Academic Year in Italy

The Academic Year in Italy programme not only immerses you in Italy and all things Italian but prepares you for serious Italian language exams and introduces you to the richness of Italian culture. The programmes are based in fabulous cities, Rome, Florence, or Milan. The experience of life in one of these cities plus the quality of the language tuition in the Italian language schools, is an unbeatable combination.

> PDF Download: Academic Year in Italy 2024

  • Minimum age: 16 yrs (recommended for 18 yrs+)
  • Duration: 32 weeks
  • Italian tuition (480 lessons)
  • Class size: 14 people
  • Cultural sessions
  • Preparation for AIL exams (80 lessons)
  • Minutes per lesson: 45
  • Ability levels: Beginner/Intermediate

 

Visa Rules 2024 / 2025

IF you have EU passport status, you are welcome to book a long term course, without requiring a visa.
You can study from any level (beginner+).

However if you are a UK, US or other national, you will only be eligible for a Student Visa IF you meet the visa requirements, which INCLUDES being able to prove B1 or B2 Italian language level prior to booking the programme. Students who are beginners or who have elementary levels (A1 or A2) are NOT able to apply for a Visa.
Non EU students (A1 or A2 students) will find that the longest course possible will be a 12 week programme (when a visa is not required). This means you can enter Europe for up to 90 day, but no more than 90 days, in any 180 day period.

 

Florence

Florence Ice Cream

Gap Year Steff in Florence

Florence: Ponte Vecchio at night

Built along the banks of the Arno, in the heart of Tuscany the city appeals to Italian language students of all ages. It was the cradle of the Renaissance. You can admire the original masterpieces of Giotto, Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci in the Uffizi and Palazzo Pitti, but also in the many historic churches dotted around central Florence. The Ponte Vecchio connects the lively and historic city centre, to the quieter, more relaxed neighbourhood south of the river.

Rome

Rome: Welcome drinks

Rome: Out in the city

The Eternal City – world renowned for its centuries of history, picturesque monuments and ancient ruins. If you want to sample Italian history or the wonders of Italian Art over the years, Rome has so much to offer! However it is equally famous for its vivid night-life and can offer a million entertainments throughout the day too; shops, elegant squares, theatres, restaurants, wonderful churches, markets and cinemas abound.

 

Milan

Milan: Ferrari excursion

Milan: Vittorio Emanuele II arcade

Milan: Cheers!

With a population of 1.4 million, is the city that sets the trends. It is one of the most cosmopolitan and vibrant metropolis of Italy. A fascinating mixture of traditional and modern, design, fashion and culture. Its character is a melding of its historical past and its present day booming industry. The fantastic art treasures and the architecture attract visitors, bearing witness to 2000 years of history.

Academic Course Outline

Course Structure

The programme is ideal for students who wish to combine their study of the Italian with an exploration of Italy and the Italian culture, through living and studying in Italy.

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It is aimed at students with beginner to intermediate Italian, who aim to achieve fluency over a number of months. This Italian language course ensures rapid acquisition and long-term retention of all aspects of language knowledge and is an invaluable way of focusing on your language skills development, with like-minded people away from the pressures and demands of daily life at home. It aims to provide a solid grounding in core skills across a wide range of ability levels. Whatever your current ability, key teaching techniques will ensure you gradually acquire and develop the necessary strategies to understand and communicate in Italian.

  • Language classes: 480 lessons of Italian study, culmination in a final 80 lessons of preparation for two Italian Diplomas at intermediate and advanced levels
  • Cultural workshops: Italian Civilization & History, Art History, Business Italian, History of Design & Architecture and an introduction to Italian Gastronomy
  • Social programme: In addition to the above all Academic Year students are welcome to participate in the various social activities offered by the college each month to all language students, some cultural, whilst others are purely of a social nature

Do you speak Italian?
Can you prove it!

From A1 to C2 Italian exam qualifications are available, within each of these programmes, depending on your language level.

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Some people study Italian for self-enrichment or, they’re travelling to “il bel paese” and want to know how to tell the time or talk on the phone in Italian or to satisfy short term language requirements in high school, college, university or career goals. Others however, though, such as art history students, aspiring teachers, translators or others with long term career goals, study the language as part of a formal training programme. For this latter group of students, formally proving competency in the language is a requirement and this is where the AIL Exams are of great value.

DELI Diploma Elementare di Lingua Italiana “Firenze” AIL.
A1/A2 level according to the European Language Portfolio

DILI Diploma Intermediodi Lingua Italiana “Firenze” AIL.
B1 level according to the European Language Portfolio

DALI Diploma Avanzado di Lingua Italiana “Firenze” AIL.
C1 level according to the European Language Portfolio

DALC Diploma Commericale di Lingua Italiana “Firenze” AIL.
The DALC tests business Italian.
C2 level according to the European Language Portfolio

Level: DELI: low (2) DILI: average (3)
DALI: high(4) DALC: very high(5).
Exams: are held on set dates throughout the year

Social Life & Activities

Join in the fabulous trips arranged by the knowledgeable school staff.

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All students are encouraged to make the most of their time in each Italian location by participating in the guided excursions and activities offered by the college. Visits are offered accompanied by a college guide, students are of course welcome to explore each location on their own, and many to do so. Additionally we recommend you try the less well-known activities that the Italians themselves enjoy, wandering through the local markets; or simply exploring the hidden corners of the cities that the average tourist never gets to see.

Accommodation

All accommodation options offered have been inspected by local staff.

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Students have to allow different commuting times depending on which location they choose to study in.

Arrive: Sunday PM / Depart: Saturday AM

Option 1
Italian hosts, single room (or shared room on request), half-board basis (breakfast and evening meal).

Option 2
Shared apartment, single room  This can be with Italian hosts, single room (or shared room on request) in Rome and Milan on a self-catering basis. In Florence students can also share with other language students (this can also be arranged in Rome and Milan, depending on availability).