The Lorenzo de Medici school, which opened its doors in 1973, was one of the very first in Florence to specialize in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language. The school is situated in the San Lorenzo quarter in the heart of the old part of the city, just a few steps away from the Medici Chapels and the famed central market area.

Housed in a former convent dating back to the medieval period (the adjacent thirteenth century church of San Jacopo Corbolini is integrated into the complex) the school underwent extensive renovation and today provides a wide range of modern conveniences such as a cafeteria, air-conditioning, reading rooms and an attractive courtyard garden.

The school-whose students come from all age groups and from all over the world- guarantees a high quality in teaching and in the services provided.

OUR METHOD

In line with the most up-to-date theories on Italian language teaching, our method aims at a harmonious development of all four linguistic skills: listening and speaking, reading and writing.


The small number of students per class and the varied teaching techniques enable each student to be an active participant in the learning process. The language is always presented in context with the student immediately putting into practice what has been studied.
 
 
The school provides, free of charge, a pack of course materials which is frequently updated. Preference is given to original and stimulating material that is aimed not only at improving language skills but also permits the student to learn more about Italian culture and present day Italy.
 
The teachers hold University degrees and have specialized experience in the teaching of Italian language and culture to foreigners.
They attend monthly teacher training seminars. 

 
LEVELS

Each type of course is offered in seven levels and 4 weeks are needed to complete a level. Absolute beginners can only start their classes on the first day of the course (see dates). Non beginners can start the course at the beginning of each week. The most appropriate level is selected through a placement test.


A more detailed description of levels is available on request.


Beginning: 
Will be able to interact in simple daily situations: at the cafè, restaurant, hotel, shops, railway stations, in the street. Will know how to introduce themselves and talk about themselves, to invite others to do something and to reply to an invitation. To ask for, and to give, information on people, places, services, articles to buy. Acquisition of the basic structures of the language through the use of the present and present perfect of the most commonly used verbs; article-adjective-noun agreement, direct and possessive pronouns.


Intermediate 1:
Will be able to deal with daily situations such as at the gym, real estate and travel agencies etc. understanding the gist of information given. Ability to talk and write about personal habits and experiences through the correct use of the present, past and imperfect tenses. Will be able to describe, in simple terms, places, surroundings and people. Will be able to speak about personal plans and make promises using the future tense. Ability to express hopes and wishes by using the conditional. Will be able to give and follow instructions, advice and commands through the use of the imperative.


Intermediate 2:
Will be able to deal with more complex daily situations: at the doctor, at the pharmacy, on the telephone, at a job interview. Will be able to take part spontaneously in conversations on familiar or daily matters. Will be able to relate the plot of a movie or tell a story while at the same time expressing opinions and points of view by using the present subjunctive. Ability to describe in detail places and objects by using relative pronouns and making comparisons. Will be able to comprehend short articles and literary texts where the passato remoto is used.


Intermediate 3:
Will be able to deal with more complex daily situations: at the bank, hotel, the box office. Will be able to conjecture opinions with the use of grammatical structures such as the subjunctive and "if" clauses. Ability to argue personally held opinions, ideas, preferences. Will be able to understand without too much effort the significant points of short literary texts and articles even when expressed in complex forms such as the passive, impersonal and implicit. Will be able to understand the gist of radio and TV shows.


Advanced 1:
Will be able to recount and write about events, personal experiences, traditions and habits using quite complex grammatical patterns such as subordination, tense agreement and indirect speech. A broadening of vocabulary will allow a very good understanding of literary prose as well as articles and news reports on current events. Will be able to follow without too much effort movies and radio and TV programs in standard Italian. Would be able to work or study in an Italian environment.


Advanced 2:
Will be able to interact with native speakers, orally or in writing, in any given situation whether it be formal or informal. Ability to discuss and express personal ideas including in an academic or professional context - in an elegant and well articulated manner through the use of forms of the subjunctive, "if" clauses and the passive voice. Ability to read a wide range of texts making distinctions between different styles of writing. Will be able to understand without difficulty TV and radio shows and movies.

Mastery:
Will be able to write fluently using correct grammar, sentence construction and the appropriate linguistic register. Will have acquired a wide vocabulary with specific application to specialized area such as Italian bureaucracy, youth culture and the field of medicine. Will be able to understand movies and TV programs even when idiomatic Italian, regional accents and slang expressions are used. Will be able to understand works of literature in both form and content.

According to the Common European Reference Levels -European Language Portfolio - our levels correspond as follows:

EUROPEAN LANGUAGE PORTFOLIO / LORENZO DE' MEDICI
A1  Beginner
A2  Intermediate 1
B1  Intermediate 2 / Intermediate 3
B2  Advanced 1
C1  Advanced 2 
C2  Mastery

 

FLORENCE


Espresso 4 is a group course consisting of 4 hours a day, 9.00am to 12.40pm, Monday through Friday. The appropriate level for each student will be determined by a placement test upon arrival. In case the student is an absolute beginner, he/she should start classes on the first Monday of the academic month.

Espresso 2 is a group course (only held in summer) consisting of 2 hours a day, from 2.10pm to 3.50pm, Monday through Friday. There are six levels, each of which takes 4 weeks to be completed. Upon arrival students will take a placement test.

Combination: In addition to the afore-mentioned courses, students who prefer taking classes for more than 2-4 hours a day can add one extra sixty-minute individual class with an Italian professor per day for 1 week (5 hrs. total).

Supplementary Courses: The combination of the Italian language courses with the Supplementary Courses – held in Italian - provides an opportunity to blend language practice with a pleasant and useful activity: Italian Cuisine and wines.



Whenever a student has very specific linguistic objectives, or particular time schedule requests, the LdM offers individual courses tailored in order to meet individual needs.

• Individual lessons per hour (minimum 5 hrs.)
• Individual 1 (4 hrs. per day for 1 week = 20 hrs.)
• Individual 2 (6 hrs. per day for 1 week = 30 hrs.)
  
• Individual 2 plus (includes lunch with teacher for 1 week = 30 hrs.)
• Individual 3 (8 hrs. per day for 1 week = 40 hrs.)
• Individual 3 plus (includes lunch with teacher for 1 week = 40 hrs
• Language, Art & Culture (8 hrs. per day including Italian language lessons, field trips & lunch with teacher for 1 week = 40 hrs.)

Certifications

LdM issues an attendance certificate and, on request, a certificate attesting the successful completion of courses. Successfully completing the final level of the Espresso course earns the student the Magister Linguae Certificate.
The school also prepares students to attain certifications issued by the following Universities:
- Università per stranieri di Siena (CILS)
- Università per stranieri di Perugia (CELI)

Twice a year the school also offers specific courses to practice and prepare for the Certification Exams CILS and CELI, which are usually held in June and December.

