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

 

Discover the beauty of the Cinque Terre and the charm of Portofino by learning Italian with us.

Nel Blu is located in the historical town centre of Chiavari, in the region of Liguria with its unique and evocative landscape created by the fusion of land and sea. The school is modern and welcoming, and is situated just a few minutes from the beach. We are open all year round and organise group courses for all levels and individual lessons for students, tourists and professionals in order to satisfy our clients’ requirements.

The school is located on the second floor of an attractive Art Nouveau building with characteristic balconies with flowers. The classrooms are bright and spacious, each room is furnished in a different style but all have their own particular ‘marine’ atmosphere. The school uses traditional slate blackboards (slate being local to the area), and has a well-stocked library, tape recorders, a television and DVD player. Students may also enjoy a cup of Italian coffee or a light snack with the teachers during lesson breaks.
All teachers are mother tongue and their competence and professionalism guarantee lessons of the highest quality.

CIAO !

if you are searching among Italian courses in Italy and among the different Italian language schools in Italy and you are looking for study abroad programs and a course of Italian in Sicily, then we have it! Please, read what follows to know more about our school of Italian and our Italian language courses in Sicily, Taormina.

Our Italian courses can be language courses in a group or private language courses. Our Italian language school in Taormina, Sicily, offers study stays from one week up to one year! We can assist you in finding accommodation in Taormina

If, beyond a full immersion study abroad stay, you also want a full cultural experience, we offer a wider choice of culture courses from which to choose:

· cooking courses
· arts & crafts: ceramics, painting, sculpture and wood restoration courses
· Italian literature courses
· Italian history courses
· art history courses

Or, maybe you prefer something more active, dynamic, sporty? Then you can choose from:

· eco-tours
· sport & adventure
· golf

On the other hand, if you need courses for specific purposes, we can offer:
· business & executives courses
· commercial correspondence

With our Italian language courses we offer a program of social and cultural activities

Beyond all of that, our Italian language programs are officially recognized by:

· THE STATE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
· A.S.I.L.S. - Associazione delle Scuole di Italiano come Lingua Seconda -, the only one south of Naples
· I.A.L.C - International Association of Language Centres -, the only one south of Rome

And our School of Italian has signed agreements with:

· UNIVERSITY FOR FOREIGNERS of PERUGIA as Official Authorised Exam Centre for CELI Exams - Certificato di lingua italiana. The CELI exam is conform to the ALTE- Association of Language Testers in Europe – directives on the European standards fixed by the European Council. The exam sessions are in June and November
· UNIVERSITY "Ca’Foscari” of VENEZIA as authorized language centre for the apprenticeship of ITALS Master for teachers of Italian as foreign/second language


Do you already know our town, Taormina, and our island, Sicily?

Taormina has very ancient origins: in its Bay of Naxos, in 735 b.C., the first Greek colonizers landed and founded their first colony (Naxos) which was later to become the Magna Grecia. After them, whoever ruled over the Mediterranean Sea left their “footprints” on this wonderful island. Would you like to know Taormina a little bit better? Click on Taormina and have a look at our photo album and, if you have time, go for a virtual walk in town among its monuments, its history and its beaches.

Taormina can also be the basis for a trip in Sicily to discover the roots of the Sicily's culture and traditions. As W. J. Goethe wrote in 1786: "Without Sicily, Italy cannot be fully understood. It is here one finds the key to all things.”. Sicily has been at the centre of the Mediterranean See, and therefore of the European interests, for more than 2.000 years, until the “discovery” of the New World.

At the time of Dante Alighieri there was already a discussion among academics about which should be the national Italian language: that of the writers and poets of the courts of Frederick II or that of the court of the Medici in Florence. Then the divine Comedy was written and this put an end to the discussion… But it is in Sicily that the national theatre has its origins, with the tragedies written by Eschilo, Euripide, Aristofane. It is here that the genius of Archimedes anticipated the genius of Leonardo da Vinci. And it was the culture of the Magna Grecia that fed the Etruscan civilisation, first, and the Latin civilisation, afterwards, making Rome “Caput Mundi”. Click on myths of Sicily, if you want to know more about them.

