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

The Rome Language Centre of the Dante Alighieri group was opened in 1981 and specialises in the teaching of Italian language and culture to foreign students. The main school was set up in Florence in 1966 and today the Centro Linguistico Italiano Dante Alighieri has a number of other centres also in Greece. The school has authorisation from the Education Ministry and is open all year round.

The Centre

The Rome centre is housed in a stylish turn of the century building, at 1 Piazza Bologna. It is within easy reach of the city centre and all other areas, amply served by Underground Line B and many bus routes. The classrooms are large and bright and there is a terrace which, in spring, summer and autumn, becomes a meeting-place for students during breaks. All the classrooms are climatized.

The Staff

Our staff is on hand to provide information or help students with any problem.

Giulia Savona, Head of Administration, has twenty years' experience with CLI and handles general management.

Fabrizio Fucile, Head of Studies, has taught Italian and Latin since 1990, with a specialist interest in Italian Studies in which he gained his research doctorate and as well as handling management of studies, co-ordinates relations with oversea teaching institutes.

Elena Lachin is Head of Student Services.


Teaching Staff, Methods and Course-Books

Members of the Danti Alighieri CLI teaching staff are all humanities graduates and have followed teacher training courses in the teaching of Italian as a second language, organised by the school. They keep abreast of new teaching concepts, methods and tools.

The method adopted by the teachers is the communicative grammar method. Each lesson is structured in two parts: in the first, morpho-syntactical structures are presented and written and oral exercises immediately assess the individual student's level of understanding and reproduction. In the second part, the student learns to apply the new linguistic structures in the most varied situations from the colloquial to the more formal and bureaucratic, broadens his personal vocabulary and practices using the idiomatic expressions of spoken Italian.

Course-books have been developed from years of experience and successful teaching methods used at the school: the books are the result of co-operation between language specialists and teachers themselves who have a more direct experience of the problems and needs of the students. The CLI Dante Alighieri course-books are used also by European and American schools and universities.

 

group courses

The courses progress through 9 levels (elementary, intermediate and higher), from absolute beginners to training courses for teachers of Italian abroad.

Each course level is completed in four weeks. However, courses may be followed from a minimum of two weeks to a maximum of nine months (beginners).

Lessons are held from Monday to Friday and last 60 minutes.

Groups are limited to a maximum of 10-13 students. The limited class size and regular practice make it possible for teachers to follow the whole class individually, monitor daily progress and so obtain excellent results in a short time.

course	length	type	Lesson times	price
GL	120 hours in 4 weeks	Grammar, conversation + 40 hours culture	Monday-Friday 9am-1pm Afternoon from 2pm	Euro 840,00
GL/2	60 hours in 2 weeks	Grammar, conversation + 20 hours culture	Monday-Friday 9am-1pm Afternoon from 2pm	Euro 600,00
G8	80 hours in 4 weeks	Grammar and conversation	Monday-Friday 9am-1pm	Euro 595,00
G8/2	40 hours in 2 weeks	Grammar and conversation	Monday-Friday 9am-1pm	Euro 390,00
G6	60 hours in 4 weeks	Grammar and conversation	Monday-Friday 3pm-6pm	Euro 470,00
G4	40 hours in 4 weeks	Italian grammar	Monday-Friday 9am-11am	Euro 400,00
GS2	20 hours in 4 weeks	Grammar and conversation	From October to June, Tuesday and Thursday 6pm-8.30pm	Euro 180,00
GD1	50 hours in 2 weeks	Grammar, group conversation + 10 individual hours	Monday-Friday 9am-1pm 2pm-3pm	Euro 710,00
GD2	60 hours in 2 weeks	Grammar, group conversation + 20 individual hours	Monday-Friday 9am-1pm 2pm-4pm	Euro 1.090,00
K	10 hours in 1 week	Italian cultural lessons	Monday-Friday, 14.00-16.00	Euro 110,00

 

individual courses

With an individual course, the student has the chance to tailor the course to fit his needs and attain excellent results in a very short time. Such courses are particularly suited to the needs of executives, managers, diplomats, professionals, artists and university Professors and researchers.