Teacher Training

Training Courses for Teachers of Italian as a Second Language:
This is a graduate course for Italians and foreigners who are interested in acquiring professional skills in teaching the Italian language in Italy and abroad. The course is two weeks long for a total of 50 hours: 30 hours of theoretical lectures plus workshops (mornings), and 20 hours of teaching practice (afternoons). This course is valid as a pre-requisite for admission to the Ditals II exam (second level).
- Type: Group
- Students nr/class: an average of 5 students (maximum 12).
Offered: Twice a year.

To see a full list of LdM courses and descriptions and to download the 2007 - 2008 General Course Catalog, please click here.

TUSCANIA
Italian language courses are normally organized in the morning, giving students the opportunity to combine them with cultural courses held in the afternoon, such as cooking and wine tasting.



Espresso 4 is a group course consisting of 4 hours a day, 9.00am to 12.40pm, Monday through Friday. The appropriate level for each student will be determined by a placement test upon arrival. In case the student is an absolute beginner, he/she should start classes on the first Monday of the academic month.

Regular Italian is a group course consisting of 3 hours a day, Monday through Thursday, offered in June and July. It is offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

Combination: In addition to the afore-mentioned courses, students who prefer taking classes for more than 2-4 hours a day can add one extra sixty-minute individual class with an Italian professor per day for 1 week (5 hrs. total).

Supplementary Courses: The combination of the Italian language courses with the Supplementary Courses – held in Italian - provides an opportunity to blend language practice with a pleasant and useful activity: Italian Cuisine and wines.



Whenever a student has very specific linguistic objectives, or particular time schedule requests, the LdM offers
individual courses tailored in order to meet individual needs.

• Individual lessons per hour (minimum 5 hrs.)
• Individual 1 (4 hrs. per day for 1 week = 20 hrs.)
• Individual 2 (6 hrs. per day for 1 week = 30 hrs.)
  
• Individual 2 plus (includes lunch with teacher for 1 week = 30 hrs.)
• Individual 3 (8 hrs. per day for 1 week = 40 hrs.)
• Individual 3 plus (includes lunch with teacher for 1 week = 40 hrs
• Language, Art & Culture (8 hrs. per day including Italian language lessons, field trips & lunch with teacher for 1 week = 40 hrs.)

ROME


Regular Italian is a group course consisting of 3 hours a day, Monday through Thursday, offered in June and July. It is offered at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels.

Combination: In addition to the afore-mentioned courses, students who prefer taking classes for more than 2-4 hours a day can add one extra sixty-minute individual class with an Italian professor per day for 1 week (5 hrs. total).



In cases where the student has very specific linguistic objectives, or particular time schedule requests, LdM offers individual courses tailored in order to meet the individual student's needs:

• Individual lessons per hour (minimum 5 hrs.)
• Individual 1 (4 hrs. per day for 1 week = 20 hrs.)
• Individual 2 (6 hrs. per day for 1 week = 30 hrs.)
  
• Individual 2 plus (includes lunch with teacher for 1 week = 30 hrs.)
• Individual 3 (8 hrs. per day for 1 week = 40 hrs.)
• Individual 3 plus (includes lunch with teacher for 1 week = 40 hrs
• Language, Art & Culture (8 hrs. per day including Italian language lessons, field trips & lunch with teacher for 1 week = 40 hrs.)

Istituto Venezia is officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education. It is a member of:

Asils  (Association of Schools for Italian as Second Language) which is partner of Elite (European Federation of National Associations for Teaching Mother Tongue to Foreign Students);
Tandem International (Network of Quality Language Institutes)
Since 1995, Istituto Venezia has been promoting and supporting the teaching of the Italian language and:

It coordinates and teaches the Venice International University's courses of Italian for foreigners (V.I.U. is Università Ca' Foscari, Istituto Universitario di Architettura, Ludwigs Maximilian Universität-Munich, Tel Aviv University, Universidad Autonoma de Barcelona and Duke University).

It runs internships and stages for the Postgraduate program "Teaching Italian to Foreigners" of Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Laboratorio Itals).It selects the I.U.A.V. students who will be part of the Socrates/Erasmus study abroad program.It hosts Intercultura international association's Italian classes.

It organizes and teaches several American universities study abroad programs.The Istituto Venezia teaching staff is highly qualified. All teachers have attended special education seminars and teaching training programs, in particular the "Itals Master Program" (Italian as second language) of Ca' Foscari University. They all have a long experience as teachers of Italian to foreign students. Teachers work in team and arrange daily meeting in order to organize the different teaching sections; they regularly update the teaching material, discuss and compare different teaching techniques.

People from all over the world have been attending our courses. Every month we welcome new students at all levels and with a wide variety of needs. For the most part, they come from Europe, United States and the Far East. Of course, we also have students from South America, Oceania, Africa and the Middle East.

The average age of the students range from 20 to 40, but there are students of every age in the classrooms.
The teaching methodology is based upon a fully communicative approach that promotes and encourages students’ active participation. This methodology aims at developing oral and written communication skills. A wide variety of up-to-date authentic material is used in class as valuable examples of real communication, thus introducing the students to Italian culture and society.

The main communication skills - listening, speaking, reading and writing - are equally investigated and gradually developed.

Most of the work in class focuses on the development of authentic communication skills, by using communication tasks and procedures based upon pair or group work; emphasis is also put on the reflection on linguistic structures and lexicon.


 

 

 

A variety of courses at all levels are available throughout the year. Students can choose or combine different course solutions.

Regular language course lasts 4 weeks. Is also possible to enrol only for 1, 2 or 3 weeks.

Beginners can start only from the first Monday of every monthly course (the schedule with the course dates point out a Monday of week 1 colored in red). Students who already know some Italian can enrol at times other than course-starting dates.

At the beginning of the course, students sit a simple written test and an oral interwiew. This will allow them to join the group of their same level. For this reasons is suggested that students arrive at the school at 8.45 a.m. on the first day of the class.

Fees cover all teaching material. At the end of the class student can ask for a certificate of attendance or, on request, a certificate attesting to the successful completion of courses.
A lesson-hour corresponds to 55 minutes.




Intensive Italian course in Venice
Classes are held everyday from Monday to Friday, 4 hours a day with two different teachers.

The courses begin every month and last 4 weeks - 80 hours. It is also possible to enrol only for 1, 2 or 3 weeks.

The course is organised in 5 levels. At the beginning of the course, students sit a simple written test and have an interwiew. This allows them to join a group of the same level. For this reason we suggest students arriving at school at 8.30 am on the first day.

