For further immersion in language and culture, a wide range of free guided excursions and social activities are provided. These activities are designed to provide participants with ample opportunity to learn and use Italian and take part in a comprehensive learning experience. The overall aim of the program is to instill the linguistic, practical, and cultural aspects of the language as well as the Italian way of life.

• Total immersion in the Italian language
• Total Beginner to Advanced classes available
• Semi-Intensive, Intensive, Super-Intensive & Combination Tailored programs
• Study from a minimum of 2 weeks to one Academic Year
• Total Beginner programs start every 2 weeks
• All other levels may start on any Monday throughout the year
• Small classes: average 6 students per class (maximum 12)
• Free after class tuition
• Free weekly guided tours, excursions, and activities
• Optional courses such as Art History, Italian Literature, History, & Cinema

Interactive teaching methods ensure that participants gain valuable information about modern-day Italian culture and society. Emphasis is placed on developing participants' oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar skills. Up-to-date materials introduce Italy's culture, history, literature, and current social and economic life.

Italian Language Programs	Classes a week	Duration
Semi-Intensive	10 classes a week	4 to 36 weeks
Intensive	20 classes a week	2 to 36 weeks
Super-Intensive	30 classes a week	2 to 36 weeks
Combination Tailored 25	20 classes a week plus 5 classes a week one to one	2 to 36 weeks
Combination Tailored 30	20 classes a week plus 10 classes a week one to one	2 to 36 weeks
Language and Culture	20 classes a week plus 6 culture classes a week	2 to 24 weeks
CILS (Certificato di Italiano come Lingua Straniera)	20 group classes plus 5 classes devoted to CILS preparation a week	2 to 24 weeks
One to One Tailored	Choose 2, 4, 6, or 8 private classes per day	2 to 36 weeks
Start Dates 2008 Jan 7, 21; Feb 4, 18; Mar 3, 17, 31; Apr 14; May 5, 19; Jun 2, 16, 30; Jul 14; Aug 4, 18; Sep 1, 15, 29; Oct 13, 27; Nov 10, 24; Dec 9 (2 weeks only). All Other Levels: Suggested start dates above or any Monday throughout the year.

Level 1: 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, including introductions, starting and concluding conversations, asking for information, and understanding and filling out basic forms. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation.

Level 2: False Beginner
This level is for those who have learned Italian and have a grasp of simple sentence structures. Classes focus on building everyday vocabulary and grammar. Participants learn how converse on simple daily topics, including using the telephone for essential communication. Writing exercises include composing brief letters and messages. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation.

Level 3: Elementary
This level is for those who are able to converse on general topics and express themselves using more complex sentence structures in Italian. Participants learn to communicate in general situations with clarity and confidence, including describing personal experiences. Writing and reading comprehension exercises include composing personal letters and understanding general work correspondences.

Level 4: Intermediate
The intermediate level curriculum is designed to build on vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Participants learn how to express their opinions, describe past events, understand written instructions and articles. Writing exercises include composing personal letters and short essays. The phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation. Classwork focuses on a wide range of topics encompassing Italian culture and society.

Level 5: High Intermediate
Classes improve communication skills and the ability to express instructions clearly and functionally in different contexts such as the work place. Participants focus on understanding essential information from the media and the dynamics of Italian society. Participants enhance general communication skills through a range of exercises such as using the telephone in different contexts, from social to work-related situations.

Level 6: Advanced
This level is for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their viewpoints clearly using correct pronunciation. Classes improve public speaking skills in professional situations including maintaining and supporting one's opinions. Classwork focuses on current Italian events, civilization and literature, to build linguistic skills, while at the same time developing a greater awareness of the culture and society. To build on writing skills, participants learn how to write commentaries, essays, speeches, and debates. Classwork focuses on a wide range of topics developing a greater awareness of Italian culture and society.

Level 7: High Advanced
Classes focus on communicating with confidence, in social and professional contexts. Participants examine radio and television programs and produce written texts presenting a strong grammatical and stylistic command of the language. Classes aim to enable participants to converse fluently and produce written texts in any given facility.

• Italian Literature
• Art History
• Contemporary Italian History
• The History of Italian Cinema
• Regions of Italy
• Italian Wines
• Italian Cuisine
• The Language of Tourism
• The Language of Fashion
• The Language of Business and Trade

For more information on these optional courses in Florence, click here

For a sample program of free excursions and activities in Florence, click here

For US citizens, programs that are less than 3 months duration (90 days) do not require a visa. For long duration programs over 3 months, participants should apply for a 'D' visa. This can be renewed in Italy for a maximum stay of one year. After enrollment, visa support documents such as the Certificate of Enrollment are provided.

For more information about accommodation options for students in Florence, click here

For Total Program Fees in Florence, click here

Tuition Only Fees are for those who do not require accommodation or other program features and wish to participate only in the classes.
For Tuition Only Fees in Florence, click here

For How To Apply procedures, click here
For the Application Form, click here