If you want to study in Italy, you'll need to learn the language. How do you set about finding an affordable, accredited Italian language programme? Ken Reynolds investigates and suggests three steps to success
Step One
A good starting point in the search for an accredited course is the A.S.I.L.S. (Associazione delle Scuole di Italiano come Lingua Seconda) The Association of Schools of Italian as a Second Language, with member schools well represented in the various regions of Italy, is designed to guarantee the quality of instruction and professional level of services offered to students.
A.S.I.L.S. is a founding member of ELITE (Excellent Language Institution Teaching in Europe), a European federation of national associations of native language instruction. ELITE, consisting of six associations, aims to set standards for the quality of instruction, services and accommodation provided by language schools throughout the continent.
The A.S.I.L.S. Quality Guarantee
- A.S.I.L.S. member schools are required to adhere to strict didactic and professional requirements.
- Each school has a permanent study centre where Italian language courses are held.
- The prospectus published by the schools contains a detailed description of the courses and the various services offered.
- All instructors, chosen for their professional and personal skills, hold university degrees and have experience of teaching Italian to foreign students.
Before departure
- Students receive detailed information about the courses and the necessary prerequisites for enrolment.
- All course prices, number of lessons and services included are clearly indicated.
- Students requiring help in locating accommodation are given a selection of addresses to choose from according to their needs.
- Prior to departure, students are provided with their assigned address and a description of the accommodation.
During the course
- Students take a placement exam to determine their language level.
- Students are placed into classes with a set maximum number. This maximum number of students is determined by each institution.
- The school's director is available to assist students regarding the academic programme and can help resolve didactic problems that may arise.
- Progress in the student's language proficiency is carefully monitored throughout the duration of the programme.
- The school organises recreational, social and cultural events. Students are welcome to participate in these events during their leisure time.
- The school provides information about their city and region in Italy. Information is available to encourage students to participate in local activities.
After the course is completed
- Students receive a certificate of attendance and/or description of the course attended.
- After completing the assigned level, students can choose to take an exam to verify progress and receive a certificate of proficiency according to the level.
Step Two
Having found an accredited school, you need to decide on a suitable level of qualification. Before long you will come across mention of the poetic-sounding Deli, Dili, Dali and Dalc, the standard abbreviations for the 'Firenze' diplomas offered by the A.I.L. (Accademia Italiana di Lingua) at elementary, intermediate, advanced and commercial levels.
Step Three
You should now gather as much information as you can about a range of schools and compare what they have to offer in relation to your specific needs.
Here is an example of provision at one academy in Rome:
Rome, the birthplace of one of the most ancient civilizations, is an ideal location to immerse yourself in Italian language, culture and society. Study in the heart of this historical city, just a short walk from the central railway station Stazione Termini. Discover the array of monuments, palaces and museums with over 2000 years of history. Marvel at the works of Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci or the splendour of Vatican City.
Home to 4 million inhabitants, Rome has over 84 theatres, 70 museums and 75 cinemas, giving truth to the saying: 'Rome - a lifetime is not enough'.
The Italian language programmes in Rome are designed to immerse participants in Italian. You will gain valuable information about modern-day Italian culture and society and improve your overall communication skills.
These programmes are designed to focus on all aspects of the language, developing reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics and vocabulary.
For further immersion in language and culture, a wide range of free guided excursions and social activities are held. These activities are designed to provide participants with ample opportunity to learn and use Italian and be apart of a comprehensive learning experience. The overall aim of the programme is to instil the linguistic, practical, and cultural aspects of the language as well as the Italian way of life.
Features
- Total immersion in the Italian language
- Total beginner to advanced classes available
- Semi-Intensive, Intensive, or Super-Intensive programs offered
- Study from minimum of 2 weeks
- Total beginners start every month
- All other levels may start on any Monday
- Small classes: average 8 students per class
- Free weekly guided tours, excursions, and activities
- Free activities with native Italian speakers
- Wide range of optional courses available
Placement Test & Proficiency Levels
There are 5 main proficiency levels that are further subdivided. Firstly, participants are placed according to the level indicated on the application form. At the start of the programme, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests. Each level lasts for a period of four weeks.
TOTAL BEGINNER
This level is for those who have never learned Italian or who have learned a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentences. Classes focus on introducing everyday vocabulary and basic grammar. The curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of basic Italian focusing on simple topics related to daily life, from introductions, starting and concluding conversations, asking for information to understanding and filling out basic forms. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
POST BEGINNERS
This level is for those who have learned Italian and have a grasp of simple sentence structures. Classes focus on building everyday vocabulary, simple texts and grammar. Participants learn how to read and understand simple texts, express preferences, describe places and situations and understand simple conversation between native speakers. Writing exercises include composing brief letters and messages. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation. At the end of the programme, participants should be able to converse on simple daily topics and express themselves using basic sentence structures.
ELEMENTARY
This level is for those who have learned Italian, have a grasp of simple sentence structures and have learned basic grammar systematically. The curriculum is specially designed to improve vocabulary, sentence structures, listening, reading and speaking skills. Participants learn how to express their opinions, describe past events, understand written instructions and read newspaper articles (facts and brief commentary). Writing exercises include composing personal letters and short essays. The phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation. Class work includes topics on Italian culture and society and participants are encouraged to converse on daily topics and express themselves using elementary sentence structures.
