The Italian Language Programs in Rome are designed to immerse participants in Italian. Participants gain valuable information about modern-day Italian culture and society and improve overall communication skills. These programs are designed to focus on all aspects of the language developing reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics, and vocabulary.
For further immersion in language and culture, a wide range of free guided excursions and social activities are provided. These activities are designed to provide participants with ample opportunity to learn and use Italian and take part in a comprehensive learning experience. The overall aim of the program is to instill the linguistic, practical, and cultural aspects of the language as well as the Italian way of life.
- Total immersion in the Italian language
- Total Beginner to Advanced classes are available
- Semi-Intensive, Intensive, or Super-Intensive programs are offered
- Study from a minimum of 2 weeks
- Total Beginners start every month
- All other levels may start on any Monday throughout the year
- Small classes: average 10 students per class (max 14)
- Free weekly guided tours, excursions, and activities
- Free activities with native Italian speakers
- Wide range of optional courses available
The curriculum is based on the needs of each proficiency level (see below for description) and designed to allow participants to progress rapidly and gain language fluency. Modern teaching methods focus on immersing participants in the linguistic, practical, communicative, and cultural aspects of the language, as well as the Italian way of life. A fully communicative approach to teaching Italian is adopted.
Interactive teaching methods ensure that participants gain valuable information about modern-day Italian culture and society. Emphasis is placed on developing participants' oral expression, listening comprehension, reading comprehension, writing, and grammar skills. Up-to-date materials introduce Italy's culture, history, literature, and current social and economic life.
These programs focus on all aspects of the language, developing reading, writing, speaking, listening, grammar, phonetics and vocabulary. All levels from Total Beginner to Advanced are available (see 'Placement Test & Proficiency Levels' below). Classes are held from Monday to Friday and each class is 55 minutes long. New courses start every 4 weeks. Non-beginners are recommended to start on these dates, however they may also start on any Monday throughout the year.
Italian Language
Immersion Programs |
Duration |
Levels |
Start Dates 2008 |
Semi-Intensive
15 hours a week |
2 to 52 weeks |
All Levels:
Total Beginner to High Advanced |
Total Beginners:
Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Mar 31, Apr 28, May 26, Jun 21, Jul 18,
Aug 18, Sep 15, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 9
All other Levels:
Suggested start dates above or any Monday throughout the year |
Intensive
20 hours a week |
2 to 40 weeks |
Total Beginners:
Jan 21, Feb 18, Mar 17, Apr 14, May 12, Jun 9, Jul 7
Aug 4, Sep 1, Sep 29, Oct 27, Nov 24
All other Levels:
Suggested start dates above or any Monday throughout the year |
Super-Intensive
30 hours a week |
2 to 28 weeks |
Part-Time
6 hours a week |
12 to 36 weeks |
Jan, Apr, Oct.
*Start dates depend on program intake.
(Accommodation not available with Part-Time) |
One to One Tailored
Minimum of 3 hours a week |
Minimum
of 1 week |
All Levels |
Any Monday throughout the year |
| Academic Year |
34 weeks |
Total Beginner to Elementary (levels 1 to 3) |
Oct 27, 2008 to June 26, 2009
(Application deadline: Aug 31, 2008) |
| Rome for Seniors |
2 weeks |
All Levels |
Mar 17, May 12, Sep 29 |
2007
Classes are not held on the following holidays in 2007:
Public Holidays: Jan 6, Apr 9, Apr 25, May 1, Jun 29, Aug 15, Nov 1
Christmas & New Year: From Dec 22, 2007 to Jan , 2008
2008
Classes are not held on the following dates.
Public Holidays: Mar 24, Apr 25, May 1, Jun 2, Aug 15, Dec 8
Christmas & New Year: From Dec 22, 2008 to Jan 4, 2009.
There are 9 main proficiency levels. First participants are placed according to the level indicated on the application form. Then, at the start of the program, non-beginners take a written and oral placement test. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests. Each proficiency level is generally completed in 4 weeks. At the end of each level, participants sit a test in order to progress to a higher proficiency level.
Level 1: Total Beginner
This level is for those who have never learned Italian or who have learned a few words but cannot express themselves in complete sentences. Classes focus on introducing everyday vocabulary and basic grammar. The curriculum is designed to provide knowledge of basic Italian. Classes focus on simple topics related to daily life, including introductions, starting and concluding conversations, asking for information, and understanding and filling out basic forms. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
Level 2: Post Beginner
This level is for those who have learned Italian and have a grasp of simple sentence structures. Classes focus on building everyday vocabulary, simple texts and grammar. Participants learn how to read and understand simple texts, express preferences, describe places and situations, and understand simple conversation between native speakers. Writing exercises include composing brief letters and messages. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation. At the end of the program, participants should be able to converse on simple daily topics and express themselves using basic sentence structures.
