Faculty Information:
The teachers, all university graduates, are specialized in the teaching of Italian as a foreign or second language, and are particularly experienced in instructing adult students. The courses are geared to those who want a cultural vacation in Tuscany while learning how to get by in Italian in day-to-day situations, as well as to those who wish to learn Italian for their work or studies through a full immersion program.

The method of communication, and the friendly and personal atmosphere of the lessons make our courses a very special, human and cultural experience that`s different each time.

Our language courses generally run for two weeks, however, it is possible to attend for one week only or for periods longer than two weeks. Students who already speak some Italian may enter a class mid-session, whereas newcomers to the language must start at the scheduled beginning of the courses in order to avoid difficulties.Courses start on Monday mornings at 8:45 with a placement test, which takes up the first day. It begins with a written test in grammar, followed by a group conversation after the break. Naturally, for complete beginners there is no test so lessons start right away! Class sizes are from five to nine students. Classes are divided into six levels based on the "Common European Framework of Reference for Languages" of the European Council, with an additional, advanced level for students with a high degree of linguistic competence who wish to concentrate on conversation.The principal objective of our courses is to get our students, even those in the beginner and elementary levels, to the point where they're able to communicate in Italian. How do we do this? We believe that knowledge of grammatical structure and vocabulary are important, yet we know that they aren't enough in themselves. Students can be well versed in the rules of a language without being able to speak it.

When we communicate, we use language to exercise certain functions, such as asking, answering, discussing, promising etc. In addition, we exercise these functions within a sociocultural context. These are the two fundamental elements that make for effective communication, and it is through the interaction between two speakers, or a writer and a reader, that the meaning of a communication becomes clear.

How do our teachers put into practice these basic concepts? The aim of our lessons is to develop proficiency in communication through activities such as games, role-plays, problem solving, dramatizations, and listening and reading comprehension using real recordings and texts. The use of authentic materials provides our students with the opportunity to develop ways of comprehending the language as it is used by native speakers. What render approach we use in class particularly effective is the fact that the activities have an immediate, functional impact on our students' communication beyond the classroom. Immersing themselves in the language as it's used outside the school environment (for example in a bar, in a restaurant, at the post office or the train station) allows students to put the strategies they've learned into practice and to get immediate feedback on their capacity to communicate effectively.

Other Activities:
Even if you come to Montepulciano to learn Italian, you will probably not want to pass all your time doing exercises and reading grammar books! It is possible to spend pleasant afternoons in the country or enrich your knowledge of Montepulciano and its surrounding areas. If this is your intention, you may like to take part in our cultural program whose activities include guided tours of Montepulciano, cooking evenings, wine-tasting, a series of tutorials on history and the story of art, walks in the country and excursions to Cortona, Lago di Trasimeno or Montalcino. All these activities are, of course, in Italian. The excursions are optional and not included in the price of courses.

If you want to organize your own free time, Montepulciano and its surrounding areas have a lot to offer, including the towns of Chiusi and Cortona, famous for their Etruscan origins, the monasteries of Sant'Antimo and Monte Oliveto Maggiore, mediaeval towns such as Cetona and Città delle Pieve and Pienza, known as the "Pearl of the Renaissance". For nature lovers, there are hundreds of scenic walking routes in the Val d'Orcia or on Monte Amiata. In Montepulciano there are tennis courts, dance schools and a gym. In Chianciano (8km away and on a bus route) there is a swimming pool. We also recommend a visit to the area's large number of spa towns, such as Bagno Vignoni, Bagni di S. Filippo and San Casciano dei Bagni (reachable only by car).

For music-lovers, theater buffs, those who enjoy street festivals, in summer there is an "embarrassment of riches": food festivals everywhere, concerts and recitals, the piazza transformed into a theater, while exhibitions and historical processions frequently recreate the Middle Ages. Nor should we forget that Tuscany is also a destination for those who love good food and drink. From the housewife's kitchen to the most gourmet restaurant, there is something to suit all palates. And of course there are the great wines, the Nobile and the Brunello.

Thanks to its privileged position near to motorways and main line train stations, Montepulciano is also the ideal point for excursions to Central Italy's most famous historic and cultural centers: Siena, Arezzo, Perugia and Assisi are about 50 km away, while from the nearby Chiusi/Chianciano Terme railway station, you can get to Rome and Florence in little more than an hour.

Facility Information:
The school is located in an historic building in the heart of the town. It has 8 large, airy classrooms and a hall that`s used for conferences, exhibitions and events. There`s a terrace with a lovely panoramic view - a favorite place for students to take their class breaks during the summer months - as well as free Internet access and the opportunity to study or watch a film at the school at any time throughout the day. In addition, the school offers its students the chance to pass their afternoons together through a wide variety of excursions and activities - guided tours, wine, olive oil and cheese tastings, cooking lessons, walks in the country... For fitness enthusiasts - the gym in Montepulciano offers our students discounts and special courses.

Notes:
Confirmations for course bookings will be given on payment of a deposit (€ 200,00 or amount requested by our office). For cancellations received at least 15 days before the beginning of the course, half the deposit will be refunded. For cancellations received less than 15 days before the beginning of the course, no refund will be made. In case a student is not able to participate in the course she/he has booked, and she/he has given notice about this 7 days prior the beginning of the course, we will keep the deposit and give her/him the opportunity to change the course dates within one year.

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