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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

 

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.

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)

 

 

 

 

 

THE SCHOOL IN THE CITY:

Recognised by the University of Siena , is run by a cooperative of teachers. It was founded in 1986.

ORBETELLO, surrounded by its lagoon, was an important Etruscan port and the home of trade between ancient civilisations. Its historical, urban and natural features provide the ideal conditions for meeting local people, as well as guaranteeing quality of life, making it just the place for a language school. 
The old town centre, was originally organised to provide a functional setting for everyday life of the townsfolk. The same places where people used to meet within the Etruscan walls, are still in use today. The little piazzas and quiet lanes with their bars and restaurant tables, come to life in the evenings, with street theatre s and concerts that are open to everyone. The warm Mediterranean air provides encourages one to stop and mingle with others.

This is the rich setting in which you'll find the TERRAMARE School .

The close contact with the everyday life of the town gives our students many opportunities to hear and use everyday Italian, and creates a close interaction between the language learnt in school, and practice in the local community. Ours is, in fact, a responsive school capable of transforming local cultural events, plays and shows into enjoyable learning situations for further language study and social activities.

ENROLLING FOR A COURSE AT THE TERRAMARE SCHOOL means numerous opportunities to combine language learning with language practice.

 

Classes are always small with a minimum of 2 and a maximum of 6 students, divided into 6 levels (as described in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

In the morning (9.00 am to 1.00pm Monday to Friday) there are general language lessons with activities to encourage the practical application of the language and the analysis of form and structure with the aim of fully involving each student in their own linguistic and cultural development.

The school is open all year round. It's possible to enrol at any time and choose a course specially tailored to your requirements, answering to any need of studying, working, way of life and leasure time and suited to any level.

Small classes (minimum 2/maximum 6 students)

All levels are recognized by the Common European Framework for Languages.

ITALIAN LANGUAGE AND CULTURE (GROUP)
Standard course 20h/wk + cultural activities and excursions

The duration of the standard course is two weeks. It is also possible to enrol for periods of one or more weeks. The classes are formed on the first day of the course after the compilation of a language level test. All the levels are catered for, from beginners to proficiency. Each class has a minimum of two, a maximum of 6 students. Lessons take place in the morning, Monday to Friday, from 9.00 a.m. to 1. 00 p.m. (with a twenty minutes break).

THE PROGRAM:
Morning: 4 hrs language lessons from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. with a brief pause of 20 minutes.
The desire to include social and cultural information about our Country is a strong motivation to learn the language. For this reason, as our land is so rich in nature, archaeology, art, history and traditions, we offer an intense program of cultural activities in the afternoon.
Afternoon: 4 cultural meetings ( 6hrs/1wk; 12 hrs/2 wks)- Italian literature, art history, archaeology, art, song and cinema.

1 all day historical-naturalistic excursion to one of the islands of Tuscan Archipelagos during the first week. 
1 half day historical-naturalistic excursion during the first week (Natural Park of Maremma, "Giardino dei Tarocchi" by Niki de Saint Phalle, Spring-waters of Saturnia. 
1 half day historical-naturalistic excursion during the second week (after a little trek along the cost to swim, you can see an ancient Roman or Etruscan site).

COMBINED INTENSIVE
Italian language and culture with group+ two hrs "one to one" p.m.

THE PROGRAM:
Class lessons each morning from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. plus two hours of individual tuition in the afternoons.
Students who choose a combined course participate in all the cultural activities organized by the school for intensive group courses.
The possibility for the students to integrate the program and to include specific purposes.

THE SCHOOLS

Both the school in Milazzo and the one in Lipari are located in the centre of town, in short walking distance from the ports. The main historical, archaeological and scenic sites, as well as the beautiful beaches, sport fields, discos, pubs, restaurants and shops, can all be easily reached from the school.

MILAZZO - SICILY

One of the most important and ancient towns in the province of Messina, it lies at the base of a long narrow peninsula that extends towards the Eolian Islands. It was founded by the Greeks of Zancle (Messina) in 716 B.C. and was called Mylae. Despite the foreign dominations that followed, it always remained a city of primary importance. Today it is the home of some interesting archaeological ruins and ancient buildings, including the imposing castle overlooking the town. Milazzo is divided into two parts: the medieval village, which is the higher and more picturesque area, and the modern centre which is particularly active due to its port that is the main link between the Eolian Islands and Sicily.

EOLIAN ISLANDS - LIPARI

Among Sicily's smaller islands, the Eolian Archipelago distinguishes itself for the extraordinary and unique characteristics of each of the seven islands, all of which are of volcanic origin.
Lipari, the most important island of the archipelago, is a concentration of natural beauty and cultural elements, settled there through the centuries, that can be rediscovered in the traditions and rhythms of the Eolian lifestyle.
Visitors can enjoy the island's unspoilt nature, sandy beaches, white as snow pumice mountains and crystal clear sea. The island's Castle, which houses one of the most important museums of the Mediterranean, offers visitors a glance at its ancient history. Attending an Italian Language and Culture Course in the Eolian Islands will allow you to fully immerse yourself into the culture, colours and flavours of the Mediterranean, making your study holiday a unique one.

