Learn Italian in Siena: Teaching
Let’s get you speaking Italian in Siena!
Italian language ability / Rate of Progress
| Levels | CEF | Weeks | |
| Standard group course: Four contact lessons per day, five days per week | |||
| Beginner | A1 | 4 | |
| An introduction to studying Italian for those who have had no previous contact with or knowledge of the language. The course covers the basic points of Italian grammar. Students concentrate on four aspects of communication: oral expression (speaking), writing, oral comprehension (listening), and reading on a basic level, acquiring the basics of Italian. Attention is given to correct pronunciation of the Italian language, with emphasis on sounds that may be difficult for native speakers of English. | |||
| Elementary | A2 | 4 | |
| This course offers a logical continuation from the Beginner class level, building on A1 Italian grammar. Students will learn more advanced grammar concepts, focusing on the past tenses. At the same time, during the lessons, greater emphasis is placed on both written and oral (spoken and hearing comprehension) expressions. Also increasing oral understanding (hearing), students will be able to understand brief notices on radio and television broadcasts. | |||
| Intermediate 1 | B1 | 8+ | |
| B1 classes will increase the students’ knowledge of Italian Grammar and Culture, covering further advanced grammar concepts, focusing on the subjunctive, expressing opinions, wishes, moods and possibilities. Also improving written and oral comprehension and production. Students will expand vocabulary and improve their Italian language expression. | |||
| Intermediate 2 | B2 | 8+ | |
| This course aims to increase student knowledge of Italy’s language and deepen their understanding of Italian culture. Much of this course will centre on the study of various aspects of Italian culture. The class will work on enhancing oral and written skills, and oral (hearing) and written (reading) comprehension. Students review the basic elements of Italian grammar, focusing on the agreement of verb tenses and the use of the indicative and subjunctive. The student should become able to apply his knowledge of Italian grammar to his oral and written expression. He should be able to use verb forms in the indicative and subjunctive forms and express his opinions both orally and in writing. Additionally, they will read written texts about life in Italy. |
|||
| Advanced 1 | C1 | 8+ | |
| Linguistic work is continued and combined with additional information concerning modern Italian culture and Italy’s role in the world. Speaking and writing skills will be of utmost importance. The student will have the opportunity to use appropriate vocabulary in diverse situations, with special attention to slang and modern idiomatic expression. | |||
| Advanced 2 | C2 | 8+ | |
| Linguistic work is developed and finessed with additional information concerning modern Italian culture and Italy’s role in the world. Focus is on spoken and written skills, using appropriate vocabulary in diverse situations, with work on the use of slang and modern idiomatic expression. | |||
End of Course Certificate
Certificates are awarded to students on the completion of their course, based on their attendance and rate of progress.
Levels and groups
To guarantee adequate progress, it is vitally important that students are placed in a group that corresponds with their knowledge of Italian. This is only possible if the language school guarantees groups of all levels of learning. After making a careful initial evaluation of each student’s ability, the Siena School follows up their placement with regular control testing.
Class Size
The maximum number of students per group is twelve. The average number of students per group is five/eight in low season and seven/twelve in high season, with a maximum of 12 students per class.
Class Duration
At the school in Siena, lessons run from Monday to Friday and are 50 minutes long.
Exam preparation
The school offers exam preparation courses.
Please ask CESA staff for details if interested.
First Day
Arrival at school: 08.00 hrs
Language level tests followed by a short interview are held first thing to determine your class placement.
Sample Timetable for Standard Course
| Sunday | Arrival in Siena |
| Monday | 08.00-09.30hrs: Level tests |
| 09.30-13.20hrs: Morning lessons | |
| 14.30-15.30hrs: Welcome tour | |
| Tuesday/Thursday | 09.10-13.10hrs: Morning lessons |
| 15.45-16.45hrs: Afternoon lecture | |
| 15.45hrs: Tues & Thurs – Cookery classes 15.45hrs: Wed – Wine tasting |
|
| Friday | 09.10-13.10hrs: Morning lessons 19.00hrs: Pizza night |
| Saturday | 09.00hrs: Excursion or free day |
| Sunday | Free Day |
Open to all language levels (but specific start dates for beginners/false beginners) these courses concentrate on developing general language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing) and are always held in Italian. These Italian language courses are aimed at those who need to build on current skills or who want to learn Italian in Siena, from scratch with an Italian immersion course.
Please note the group programmes are designed to be followed for 2 weeks or longer duration (unless specifically stated otherwise) so whilst one-week courses are possible, please discuss the pros and cons of this with CESA staff, prior to booking.
Siena School Teachers
All of the teachers are native Italians and trained as Italian teachers. There are 10+ teachers in the school, all trained to teach Italian as a foreign language. They use a tried and tested method developed based on 30yrs+ experience and the vision of the school’s own teaching experts.
Siena School Students
Students come from all over the world, predominantly the USA & Europe, but also from as far afield as Australia, China, Japan, Mexico. Fundamentally, if you want to learn Italian – you’re welcome. Age wise there are a mix of all ages from 18yrs+, the oldest student to date was in their late 70’s and some 25% + of the student body last year were over 30 yrs of age.
There are students that stay for one or two weeks and others who stay for 12+ weeks. The longer you stay to learn Italian in Siena, the better your Italian language skills will be!