Two of the Nobel Price for literature were Sicilians: Pirandello e Quasimodo. But many are the Sicilian writers who are fundamental in the history of the Italian literature: Verga, Capuana, Rosso di San Secondo e Tomasi di Lampedusa. And still nowadays the contribution of Sicily to the Italian literature is immense: : Vittorini, Sciascia, Bufalino, Consolo e Camilleri.

The same in music: from the “cantastorie” telling the stories of the French Paladins to the Opera composer Vincenzo Bellini.. The same in paintings: from Antonello da Messina to Renato Gattuso. And in fashion: from Mariella Ferrera to Dolce & Gabbana.

Not to be forgotten are also the treasures of the eno-gastronomy: from pasta alla Norma to caponatina, from cannoli to pasta reale, from Marsala wine to Malvasia.

Our Italian language courses can be the beginning of an unforgettable journey in Sicily. From Taormina, it is very easy to get to Syracuse, volcano Mount Etna, the Eolian Islands, Catania, Piazza Armerina and Noto. And, travelling a little bit further, to: Palermo, Selinunte, Segesta, Agrigento, Erice. And many more are the treasures of Sicily.

We would love to welcome you to our Italian language school in Taormina, Sicily for an unforgettable cultural and learning experience.

Ciao e… a presto!

 
   Alessandro Adorno
founder & school director


PROGRAMMA

Our Italian language course program has been developed from a communicative based approach and focuses on the four language abilities (listening, speaking, reading, writing). Our first goal is comunicazione, both oral and written. Our courses are structured to conform with the European standards set by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and by the Council of Europe.
 

Our Standard group course is divided in two parts: 2-hours of language analysis followed by 2-hours of practice with communicative tasks. The analitical activities includes controlled oral and written production, while the communicative tasks involve listening and reading comprehension and free oral and written activities. The instructors rotate weekly to add variety and interesse to the group dynamic. Grammatical structures are presented in order of frequency and relative complexity. The material is always introduced in some form of authentic text (newspaper or magazine article, taped dialogue, video-taped situation, letter, short story, etc.). Progress is monitored and all teachers meet weekly to facilitate organization and ensure proper student placement.
 

There is a massimo number of 10 students per class, although depending on season our average class size is generally between 4 and 6 people. This limit ensures a small group environment conducive to communication and offers each student the opportunity to speak as much as possible.
 

Ranging from Absolute Beginner to Advanced, our Italian language course
program is divided into six different levels of abilità. Students may enrol in our weekly
classes for up to 6-months of coursework, depending on their goals. All students
are placed in a level based on their entrance exam (both written and oral).

Though we are somewhat flexible, we highly recommend that all students begin
on our specified start dates, which occur roughly every two weeks
(please consult Course Schedule). Absolute beginner courses start only according
to our course schedule.

Our Italian language courses are structured to conform with the European standards set by ALTE (Association of Language Testers in Europe) and by the Council of Europe.

The Formation Program is diviso into three levels and allows students to reach the “threshold level”, the level of communicative competence according to the Modern Language Project of the Council of Europe.

Formation:

Beginner (1st level)
Intermediate (2nd level)
Superior (3rd level)

The Specialization Program is also divided into three levels and allows the students to reach a level of competenza in the Italian language which is necessary for entrance into an Italian university.

Specialization:

Advanced 1 (4th level)
Advanced 2 (5th level)
Advanced 3 (6th level)

Each level last four weeks. However, completion of a particular 4-week course does not guarantee advancement to the next level. Language learning is not a mechanical endeavour. It is an academic endeavour which also involves a personal and psychological component. Some studenti have elected to repeat a particular level or delay advancement by a week or two, so as to continue study and practice of particular structures. Since our Italian language program is developed by a communicative-based approach, our materials, activities and tasks are quite extensive and it is rare that the student will repeat the same activities, using the same materials. We have designed our program with this in mind.

Most of our students take full advantage of the authentic materiali we use in the classroom and the communicative activities and tasks we employ, which often extend out of the classroom and into the students’ free time.

Upon request, we also offer completion exams to solidify and measure progress achieved. As an accredited language institution, our school corresponds to various International continuing educational programs.