Beginners can enrol only during the first week of every monthly course . Students who already know a bit of Italian can enrol any time.

According to their level, the participants can acquire a basic knowledge of Italian or improve and perfect the their previous knowledge. In each group there are maximum twelve students.



Price list 2008

1 week	2 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks
220 Euro	370 Euro	510 Euro	640 Euro
5 weeks	6 weeks	7 weeks	8 weeks
770 Euro	900 Euro	1030 Euro	1160 Euro
9 weeks	10 weeks
1290 Euro	1420 Euro
Long term courses
12 weeks	16 weeks	20 weeks	24 weeks
1500 Euro	2000 Euro	2500 Euro	3000 Euro

Intensive Low Budget Italian courses in Venice and Trieste
The difference between this course and the Intensive one is that in this case classes in Venice are held in the afternoon, from 4.30 pm to 8.30 pm and in Trieste from 9.00 a.m. to 13.00 a.m.

For this reason it is ideal if you want to have the time to visit churches and museums, to go to the seaside at the Venice Lido or at Trieste Barcola, or if you want to go to the library.

Classes are held during the summer session, everyday from Monday to Friday, 4 hours a day with two different teachers. You can enrol from 1 to 12 weeks. Beginners can only enrol during the first week.

In each group there are maximum 15 students and the course is organised in 3 levels:

• Beginners
• Intermediate
• Advanced students

You can take part in the cultural programme organised by the school every month independently of your level.

All the learning material and the events of the cultural programme are included.



Price list 2008

1 week	2 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks
160 Euro	280 Euro	380 Euro	480 Euro
extra week 100 Euro
Long term courses
12 weeks
1200 Euro

Superintensive italian course in Venice
It is designed for those students who wish to intensify their Italian language learning.

The course combines the Intensive course in the morning with the Individual course in the afternoon.

Two options are avaible:

• Superintensive course 1
  Combination between the Intensive course and 1 hour of Individual course in the afternoon.
  
  
• Superintensive course 2
  Combination between the Intensive course and 2 hour of Individual course in the afternoon.
  
  

Price list 2008

Superintensive course 1 in Venice

1 week	2 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks
380 Euro	690 Euro	990 Euro	1280 Euro
extra week 290 Euro

Superintensive course 2 in Venice

1 week	2 weeks	3 weeks	4 weeks
540 Euro	1010 Euro	1470 Euro	1920 Euro
extra week 450 Euro

Individual Italian course in Venice
You can start this course at any time of the year. The timetable, its duration and the amount of hours are decided according to your requests. The programme is made to suit your requirements. The minimum duration is 5 hours.

This is ideal if you are not free everyday, if you to take a crash course that only lasts a few days, or if you are not suited to group courses or you want to improve particular aspects of the language for work and study related reasons.

Semi-individual courses and mini-groups
We can organise the same type of course also for mini-groups (two, three, four students of the same level who enrol together).



Price list 2008

1 student	2 students	3 students	4 students
36 Euro/hour	46 Euro/hour	54 Euro/hour	64 Euro/hour

Art course in Venice
Thanks to the experience of our teachers, the students can know and appreciate the masterpieces of the greatest Venetian artists in painting, sculpture and architecture from the middle-ages to the contemporary age.

This experience will be unforgettable, since all the artistic works can be seen in the places they were designed for by Carpaccio, Bellini, Tiziano, Tintoretto, Veronese, Tiepolo, Sansovino, Palladio, Canova, Scarpa and many others.

Duration of course
This course takes place from Monday to Friday and the lessons are held in the morning or in the afternoon for three hours (15 hours a week), according to the opening-hours of museums, palaces, Great Schools that are included in the weekly programme (presented during the first day at school).

Language requirements
Since the lessons are held in Italian and since they deal specifically with Venetian art, history, culture and traditions, an intermediate level of knowledge is required (A2 of the european framework).

Enrolment
At the beginning of every week the students are given the programme of the lessons. The ones who are interested in this course can enrol for one or two weeks; the minimum number of students is 4, anyway there are generally 10-12 people at most each group; all the tickets for the entrances at the museums, churches, etc. are included.
We recommend to make a reservation for this course one month in advance, according to the dates of 2007.

Individual courses
It is possible to organise individual or semi-individual lessons (2 students).

Dates 2008

I week	II week
21.01 – 25.01	28.01 – 01.02
05.05 – 09.05	12.05 – 16.05
29.09 – 03.10	06.10 – 10.10
17.11 – 21.11	24.11 – 28-11

Price list 2008

1 week		2 weeks
15 hours 220 Euro		30 hours 370 Euro

1 student		2 students
45 Euro/hour		50 Euro/hour

Learn italian the proper way!

Courses from 1 week to one year and more
Ages 14 to 99...
Abc School is centrally located in Florence, Italy

"Last spring I took a beginning Italian course at ABC Centro di Lingua e Cultura Italiana in Florence. I had a great time! (There are a few schools with similar names; ...) The total cost for one month, including two 2-hour courses daily and accommodation with an Italian couple came to about $800 US. This is less than I would have spent staying in hostels for that month.
The school has daily activities and weekend field trips around Tuscany. The teachers are knowledgeable and friendly and the school is located in a former palace near the Piazza della Signoria and the Ponte Vecchio. Not many Americans seem to go there (I was one of two there out of about 60 students ), so this is a good chance to meet other students from around Europe."
Jicky — Bellingham, WA

In the heart of Florence, the ABC Center offers to their own students the avalaibility of partecipating at language, art and culture courses. The teachers at ABC Center are Florentines who are certified or have studied at Florence University. They have experience in teaching the Italian language to foreigners have apprenticed with experienced teachers at the center and are extremely friendly and welcoming. Listed below, is an example of how to spend your time at the ABC Center:   
1. A wide choice in Italian language courses.
2. Summer courses in Taormina.
3. Art and culture courses.
4. Afternoon seminars on current Italian issues.
5. Student Lounge.
6. Up to date information regarding cultural events, concerts, art shows, meeting places and economical shopping.
7. Guided tours of Florence, Tuscany and Italy.
8. Dinners, parties, visits to the countryside and to the sea group visits to the cinema and theatre.
9. Carefully selected accommodation.
10. Young and qualified teachers.
11. A reduced number of students per class (Max 7-10).
12. Low prices.
 
For many years the ABC Center has carried out research in the field of linguistics and didactics according to the Direct Teaching Method but the Center also takes into account the various existing trends in didactics exspecially regarding a solid grammatical base. The aim of this teaching method is oral and written communication and to achieve this there is a maximum of ten students per class.
 
