Sicily Service Sumary

Language taught in: Italian

Nearest Airport: Fontanarossa Airport, Catania ( 1 hour south of Taormina)

Airport transfer

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.
Taxi airport pick-up is available for both individuals and groups.
Larger groups may be accommodated on request and with appropriate advanced notice.

Public Transportation Service from and to the Airport
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. 

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

Buildings
Historical 19^th century building.

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.

Library Students may borrow books from the library in the student lounge.

Message Service yes

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.

Multimedia Facilities   VCR and videotapes are available for students.

Course Materials   All course materials are included.

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

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, 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.

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