I NOSTRI INSEGNANTI

All the teachers of  our Italian language courses are university graduates and many speak at least one or two other lingue.
Most of them have studied foreign languages at università and/or language schools abroad and all have been trained to teach Italian as a second/foreign language.


As a member school of A.S.I.L.S. our teachers take advantage of the regularly scheduled teacher training seminari and workshops offered by the Association of Schools of Italian as a Second Language as well as by other professional organisations.In addition, we organize our own, ongoing, in-house teacher training program.

Progress of the students is continuously monitorati and all teachers meet weekly to facilitate organization and ensure proper student placement.

We consider extremely importanti our weekly teachers' meeting during which teachers can also exchange their own experiences in class and the results of the different activities proposed to the students.

 


 

THE SCHOOL

Founded in 1977, we have years of experience and specialise in teaching Italian in Italy
All the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci schools are located in the city center
Professional and young teachers all of whom have studied at the University level and who have been specially trained in teaching Italian to foreigners
Members of ASILS (Associaton of language schools of Italian as a second foreign language)
Italian at every level, all year round, Small study groups
Courses start every 2 weeks (including beginners)
After 3 or 6 months the AIL-exam "Firenze" (Accademia Italiana di Lingua) DELI/DILI/DALI/DALC can be taken
A whole range of activities offered for students to gain insight into the Italian culture
Variety of students from over 50 countries study at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci schools
Friendly and helpful staff that give personal attention to each student
Equipped for handicapped students

TEACHING METHOD

Our Teaching method takes full account of modern didactics and is oriented towards the "Foreign Language Concept of the Council of Europe" and the "Guidelines of the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL)".

The Leonardo da Vinci schools teach according to the Direct Method: from the first day on, at all levels, only Italian will be spoken.

We emphasize the spoken language and live language. Continually stressing the use of verbal communication permits you to learn Italian "naturally", to unite theory and practice easily and to increase your knowledge quickly and with confidence. The structure of the language and its practical application is very important. Advanced courses also practice the written language.

Our teaching staff consists of young teams of experienced language teachers, all of whom studied at University and who have been specially trained in teaching Italian to foreigners.

Most of the teaching material has been developed by our schools and is excellently suited to the needs and requirements of the students. Thanks to a permanent work group the didactic material is continuously updated and adapted to the newest research on teaching languages to foreigners.

But learning Italian does not consist, for us at the Leonardo da Vinci schools, in just teaching grammar and vocabulary. We want to allow our students to gain insight into the Italian way of living and thinking. That is why we offer, in addition to the language courses, a whole range of italian culture extracurricular activities for our students.


FIRST SCHOOL DAY

On the first school day there is an entry test (written and oral), testing the student's knowledge of the Italian language.
Beginners will join a pilot course which is aimed to divide complete beginners from students with a little knowledge of the Italian language.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Our schools offer courses on 6 monthly ability levels (subdivided on 12 ability levels ot two weeks, each), following the Assessment Grid of the European Language Portfolio (ELP), based on the assessment grid of Schneider/North.
 
DIDACTIC PROGRAM
(according to the level)

Intensive grammar study
Phonetics Development of vocabulary
Syntax and application
Listening and comprehension
Dialogue and communication
Situation method Idiomatic and phraseology
Written and oral comprehension
Lecture and analysis
Live guided discussion and synthesis
Free conversation
NOTA BENE

Teaching Material: Text books and supplies are provided by the school and is already included in the price of the course. You are expected to bring your own dictionary.
Minimum Admission Age: The minimum age for participants is 16.
Course Dates: In our calendar we specify the course dates, the public holidays and the days off for group language courses and courses in Italian culture.
Certificate of Attendance: On request, all students receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Lessons: The duration of each lesson is 45 minutes.

La Accademia Italiana de Salerno es un centro lingüístico y cultural italiano, fundado en Salerno en 1997 por la doctora Francesca Romana Memoli, licenciada y experta en literatura y lenguas extranjeras.

