Country Overview:
Do you define "success" as enthusiasm for art, food and friendships? Do you consider "living the good life" to mean enjoying every moment? Do you believe that fine art and culture go hand-in-hand with everyday life? Are you ready to move to Italy?
From the verdant wine valleys of the far north to the stunning island destinations of Sardinia and Sicily, this splendid, storied peninsula contains a landscape to please everyone. Although each of Italy's 20 regions offers a different mix of cuisine, dialect, and terrain, a common pride in what it is to be Italian has permeated the country for nearly 200 years. The peninsula's history, of course, stretches back far beyond that of the country: through the glories of the Renaissance, to the birth of Roman Catholicism, to the glory that was Rome, and further.
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Florence is the capital of Tuscany, a region characterized by beautiful landscapes and exquisite cuisine. The city itself maintains one of the highest concentrations of art masterpieces in the world, from Michaelangelo's David to the Duomo. While Florence carefully maintains its Renaissance architecture and elegant feel, it also pulses with modern life as students scurry through the university quarter and businessmen whiz by on scooters. |
The Training Center in Florence is located in Piazza della Repubblica, just a short walk from the world-famous Duomo. Set in the historical center of the city it is a 5-minute walk to Piazza della Signoria, The Uffizi Gallery, Pitti Palace, The Baptisry and Santa Maria Novella Church. Piazza della Repubblica is famous for its outdoor cafés and bustling street life, surrounded by hotels, restaurants, bookstores and famous designer boutiques. Under the famous archway of the Piazza you will find a portico leading to the main Post Office, banks and facilities.
On Sardinia, the training center is located in Alghero, a picturesque seaside town located on the northwestern tip of the island. Alghero airport (AHO) is extremely well-connected with England, Ireland and other European mainland capitals. Though it has undergone numerous cultural influences, Alghero is mainly known for its "Catalan" feel, which is evidenced in its Catalan street names and in the dialect still spoken today by a handful of its inhabitants. As well as working hard for your TEFL/TESOL certification,you will have the opportunity to participate in a wealth of leisure-time activities: sunbathing on beautiful white beaches, snorkeling in crystal clear waters, mountain-biking along trails through Mediterranean scrub brush, scuba-diving, hiking, sailing to places accessible only by wind-driven vessels, wine- and food-tasting in delicious restaurants, strolling along the wide promenade on the "lido mare", having an aperitif in an outdoor café overlooking the port.
Italy's climate varies from north to south and from lowland to mountaintop. Temperatures at sea-level tend to be similar around the country, with altitudes creating steep changes between summer and winter. Winters are long and severe in the Alps, with snow falling as early as mid-September. Storms develop in spring and tend to last to autumn, making summer the wettest season. The northern regions experience chilly winters, hot summers and regular even rain distribution, while conditions become milder as you head south. Beware the sirocco, the hot and humid African wind that affects regions south of Rome.
In Florence, too, summer can be hot, and many Florentines head for the beach in July and August. While it does snow in winter in the northern Tuscan hills and mountains (there is a famous ski resort called Abetone in the Dolomites), it is very rare that a snowflake falls in the city of Florence itself. Spring and fall are truly beautiful seasons here. Spring brings a wealth of greenery and flowers, while autumn is a welcome temperature change from the hot August sun.
On Sardinia, by Easter, the whole island is in bloom. The countryside is aglow in the yellows of wild gorse and mimosa. Fragrant blue lavender blends with white cistos bushes and wild violets and orchids line the walkways. Around the time spring's colors fade, red corn poppies begin to bloom in the yellow wheat fields, and the landscape shows its summer colors. Along the sandy beaches of Southern Sardinia one can start swimming very early in the year. In fact, the swimming season lasts from May through November. The winters in Sardinia tend to be fairly short, lasting from late December to February. The island sometimes sees snow, but it’s rare. Most of the island's rainfall comes during January and February, falling in heavy and dramatic showers. This brings a lush green vibrancy to the plantlife.