Our Method of Teaching Italian Language:

In line with the most up-to-date theories on language teaching, at our school we concentrate on developing all four linguistic skills at the same time: listening and speaking, reading and writing.

We believe that the small number of students per class and our varied teaching techniques enable each student to become an active participant in the learning process. Each new block of language is always presented in context, and this gives the students the opportunity of practicing immediately what they have just studied.

In each course the four main language skills - listening comprehension, speaking, reading and writing - are developed gradually through a wide range of classroom activities. During their classes, students develop their own personal communication strategies, learn to develop and use new vocabulary, improve their listening skills, work on grammar, and develop reading and writing skills.

Speaking skills are practised daily through varied teaching techniques (dramatization, role-play, oral presentations, and open discussions). Italian language patterns are taught within a cultural context that help students become familiar with the most significant elements of Italian cultural life.

We use course books which fulfil its teaching philosophy and which are selected from the varied and exciting variety produced by various different Italian publishers.

Levels:

There are 7 levels offered. Each level takes 4 weeks to complete. The appropriate level for each student will be determined by a placement test. Our levels approximately correspond to the Common European Reference Levels - European Language Portfolio as follows:

Beginner = A1
By the end of the course (80 hours) learners will be able to understand sentences and common expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, traveling); to undertake simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar and everyday concerns; to describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and essential needs.

Intermediate 1 = A2
By the end of the course (80 hours) learners will be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions concerning basic information and the main points in short and simple messages; to handle short social exchanges; to describe in simple phrases matters related to their personal life (family, education, living conditions, employment); to write short, simple notes (e.g. letters and brief messages).

Intermediate 2 = B1
By the end of the course (80 hours) learners will be able to understand the main point of ordinary conversation likely to be encountered in school, work, leisure etc.; to deal with common situations which arise while living in a foreign country; to enter unprepared into conversation on topics relevant to everyday life; to describe their own feelings, hopes and ambitions; to give reasons for, and explanations of, opinions and plans.

Intermediate 3 = B2
By the end of the course (80 hours) learners will be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization; to interact with sufficient fluency and spontaneity with native speakers; to present clear, detailed descriptions on different subjects and explain their personal opinions, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options; to write essays and reports in support or against a particular point of view, and letters about significant experiences and events.

Advanced 1 = C1
By the end of the course (80 hours) learners will be able to understand a wide range of longer, difficult texts and recognize implicit meaning (TV news and current affairs items); to read articles and contemporary literary prose; to take active part in discussions about matters familiar to them, supporting their opinions adequately; to describe subjects, developing particular points and presenting an appropriate conclusion; to write about complex subjects in a letter, essay or a report, selecting the right style for the reader.

Advanced 2 = C2
By the end of the course (80 hours) learners will be able to understand without difficulty any kind of spoken language (TV broadcast, speeches by native speakers given at fast speed and/or with a particular accent); to read a great variety of complex, specialized texts; to participate in conversations showing a high competence in idiomatic expressions; to solve any problems in communications by reshaping the interactions in order to get the message through; to present a topic in the most appropriate style to the context by choosing the logical structure which highlights the significant points; to write articulated texts (letters, reports, articles), summaries and reviews of professional and literary works.

Mastery
Will have no difficulty in understanding any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when idiomatic Italian, regional accents and slang expressions are used. Will be able to read with ease virtually all forms of the written language, including abstract, structurally or linguistically complex texts such as handbooks, essays, specialized articles and literary works. Will be able to take part effortlessly in any conversation or discussion even when idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms are used. Will be able to write fluently using correct grammar, sentence construction and the appropriate linguistic register.

The Italian Art and Italian Language
Institute offers:

Group courses.

Espresso 4 is a group course consisting of 4 hours a day, 9.00am to 12.40pm, Monday through Friday. The appropriate level for each student will be determined by a placement test upon arrival. In case the student is an absolute beginner, he/she should start classes on the first Monday of the academic month.

Espresso 2 is a group course (only held in summer) consisting of 2 hours a day, from 2.10pm to 3.50pm, Monday through Friday. There are six levels, each of which takes 4 weeks to be completed. Upon arrival students will take a placement test.

Combo: In addition to the afore-mentioned courses, students who prefer taking classes for more than 2-4 hours a day, can add one extra sixty-minute individual class with an Italian professor.

Individual Courses.

• INDIVIDUAL 1: 4 hours of lesson per day
• INDIVIDUAL 2: 6 hours of lesson per day lunch with teacher included
• INDIVIDUAL 3: 8 hours of lesson per day
• INDIVIDUAL 4: 8 hours of lesson per day lunch with teacher included

Supplementary Courses

Certifications

The school issues an attendance certificate and, on request, a certificate attesting the successful completion of courses. Successfully completing the final level of the Espresso course earns the student the Magister Linguae Certificate. The school also prepares students to attain certifications issued by the following Universities:

- Universitˆ per stranieri di Siena (CILS)
- Universitˆ per stranieri di Perugia (CELI)
- Universitˆ degli Studi Roma Tre (ele.IT and IT)