Standard Course, Viareggio

The method of the teaching was effective and the way the lessons were set out in that there were separate grammar and conversation classes helped us focus. Teaching quality and interaction varied between teachers, but was very good. The school had a reasonable building, was well situated and had very pleasant and helpful teachers and administrative staff. The only thing that I would have changed was getting up early. While the beginning of the lessons were not overly early, as it was too a holiday for me an extra half hour in bed in the morning possibly coupled with revised lesson times as suggested above would allow for a more relaxed start to the day. Further to this a lie in after the legendary spaghetti party, or moving the party to a Saturday would also be helpful! All else would be left as it is! There was a great mix of different students, the social activities were good, and the travel arrangements were fine. Excursions were plentiful and varied but my standard of Italian was not sufficient to appreciate the guided tours.
It is a great destination for the course due to its location relative to places of interest in northern Italy, the choice of great places to eat out cheaply and the nice beach and sea, enjoyment of this helped by the school having a cheap deal with one of the beach proprietors.
The nightlife was different but good! While there were many restaurants, there was a lack of simple bars just to drink in. While there were no actual nightclubs, some of the beach complexes opened as clubs with outdoor areas which really were great with plenty of good music and very strong drinks! The only problems were high entry costs on the ‘wrong’ nights (up to 25 euros), expensive drinks (up to 10 euros) and sometimes a ‘card system’ for entry and drinks whereby you get a card on entry, have it stamped at the bar and pay on leaving. You can see the potential problems!
Considering places of interest, one stands above the rest and is a ‘must see and do’ for the shortest of visits! It is an area known as ‘Cinque Terra’ (Google it!) and has something for everyone. The nicest part of this area for me was Vemazza, with beautiful scenery and crystal clear waters. It takes an hour and a half on the very cheap and efficient train network.
I found CESA very helpful and efficient. Thank you!
I would certainly like do this again, be that to Viareggio, another school in Italy, or another language course in another country! It was great to meet so many different but like-minded people and to have the chance to explore a beautiful region!

Adam