This situation makes accurate and precise teaching possible where the students learn quickly and thoroughly. Two teachers lecture standard and intensive courses offering the students the opportunity of hearing different accents. The lessons and seminars take place exclusively in Italian. In order to place the students accurately in a class, there is an oral and a written test first.

The courses are divided into six levels and into two programs:

1. Formation

2. Specialization
The Formation Program is divided into three levels (elementary, middle and superior) and allows the students to reach the Threshold Level, i.e. the level of communicative competence according to the Modern Language Project of the Council of Europe. At the end of the program the students are able to express themselves correctly in Italian in written and in spoken form.

The Specialization Program is divided into three levels (Advanced 1, Advanced 2, and Advanced 3) and allows the students to have complete command of the language and a notable ability to express themselves In written and In spoken form.


Usually each level corresponds to a 4 week standard course.
It is possible to attend a course for a maximum of 24 weeks to complete the entire study program. Though some students decide to stay even longer...

  
   

Language Courses

STANDARD
A standard group course (20 lessons a week)
Classes focus on improving and developing your ability to communicate well in Italian in a variety of situations, practising in the four skills: Listening, Speaking, Writing and Reading.

STANDARD PLUS 3/5/10 INDIVIDUAL LESSONS A WEEK
Combine the advantages of small group tuition in the morning and the benefits of individual tuition (3- 5 - 10 lessons a week) in the afternoon for your precise language needs.

SPECIFIC
This group course allows the possibility to concentrate only on a specific part of the program, choosing between two daily lessons of grammar or conversation.

INDIVIDUAL COURSES
Structured to meet your precise linguistic and professional requirements.
Totally flexible (hours, contents, dates by arrangement).

TANDEM
The advantages of close individual attention, shared by two persons choosing to come together with a similar level of Italian.
Timetable, course duration, and starting dates by arrangement.
(Each lesson hour lasts 55 minutes)


Special Courses:

OTHER COURSES
Italian opera Singing
Graphic Illustration
Architecture Drawing and Perspective
Photography

OENOGASTRONOMICAL COURSES
Please, note that from this year we can organize also workshops in restaurants, wine cellars and wine shops, pizzerias, ice-cream labs, bars, confectioner's labs and so on.  Every students will learn directly, practising the choosen art.

ART COURSES
Drawing and Painting  
Ceramics: Throwing  
Majolica Decoration  
Drawing and painting  
Ceramics: Handbuilding  
Majolica Decoration  
Glass Soldering  
Modern Mosaic  
Glass Fusing  
Ceramics: Throwing and Handbuilding  
Sculpture  
Modern Mosaic  
Glass Soldering  
History of art and guided art-visits in Italian and in English are also available

JEWELLERY COURSES
Jewellery  
Wax Making  
Engraving  
Chasing  
Jewellery open work


LANGUAGE COURSES
CILS Certificazione d’Italiano Lingua Seconda  - Università per Stranieri di Siena. 
AIL Accademia Italiana di Lingua.  
CELI Universita’ per Stranieri di Perugia  For those students who wish to prepare for these exams we suggest:Standard plus 10 Individual lessons a week. Minimum 4 weeks.
COURSES FOR ADMISSION TO THE FOLLOWING ITALIAN UNIVERSITIES Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, Pharmacy, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Natural Sciences, Architecture, Engineering, Economics, Law, Political Science, History of art, Philosophy, Psychology. Requisite: ability to express yourself in both verbal and written of Italian.
COURSE FOR THE PERFECTION OF THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE  Requisite: ability to express yourself in written and spoken form of Italian
COURSE FOR THE PREPARATION TO TEACH ITALIAN  Requisite: ability to express yourself in written and spoken form of Italian.
LITERATURE •HISTORY OF ART  
COMMERCIAL CORRESPONDENCE  
ITALIAN COOKING

 

LINGUA IT is an institute that specialises in teaching Italian to foreigners. The school’s primary objective is to immerse students in the real language and culture of Italy. Studying Italian in Italy brings with it the unique opportunity to listen, speak and live the actual language, using the native terms and expressions as they are used by Italians. Using mass media and a variety of other textual stimuli, the teachers at LINGUA IT combine the best possible teaching methods with an active immersion in Italian culture to give students a total exposure to the Italian language.
The school is located in the historical centre of Verona just a few steps away from the Arena and the most important monuments of the city. LINGUA IT is close to all services and is easily reached by public transport. The staff will be able to give you all the information you need to reach the premises in the quickest and easiest way.

TEACHING METHODOLOGY - Methodology
The teaching methodology employed at LINGUA IT is based on the most current educational techniques and texts available. Finely tuned to meet the specific needs and interests of different classes and students, each language course focuses simultaneously on the four components on which all language is built: oral expression and comprehension (speaking and listening) and written expression and comprehension (writing and reading). In addition to traditional grammar instruction and speaking exercises where focus is given to the linguistic form and characteristics of Italian, students are encouraged to participate in less structured activities that promote spontaneous, sub-conscious learning, developing communication skills in a natural and instinctive manner. In a relaxed and informal environment, over an extended period of time, students at LINGUA IT quickly improve and loose their fear of speaking a new language, frequently surprising themselves with the speed at which they become competent and confident with Italian. The teaching method adopted at the school encourages active class participation and interaction by all students. Always grouped with others of a similar skill level, students need not be fearful of class participation. After a day at the school, students invariably relax into the routine of lessons and find the presence of other students a help rather than a hindrance to the learning process. Outside the regular morning classes, students of different levels are brought together for the optional cultural courses (guided tours, lectures on art and history, cooking courses etc). The naturally informal nature of these events makes the merging of different levels comfortable and easy and benefits both beginners and advanced students alike.

Teaching Resources
The aim of each language course is to teach students the Italian language as it is used naturally, in real life situations. LINGUA IT utilises a variety of resources (written texts, audio and video stock, newspaper articles, images, music and didactic games) to meet this end.
Well aware that foreign language textbooks and schools often teach a version of a language that is outmoded or rarely used by the native speakers of the country, the teachers at LINGUA IT have compiled a specialised and comprehensive assortment of teaching materials and learning aids that use real-world linguistic examples. The use of play excerpts, television and radio programs, advertisements, literary passages, song lyrics, greeting cards, dialogues of telephone conversations, newspaper and magazine articles, government forms, diary entries, comics, letters and reviews (just to name a few), ensures that students will be exposed to the real language of Italy, as it is used in both formal and informal contexts.
The variety of topics explored in both the texts and conversations at LINGUA IT (ranging from basic introductory skills to the exploration of complex theoretical and philosophic ideas), address an array of linguistic demands. By immersing students in a variety of real-life situations, they are given the confidence and skills they need to effectively participate and interact in the Italy of today. 