Level 3: Elementary
This level is for those who are able to converse on general topics and express themselves using more complex sentence structures in Italian. The curriculum is specially designed to improve vocabulary, sentence structures, listening, reading, and speaking skills. Participants learn how to express their opinions, describe past events, understand written instructions and read newspaper articles (facts and brief commentary). Writing exercises include composing personal letters and short essays. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly learn correct pronunciation and intonation. Classwork includes topics on Italian culture and society and participants are encouraged to converse on daily topics and express themselves using elementary sentence structures.
Levels 4, 5 & 6: Intermediate
These levels are for those who are able to converse on general topics and express themselves in complete sentences. Classes improve grammar and vocabulary, which enable participants to express themselves functionally in different contexts. Classwork focuses on current Italian events, civilization and literature to build vocabulary while at the same time developing a greater awareness of Italian culture and society. Emphasis is placed on participants' grammar, syntax, writing, oral expression, and listening comprehension skills. Oral expression classes include discussions of current events. Exercises to improve writing, speaking and grammar skills include writing reports, letters, narratives and essays. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants quickly master correct pronunciation.
- Level 4:
Classes build on basic conversation skills and focus on improving the students' standard of Italian to a degree of precision. Classwork improves grammar and vocabulary using a range of exercises including reading commentary on international events, allowing participants to read and write on the subject matter of heir choice, and reporting speeches and opinions with medium complexity. Other objectives of this level include relating past events with precision, expressing feelings, and affirming rights in critical situations.
- Level 5:
Classes improve communication skills and the ability to understand and express Italian by improving aural and oral aspects of the language. Classwork includes listening to authentic conversations between native speakers, reporting complex speech, and reading and analysing contemporary literature. Other objectives include learning how to write official documents such as resumes and job applications.
- Level 6:
Classes focus on smoothing out and perfecting pronunciation, intonation and weaknesses in grammar and discourse rules both in speech and writing. Classwork involves negotiating and managing difficult situations, reading contemporary literature and complex articles, as well as expressing opinions and personal judgments in writing.
Levels 7, 8 & 9: Advanced
These levels are for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions, and express their viewpoints clearly using correct pronunciation. Participants can express themselves systematically using appropriate expressions and language norms. The curriculum is focused on enabling participants to express themselves proficiently at an abstract level. Program literature includes Italian non-fiction, articles, and financial texts. To improve participants' fluency, classwork includes advanced exercises in writing and oral expression, such as commentaries, essays, speeches, and debates.
- Level 7:
Classes focus on acquiring a deeper knowledge of the depth and idiosyncrasies of the language. Classwork is aimed at improving students' understanding of the seriousness, irony or amusing aspects of the written and spoken language; the capability to express themselves completely; and appreciating and criticizing contemporary literature both orally and in writing.
- Level 8:
Classes focus on communicating with confidence. Classwork aims to enable students' to expound arguments and themes of a specialist nature, understand written and aural Italian without any difficulties, and develop a greater awareness of the culture and society. Students are assessed and special attention is paid to any weaknesses in linguistic structures both in written and oral work.
- Level 9:
Classes aim to enable participants to converse fluently and produce written texts in any given facility. The course ensures that participants are able to manage conversation on complex topics, are able to select the appropriate language style for each situation, and can write in a clear, concise and accurate manner.
Teachers are native Italian and all have degrees in teaching Italian as a Foreign Language. Current and carefully selected materials are used in class giving participants valuable information on modern-day Italian culture and society while at the same time developing their language and communication skills.
These optional programs are ideal for participants who wish to learn about Italian history, cooking and culture. These optional courses are to be combined with Italian Language studies. Participants must have at least an Intermediate level in Italian as the classes are held in Italian.
- Business Italian
- Roman Archaeology
- Italian Cooking & Wines
- CILS Certificate Exam Preparation
For further information about optional courses in Rome click here
The Rome for Seniors Program is a 2 week program designed for those who are fifty years or older and wish to learn or improve their Italian while expanding their knowledge of Italy's art, traditions and culture. The program aims to enable participants to acquire a greater knowledge of the Italian language as well as the customs and culture of the country, while enjoying the Italian way of life through organized activities. The curriculum consists of Italian language classes in the morning and daily cultural activities, trips and excursions to the surrounding areas of Rome in the afternoon.
Students are given ample opportunity to use Italian and take part in a comprehensive learning experience. Participants gain valuable information on modern-day Italian culture and society and improve overall communication skills.
