FIRST DAY OF LANGUAGE CLASS

It is highly recommended that all Italian language students begin on the specified start dates, which occur about every two weeks (please consult the Program Overview page). It is required for Absolute Beginners.

Students not arriving on the scheduled starting dates will have to arrive at the Italian language schoolschool at 09:00. They will take the entrance test and go to class for the second half at 11:40 (communicative task part).

8:45 am – Welcome Breakfast
Students are welcomed in the student lounge and terrazzo with an Italian breakfast of coffee and pastry. This is an opportunity to meet the staff including all instructors for the week as well as their fellow students, both newly arriving and continuing from previous weeks.

9:20am – Welcome Address
This quick speech includes brief introductions, review of agenda(s) for coursework, extra-curricular activities and other programs; solicitation of feedback on all points of service and communication and review of all important points and highlights.

9:30am – Written & Oral Entrance Exams
First, all new students take written exam (2 hours available). On completion of exam, students sign-up for oral test timeslot that are scheduled at 10 minute intervals, directly following written exam. Each student then completes an individual oral exam to test their level of spoken communications. The individual oral exams are scheduled until approximately 1:30pm.

11:40 am – Group Activity
At this point, the Italian language school generally hosts an interactive activity to facilitate introductions, learn about fellow students, share experiences, etc. which provides flexibility to accommodate students simultaneously taking oral exams during this period.

12:30 pm – Lecture on Babilonia Teaching Program & Methodology
This pedagogic lecture is hosted by the Studies Coordinator. It is an outstanding opportunity for students to prepare themselves for the coming week(s) by understanding in detail the teaching program and methodology. Students are welcome to ask questions to fully understand the upcoming learning opportunity. It is also another excellent networking opportunity with their fellow students.

1:30pm – Lunch Break
Students are free to join the Activities Coordinator in a group lunch. For this particular activity, cost of lunch is not sponsored by school. Afternoon (time changes according to the season sunlight and temperature) – Tour of Taormina Hosted by Activities Coordinator, this is an opportunity for all students to get a “feel” for the town and begin to learn more about their surroundings including historical points of reference, favorite restaurants and other “hot spots”, logistics, etc.