 

La escuela está especializada en la enseñanza de la lengua italiana a extranjeros y representa actualmente una de las instituciones más fuertes y consolidadas del Sur de Italia. Por esa razón, cada año, muchos estudiantes extranjeros eligen la Accademia Italiana para aprender italiano y compaginar el estudio de la lengua con unas vacaciones, en una de las zonas turísticas más bellas y sugestivas de Campania, junto a la famosa Costa de Amalfi.

 

La escuela permite que los estudiantes aprendan y estudien la lengua y la cultura italiana, viviendo al mismo tiempo unas inolvidables vacaciones- estudio. La Accademia Italiana organiza un variado programa cultural y ofrece diversas posibilidades de alojamiento: alojamiento en una familia italiana, en apartamento compartido o independiente, en hotel o en hostal.

 

La escuela dispone de 14 aulas, 1 sala multimedia con 8 ordenadores con acceso a Internet (cable and wi-fi), 1 aula cine, 1 biblioteca y videoteca, 1 sala café.

 

El personal y los profesores están altamente cualificados (doctores y licenciados) y especializados para la enseñanza del italiano como L2/LE.

 

La Accademia Italiana es centro de exámenes para las certificaciones oficiales DITALS, CILS y CELI y está autorizada por la Universidad para extranjeros de Siena y por la Universidad para extranjeros de Perugia

 

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.

 

THE SCHOOL
Centro Linguistico Italiano Dante Alighieri (CLIDA), founded in 1965, is Italy's first private Italian language school specializing in the instruction of Italian language and culture to foreigners - both students and professionals alike.

CLIDA offers a wide range of courses in the world's most popular Italian-speaking regions. As our previous students from around the world can confirm, you can always rely on the quality of our teaching, the services we provide and the school's resources.

The school uses it own teaching methods and texts, which have been developed and perfected by the school's professors and staff. CLIDA's teaching methods and materials are used in all its schools in Florence, Rome and Greece. Learn more about our teaching methods and levels... 

In Spring 2006, a new CLIDA branch will be open in the city of Treviso. Soon, other schools will be available in other towns.


DIRECTORS
The directors of the CLIDA in Florence are Dr. Gabriella Accorti Materassi and Dr. Alberto Materassi. The husband-and-wife team founded the school and has been fully devoted to it throughout the years. Alberto, Gabriella, and their son, Stefano, ensure high academic standards are maintained while creating cultural courses and recreational activities that are both fun and beneficial. Thanks to them, CLIDA students and faculty can be considered one large family!

STAFF & CLASSROOMS
The school resides in a 19th-century building facing the Piazza della Repubblica, the heart of Florence's historic center. All members of the CLIDA administrational staff are highly attentive and speak at least 3 languages to accommodate a wide variety of students.

CLIDA is made up of 16 large, air-conditioned classrooms equipped for television and video viewing, two large rooms equipped with stereo-sound video projectors and a large salon for recitals and lectures. Several well-equipped classrooms are also available for one-on-one courses. Plus, ample space is available for students to relax, study and socialize between lessons. The school also hosts a wireless Internet hub for students to connect to the World Wide Web.

METHOD & LEVELS
After decades of study and successful instruction to a vast range of students, the Centro Linguistico Italiano Dante Alighieri (CLIDA) has devised an effective teaching method leading to immediate results in learning the Italian language.

Through teaching Italian grammar, then putting it to use immediately in conversational techniques, such as dialogues, question-and-answer, asking for information, etc., students learn quickly and retain lessons longer. Gradually, students increase their individual Italian vocabulary as well as their knowledge of common Italian expressions and workplace language.

FACULTY
All CLIDA teachers are university graduates, specialized in their field and have extensive experience teaching the Italian language to foreigners. Whether in the individual or group courses, the teaching techniques our faculty use allow for rapid and lasting results.

TEACHING MATERIALS
All teaching materials, such as texts, exercises, presentations, etc., are the result of the collaboration of CLIDA academic faculty and their years of teaching experience. CLIDA textbooks are also used in numerous private language institutes and universities throughout Italy, Europe and North America. View CLIDA’s textbooks online here: http://www.ciellei.it/ 

Curriculum

The program is developed in progressive stages that focus on learning the essential and most important elements according to the student's level. For this reason students won't be left behind or feel discouraged, but will instead gain a rapid and lasting knowledge of the language.