Course Levels
At the beginning of each language course, students (beginners excluded) are given a short test to evaluate their competence and determine which level they are best suited to. At the conclusion of each course level, students sit a final test. The results are evaluated and used to determine whether the student is ready to proceed onto the next course level. The language courses are divided into five levels (plus an additional sixth level for those who want to perfect their proficiency) with a maximum number of eight students per class and a minimum number of three.


Beginners:
In the Beginners Level, students learn basic communication skills clearly geared for the everyday. A strong grammar base is introduced and the vocabulary taught is simple but precise.

Elementary:
Students of the Elementary Level actively participate in conversation structured around general issues and topics. In this course, solid focus is given to the correct employment of various grammatical principles and rules and students develop a comprehensive and broad vocabulary.

Intermediate:
Through discussion and textual analysis, students in the Intermediate Level explore a range of complicated themes and ideas, gaining a strong command of the Italian language and a deeper understanding of both grammatical and linguistic elements. In this course, students are exposed to the language of the mass media and the variable nature of Italian as it is affected by intonation and different contexts within Italian society.

Post-Intermediate:
This course is dedicated to perfecting students’ communication skills and equipping them with an understanding of the nuances that make up a thorough knowledge of Italian. In the Post-Intermediate Course, students are taught the correct usage of colloquialisms and idiomatic expressions and are also exposed to some of the more complex structures of the Italian language.

Advanced:
In this course students practice using Italian naturally and competently in all conceivable life situations. Embracing the spectrum of scenarios from everyday interaction (including communication in the work environment) to the use of Italian in the discussion of highly complicated themes and ideas, pupils of the Advanced Level secure a full and comprehensive mastery of all the grammatical and syntactical structures of the Italian language. This level also equips students with the skills necessary to competently construct a variety of written documents.

Proficiency Perfection:
At this level, students already have a strong mastery of the Italian language. The Proficiency Perfection Course is devoted to fine-tuning students’ syntax and manner of expression through participation in discussion groups dedicated to a variety of topics. This course also aims to enrich and embellish vocabulary and improve students’ written and oral expression as well as perfecting their ability to communicate in a rapid and precise manner. Students are guided through specialised texts, documents and a variety of essays on varying topics with the aim of exposing them to the specific details, style and vocabulary employed in each and the reasons why.
 

Language Courses

STANDARD LANGUAGE COURSES - (LS)

Classes in all Standard Language Courses are held from 9.00am to 1.00pm Mondays to Friday. The four hours are split into four lessons of 55 minutes each: two lessons back-to-back followed by a 20-minute break and then another two lessons back-to-back. On Tuesday afternoons, the Art History teacher accompanies all students who wish to attend on a free tour of Verona, focusing on different aspects of the city’s art, architecture and history each week. On the first day of school all students (beginners excluded) sit a short test to ascertain which course level is most appropriate for them to join. Students also take a test at the completion of each language course level to evaluate their progress and determine whether they are ready to move on to the succeeding level. There are six standard language course levels.
The maximum number of students in any class is eight while a minimum requirement of three pupils is needed to activate the course.

TANDEM LANGUAGE COURSES - (LT)

LINGUA IT offers a Tandem Language Course for two people travelling together who would prefer personalised lessons (two students only) to larger group classes. These courses are significantly cheaper than private lesson. The classes run for three hours each day for a total of 15 hours per week. Students sit an entrance test (voluntary for beginners) to ascertain their skills and also sit a final test at the completion of the course to evaluate their progress. On Tuesday afternoons students of the Tandem Language Course are invited to join other students on the free, guided Art History tours of Verona.

SPECIAL WEEKEND COURSES - (LW)

Taking a weekend in Verona? If you are travelling with another person LINGUA IT gives you the opportunity to learn Italian in short, intensive weekend courses that you can continue (either regularly or sporadically) throughout the year. Each weekend course comprises twelve hours of classes spread over Saturday and Sunday.


PRIVATE LESSONS - (LI)

LINGUA IT recommends private lessons for those students with time constraints or special needs and requirements. With the teacher at your complete disposal, private lessons are an effective way to study in-depth, all the linguistic and grammatical aspects of Italian.


Private Lessons (55 minutes) LI   
           1 hour  € 30 
         10 hours € 290 
         20 hours € 540
         50 hours € 1250

The course prices listed below include all textbooks and other didactic materials used, the initial and final evaluative tests and IVA (tax). All prices are per person in Euro (€) unless otherwise specified.

FORIEGN RESIDENTS COURSES - (LR)

The Foreign Residents’ Course is designed for those who live in Verona (or the surrounding region) and want to study Italian language and grammar in depth, on an on-going basis. This course, offered at all levels to meet the varying needs of different students, comprises two weekly lessons (totalling 3 hours per week) held on afternoons or evenings.

The minimum number of students for a level to be activated is three.


PREPARATION COURSE FOR THE CILS EXAMS (Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera) OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SIENA

These courses are run twice weekly on afternoons or evenings, for a total of four hours per week. These courses are also open to those students attending one of the Standard Language Courses who would like to sit the CILS examinations.


PREPARATION COURSE FOR STUDY IN ITALIAN UNIVERSITIES

This course is designed for foreigners who want to study in an Italian University. Course structure, layout and costs depend on the requirements of the individual student/s.

UNIVERSITY AND SCHOOL GROUPS

LINGUA IT organises special Italian language and culture courses for scholastic and University groups. Course programs, times and fees are determined by the requirements of the group.

COMPANIES

LINGUA IT offers Italian language and culture courses for businesses, on application. Lessons can be conducted near the institute or on the applicant’s premises. Course programs, times and fees are determined by the requirements of the individual or group.


CULTURAL COURSES

LINGUA IT well understands the importance of alternative (less structured) methods of learning when studying a new language. To that end, the school encourages its pupils to participate in a wide range of cultural courses that promote language learning by developing communication skills in a natural and instinctive manner. Teachers, well-versed and fully-qualified in their chosen field, guide students through the many wonders, secrets and beauties of Italy’s history and culture, offering rich insight into both Italian life and the Italian language. The staff at LINGUA IT encourage hands-on, active participation by all pupils not only to keep the dynamic of the class fresh and interesting but also to advance students’ linguistic skills. Each Cultural Course is fluid and tailored specifically to meet the interests and requirements of different students groups. Classes are conducted twice weekly in the afternoons and run for one-and-a-half-hours each (two hours each for the Cinema Course).

A minimum number of three students is required to activate any Cultural Course. The price of each Cultural Course includes all materials and equipment used but excludes the cost of theatre, cinema and opera tickets.