INTERMEDIATE (Lower Intermediate, Intermediate and Upper Intermediate)
These levels are for those who are able to converse on general topics and express themselves in complete sentences. Classes improve grammar and vocabulary, which enable participants to express themselves functionally in different contexts. Class work focuses on current Italian events, civilization and literature to build vocabulary while at the same time developing a greater awareness of Italian culture and society. Emphasis is placed on participants' grammar, syntax, writing, oral expression, and listening comprehension skills. Oral expression classes include discussions of current events. Exercises to improve writing, speaking, and grammar skills include writing reports, letters, narratives and essays. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly master correct pronunciation.
ADVANCED
This level is for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions and express their viewpoints clearly using correct pronunciation. Participants can express themselves systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms. The curriculum is focused on enabling participants to express themselves proficiently at an abstract level. Programme literature includes Italian non-fiction, articles and financial texts. To improve participants' fluency, class work includes advanced exercises in writing and oral expression. These include commentaries, essays, speeches and debates.
Teachers & Teaching Materials
Teachers are native Italian and have degrees in teaching Italian as a Foreign Language. Up-to-date, carefully selected materials are used in class, giving participants valuable information on modern-day Italian culture and society while at the same time developing their language and communication skills.
Optional Programmes
These optional programs are ideal for participants who wish to learn about Italian history, cooking and culture. These optional courses are to be combined with Italian Language studies. Participants must have at least an intermediate level in Italian. Classes are held in Italian.
Courses: Business Italian, Italian Cooking and Wine, Photography, Roman Archaeology, CILS Preparatory Examination*.
Classes: 6 per week
Duration: 4 weeks long (*CILS option is 5 weeks long)
Start-dates: Same as Italian Language programs
Excursions & Activities
To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, excursions and activities are provided as part of the programme. Admission, transportation, and participation are included at no additional cost. The program of scheduled activities varies. These excursions and activities are held on weekday afternoons or weekends and may include the following:
Guided Visits: To Rome's major historical sites, museums, palaces, opera, theatre, concerts, and exhibitions.
Activities: From 'spagettata' evenings with pasta and wine to 'festas' and workshops with local Italian students.
Excursions: Monthly excursion to nearby cities such as Naples, Pompeii, Siena, Assisi.
Italian cinema: Films are shown three times a week, from the old classics to contemporary movies by Italy's renowned directors such as Federico Fellini and Bernardo Bertolucci.
Self-Access Study Centre
Participants are able to practise after class and further their knowledge of Italian by using the self-access language study centre. This facility is equipped with a language laboratory (with audio booths & computers), a listening room (with audio and video booths) and a reading room equipped with reading, writing and grammar-practice materials. The centre is open on Mondays to Fridays from 8am to 7.30pm.
Italian Culture, Art & Cooking Seminars
These weekly free seminars are designed to immerse participants in Italian culture, art and history. The seminars focus on a wide range of topics from Italian Cooking, Italian Wine, Regions and Towns in Italy to the History of Art. Seminars vary from week to week, providing a selection of topics designed to further improve linguistic skills while deepening one's knowledge of Italy.
Workshops With Native Italian Speakers
Knowing the locals on a personal level is an important aspect of this programme. Not only does it facilitate the use of Italian, it also encourages cultural and social exchange. Workshops with Italian students are held regularly in order to achieve this goal.
Assessment
Participants' progress is assessed through continuous homework assignments and tests throughout the programmes. On successful completion, a Certificate is awarded specifying the type of programme, the number of hours studied and the achieved level of proficiency.
Accommodation
To cater to participants' varying needs, a range of accommodation options located close to school is offered to those enrolled on the programmes. These options include: Home stay with Half Board, Home stay with Use of Kitchen, Shared Flat with or without meals or Hotel.
Participants are given details of the accommodation pre-departure. These include a description of the accommodation, the address, phone number, distance from school and other useful information.
Fees And Dates
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Textbooks, Registration and Enrolment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup to Accommodation, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Medical Insurance, email and Internet access and more. Free after class seminars, workshops, social activities and guided tours are held throughout the programme. International Programme Advisers provide information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program.
Tuition Fees only are available for those who do not require accommodation or other programme features and wish to participate only in the classes.
Requirements
There are no special requirements. The programme is open to participants from all over the world, who are at least 16 years old.
Not all roads lead to Rome!
If you don't fancy the bustling capital city, you can find similar courses in cities such as Milan, Venice and Florence or you can choose a Mediterranean seaside resort such as Otranto.You may need a very specific, higher-level course such as the one necessary if you apply to study Medicine. The Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, for example, has a preparation course for medical studies in Italy. This is intended for those students who, due to the "Numerus Clausus" in their own country, are unable to enter the faculty of medicine.To be admitted to an Italian university as a foreign student, you must pass an entrance exam (Italian language, scientific subjects). This is usually held at the end of September at the faculty you have chosen. To pass the entrance exam the following are indispensable
- Recognised school leaving examination
- Good knowledge of the following subjects in Italian:
- biology, anatomy, chemistry, mathematics and physics.
- Ability to express yourself in the Italian language verbally and in writing.