Directed conversation, together with reading passages and oral comprehension tests, will increase one's vocabulary and ability to communicate fluently day by day. Correct pronunciation is developed by phonetic exercises under the guidance of specialist teachers in our professional language lab. Daily exercises in classes of small groups allow the teacher to follow and appraise each student individually.

CLIDA LEVELS
CLIDA's language courses are divided into three levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced. Each level is then subdivided into three further levels. This wide range of classes at different levels means that students can join the level most suited to their needs based on their placement test results.

All group courses are available in all nine levels. Each group course lasts four weeks, although some Italian languages courses have a minimum of two weeks.

Level 1 —Beginner	Articles, simple and articulated prepositions, regular and the most common irregular plurals, possessive adjectives, demonstratives Present, present perfect and future of the three regular conjugations and of the most common irregular verbs Demonstrative pronouns and agreement with the past participle; reflexive pronouns, interrogative pronouns; Direct and indirect personal pronouns Basic vocabulary; Everyday conversation
Level 2 —Beginner	Comparative and superlative Direct, indirect and reflexive personal pronouns plus, "lo, la, li, le, ne"; Uses of "ci" and "ne" Imperfect and use of the indicative Four tenses of the subjunctive in the most simple forms and uses Remaining difficult plurals; Vocabulary and reading Preparation for Beginner level certification (CLIDA S1)
Level 3 —Beginner	Hypothetic conditional sentences and uses of the remote past Further uses of the subjunctive with the most common conjunctions Exercises in the use of moods and tenses Compositions, vocabulary, conversation, expressions; Reading from literary texts Preparation for Professional certification (CLIDA P3)
Level 4 —Intermediate	Remaining uses of the subjunctive with conjunctions. The indefinite. Exercises on the use of moods and tenses. Remaining double pronouns. Imperative, positive, negative and pronominal; Gerund, participles, infinitives; Passive forms and idiomatic expressions Reading from literary texts, discussions, compositions and summary Preparation for Intermediate level certification (CLIDA S2)
Level 5 —Intermediate	Clause analysis, direct and indirect speech, syntax, diminutives Nouns with double plurals, plural of compound nouns Prepositions and how they are used with verbs and adjectives Exercises in the use of moods and tenses Compositions, summarizing, paraphrasing, reading, language exercises, discussions. Preparation for Professional level certification (CLIDA P5)
Level 6 —Intermediate	Grammar revision with the active participation of students Paraphrasing; Practical exercises of all types Translations with a monolingual dictionary Oral examination Grammar and syntax; readings, lanuage exercises, conversation Preparation for Advanced level certification (CLIDA S3) Preparation for Commercial Tourist level certification (CLIDA TC)
Level 7 —Advanced	Exercises in language, paraphrases. Reading and comprehension of newspaper articles Compositions Translations with re-elaboration of the corrected text
Level 8 —Advanced	Paraphrasing Readings from literature, composition and translation with re-elaboration of the corrected text Syntax and language Reading, language exercises, conversation Preparation for Superior level certification (CLIDA S4)
Level 9 —Advanced	Paraphrasing, readings from literature Composition and translation with re-elaboration of the corrected text Syntax and language; readings, language exercises Preparation for final examination for CLIDA diploma (CLIDA DA)

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!

Eurocentres is a Swiss Foundation which was established in 1948 to help people to learn easily how to communicate in different languages. At present Eurocentres teaches in 18 locations around Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. About 13'000 students annually study one of the world's most important languages at Eurocentres: English, Spanish, French, German, Italian or Japanese.

Over 40 successful years of first class language teaching

1948 - The first Eurocentres school is established.
Mr. Erhard Waespi opens his first foreign language school in Bournemouth. More are to follow.
1959 - Migros takes over.
Gottlieb Duttweiler, founder of the Migros Cooperative, meets Erhard Waespi and agrees to cooperate in the field of international cultural exchange.
1960 - The school becomes a Foundation.
Mr. Gottlieb Duttweiler creates the Foundation of «European Languages and Development Centres». Eurocentres evolves into a standard-bearer.
1960 to 1993 - Eurocentres grows and sets standards.
Eurocentres schools are founded in locations throughout the world. Eurocentres establishes itself as a trendsetter in the field of foreign language learning and lends valuable impetus to the entire organisation.
2003 - Quality proves itself as the key criterion for worldwide success


Dedicated to quality, not profit.