Highly-qualified teachers and a carefully planned syllabus are the keys to success which make students come back and recommend us to others.

The timetable for individual courses is drawn up to fit in with the student's schedule. Weekend courses are also available.

With courses D8, D10 and S9 (inclusive of dinner with the teacher in select restaurants) a good level of language may be reached in only two or three weeks.

course	length	frequency	lesson times	price
D2	10 hours	2 hours a day	1 week	Euro 380,00
D4	20 hours	4 hours a day	1 week	Euro 760,00
D6	30 hours	6 hours a day	1 week	Euro 1.140,00
D8	40 hours	8 hours a day Lunch in "Trattoria" with teacher	1 week	Euro 1.870,00
S9	100 hours	11 hours a day Dinner in Restaurant with teacher	9 days	Euro 5.000,00

culture courses

Cultural courses last two weeks and are held in the early afternoon.

The course objective is to introduce the student to the culture, politics and society of Italy.

Subjects offered each month are art, history and literature. Cycles of individual lessons may be organised on the history of politics and Italian society, the cinema, theatre and opera.

The History of Art course covers: From Byzantine Art to Neoclassicism; the High Renaissance: Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raffaello; Venetian Art from Bellini to Canaletto; the Florentine 15th Century; Rome from Ancient Times to the 18th Century.
A sample of the Italian Literature Topics with related reading-matter: Dante, the "Inferno"; the Birth of Poetry; Petrarch's "Canzoniere"; Manzoni's "Promessi Sposi;" Romantic Poetry: Foscolo and Leopardi; the 20th Century Novel; Sicilian writers of the 19th and 20th Centuries.

The History Course covers: from the Unification of Italy to Fascism; from the Second World War to Modern Times.

Come to the Scuola Toscana:
 
Italian Language as its best in its very place, Florence.
 
Study a foreign language and gain an unbeatable tool: to have a concrete knowledge of the Italian language.
 
Get a taste of Florence, the city of the Renaissance, the heart of Tuscany: surrounded by the beautiful Chianti hills, just one hour's drive from the Riviera. You will tell you have walked the streets where Michelangelo, Dante Alighieri, Leonardo da Vinci walked, you have touched the Brunelleschi Cupola del Duomo, Michelangelo's David.....

THE ADVANTAGES OF THE SCUOLA TOSCANA ARE:

a maximum of 8 students per class.
starting dates available every two weeks, 12 months a year
courses from one week up to one semester
the accommodation programme: a wide choice of apartments and selected families in Florence (no commission)
proficiency evaluation once a course is completed, various Certificates and Diplomas (Accademia Italiana di Lingua e Università per Stranieri di Siena).
customer service: assistance and courtesy, "Satisfaction-guarantee-or-your-money-back" clause (ask for more details)
Read through this site, see the many and varied learning opportunities you get at the Scuola Toscana and enrol today!

[C1] "TOP" ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSES

The Italian Language Courses with weekly starting dates. Six hours a day of Italian for one, two, three or more weeks of intensive teaching. The course designed to make the most of your time, working with the Italian language in all of its aspects : grammar, communication, vocabulary, practice. All levels available, from absolute beginners up to perfecting. Includes 15 extracurricular hours of excursions, art visits, cooking lessons, pizza-dinners, and more... PRICES 1 week (30h) 220 Euro 2 weeks (60h) 398 Euro 3 weeks (90h) 597 Euro 4 weeks (120h) 796 Euro 5 weeks (150h) 945 Euro 6 weeks (180h) 1135 Euro 8 weeks (240h) 1480 Euro 10 weeks (300h) 1850 Euro 12 weeks (360h) 2195 Euro

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[C2] "GOLD" ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSES

The Italian Language Courses 4 hours a day, five days a week, Monday through Friday. A complete course which includes the study and deepening of every aspect of the Italian language. It covers both grammar and communication. All levels available, from absolute beginners up to perfecting. Includes 15 extracurricular hours "Italian Language in Action"; excursions, movies, parties, cooking lessons, pizza-dinners, art visits, and more..., talking Italian with Italian people PRICES 2 weeks (40h) 350 Euro 3 weeks (60h) 435 Euro 4 weeks (80h) 520 Euro 5 weeks (100h) 619 Euro 6 weeks (120h) 741 Euro 8 weeks (160h) 971 Euro 10 weeks (200h) 1211 Euro 12 weeks (240h) 1429 Euro

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[C3] "ITALIA" : MIXED ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSE

A new possibility: 4 hours with small group as in Gold courses, + 1 hour (or 2 hours) a day one-to-one with a specialized instructor to study one subject in detail or to perfect a skill you are interested in. PRICES 1 week (20 h class + 5 h individual) 323 Euro 2 weeks (40 h class + 10 h individual) 646 Euro 3 weeks (60 h class + 15 h individual) 969 Euro 4 weeks (80 h class + 20 h individual) 1292 Euro 5 weeks (100 h class + 25 h individual) 1535 Euro 6 weeks (120 h class + 30 h individual) 1840 Euro 8 weeks (160 h class + 40 h individual) 2400 Euro 10 weeks (200 h class + 50 h individual) 3005 Euro 12 weeks (240 h class + 60 h individual) 3565 Euro

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[C5] "ITALIA PLUS" : MIXED ITALIAN LANGUAGE COURSE

Same as above: 4 hours with small group as in Gold courses, but + 2 hours a day one-to-one with a specialized instructor to study one subject in detail or to perfect a skill you are interested in. PRICES 1 week (20h in class + 10 individual) 466 Euro 2 weeks (40h in class + 20 individual) 932 Euro 3 weeks (60h in class + 30 individual) 1398 Euro 4 weeks (80h in class + 40 individual) 1864 Euro 5 weeks (100h in class + 50 individual) 2215 Euro 6 weeks (120h in class + 60 individual) 2656 Euro 8 weeks (160h in class + 80 individual) 3467 Euro 10 weeks (200h in class + 100 individual) 4335 Euro 12 weeks (240h in class + 120 individual) 5145 Euro

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[C4] COMMUNICATION COURSES:

In the communication and conversation courses the student is introduced to Italian conversational structures, from survival Italian up to more confident and effective use of the language. Great importance is given to familiarizing the student with contemporary Italian culture, through the use of Italian magazines and newspapers, tapes and video. All levels: beginners, basic, intermediate, advanced, superior, perfecting. Includes 15 extracurricular hours of excursions, art visits, cooking lessons, pizza-dinners, and more... PRICES 4 weeks (40h - 2h a day) 350 Euro 5 weeks (50h - 2h a day) 435 Euro 6 weeks (60h - 2h a day) 520 Euro 8 weeks (80h - 2h a day) 651 Euro 10 weeks (100h - 2h a day) 815 Euro 12 weeks (120h - 2h a day) 965 Euro

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[C4+] COMMUNICATION COURSES:

Same as above but 4 hours a day. In the communication and conversation courses the student is introduced to Italian conversational structures, from survival Italian up to more confident and effective use of the language. Great importance is given to familiarizing the student with contemporary Italian culture, through the use of Italian magazines and newspapers, tapes and video. All levels: beginners, basic, intermediate, advanced, superior, perfecting. Includes 15 extracurricular hours of excursions, art visits, cooking lessons, pizza-dinners, and more... PRICES 2 weeks (40h - 4h a day) 350 Euro 3 weeks (60h - 4h a day) 435 Euro 4 weeks (80h - 4h a day) 520 Euro 5 weeks (100h - 4h a day) 619 Euro 6 weeks (120h - 4h a day) 741 Euro 8 weeks (160h - 4h a day) 971 Euro 10 weeks (200h - 4h a day) 1211 Euro 12 weeks (240h - 4h a day) 1429 Euro

