Laboling

I have attended the school two times, and will probably return again. There are many students that return to the school. The atmosphere is very friendly. It's like a big temporary family. That comes from the scale of the place - it seems to be just right. The classes are small, and you get a lot of personal attention. The teachers and staff know their stuff. They are experienced, competent, and of a pleasant disposition. They stress the importance of constant practice, and of trying to speak only in Italian. I always stayed in the apartment just above the school, with other students, and not with a family (just my preference). Sometimes there's a bit of street noise at night until about 10:30, but it was never a serious problem for me (and I'm a light sleeper). If it might be a problem for you, you can ask for a room that doesn't face the street. I imagine it's a more intense experience if you stay with an Italian family, instead of in the school's apartment. I have nothing but fond memories of the place, the people, the food (.."Ahhh, so *that's* what a real pizza tastes like"...), and just the overall feel of Milazzo. You'll likely meet students at different levels (I'm only at A2 level), but that doesn't seem to be a big problem. The nearby Eolian Islands are a special treat. Milazzo itself is just right: not too big, not too small. There aren't many tourists, so you feel embedded in the culture, not like a tourist. The locals recommend June as the best month.

I've studied at Laboling a number of times now over the last 4 years. The first time I came for two weeks and then I returned a few more times for a month or two. It's a wonderful school and I say that after studying in Rome, Florence, Siena and Perugia in the past. Sicily is unforgettable - it's beautiful and the food is incredible but especially because the people are so warm and open. And that's especially true at the school. Laboling is a small school so the classes are intimate and you get lots of time for conversation and songs and games. The teachers and the secretary are always available to help you for anything you might need from the time you register. Classes are in the morning and then there are excursions in the afternoon to some great spots that would be difficult to get to on your own. I loved seeing so much of Sicily - and eating all of the delicious food! One of the best parts of the school is that you won't find many other Americans or English speakers. And most of the locals don't speak English either. It's a great opportunity if you really want to immerse yourself in Italian. I was always able to communicate and people were really patient and friendly. There's a shared apartment above the school which is convenient and a nice way to spend time with the other students. I made friends there that I still keep in touch with today. But I really recommend staying at least a week with a family and having lunch with them. There is no better experience for getting to know Sicily - although you may need to go on a diet immediately afterwards! I loved the week I stayed with a couple and their daughter. She introduced me to all her friends and took me out to events in Messina and the nearby towns. In fact she introduced me to the man that I ended up marrying 2 years later! I highly recommend Laboling and think it's a shame that more Americans haven't discovered it yet. The school is fantastic and you can travel all over Sicily in your free time!