The Swiss Eurocentres Foundation has been a consultant to the Council of Europe for language learning since 1968 and has played a crucial role in the development of the Common European Framework of Reference for language teaching and learning.
As a Foundation Eurocentres has since 1960 provided top quality language teaching and aims to contribute towards a better understanding among people everywhere by helping to bridge national, cultural and social barriers.

Guaranteed Quality!

Quality is our primary concern, and we tell you exactly what you can expect from us.

Learning success thanks to innovative course programmes
Careful selection and regular checks of host families
Two to three qualified teachers per class
Small classes (from 6 to 13 participants)
Accurate placement within individual classes as a result of spoken and written placement tests
First class school buildings in a Renaissance Palace
Quality control through regular internal checks, plus regular inspection from the international quality organization EAQUALS

The School in Florence

The Eurocentres school, the oldest state-recognized school of foreign languages in Florence, can be found in Palazzo Guadagni, a Renaissance palace dating from the 16th century, and is located in the middle of the old town centre near the Ponte Vecchio. The historic school building, renovated in 1992, has eleven classrooms, a multimedia learning centre, a lecture room and a student lounge and is in a quaint Italian quarter.


The school is in the centre of the oldest part of Florence, 300 m from the Pitti Palace, 500 m from the Ponte Vecchio and about 15 minutes' walk from the cathedral (il Duomo) and from the railway station. There is a bus stop 200 m from the school and practically all buses stop at the cathedral.

The building is the work of the architect Cronaca and was built between 1502 and 1508. In the 1860's, it was extensively improved by the architect Poggi with the addition of beautiful frescoes. The school was completely renovated, taking care to enhance the original features but also making use of the best of modern Italian design to produce a stunning mix of new and old.

Our motto is:
Your study objective is of paramount importance

Our mission is to set you on the path of successful learning. We create a learning environment which leads you to your personal study objective and offers you a quality learning experience. Our methods are tried and tested and new teaching methodologies and the latest technical facilities are used by Eurocentres wherever possible. Moreover, we employ only teachers with the highest standard of education who teach exclusively in their mother tongue.
We place great emphasis on close consultation, which ensures that you select the most suitable course based on your personal requirements. We collaborate exclusively with representatives who can guarantee excellent and comprehensive advice.
 
 Our programmes are structured in such a way that you will quickly absorb the culture and get to know the people of your host country. The international nature of our schools, with students from many countries of the world, offers opportunities for enriching intercultural encounters.

Methodology

The teaching of real language for a real purpose in an action-oriented approach is at the heart of Eurocentres methodology.
We teach the language you need to communicate in real life. You do exercises to improve your fluency and your accuracy. And then we provide activities which require real communication. We pay very careful attention to the degrees of control in the practice leading from initial presentation of new language towards realistic communicative use of that language. Working in the other direction, we use communicative activities to identify your need for practice in accuracy or in fluency.
 

 


 

THE SCHOOL

Founded in 1977, we have years of experience and specialise in teaching Italian in Italy
All the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci schools are located in the city center
Professional and young teachers all of whom have studied at the University level and who have been specially trained in teaching Italian to foreigners
Members of ASILS (Associaton of language schools of Italian as a second foreign language)
Italian at every level, all year round, Small study groups
Courses start every 2 weeks (including beginners)
After 3 or 6 months the AIL-exam "Firenze" (Accademia Italiana di Lingua) DELI/DILI/DALI/DALC can be taken
A whole range of activities offered for students to gain insight into the Italian culture
Variety of students from over 50 countries study at the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci schools
Friendly and helpful staff that give personal attention to each student
Equipped for handicapped students

TEACHING METHOD

Our Teaching method takes full account of modern didactics and is oriented towards the "Foreign Language Concept of the Council of Europe" and the "Guidelines of the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL)".

The Leonardo da Vinci schools teach according to the Direct Method: from the first day on, at all levels, only Italian will be spoken.