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[IS] ITALIAN STANDARD ONE TO ONE COURSES

You choose your own schedule and the length of your course PRICES hours x week 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks Every week of 10 hrs 340 Euro 646 Euro 918 Euro Every week of 20 hrs 650 Euro 1235 Euro 1755 Euro Every week of 30 hrs 960 Euro 1825 Euro 2592 Euro Every week of 40 hrs 1270 Euro 2410 Euro 3425 Euro Every week of 40 hrs incl. lunch 1600 Euro 3040 Euro 4320 Euro

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[IC] ITALIAN CULTURE ONE TO ONE COURSES

The definitive course in Italian: grammar, conversation, culture according to your needs and wishes. Discovering the city of Florence, Tuscany, the Italian language with your teacher. PRICES hours x week 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks Every week of 10 hrs 340 Euro 646 Euro 918 Euro Every week of 20 hrs 650 Euro 1235 Euro 1755 Euro Every week of 30 hrs 960 Euro 1825 Euro 2592 Euro Every week of 40 hrs 1270 Euro 2410 Euro 3425 Euro Every week of 40 hrs incl. lunch 1600 Euro 3040 Euro 4320 Euro

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[IB] BUSINESS ITALIAN ONE TO ONE COURSES

These individual courses are especially recommended for executives, sales managers, bankers, marketing director, lawyers, secretaries, technical personnel.....anyone who needs Italian in his/her work. We suggest you to bring in class material you have to work with. PRICES hours x week 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks Every week of 10 hrs 340 Euro 646 Euro 918 Euro Every week of 20 hrs 650 Euro 1235 Euro 1755 Euro Every week of 30 hrs 960 Euro 1825 Euro 2592 Euro Every week of 40 hrs 1270 Euro 2410 Euro 3425 Euro Every week of 40 hrs incl. lunch 1600 Euro 3040 Euro 4320 Euro

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[I] PRIVATE TUITION

You choose your own schedule and the length of your course: PRICES hours x week 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks Every week of 10 hrs 340 Euro 646 Euro 918 Euro Every week of 20 hrs 650 Euro 1235 Euro 1755 Euro Every week of 30 hrs 960 Euro 1825 Euro 2592 Euro Every week of 40 hrs 1270 Euro 2410 Euro 3425 Euro Every week of 40 hrs incl. lunch 1600 Euro 3040 Euro 4230 Euro

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[B1] CLASSES FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE

4 hours a day! In addition to Italian grammar and syntax, this hands-on course will teach you the Italian you need for: telephoning, meeting customers and visitors, travelling for work, negotiating; handling business correspondence, reports and summaries, memos, e-mails, faxes, money matters, figures and graphs, commercial papers; marketing and sales, import export, delivery and after sales. by using authentic business situations and genuine problems encountered in Italian companies. Case studies will illustrate concepts and you'll have the opportunity to practice skills in small groups and role plays; if you have your own business or if you are going to start it, this is the very course for you! Classes with a maximum of eight students. PRICES 2 weeks (40h) 378 Euro 3 weeks (60h) 480 Euro 4 weeks (80h) 580 Euro 5 weeks (100h) 685 Euro 6 weeks (120h) 825 Euro 8 weeks (160h) 1080 Euro 10 weeks (200h) 1340 Euro 12 weeks (240h) 1595 Euro

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[B2] WEEKLY CRASH CLASSES FOR BUSINESS AND TRADE

Same topics as above in an high-performance course. 30 hours weekly - six hours a day, one, two, three, four or more weeks of teaching. Short, intensive courses designed to make the most of your time. Classes with a maximum of eight students. PRICES 1 week (30h) 220 Euro 2 weeks (60h) 398 Euro 3 weeks (90h) 597 Euro 4 weeks (120h) 796 Euro 5 weeks (150h) 945 Euro 6 weeks (180h) 1135 Euro 8 weeks (240h) 1480 Euro 10 weeks (300h) 1850 Euro 12 weeks (360h) 2195 Euro

