Sicily, the largest island in the Mediterranean, is a region where history and nature meet, with Mount Etna, Greek temples, the baroque streets of Palermo and Catania, Taormina and its beaches. It is ideal for learning Italian alongside Mediterranean life and a rich food culture.
Ask NGGlobal's advisers about the current language school options in Sicily. Italian schools in cities such as Palermo, Catania, Taormina and Syracuse are among the options; see our Messina page too.
In Sicily you can book short courses of 1-2 weeks. On an intensive program, one level of Italian usually takes 4-8 weeks, and to reach a level where you can communicate in daily life we recommend a 2-4 month plan, depending on your starting level.
The biggest factor in the price is the length of your booking: the weekly fee drops noticeably for bookings of 12 weeks or more. Besides tuition, budget for items such as the registration fee, materials and the visa and travel health insurance. NGGlobal students can take advantage of the schools' seasonal offers.
At most language schools courses start every Monday, though complete beginners may have set start dates. For long programs that require a visa, we recommend applying at least 3 months ahead. July and August are the busiest months.
For study longer than 90 days, you apply to Italy's missions in Turkey for a national (D) student visa. Language courses usually require enrolment on an intensive program of at least 20 hours a week, proof of funds and health insurance, and after arriving in Italy you apply for a residence permit (permesso di soggiorno) within 8 days.
Working in breach of visa rules can lead to serious penalties, so always follow the official rules. NGGlobal helps you plan your budget for the course and living costs.
Homestays are common in Sicily; living with an Italian family is ideal for getting to know the language and food culture up close.
Living costs in Sicily are much lower than in northern Italy and the big cities, and food and accommodation suit a student budget.
Buses and trains connect the island's towns, and Palermo and Catania have city bus networks.
Sicily has a Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild, sunny winters.
Catania (CTA) and Palermo (PMO) airports in Sicily are reached from Turkey with direct or connecting flights.
Because Italy uses daylight saving time, the difference changes with the season: from late March to late October Sicily is 1 hour behind Turkey, and in winter it is 2 hours behind.
You can decide with NGGlobal which school, course and type of accommodation suit you best. We follow the whole process for you, from application and visa to arrival.
No. Sicily is an island region that includes cities such as Palermo, Catania, Messina and Syracuse.
Yes. Guided tours and a cable car take you to the upper slopes of Etna.
Working on a Schengen visa is prohibited, and on a long-term study permit work rights depend on current rules.
No. Schools run beginner courses, and a placement test on your first day puts you in the right class.
CILS (University for Foreigners of Siena) and CELI (University for Foreigners of Perugia) are official Italian proficiency certificates accepted by Italian universities and employers.
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