 

The tradition of the Italian language began in Sicily at the court of Frederick II in the thirteenth century. Here his Sicilian School planted the roots for the Italian language, and this tradition was subsequently continued and developed in Tuscany. Here the poet Jacopo da Lentini created the poetic form of the sonnet, which was exported to the rest of Italy and later all over Europe.

Studying Italian in Sicily means discovering its artistic wealth and cultural heritage accumulated through the centuries. The University of Messina, founded in the 16th century, represents a cultural reference point not only for Sicily, but also for Italy and Europe. In 1955, in the same city of Messina, some ministers of foreign affairs, at a historical meeting, laid the foundations for the rise of the European Union.

 

THE TEACHERS

Our teachers are all university graduates, with both, qualifications in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language (DITALS) and teaching experience in Italy and abroad. In addition, they participate in various excursions and activities organised by the school for the students.
 
TEACHING MATERIALS

The teaching material, included in the cost of the courses, is carefully selected by our teachers and adapted to the various learning needs of the students.
 

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.

 


 

Learn Italian at the seaside, in Tuscany, Italy
Officially recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research

Study Italian in Italy where it is spoken — The italian language school "Giacomo Puccini Centre" organizes all the year round Italian Language and Culture Courses to learn italian in Viareggio, one of Tuscany's most beautiful beaches.

Learn italian while learning the italian culture — Take part in one of our italian language programs here in Viareggio, Tuscany, Italy! We offer a wide range of different italian language programs from our popular standard language course to individual tuition and our Italian Diploma course (AIL Exams and CILS exams). People from all over the world come here to learn the italian language and to study the italian culture and way of living. The climate is excellent. We are right in Tuscan Versilia, one of the most exciting and interesting Italian seaside resorts. Viareggio is located close to Pisa, Lucca, Florence and Carrara.

The method

Direct method —There are four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking which need to be studied and developed right from the first level to achieve understanding and expression in authentic communicative situations. We use only italian language, with beginners too. Situations are simulated in the classroom using authentic teaching material. Structures and vocabulary are adapted to the lower levels and become progressively more complex. At advanced levels different types of text are used to encourage the recognition and reproduction of different language styles.

The Italian teachers

Native Italian speakers —We place great emphasis on our selection and training of teachers. We look for lively, well-educated, motivated, interesting people who will be capable of motivating all their students. They must be native Italian speakers and have a University degree; in addition, they have prepared themselves for their inter-cultural task through intensive studies covering various topic areas; they have been trained in both traditional and more modern teaching methods and frequently use role-play, rythm excercises and word games.

Italian course levels

There are 5 different levels of Italian. —Students have to pass an entry test, written and oral, to be placed in the right level.

Basic ( beginner ) - This course is designated for those students who are beginning Italian for the first time. By the end of the course, students will be able to form some of the basic structures in Italian and will have a basic knowledge of the Italian culture.

Level 2 ( elementary ) - This course is designed for those students who already have a previous knowledge of some of the basic structures in Italian. By the end of the program, students will have increased their level of grammar and vocabulary so they can express themselves functionally according to different contexts. They will also have a greater awareness of italian culture and society.

Level 3 ( intermediate ) - This course is designed for students having a general command of the more complex structures in the Italian language and a good vocabulary base. By the end of the course, students will be able to use their Italian more fluently and will have a greater understanding of the Italian way of life. The course attempts to improve the student's understanding of the linguistic and extra-linguistic structures in Italian.

Level 4 ( advanced ) - This course is designed for students possessing a solid knowledge of the Italian culture and are able to perform at a communicative level. By the end of the course, students will have gained a wider knowledge of the Italian culture and will be more proficient at expressing ideas at an abstract level.

Level 5 ( proficiency ) - This course is designated for those students with a high command of the Italian language. Special emphasis is placed on perfecting the student's oral and writing skills and also in developing a global perspective of the Italian culture in relation to the student's particular field of interest.

Teaching materials

Textbooks, excercises, homework— We developed a highly effective teaching system which has been made into a series of textbooks. These books form the basis of most of the teaching but they are also supplemented by other material drawn from radio, TV, music, magazines, newspapers etc. The textbook contains a progressive series of lessons with integrated exercises and homework, each of which are intended to form one day's work.

Teaching material used in class and the attendance certificate given at the end of the course are included in the course fee. 

WHY CHOOSE CENTRO GIACOMO PUCCINI?

There are several reasons to choose our Centre:

Founded in 1988, we have years of experience and specialise in teaching Italian in Italy
The school is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research
The school is Officially recognized by the Swedish authorities
(Vår skola är godkänd av CSN och Högskoleverket)
A young and higly motivated professional teaching facultiy all specially trained in teaching Italian to foreigners
We are members of ASILS (Association of language schools for teaching Italian as a foreign language)
All levels of Italian offered from April to October
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
Meet students from all over the world while studying at Centro Giacomo Puccini
Friendly and helpful staff that give personal attention to each student
Access provided for handicapped students
Membership
AIL: Accademia Italiana di Lingua
ASILS: Association of language schools for teaching Italian as a foreign language
ELITE: Excellent Language Teaching Institutions in Europe