Italian language and culture

Welcome to our Italian language and culture courses page! Discover the unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Italian culture in Italy while living in picturesque Sicily.  

Here’s everything you need to know about our wide range of offerings, designed to provide an enriching and comprehensive experience.

Discovering Italian culture in Sicily

Exploring Italy’s rich heritage

Starting from Leonardo da Vinci a Dante Alighieri, Italy offers an enchanting cultural landscape. And, among the many regions of the Italian peninsula, Sicily stands out, rich in history and tradition. 

At IH Catania Italian Language School, our Italian Cultural Center provides deep dives into various aspects of Italian life.

Course overview

Our courses aim to give you a thorough understanding of Italy’s cultural heritage, perfect for fans of the intricacies of Italian culture. 

You’ll learn about Sicily’s vibrant history, art, and influence while enhancing your Italian language skills.

Our approach to Italian language and culture

Immersive learning experience

Learning Italian naturally piques interest in Italy’s rich cultural tapestry. 

Our courses emphasize cultural content over linguistic aspects, allowing you to live and breathe Italian society.

You’ll acquire a genuine Italian identity, discover its cuisine, and explore its cities.

Comprehensive Curriculum

As you know, the Italian culture landscape is not limited to Central Italy (Latium, Tuscany and Campania). 

In our Culture course curriculum, you’ll explore Italian literature with a focus on the Sicilian writers, Sicilian art history and history, and much more, all within small, engaging groups. 

Although courses are conducted in Italian, the main goal is cultural immersion, helping you understand Italian art, cinema, literature, and history better.

Recommended Proficiency

We recommend participants have at least a B1 level of Italian proficiency to fully benefit from our advanced course materials. 

This ensures a solid understanding of both written and spoken Italian.

Course offerings: a deep dive into sicilian culture 

History and Art History in Sicily

Explore the significant historical and artistic contributions of various civilizations that have influenced Sicily over the centuries. 

From the Phoenicians to the Normans, each culture has left an indelible mark on the island, making the study of Sicilian history similar to studying the entire Mediterranean region.

Cinema and Literature in Sicily

Dive into Sicily’s rich cinematic and literary landscape, with over 2,000 films shot on the island. 

Study iconic works like Giovanni Verga’s “Cavalleria Rusticana” and the TV series “Inspector Montalbano” by Andrea Camilleri, understanding how Sicily inspires filmmakers and writers alike.

The Mafia and Cinema in Sicily

Examine the portrayal of the Mafia in film and compare it with the historical and socio-political realities of the Sicilian Mafia. 

This course aims to dispel myths and provide a deeper understanding of the Mafia’s impact on Sicily’s image and international perception.

Course structure and duration

Each course spans two weeks, with two lessons per day from Monday to Friday.

This intensive structure allows for a deep and immersive learning experience.

We recommend participants have a B1 proficiency level to keep up with the advanced content and Italian language requirements.

Course Costs

The total cost of our culture courses is € 900 for the two-week duration, with classes held twice daily. 

This investment enriches your understanding of Sicilian culture and improves your Italian language skills in an engaging environment.