while enjoying authentic Sicilian life.
Why Choose us to Learn Italian in Italy
- Learn from experienced, highly qualified teachers.
- Small class sizes for personalized attention.
- Immersive learning environment in the heart of Syracuse.
- A variety of courses to suit your needs and goals.
- Exciting cultural activities to enhance your learning experience.
- 300+ sunny days a year in our beautiful garden!
Ready to learn Italian in Italy?
Fill in the form below to receive detailed information about our courses, accommodation options and life in Sicily. Our team will get back to you shortly to help you plan your experience and start your journey to learn Italian in Italy.
Meet Virginia
Course
Options
General Course
- 20 group lessons per week
- Focus on communication skills
- Small class sizes
- Rich social and cultural afternoon program
- Highly qualified, native-speaking teachers
DETAILS
Develop your conversational skills and gain a solid foundation in Italian grammar and vocabulary. Practice Italian in dynamic and enjoyable group classes.
Our General course is perfect for those who want to improve their overall communication skills in Italian. With 20 lessons per week, you’ll gain a solid foundation in grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, while also developing your conversational fluency.
Intensive Course
- 20 group lessons + 10 private lessons per week
- Focus on communication skills + deep-dive on personal competences
- Rich social and cultural afternoon program
- Highly qualified, native-speaking teachers
DETAILS
Accelerate your Italian learning with a blend of lively group classes and tailored private sessions (one-to-one or mini-group). Build strong communication skills while targeting your personal learning goals and overcoming linguistic challenges during these private lessons.
You will finish classes in time to join our reach program of cultural and social activities. These help you practice in real contexts and discover local life. You will learn with highly qualified, native-speaking teachers who keep lessons dynamic, practical, and enjoyable.
Private Course
- Personalized one-on-one or mini-group lessons
- Flexible schedule
- On-site or online
- Tailored to your specific needs
- Highly qualified, native-speaking teachers
DETAILS
Design your ideal learning experience with our Private Customized course.
Whether you need to focus on specific language skills, prepare for an exam, or learn Italian for business, we’ll create a program tailored to your individual needs and goals.
Cultural Activities and Social Events in Sicily
Enhance your language learning with our exciting cultural activities. When you learn Italian in Italy, experiencing the culture is just as important as studying the language. Immerse yourself in Sicilian culture and discover the beauty of this fascinating island. A rich calendar of activities, excursions and events is offered every week in and around our school to make your experience as fun and immersive as possible. Activities are provided in line with the season to make the most of the mild Sicilian weather, local festivals and events.
Sailing boat excursion with Sunset Aperitif
Traditional cooking class with Sicilian recipes
Italian movie nights
Italian conversation club activities
Monday welcome breakfast
Cultural visits to UNESCO sites with your Italian teachers
Coffee and Catacombs visit
Sicilian Ceramics and Mosaic-Making Workshops
Sicilian language and culture workshops
Wine Tasting
Location
The language course is hosted at the Neapolis Study Center in Syracuse (Siracusa), Sicily. This historic villa is nestled in the heart of Syracuse’s archaeological district, adjacent to St. John’s Church, which provides access to ancient catacombs, and is near the Archaeological Museum and the Basilica of Our Lady of Tears.
Students who come here to learn Italian in Italy enjoy a truly unique setting. The center is within walking distance of the renowned Greek Theater and the picturesque island of Ortigia, offering a rich blend of cultural and historical experiences.
Surrounded by a lush two-acre botanical garden filled with citrus trees, Mediterranean flora, and century-old palms, the Neapolis Study Center provides an inspiring and tranquil environment for studying and creative pursuits.
Accommodation
Today the city of Syracuse is a warm, welcoming and lively destination with much to offer adventurous souls and culture lovers alike. Students who come here to learn in Italy can explore the labyrinth of narrow streets in the historic center, take a stroll around the medieval castle overlooking the natural harbor, or discover the pristine beaches and marine reserves that surround the city.
Private apartment
Home Stay
Students may choose to live with a Sicilian host-family in comfortable apartments close to the school with private bedrooms. Homestay accommodation includes 2 meals per day, breakfast and dinner.
Faq
The level of progress depends on your starting level and study time. Using the communicative method, we ensure weekly targets by monitoring progress and focusing on individual needs.
Yes. Courses run throughout the year with activities that vary by season.
Yes. After initial testing, you’ll be placed into the right group every Monday.
Daily feedback and weekly reports by teachers; regular tests track improvement and highlight areas to work on.
Communicative approach focusing on speaking, listening, reading, and writing with interactive communication.
The Italian Academy is a centre for CILS and DITALS (University of Siena). Long-term courses can prepare for exams from A1 to C2.
Warm and sunny year-round: summers average 25–30°C, winters ~14°C. Siracusa has one of Europe’s most pleasant climates.
Italy is CET (UTC+1) / CEST (UTC+2 in summer). Typically +1h vs London, −6h vs New York.
Shops: 9:00–13:00 and 16:00–20:00. Malls: 9:00–21:00 daily (often closed Monday morning). Banks: 8:30–13:00 and 15:00–16:00, Mon–Fri.
First Aid (Pronto Soccorso) at Umberto I hospital. Open pharmacies display 24/7 timetables outside each pharmacy.
EU citizens: no student visa required. Some non-EU citizens staying <90 days may not need a visa if in the visa-waiver program; check official guidance.
EU students with EHIC can access state healthcare. Non-EU students should verify coverage for study stays; arrange travel insurance if needed.
Valid ID (EU) or Passport (6+ months validity after return), Visa (if required), and Medical Insurance.
Nearest airports: Catania and Comiso. Bus to/from Siracusa available; pick-up service on request during booking.
EU 220V adapter, credit card + some cash, trekking shoes (Etna), beachwear and sunscreen.