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[B3] PRIVATE TUITION

Individual specialised courses for everyone: Italian for bankers, Italian for lawyers, Italian for trade, Italian for managers, Italian for wine traders and experts, Italian for cooking, Italian for shopping. PRICES hours x week 1 week 2 weeks 3 weeks Every week of 10 hrs 340 Euro 646 Euro 918 Euro Every week of 20 hrs 650 Euro 1235 Euro 1755 Euro Every week of 30 hrs 960 Euro 1825 Euro 2592 Euro Every week of 40 hrs 1270 Euro 2410 Euro 3425 Euro Every week of 40 hrs incl. lunch 1600 Euro 3040 Euro 4320 Euro

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[B4] ! A GOOD CHANCE! Post-School Vocational Course

It is now possible - with the Scuola Toscana superior-level certification of knowledge of Italian (or AIL certification) - to enrole in the vocational courses run by the "Confcommercio", the Italian Confederation of Commerce. Their courses include Marketing, Shop Management, Sales Techniques, Window Dressing, Packaging, Office automation, etc. ..and are recognised throughout Italy. PRICES One Week per person Please Ask

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For more courses, please ask the school.

Dear Friend Welcome to the Solemar School!
Thanks a lot for your interest in combining your holiday with the study of the Italian language and culture.
Our Language School in Sicily has been working successfully for more than 16 years aiming at offering highly qualified Italian courses in a friendly atmosphere at favourable prices.
Our participants stay in very charming holiday houses in a small bay about 15 km from Palermo.
As we enjoy a pleasant climate all year round, it is possible to have a relaxing beach and a stunning culture holiday together.
Those who would like to live in well refined holiday houses, boarding on their own, should take our offers, hereafter described, into account.
If you want to bring your children, we are able to offer a very efficient and qualified baby-sitting service during the hours of the lesson, or a children suited language course.
If you wish to choose our school in Cefalù, you can stay either in an old Sicilian style apartment, or in host families, but also leisurely in a comfortable sea side hotel, which is equipped with excellent tourist facilities.
If you are interested in our courses, send us the enrolment form within at least 3 weeks before the beginning of the course; otherwise you should contact us directly to make sure that there are vacancies.
In order to distinguish our school from less serious organisations of language courses, you may enquire at your nearest Italian Cultural Centre who will provide all the information required.
References of former students, who attended our courses, can also be provided.After receiving your enrolment form we will send you precise information on how to reach the school.
We are already looking forward to welcoming you !

With our best wishes from sunny Sicily.

Thomas Grüssner & Maria Carnevale


SICILY
The Mediterranean island which enchants with its arts, culture and nature. We have been organising our language courses for 16 years in two places in Sicily.


CONCEPT
At Mongerbino, lessons are dealt outdoors, weather permitting. In this way, the student learns without missing out on the sun and the splendid ocean view. We assure that you cannot find a more appropriate condition for learning. We have a central location with classical modern classrooms.

At Cefalù, our students use the rooms of an ancient school, which, today, is partly inhabited by a nuns' order. The school also has an outdoor courtyard. Language courses, of a two weeks medium length (40 lesson units), take place from Monday to Friday in the morning hours. It is possible, of course, to reserve a week only, or to prolong the frequency, having, beforehand, the certainty that the course continuation will seriously consider the knowledge level reached until that moment. The integration into the appropriate groups will be decided through a preliminary written valuation test and a short guided conversation. Usually groups for lessons are formed by 4 - 5 students (max. 8 per lesson)

 

 

 

 

 

COURSES

By booking an "intensive" Italian course (2 weeks - 40 lesson units of 45 min. distributed into 4 lesson units each day), beginners, after two weeks' lessons, possess a wide vocabulary to express themselves and to understand, not disregarding the construction of an excellent grammar basis, seen as a means and not as a purpose, onto which one could continue to build up a serious study of the Italian language. Students with pre-knowledge enrich their vocabulary and learn to go more and more deeply into the beauty of the Italian language. Students of advanced levesl, too, and even teachers of Italian as L2, have the opportunity to attend a course that offers practicing their language skills with our highly qualified teachers. Our school issues a professional certificate at the end of such a course.