All activities are held in Italian and are accompanied by a tour guide and/or Italian teacher. Activities include:
- Guided tour to Villa Adriana (Tivoli)
- Guided tour to Castelli Romani area, including visit to a wine cellar, wine-tasting and dinner on Castelgandolfo Lake
- Traditional Italian cooking, lesson and dinner
- 2 Guided tours around the city of Rome
- 2 Seminars on the History of Art
- Full day excursion to Pompei and Naples
For Rome for Seniors Total Program Fees, click here
To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, free excursions and activities are provided as part of the Total Program. Admission, transportation, and participation are included at no additional cost. The program of scheduled activities varies depending on student intake and availability. These excursions and activities are held on weekday afternoons or weekends and may include the following:
| Guided Visits: |
To Rome's major historical sites, museums, palaces, opera, theatre, concerts, and exhibitions. |
| Activities: |
From 'spagettata' evenings with pasta and wine, to 'festas' and workshops with local Italian students. |
| Excursions: |
Monthly excursion to nearby cities such as Naples, Pompei, Siena, and Assisi. |
| Italian cinema: |
Films are shown three times a week, from the old classics to contemporary movies by Italy's renowned directors such as Federico Fellini and Bernardo Bertolucci. |
Participants are able to practice after class what they have learnt, and further their knowledge of Italian using the self-access language study facilities. This center is equipped with a language laboratory (with audio booths & computers), a listening room (with audio and video booths) and a reading room (equipped with reading, writing and grammar-practice materials). The center is open Monday to Friday from 8am to 7.30pm.
These free weekly seminars are designed to deepen participants' knowledge in Italian culture, art and history. The seminars focus on a wide range of topics from Italian Cooking, Italian Wine, Regions and Towns in Italy, to the History of Art. Seminars vary from week to week, providing a selection of topics designed to further improve linguistic skills while deepening participants' knowledge of Italy.
Knowing the locals on a personal level is an important aspect of this program. Not only does it facilitate the use of Italian, it also encourages cultural and social exchange. Workshops with Italian students are held regularly in order to achieve this goal.
Participants' progress is assessed with continuous homework assignments and tests throughout the programs. At the successful completion of the program, a Certificate is awarded certifying the type of program, the number of hours studied, and the completed level of proficiency.
To cater for participants' varying needs, a range of accommodation options located close to the Academy are offered for those enrolled in the programs. These options include: Host Family (Half Board or Use of Kitchen), Shared Flat (Use of Kitchen), or Hotel. Host Family and Shared Flat accommodation are available in two options: Standard and Standard Plus. For further information regarding private flats, hotels or hotel apartments, contact
info@wle-italy.com or the nearest WLE office. Participants who have enrolled in the program are given details of the accommodation pre-departure. Details include a description of the accommodation, the address, phone number, distance from the Academy and other useful information.
For further information about accommodation in Rome, click here
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Meals (where specified), Textbooks, Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup to Accommodation, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Language Travel Medical Insurance, free email and internet access, and more. Free after class seminars, workshops, social activities and guided tours are held throughout the program. International Program Advisors provide information and assistance pre-departure and throughout the program.
For Total Program Fees in Rome, click here
Tuition Only Fees are for those who do not require accommodation or other program features and wish to participate only in the classes.
For Tuition Only Fees, in Rome click here
There are no special requirements. The program is open to participants from all over the world, who are at least 16 years old. For exceptions, contact WLE Offices.
The Application deadline is 6 weeks before the start of the program. Please apply early before the Application deadline. Enrollment and payment of program fees is due 4 weeks before the start of the program. If deadlines cannot be met, contact WLE.
For the How To Apply procedures, click here
For the Application Form, click here
For peace of mind, Total Program fees include Emergency Travel and Medical Insurance. StudentCare Insurance covers emergency medical and dental treatment, pro-rata return of program fee in case of curtailment, personal liability, and more. Participants are insured for the duration of the program.
For terms and conditions and further information,
click here
All participants from non European Union countries should contact the nearest Italian Consulate or Embassy to obtain information regarding visas.
For US citizens, programs that are less than 3 months duration (90 days) do not require a visa. For long duration programs over 3 months, participants should apply for a 'D' visa. This can be renewed in Italy for a maximum stay of one year. After enrollment, visa support documents such as the Certificate of Enrollment are provided.
Past participants have been awarded US credit transfers after completing this program. Participants are required to contact the Study Abroad Advisor or Italian Language Department in their home college or university regarding the procedures for academic transfer. Details of the program's total class hours, curriculum, and duration should be given. World Link's program advisors are available for further information and, if required, can contact the study abroad advisor or relevant person.
For cheap airfares to Rome, starting from US$500,
click here
Free pickup (where specified) from the bus station, train station or airport in Rome, to your accommodation is provided. Details of your arrival such as the date, time and place are required
at least 10 days before your arrival.