ITALIAN ART HISTORY COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
Italy is the largest living ‘museum’ in the world. Students of the Italian Art History Course are given the opportunity to step inside this museum and explore the infinite number of treasures it contains. Through the Romanesque and Gothic periods to the rich Renaissance and Baroque eras, students examine some of the greatest artworks of the western world and meet such celebrated masters as Giotto, Botticelli, Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo, Piero della Francesca, Mantegna, Caravaggio as well as many others. In this course, particular focus is given to the Italian Renaissance, the art and architecture of Verona, the genius works of Andrea Palladio and the flourishing art of Venice. The Italian Art History Course comprises lectures, discussions, audio-visual displays and is also supplemented by guided day tours and weekend excursions (including weekend trips) that will scheduled during the course.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Italian Art History Courses for those with specific interests such as art historians, university students, or those working on a PhD in art history.

ITALIAN HISTORY COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
The Italian History Course covers in detail the broad history of Italy: the facts, oddities, anecdotes and famous people that have made the country’s history so rich and fascinating. The lectures span from the story of the foundation of Rome to the Italy of today, paying particular attention to modern history: the unification of Italy, World War I, Mussolini and the Fascists, Word War II and the establishment of the Italian Republic. A comprehensive and fascinating collection of historical artefacts (photographs, maps, political documents, newsreel footage and films) are used to colour the lectures.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Italian History Courses for those with specific interests such as historians, university students, or those working on a PhD in history.

ITALIAN LITERATURE COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
The Italian Literature Course examines some of the most significant works in Italian literature, paying particular attention to those that have had a strong influence on the development and nature of the language. Rather than giving a broad overview of all of Italian literature, this course investigates in-depth a few select texts, focusing on the defining characteristics of particular authors and the periods in which they wrote. During this series of classes students will be encouraged to analyse and discuss the texts in a group forum. The course program is fluid and will be determined at the commencement of each Italian Literature Course, based on the specific interests and requirements of the students.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Italian Literature Courses for those with specific interests such as writers, university students or those working on a PhD in Italian literature.

ITALIAN THEATRE COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
Theatre is a gateway into the society and times in which it was written and produced. The Italian Theatre Course explores, in-depth, the various playwrights, stylistic periods and texts that have had a significant impact on Italian theatre.
This course involves a comprehensive historical overview of Italian theatre and its protagonists, analysis of various significant plays (both modern and classical), audio-visual expositions as well as excursions to see live theatrical performances in Verona and other major cites. Please note that theatre tickets are not included in the course price.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Italian Theatre Courses for those with specific interests such as people involved in the performing arts, university students or those working on a PhD in Italian theatre.

ITALIAN CINEMA COURSE
(This course is open to students of all language levels)
This course, which begins with a lively introduction to the history and key players of Italian cinema, can take one of two paths (depending on the preferences and interests of the students). The class can either elect to explore a specific theme in Italian cinema across a collection of periods, cinematic styles and films. Or, they may prefer to examine in-depth, the filmography of one particular Italian director or actor. Both versions of the Italian Cinema Course comprise screenings of both classic and contemporary films and include lectures and group discussions.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Italian Cinema Courses for those with specific interests such as people involved in the performing arts, university students or those working on a PhD in cinema.

ITALIAN CUSTOMS AND SOCIETY COURSE
(This course is open to students of all language levels)
The Italian Customs and Society Course is a fascinating examination of the tastes, trends, passions, modes of thinking, stereotypes, idiomatic expressions and concerns (both old and new) that characterise Italy and its people. A fun and animated series of lectures and discussions, this course aims to portray what it means to be Italian from an Italian’s point of view, comparing this with foreign impressions of Italy and Italians.

ITALIAN FASHION AND STYLE
(The course is recommended to those of all Italian language abilities)
This course explores the phenomenon that is Italian fashion, its place in Italian society and culture and its effect on style throughout the world. Lessons alternate between the study of specific labels and designers to more general classes on the fashion styles of today, the influence (both social and economic) of Italian fashion on the world as well as exploring the immediate statement made by the clothes you wear. It is an enjoyable and entertaining way of learning the Italian language and grants insights into the modern culture and society of Italy.

ITALIAN OPERA COURSE
(This course is open to students of all language levels)
This course offers those with a passion for music the opportunity to study the scores, libretti and composers of Italian opera - a genre in which Italy is unsurpassed on the world stage. With the annual outdoor opera festival held at Verona’s Roman amphitheatre every year, students of the Italian Opera Course have a unique opportunity to experience one of the most memorable theatrical events in the world. During the lessons, students will be given ample opportunity to explore and discuss the themes and musical styles that characterise Italian opera and then, in the summer months, they can savour the magic and charm of watching a performance under the Veronese stars with 20,000 other opera-enthusiasts. For those interested, an alternative course on The History of Italian Music is also available, offering a comprehensive overview and insight into Italy’s rich musical history. Please note that opera tickets are not included in the course price.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Italian Opera Courses for those with specific interests such as people involved in the performing arts, music students or those working on a PhD in music or music history.

LATIN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
The Roman culture and its language provide an inexhaustible well from which the language and culture of modern Italy is drawn. The Latin Language and Culture Course therefore, is a useful and fascinating way for students to gain greater understanding of Italian. Examining the base grammar, etymology and principle themes of select examples of Latin poetry and literature, students will see first-hand the roots of the Italian language and how, over the ages, it has transformed into its present form.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Latin Language and Culture Courses for those with specific interests such as Latin students or those working on a PhD in Latin language and Literature.

ANCIENT GREEK LANGUAGE AND CULTURE COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
The ancient Greek world lives on in the language and mentality of the modern western world. Students of this course study the ancient Greek alphabet, grammar and vocabulary as well as the key elements of Ancient Greece’s history and culture. The Ancient Greek Language and Culture Course elucidates the links between present day western culture and language and the ancient culture and language of the Greeks.
* LINGUA IT can also arrange special tailored (group or private) Ancient Greek Language and Culture Courses for those with specific interests such as ancient Greek culture and language students or those working on a PhD in Ancient Greek history or language.

 
SPECIALIST COURSES

LINGUA IT organises specialist language courses for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian, who wish to refine their language skills for particular professional or social sectors. Specialist Course programs and teaching methods will be designed around the specific needs and interests of students. The Specialist Courses demand a high-level of interaction between teacher and pupil and will only be run with a minimum number of three students.


These courses are held on two afternoons each week for a total number of 3 hours per week.

Specialist Courses CS


ITALIAN BUSINESS LANGUAGE COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
This course is designed for foreign students, executives, managers and professionals who have some knowledge of Italian but would like to better understand the language and processes used in Italian business and the workplace.
The course covers the compilation of an Italian Curriculum Vitae (CV), the standard terminology and conduct encountered in job interviews, the presentation and description of projects and products, the logistics of business travel arrangements, commercial correspondence and legal jargon. The Italian Business Language Course also provides students with an introductory overview of Italian economics and legislation.

