This course which lasts 32 weeks (a 35-week stay) has been designed to meet the ever increasing demand of a solid language course combined with other disciplines such as History of Art, Architecture and Design, in which Italy is famous for throughout the world. The course is open to beginners and elementary students from all over the world, aged between 16 to 28.

The Course Objectives
To take the students up to an advanced level of proficiency in Italian, prepare them for the proficiency in Italian examinations of the Universities of Perugia and Siena, and ensure that they have a good grounding in the various aspects of Italian society and civilisation of yesterday and today. In other words the course caters for those who are interested not only in the language but also in Italian art and culture. The course also caters for those who need a solid language and cultural grounding in order to go on to higher studies in the field of Design, Music, Art, or Business.

The Language Syllabus
The language syllabus aims to take the students up to an advanced level of proficiency in Italian and enable them to sit the proficiency in Italian examinations of the Universities of Perugia and Siena. Instruction is oriented towards the development of the 4 basic skills: understanding and expression in both oral and written Italian. The predominant use of authentic materials and the application of a communicative approach ensure that students are put in immediate and constant contact with currently used language.

The Academic Syllabus
Italian history and civilisation, the political and social process that, from the unification of Italy till today, has brought about the formation of modern Italy. A complex and fascinating itinerary during which the characteristics of the Italian "soul" are highlighted. The main steps in the socio-economic and cultural evolution of Italian society are presented, using an approach that goes beyond simple chronology to include an in-depth analysis of the politics, customs, fashion, music and figurative arts.

Design and Architecture
Part of the course deals with Architecture and Design. This general introduction to these two subjects has a double objective: to create a basis for any future studies and to widen the knowledge of Italian culture in one of its basic dimensions. Architecture and Design are subjects which highlight the peculiarity of Rome as a melting pot of testimonies from different historical periods and diverse cultures. Moreover, Italian Design deals with the meeting of Mediterranean creativity and one of the most dynamic industries in the world.

History of Art
A part of the course is occupied by the History of Italian Art. It is not possible to separate theoretical and historical aspects from more dynamic aspects, in which the direct visit constitutes a fundamental moment. Rome is an ideal city from this point of view. Here it is possible to find concrete testimonies from many epochs: from ancient times, with its eternal monuments, to the medieval, to the Renaissance, to the Baroque period. The aim of this part of the course is to offer the opportunity to observe Rome from a new perspective, by trying to shift attention from the "object" to the "city which contains the object".

Business Italian
The English language dominates the labour market and international relations. Nevertheless there is a constant increase in the number of international operators who in their relationships wiith Italian companies feel the need to be conversant in Italian. The lessons will concentrate on all aspects of business Italian, both written and spoken. Ample time will be given to business terminology and to a review of relevant grammatical structures inherent to communicative situations in a business context.

Diplomas
During the course, or at the end of it, the students sit the examinations for the following qualifications:

• DILIT-IH Intermediate Diploma
• DILIT-IH Advanced Diploma
• CILS (run by the Università per Stranieri di Siena)*
• CELI (run by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia)*

* The students choose which of the two exams to apply for.

Some examples 2012
» all prices and details

20 lessons per wk	No acco	Host Family dr / nm	Host Family sr / nm
32 weeks	7550	10560	11460
Starting dates:   08/10

Course

Accommodation

Prices

 
 2012