"Personal" Italian course - 2 weeks' "intensive" course + 10 individual - personalized - lesson units " an individual way to learn Italian even better"…
The results you have reached by attending the "intensive" course are even more consolidated during the 10 extra lessons. While getting one-to-one instruction, the student has an opportunity her to practice the vocabulary and the grammar structures he/she has learned during the group lessons. During such personalized lessons, the student can express his/her linguistic needs and thus accelerate his/her language learning process.


Italian course "business" - 2 weeks - 6 lesson units of 45 min. per day. For all those people who, for working reasons or personal desire, have decided to learn Italian very quickly, without missing out on the advantages of the group lessons dynamic.
 

Individual lessons. the students decide the lesson units and their length. A didactical itinerary according to one's own language background and needs will be decided in collaboration with one's own teacher. Following an agreed upon schedule and program of study, the collaboration of other teachers is also forseen. While keeping our methodical-didactical sstructure, each kind of course also aims at considering the students' particular needs and wishes.


Our well trained teachers claim the most extensive experience in the instruction of the Italian language, known as L2 in Sicily, and have a degree in literary subjects. They constantly update their knowledge about current teaching proposals and didactical instruments. They deal with courses of all levels: ranging from that of absolute beginners level to the preparatory one for those who wish to teach the Italian language abroad. The teaching methodology follows the most advanced research lines of glottodidactic and developes, equally, all the linguistic abilities: reading, writing, listening and comprehension and, stressing most of all, fluency in oral production. All didactic materials are provided free of charge by the school.

1. week
Sunday		Arrival/ Preliminary Test
Monday	09:00	Group formation; meeting
	10:00	Language lesson
Tuesday	09:00	Language lesson
	20:30	Dinner in a typical trattoria in Bagheria
Wednesday	09:00	Language lesson
	19:30	Guided tour in Cefalù with wine tasting
Thursday	09:00	Language lesson.
	18:00	Cooking course with food and wine tasting of Sicilian choice dishes in a beautiful villa in Porticello
Friday	09:00	Language lesson
	15:00	Guidet tour of Palermo and its most important monuments
Saturday	08:00	BusTour to Mount Etna and Taormina
2. week
Sunday		free
Monday	09:00	Language lesson
	20:30	Together with your fellow participants watch the famous Italian movie "Cinema Paradiso" (Giuseppe Tornatore is from Bagheria!)
Tuesday	09:00	Language lesson
	16:00	Tour of Bagheria's famous baroque villas - the summer retrat of Sicilian nobility (optional, meet in front of Villa Cattolica )
Wednesday	09:00	Language lesson
	11:00	Tour of a nearby Sicilian ceramics artistic workshop, famous for its gorgeous colours and designs. Meet the artist. Market day in Bagheria
Thuersday	09:00	Language lesson.
	16:00	Tour of the Greek and Roman  ruins in Solunto.
Friday	09:00	Language lesson - bill payments at the office (11:30 - 13:00)
	15:00	Socio-cultural tour of the old town of Palermo. This guided tour is part of an anti-mafia project of Padre Cosimo Scordato and his team. Visit their "centro sociale" and some re-educational workshops and the world-famous market of the "Albergheria", one of the most pictoresque quarters of historical Palermo, afterwards possibility to eat at one of Palermo's typical trattorias.
Saturday		departure day

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.

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 It