ITALIAN LEGAL SYSTEM COURSE
(This course is recommended for those with an intermediate or advanced knowledge of Italian)
This course provides students with a broad overview of the Italian legal system, the structure of the Italian constitution and the jargon used in both. Through comprehensive document analysis and composition, students will gain a better understanding of Italian legal language (both written and spoken) and be able to communicate competently and confidently using legal terminology.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSE FOR COMPUTER SCIENCE
(This course is open to students of all language levels)
This course teaches students the language and jargon they need to better work with Italian-based computers and software. Students are taken on a guided tour of the most popular Italian-version software, the principal national ISPs (Internet Service Providers), the key search engines used in Italy as well as myriad web sites. Throughout, participants will be exposed to the gamut of Italian computer-science terminology as well as the specifics of Italian telematics.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSE FOR TOURISM
(This course is open to students of all language levels)
This language course is dedicated to teaching students how to communicate correctly and effectively in the world of tourism. Designed for those currently working in the industry who would like to develop and polish their language skills, the Italian Language Course for Tourism teaches students everything that needs to be said… and not said.
Covering a spectrum of tourism-related scenarios (dealing with hotels, organising public and private transport companies, making bookings at travel agents, restaurants and hotels etc.), students are encouraged to actively participate in this class through role-play, fax and letter composition, making ‘dummy’ bookings and reservations, and writing and reading brochures.
 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

The school is in the heart of the historical centre of Naples, in the university area. You will meet friendly people who will help you for the accommodation and will give you all the information you need to spend a pleasant stay in Naples. You will become part of a familiar surrounding, informal and cheerful just like the Neapolitans’ nature. The teachers have a long experience in didactic of the Italian language as a foreign language. Apart from the language courses you will take part to other interesting activities: lectures, guided tours in the city, Italian films and walks to discover the most original aspect of our city.

The Centre teaching way is that of integrated approach, based on direct method and the only use of Italian language during the lessons. Stdents are stimulated to use Italian and then to reflect and understand the basic structures and grammar knowledge of the language. That will aloow them to move the linguistic models already learnt to different situations.
During anny lesson great attention is given to the students' necessities and their different ways of learning, so that teachers will use different methods (individual, couple, group levels) and various expressions.

LEVELS
There are seven teaching levels. After an entry test, students are enroled in a group fit to them and will move to the next level after passing a final test.
Beginners
This course is for students who have never been in contact with the Italian language. Teachers will offer them simple communication instruments to come into touch with other people (introducing, speaking about themselves, ordering at a bar, going shopping, ask for information)
Elementary 1
This course gives the same communication instruments as the beginners' together with a grammar study and a greater number of words and expressions.
Elementary 2
This course gives the students the useful grammar and lexical instruments for everyday social situations, to tell past experiences and speak about future expectations.
Intermediate
The aim of this course is to give the students the ability to speak correctly about past happenings or express wishes and suppositions. At the same time, the students will be put into contact with simple italian texts and passages to discuss about.
Medium
At the end end of this course, students will have the ability to formulate suppositions in a complete way and to express ideas about every situation. The teaching method is enriched by the reading of newspapers and magazines and the producing of written texts.
Advanced 1
The two objectives of this course are: a good, analytical knowledge of the Italian grammar and the development of speaking abilities through diffucult texts and audio-visual media.
Advanced 2
The objectives are the same as the previous one, but with greater attention to the learning of different linguistic styles and the written production

Through the year the Centro organizes, for people who wish to join their holiday in Capri, Sorrento and Ischia to the Italian language learning, individual lessons to be taken in the student's hotel.
The minimum number of lessons is two hours a day.
The programme of the lessons is agreed with the teacher according to the interests and need of the student.
The centro provides to the didactic matherial and lends the textbook to the student.
The secretariat of the centro will, free on request, book the room of a hotel in the place chosen.

 

 

Throughout the year, the Centre offers various kinds of course to meet the diverse needs of students.

Intensive courses (a1)
These take place every month of the year, each course has a duration of 4 weeks. One, two and three-week enrolment is also accepted. The courses consist of:
* 80 hours of Italian language lessons (4 hours a day from Monday to Friday)
* 2 sessions of socio-cultural information Two 2-hour sessions on the following topics:
o Italian music
o Neapolitan music
o Italian cinema
o Eduardo de Filippo and the Neapolitan theatre
o The Regions of Italy
o Naples: its history and traditions
* Guided tours of Naples and its surroundings (one tour each week)
* Italian films (one each week)

Starting dates
*14/01	28/01	*11/02	25/02	*10/03	25/03
*07/04	21/04	*05/05	19/05	*09/06	23/06
*07/07	21/07	*04/08	18/08	*01/09	15/09
*29/09	13/10	*27/10	10/11	*24/11	08/12
Duration	Prices
4 weeks	580,00
3 weeks	470,00
2 weeks	350,00
1 weeks	220,00
1 extra weeks	130,00

 

Intensive courses plus (a2)
Individual lessons from 5 to 10 hours each per week (1 or 2 hours in the afternoon) together with the intensive course for students who need to widen their knowledge of the course contents and develop oral ability.

Hours	Euro
10 one-to-one lessons per week	210,00
5 one-to-one lessons per week	130,00

Three-month courses (a3)

These are held from November to February and from March to June. The 2-hour lessons take place three times a week over a period of 14 weeks. The course consists of:
84 hours of Italian language lessons (two hours a day, three times a week) 2 sessions of socio- cultural information
All students except beginners can enrol after the starting date of a course.
Each intensive and three-month study group has a maximum of 12 students in order to guarantee the best possible learning conditions and a close relationship with the teacher.
On completion of each course, students receive a certificate of attendance if they have attended at least 90% of the course.

Dates of Three-month courses
5th November 2007 - 22nd February 2008
3rd March - 13th June 2008
3rd November 2008 - 20th February 2009
Duration	Euro
14 weeks	600,00

Commercial Italian course (a4)
A 2-week course, five 3-hour lessons per week from Monday to Friday. The course covers finance, tourism, business, and commercial correspondence.

Dates of the commercial Italian courses

10th - 21th March

7th - 18st April

12th - 23rd May

16th - 17th June

6th - 17th October

3rd - 14th November

Euro

400,00

Personalized courses (A5)

These are special courses for one or two students, one week or more in duration, with 8 hours of lessons and conversation per day (including lunch with the teacher). The courses are organized according to the individual needs of each student. By means of total immersion in situations typical of everyday life, the student makes immediate use of the language in order to achieve his/her objectives.