We emphasize the spoken language and live language. Continually stressing the use of verbal communication permits you to learn Italian "naturally", to unite theory and practice easily and to increase your knowledge quickly and with confidence. The structure of the language and its practical application is very important. Advanced courses also practice the written language.

Our teaching staff consists of young teams of experienced language teachers, all of whom studied at University and who have been specially trained in teaching Italian to foreigners.

Most of the teaching material has been developed by our schools and is excellently suited to the needs and requirements of the students. Thanks to a permanent work group the didactic material is continuously updated and adapted to the newest research on teaching languages to foreigners.

But learning Italian does not consist, for us at the Leonardo da Vinci schools, in just teaching grammar and vocabulary. We want to allow our students to gain insight into the Italian way of living and thinking. That is why we offer, in addition to the language courses, a whole range of italian culture extracurricular activities for our students.


FIRST SCHOOL DAY

On the first school day there is an entry test (written and oral), testing the student's knowledge of the Italian language.
Beginners will join a pilot course which is aimed to divide complete beginners from students with a little knowledge of the Italian language.

LEVELS OF ABILITY

Our schools offer courses on 6 monthly ability levels (subdivided on 12 ability levels ot two weeks, each), following the Assessment Grid of the European Language Portfolio (ELP), based on the assessment grid of Schneider/North.
 
DIDACTIC PROGRAM
(according to the level)

Intensive grammar study
Phonetics Development of vocabulary
Syntax and application
Listening and comprehension
Dialogue and communication
Situation method Idiomatic and phraseology
Written and oral comprehension
Lecture and analysis
Live guided discussion and synthesis
Free conversation
NOTA BENE

Teaching Material: Text books and supplies are provided by the school and is already included in the price of the course. You are expected to bring your own dictionary.
Minimum Admission Age: The minimum age for participants is 16.
Course Dates: In our calendar we specify the course dates, the public holidays and the days off for group language courses and courses in Italian culture.
Certificate of Attendance: On request, all students receive a Certificate of Attendance.
Lessons: The duration of each lesson is 45 minutes.

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.
 

At the Domus Aurea Centre learning Italian takes place in a cultural and historical framework that helps you learn about Rome and Italy through art, history and traditions.

By now we have twenty years of educational experience.
Expert language teachers carefully plan the teaching units using modern methods of direct teaching to use the language as a means of communication.
 
The small number of students in each class (maximum 8) allows the teachers to dedicate time to each student individually, meeting their language needs.
Highly active and motivated, our teachers also act as “interaction leaders” and are there for the students even during social gatherings.

Before starting a class students take both a written and an oral test to determine their level of Italian. At the end of the course a brief final test completes the evaluation process.
A Certificate of attendence recognized by the Italian Ministry of Public Instruction will be given to each student.
On request the school is able to provide certificates for Visa and resident permit for students.

The school
 
The Domus Aurea School came to life in 1997, from the idea of its founder, Massimo Sponsiello, and the present Director of the School, Nella Leo, to create a joint program with Apulia, that would reveal all the different facets of Italy.

The school is located in the heart of the city, between via Nazionale and the Coliseum, just a short walk from the legendary Trevi Fountain and the eternal Roman Forum.

The school is on the first floor of a 19th century building. There are 5 classrooms each with a table and chairs, a whiteboard and a tape recorder.

There is a small multimedia laboratory with free internet connection, a spacious administrative area, the Director’s office, 2 toilets and a small garden terrace.

In the entrance hall there are the drinks dispensers (coffee and water) and a notice board. Near the secretary’s office there is a small lounge where those who come for course information can wait.

Teaching and courses

At the Domus Aurea Centre for Italian Language and Culture the teaching method is functional-communicative: based on communication and interaction integrated with the study of grammar.

The teaching units emerge from the integration of the linguistic skills taken in the following order: reading-listening, comprehension, speaking and writing. Vocabulary is a part of the reading-listening and comprehension module, while grammatical analysis is the moment for the student to examine the syntactical structure of the language.

To help our students learn quickly and to enrich their knowledge of Italy, Domus Aurea develops students' skills integrating language with general culture.
Our students come from all over the world; to respect our choice of teaching methods, communication in the classroom takes place mainly in Italian. 
 
