Learn Italian in an absolutely breathtaking city, Florence has so much to offer the international student looking to learn Italian and learn about the countries culture and history.

The streets of Florence radiate the charm of Italian culture. Few can dismiss the image of Brunelleschi’s cathedral dome bursting through the morning mist – a terra cotta balloon hovering above the medieval rooftops. But once the visitor drops down to street level, the profusion of traffic, tourists and touts can remove all sense of tranquility.

Located 80 Miles inland from Italy's west coast and 145 miles north west of Rome, Florence boasts a proud history, comprised of art and architecture that is surpassed by none other in Europe. UNESCO estimates that 60% of the world’s most important artworks are in Italy, with over half of them located in Florence.

Students from all around the world join each other in discovering the 'Flower' (Florence or Florentia in Italian/Latin) and the birthplace of the Renaissance.

There is no limit to the treasures of this city, which many art lovers consider the most hallowed on earth. Piazza della Signoria, once the hub of Florence’s political machinations, remains a central reference point for visitors and citizens alike. Visitors can linger over a coffee in one of the square’s gilded cafés and admire the powerful hulk of Michelangelo’s David (a copy) guarding the city’s PalazzoVecchio, Florence’s town hall since 1322.

An array of sculptures, including Cellini’s Perseus brandishing the head of Medusa and Giambologna’s Rape of the Sabine Women, stand under the square’s loggia – an impressive overspill from the nearby Uffizi Gallery. The square’s landmark crenellated tower, the Torre d’Arnolfo, can be seen best from Piazzale Michelangelo – a balcony over Florence with spectacular views of terra cotta roofs, the River Arno and Brunelleschi’s portly dome – all backed by the rolling hills of Chianti. It is the sight of a thousand picture postcards and Merchant Ivory film shots but it never fails to take your breath away.

The city is one of Italy's most pleasant, retaining the feel of the old medieval center that contributed so much to the cultural and political development of Europe. Culture in Florence extends far beyond the ancient buildings and sculptures. Florence can boast of its vigorous nightlife as well as countless festivals, fairs, and live performances for tourists and locals alike.

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Galleria Corsini (private art collection in Florence)
Galleria dell'Accademia (Michelangelo's David)
Museo dell'Opera del Duomo (museum), Piazza della Signoria Battistero di San Giovanni
Duomo di Firenze (one of the largest Cathedrals in the world) Ponte Vecchio (bridge)
Galleria degli uffizi (uffizi gallery)

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SCHOOL FACILITIES
Over 8 classrooms (most with balconies), rooftop terrace, internet access, school snack area, social rooms, patios, reception travel desk, TV and video room.

Our school which is one of the most respected in Florence, is ideally situated in a very clean and safe corner of Florence, just 5 minutes walk from the main train station.

From the rooftop patio you can look to the horizon and the hills of Tuscany, and the beautiful Duomo. Housed in a typical style building, the school is located on the 6th and 7th floors and the views of Florence are amazing!

Every classroom has large windows opening on to wide terraces which over look the city. The large terrace on the roof, where classes some times take place in the summer, is a favorite place for students to socialize and hang out during or after classes.The school is very bright and our staff help to make the atmosphere warm and friendly.

The school has an elevator but why not work the pasta off and use the stairs! It is an ideal meeting place for international students and some of the apartments are actually located in the school building. A short (10 minute) walk will lead you to the cathedral square and to the heart of the city.

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THE BASICS
Course for all language levels - set dates for beginners - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting at 09:00am - min age 18 - Max. 8 students per class - unlimited course length.
Holiday: (10 lessons per week)
Standard: (20 lessons per week)
Intensive: (30 lessons per week)
Long Stay: (20 lessons per week, min. 8 week stay)

We offer preparation Courses for "C.I.L.S." and "CELI" exams.

Each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning of the course (unless a complete beginner), to determine the students language level and ensure placement in the correct class.

Teachers are native speakers and many are University educated with years of teaching experience. Italian programs designed for all levels of the language and a lot emphasis is placed upon the speaking ability of the student. In addition to the normal classes, audio and video equipment, songs and local Spanish newspapers are used to promote the many different ways the language can be used.

NOTES: Private lessons and additional options can be added to any program, lessons normally last 50 minutes in length and you will be studying with international students from around the world. Lessons run from Monday - Friday, you will be expected to arrive early on the first Monday morning to take a placement test and orientation meeting. During class only the local language will be spoken, the emphasis is to speak and think in the new language, a language proficiency certificate is available at the end of the program. The school is closed on all public holidays. Please see the program info and resource links, for additional information or please contact us.
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Host Family: (private room) 2 meals daily.

Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As Berlin is a very large sprawling city, host families are usually not more than 50 minutes away, (average 30 minutes by metro, bus or bicycle).

NOTE: Transfer to the airport on arrival and departure is included, when staying with a host family.

Students have access to all living areas in the house and in most cases, will be expected to share the bathroom. All bed linens and pillows will be provided, however we suggest you bring your own towels. If your family does not provide a laundry service, they may allow you to use the laundry facilities for a small additional charge.

Staying in a family is a truly wonderful experience and many students make lifetime friends with their host family. However, you should also have realistic expectations and recognize that an element of flexibility is required to adjust to the local customs and way of life. Your host family may not have the same comforts as your own home but you will always be treated as a guest and free to come and go as you wish.

Apartment Share: (private room) no meals.

Apartment share is a popular form of living among Germans, especially in bigger cities. You have a single room in an apartment you share with one or more Germans and take care of all meals yourself. The Germans are aged between 20 - 50, either students at Berlin universities or professionals. Often you develop close contacts with the Germans in your apartment, this is great for practicing your german.

Included: single room with bed, table and closet, bed sheets and towels, bathroom which is shared, distance to school: max. 50 minutes, average 30 minutes by metro, bus or bicycle, reductions on public transport with school student ID.

NOTES: Airport transfers may be included or available, also extra nights can be booked before / after course (at an additional cost), please check price page for details. The Sunday night accommodation before your course begins on Monday, is included in the program price. All meals will be local custom and meal times may be different to what you are used to, however you are not obligated to eat all your meals with the family, just notify them when you will not be returning to eat.. Our families are diverse with young couples without children, couples with children (of all age groups) and older couples with grown children who are no longer at home. Please see the Accommodation link for additional information.
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