Duration	Euro
1 week	1050,00

One-to-one lessons (A6)

One ore more students may request individual lessons, agreeing the programme and timetable according to their study needs.

Duration	Euro
1 hour	30,00
2 hours	50,00

An italian weekend
For people who have little time but are eager for an opportunity to study Italian during the weekend, we offer this 12-hour course.
It is for individual students or small groups (from 2 to 4 people) with about the same level of knowledge of the language.
The schedule includes 8 hours of lessons on Saturday, from 9:00 to 17:00 (lunch with the teacher in a pizza restaurant included) and 4 hours of instruction on Sunday, from 9:00 to 13:00.
Lessons can take place in the school or in the student's accommodation or around the city centre, or perhaps the bars, the streets and the characteristic alleys.
The textbook, the lunch in a pizza restaurant and 12 hours of Italian language lessons are included in the price of the course.

Prices
An Italian weekend	8 hours Saturday + 4 hours Sunday
1 student	€ 500,00
2 students	€ 600,00
3 students	€ 680,00
4 students	€ 750,00

The Courses

• Standard Courses - (S2, S3, S4)
4 hours a day (more than 3 students) / 3 hours a day (less than 4 students), from Monday to Friday, for a minimum of 2 weeks. Grammar and conversation lessons. In about six months time the student will complete the programme, which enable one to face the most varied communication functions.

• Intensive Courses - (I2, I3, I4)
Standard Course + 2 hours of individual lesson a day

• Extensive Courses - (E2, E3)
2 hours a day twice a week (E2) or three times a week (E3) for a minimum of 8 weeks (morning or evening).

• Individual Lessons - (I)
It is possible to begin the lessons any day of the year. Classes can also be held in other locations. Personalised courses are offered to companies and embassies. The course schedules are established with the secretary's office. (10% discount on 30 lessons booked and paid in advance). Preparatory lessons for (FOR C.I.L.S EXAM (Università per Stranieri di Siena) – IT (Università di Roma Tre).

• Conversation Courses (C.C.)
Upon request of minimum 4 students. 2/4 hours per week. Lessons are held on Saturday morning or one afternoon a week. Current events, Italian culture and lifestyle or other topics of interest will be examined during the lessons.

• Special Courses (S.C.)
At the request of at least 4 students, 16 hours a month. The supplementary cultural seminars are offered in the afternoon. A good knowledge of the Italian language is requested:
- Italian Art history (including guided tours in Rome)
- Italian for business (specific business terminology, commercial correspondence, contracts etc.)
- Italian Literature

• Italian Opera singing and music
Individual or mini-groups lessons including breathing technique and voice exercises, singing practice using excerpts from famous Italian operas. Prices and schedule can be obtained from the secretary’s office.

• Cooking Courses (not professional)
Lessons are held in a typical Roman restaurant (trattoria), 3/4 hours of theory/practice (with a professional cook) in private residence with Italian mother tongue teachers. Typical recips, terminology and idioms are used in the kitchen for conversation and eating together. Small groups, (one Sunday per month), upon reservation. For information on prices and schedule ask to the Secretary’s Office.

• Vacation Courses in Tuscany -CETONA
A delightful medieval village in the countryside of Siena. Intensive one-to-one or group week-end courses, in days to be agreed. Further information available in the secretary office. Painting coruses. Beginners and Advanced Courses.

• CLASSES
The students will study in small groups of 3/12 people of different nationalities with similar language levels. The small size of the classes guarantees individual attention as well as high quality of teaching.

We hope this can be for you a start for a cultural exploration of Italy. We will be pleased to endow you with an instrument capable to improve your knowledge of our country: the italian language. Look at it as a key to open the many doors of our reality. We wish you good work and a very nice trip!

Koinè is a special kind of school. In fact it was set up in 1980 as an association of teachers, all coming from personal and professional experiences in the area of teaching Italian as a foreign language. Since these teachers were dissatisfied with their experiences, they decided to create a new structure which would differ from other private schools in the style of work and teaching methods.

Our courses lay emphasis on spoken language, not disregarding grammar rules, but considering language in its actual function, that is a means of communication between people. Therefore our lessons are focused on making students communicate in italian, helping them to achieve a better expression and comprehension. In this we have always been accurate and our method has been established over a 20 years activity of constant research and applied studies.
Our school gained official recognization by the Italian Ministry of Education last year and belongs to the Asils association of Italian schools for foreigners.

The program and didactic method were developed over a 10-year period of research and testing by the didactic group of the Koinè Centre. Through this work, the Center has developed teaching materials, books, and audiovisual tools and organized seminars and teacher orientation courses.
THE PROGRAM Our courses represent a communications program based on the realities of everyday life in Italy, and include the main aspects of social and cultural reality. We have established a program which, through the selection of specific reading materials, helps the student experience Italian society in an individual, personal way and not merely though the eyes of a tourist.
THE METHOD Our program follows a method which considers different didactic methods, but is based principally on activities requiring the use of creativity and induction. These kinds of activities are aimed at developing the confidence and autonomy of the student who is required to participate actively in classes. In this way, the students become the protagonists and the teacher becomes a discussion leader. According to the best scientific research, in order to be truly effective, teaching should involve not only the rational part of the memory but also the unconscious. The goal is to conquer concrete abilities. First, talking and speaking and then reading and writing, to avoid learning blocked by the inability to communicate effectively.

 
On the first day, students take a language test to determine their level and to enable us to create homogeneous classes. There are five levels divided into two cycles. Each level takes a month to complete. Therefore, it is possible to attend for a minimum of 1 month and a maximum of 5 months to complete the entire cycle.

BASE LEVEL The attainment by passing three proficiency levels of the “threshold level B1”; that is, the level of communicative ability recognized by the Common European Framework for Languages as permitting participation in an Italian language environment.
ELEMENTARY LEVEL Allows means to handle most daily situations, to satisfy basic needs, and to understand relatively simple information.
INTERMEDIATE LEVEL Allows means to handle most daily situations, to express one's point of view, and to explain, describe, and recount in a sufficiently precise manner.
ADVANCED LEVEL This enables one to reach the threshold level, i.e., to obtain those linguistic instruments of communication necessary to move easily within Italy and in direct contact with Italians. The entire cycle places emphasis on the spoken language.
SPECIALIZATION LEVEL At two teaching levels: the rationalization through the systematic procedures of knowledge of the language, of correctness of expression of the richer aspects of the spoken and written language.

Upper Level 1: Morphology and syntax 1st part. Analysis and in-depth study of various tone levels in the spoken language.
Upper Level 2: Morphology and syntax, 2nd part. Analysis and in-depth study of the various tone levels in written language. Introduction to dialects.