The teachers, with the help of a progressive vocabulary base, help the beginning students to express themselves correctly starting from the very first lessons.
There are five language levels: Beginners, Elementary, Intermediate, Advanced and Profinciency. Each level is completed in 80 hours of class time.

To guarantee this there is a tutoring service, both for group lessons and individual lessons, to help the students. This allows us to follow each student‘s instruction step by step and, based on the objectives of the course, allows us to check results as the course moves along. Furthermore, where there are specific needs, tutoring guarantees a service usually offered only through individual lessons.

As far as study tools is concerned, we will focus on the following points:
1) Teaching materials: planned and provided by the teachers in structured teaching units. These are integrated with other publications and authentic materials such as newspapers, photographs, advertisements, and so on.
2) Multimedia support material: the basic use of teaching materials like the TV, the video and the computer for multimedia programs contribute to maintaining the students’ interest and motivation.
3) Work outside the class: watching films and reading in Italian guarantees the continuity needed for good results.

At the end of each course the students receive a Diploma containing the teacher’s comments, the number of hours studied, the level and the type of course taken. The students also receive a certificate that indicates their performance in each of the skill areas; this information is used in conjunction with the teacher’s advice to suggest the best way for each student to carry on his language studies, either individually or in another course.

 

 

 

 

 

The city

Some of the most important museums in the world, fascinating cultural events, art, music, history, fashion and of course a great cuisine. The city is situated one hour away from the Tyrrhaenean Sea and one and a half hour from the main winter resorts of the Apennine mountains. Florence is a city of many faces, from the lively quarters and picturesque markets to the many universities and the elegant streets lined by some of the most famous shops in the world. Moreover, the city offers ideal linguistic conditions for those who study Italian: the language spoken in the streets, the squares, the cafes and the markets is free of any dialect and its syntax is often cited as an example of linguistic correctness. Therefore, it is the ideal place to practise the language in a culturally exceptional environment.
The location

EUROPASS is right in the historical centre of Florence, within walking distance from the main monuments, churches, museums, the Duomo, Piazzale Michelangelo, and the river Arno. This lively area is affluent with trattorias, cafeterias and bars, thus perfect for the student life.

The school

Our institute is located in a prestigious neo-classical style building. Wide stairs lead to spacious and bright classrooms with up-to-date audio and video equipment, a big lounge and sunny balconies that are the ideal surrounding for studies, conversation or reading. Moreover, from the terrace located on the building roof you can enjoy a breathtaking view over the town centre and the nearby Santa Maria del Fiore cathedral. We devote much individual attention to our students, in a friendly atmosphere. Finally, the SoulSpace wellness center, located inside the school building, is an additional value for a proper balance between study and relax. The staff 

From receptionist to management the staff will help you feel at ease throughout your stay. They all are at your disposal at any time for any question or problem. Our teachers are highly qualified and motivated, friendly, open minded  and above all … authentic Italians! The courses

Our teaching method is based on modern and innovative principles, that immediately enable the students to communicate easily and confidently in everyday situations. Moreover Europass offers a wide choice of subjects beside the Italian language, including Visual Arts, Photography, Jewellery, Cooking and Culture studies. Our courses are attended by international students from all over the world, thus creating a very stimulating international atmosphere.
The activities 

The activities are designed to bring students to closer contact with the Italian language and (being held here in Florence) ... Tuscan culture! Wine and cheese sampling, dinners in typical restaurants or pizzerias, discounts for theatrical plays and concerts, excursions into the Tuscan countryside and discovering Florence’s hidden places are a substantial part of our rich cultural and extracurricular program. Moreover we also organize sporting activities such as football games and bike excursions in the Tuscan countryside. The accommodations

You can live in either the friendly atmosphere of a family or, if you want to be more independent, in an apartment shared with other students. Upon request and without extra charge, Europass will assist you in finding the most suitable accommodation, such as hotel rooms or tourist farmhouses of all categories, even out of Florence.

 With EUROPASS you can live a unique experience and spend an unforgettable language study term! We will be there for you and do our very best to make you feel at your ease in your course, accommodation and spare time. Your satisfaction is our main purpose!