Homestay Italian language vacation in Sarzana Liguria near Le Cinque Terre with Sira

Sira’s Homestay in Liguria in Sarzana bordering Tuscany, is a perfect location to enjoy an Italian language homestay. Sarzana is a beautiful medieval city set between the mountains and the sea, close to the Alpi Apuane and the marble caves located there and just a few steps away from the Cinque Terre! Thanks to its unique location, Sarzana offers many things to visitors: from long walks through natural parks (Montemarcello e Cinque Terre) to total relax on the beach; from charming villages nestled along the Ligurian coast (Cinque Terre, Tellaro, Lerici), to the works of art like the Cross of Mastro Guglielmo in the Cathedral of Sarzana to the splendid church of San Pietro in Portovenere. You can also visit the Roman archeological sites of Luni or the medieval castles in the Lunigiana. During the summers, Sarzana is also the artistic and cultural center of “La Soffitta nella Strada”, La Calandriniana,” il “Festival della Mente,” i “Libri per Strada” e “Arti fioriti.”

Here’s what a recent Homestay Student
—Ludmila from the United States—
has to say about her experience with Sira!

I had an incredible experience of doing Homestay with Sira in Sarzana. I expected to have a good time, learn some Italian (I was not highly optimistic as to how much can one learn in five-six days?!) and, maybe, do some sightseeing. What has happened, in reality, was full immersion in the Italian language, including meeting three of Sira’s friends and her daughter, a new destination to explore every day (I visited Cinque Terre, Pisa, Porto Venere and ended up in Florence, which is only two hours by train away). I was received as a friend and left feeling like part of the family. As to speaking Italian, by the end of my Homestay, I started thinking in Italian. I know there are other places and other good teachers but I think I have found the best teacher for me. Thank you Sira!

A little bit about Sira your homestay teacher. Sira is an Italian language teacher who has specialized for the past thirty years in teaching French and Italian. Teaching is her passion. Sira says: “I enjoy creating courses that are most suitable to each unique student, with respect to their interests, their age, their learning styles and according to their objectives. Language study for me is not just about language, but about learning also about implicit meanings also transmitted by pauses, gestures and the use of certain verbal forms…or even references to idiomatic and regional expressions. This is why I offer to my students not only traditional language courses but also the chance to totally immerse daily Italian life: from chatting at the bar to lunches with the family, to casual conversations with people from my town as we do shopping or look for books in the local bookstore or have an aperitivo with friends. Every occasion is a great moment to think about the language, practice and discover new things and learn how to live like an Italian in Sarzana!

Accommodations & Location: Sira’s apartment is located two kilometre from the center of Sarzana; it is a small loft (on the third floor without an elevator) with a beautiful terrace that looks out over the Alpi Apuane. It isn’t very big but it is very warm and welcoming with two bedrooms, one for me and one for a guest, one bathroom (shared), a living space with kitchen and a living room with a beautiful central fireplace. Two cats live me. They are very well behaved and are called Briciola and Mucca. 🙂 

Duration of Homestay: Sira’s homestay vacation generally is one week (6 days and 7 nights) and are reserved for single adult students. Sira’s apartment doesn’t accommodate couples.

Before you arrive: Sira will send you a test to evaluate your language level and through emails and perhaps a skype call she will determine your level and develop a course to meet your specific requirements and requests. She will also prepare a program of excursions based on students requests the day of arrival.

During your homestay: Sira will provide students with 20 hours of lessons, educational materials, complete room and board, wifi. She will pick you up and drop you off at the Sarzana train station. Upon completion of the week, students will receive a certificate of completion of her course. There will be at least 4-afternoon excursions in Sarzana and environs to discover more about her town and the area. Meals will be consumed at her home, sometimes, with friends so that you have a broader experience speaking with other individuals and learning more about the Sarzana area from others. 

Suggested Excursions: Marble caves of Carrara; Gulf of Poets and stop in Lerici and Tellaro; Portovenere and the island of Palmaria; le Cinque Terre; the medieval villages of Fosdinovo, Castel Nuovo, Ortonovo, Nicola, Ameglia e Trebiano; Montemarcello and the nature park, la via Francigena (the part that crosses through Sarzana), the Roman ruins of Luni (Roman theater) and the wine tastings in the wineries of Ca’Lunae.

To Book a Homestay with Sira: Sira offers a special price for readers of the Matta Blog. To find out more about Sira’s Homestay in Sarzana in Liguria, inquire about prices and to check availability fill out this form or contact: homestay@studentessamatta.com