The school is located in Milis, a quaint village off the west coast of Sardinia. Sardinia: the second largest island in the Mediterranean sea lies a hundred and twenty miles from the Italian west coast, and about the same from the Tunisian one. Because of its peculiar position, Sardinia has always been a crossroads of the main Mediterranean civilizations. An outpost so far from every land, that in spite of its numerous rulers, it has maintained its own original and independent character. In spite of its dimensions, the island is very scarcely populated (less than 1.6 million people): with four major cities and hundreds of little villages far enough from one another to leave the landscape unspoiled and uncontaminated. The tight bond between the land (with its ruggedness) and the people, has allowed them to lead and preserve a very simple lifestyle that can still be experienced by roaming through the villages from the mountains to the coasts. Besides some coastal areas that cater to a very high-end tourist clientele, the majority of Sardinian coastline is still free from the commercial exploitation of its priceless resources. From north to south you can still find gorgeous beaches and crystal clear waters backed by a landscape that preserves with dignity its ancestral splendor. Milis is a characteristic rural village located at a fifteen minutes drive from the coast. Narrow cobblestone paths lead you through the intricate maze of single-story homes, primarily made of stone and adobe. Located at the center of the town's main "piazza" is a grand "palazzo," a one-time summer residence of Italian nobles. In spring, the whole village wafts with the scent of orange blossoms drifting in from centuries-old citrus groves that surround the town. The countryside around the area leaves one with a very sweet impression; here man and nature meet in the right way....small scale farming still has very little impact on the natural landscape. The intervention of man is mostly recognized by a very interesting way of defining private property: hedges of prickly pears and giant reeds, or more simply stone walls that stretch for miles. COURSES Italian Intensive 20 hours per week (4 hours/day) Grammar, conversation, reading, writing, activities Individual One-on-One 10 hours per week Lessons last 50 minutes Small groups of a maximum of 6 students Minimum age 16 Flexibility is of course the advantage of a small school; Classes can be tailored to suit individual needs. HOURS Classes are held every morning from 9:00am - 1:00pm The school remains open from 1:00pm - 4:00pm for independent study with computer, language/conversation exchange with local people. Courses start every monday during the months June - September Recommended stay: 2 Weeks Welcome party every week for new students Free Internet access Weekly field trip to local sites of interest PRICES Italian Intensive 180 euro per week Individual One-on-One 20 euro per hour DOLCE VITA ITALIAN LANGUAGE SCHOOL Casella Postale - 09070 Milis (OR) Italy Tel: 39-0783 51531 Fax: 39-0783 51534 Email: info@dolcevitaschool.com How to get here: By Air: There are airports in four Sardinian cities: Alghero, Cagliari, Olbia and Arbatax. Meridiana, Alitalia, Volare and AirOne fly from the Italian mainland to Sardinia. Ryanair flies from London to Alghero's Fertilia airiport. By Ferry: Ferry connections run daily from the Italian mainland to Sardinia. Popular routes include: Civitavecchia (port of Rome) to Olbia, Cagliari, and Arbatax, Genoa to Porto Torres or Olbia, and Livornio to Porto Torres or Olbia. Arriving to Milis: There are local train and bus connections from the main airports and Ferry ports to Oristano (the closest small city to Milis). For more information on traveling to Sardinia visit Il Port@ Le Sardo. Our staff will be happy to pick you up at the train station in Oristano. Airport pick up can also be arranged for a fee. Dolce Vita recommends using the numerous B&B's located in Milis, because of the proximity to the school (the average cost Euro 25-30 per day). For those arriving with their own vehicle, other options exist further from the school, including small hotels and accommodations by the sea. We will be happy to provide you with more information upon request. Come to where Italians love to go for their summer retreat...the magical island of Sardinia. Learn Italian in the relaxed atmosphere of a small Mediterranean village. Get off the beaten path where it's easy to meet people: local chefs, winemakers, and artisans. Learn the language with our experienced teachers in small classes (not more than 6 students per class). Take part in numerous activities organized by our school: day trips to the surrounding archeological sites and beaches, cooking lessons, wine and cheese tastings, and more.