Useful info

Useful information for your study holiday in Italy

There is no better place to learn the Italian language than Italy itself! In addition to studying the Italian language, you will also immerse yourself in Italian culture and get to know the country. If you are planning your study holiday in Italy, it is also important to be informed about means of transport, currency, food, culture and other practical aspects in order to best organise your study trip.

Means of transport

Italy has an efficient public transport system, including trains, buses and subways. If you stay in a big city like Rome or Milan, you can easily get around using public transport. However, if you will be located in a more isolated area, you may find it more convenient to rent a car, scooter or use taxi services.

Currency

Italy's official currency is the euro (EUR). It is important to always have cash with you, as some bars, shops and restaurants may not accept credit or debit cards.

Food

Italian cuisine is famous worldwide for its variety and the quality of its ingredients. During your study stay in Italy, you will have the opportunity to enjoy typical dishes such as pasta, pizza, ice cream and wine. In general, Italian food is very tasty and nutritious, and Italians are very attached to their cuisine, so meals are generally longer than in other countries.

Culture

Italy is known for its rich and diverse culture which encompasses art, architecture, history and fashion. Whether you find yourself in a bustling city or in a picturesque smaller town, you will always have loads of options when it comes to visiting some of the world’s most famous museums and historical sites, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, or St. Peter’s Basilica. You can also explore archaeological sites like Pompei, to name just one, or immerse yourself in charming medieval towns often located by the sea, with numerous churches to discover. During your study holiday in Italy, you will also have the opportunity to attend theater performances, concerts and other cultural events.

In general, studying Italian in Italy is a unique and enriching experience, which provides students with the opportunity to learn a new language in a stimulating and welcoming environment. With a little preparation and adaptation, you will fully enjoy your study experience in Italy and return home with fantastic memories.

Useful information for Italian language courses in Italy

Italian language courses in Italy are offered by a variety of institutions, but primarily by accredited private language schools. To help you organise yourself according to your needs, here is some general information about Italian language courses in Italy.

Type of courses

Italian language courses in Italy can be divided into three main categories: basic courses, intermediate courses and advanced courses. Often, schools use the division into levels suggested by the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR), where basic levels are A1 and A2, intermediate levels B1 and B2 and advanced levels C1 and C2. The basic courses are suitable for beginners who wish to learn the basics of the Italian language, while the intermediate courses are for those who already have some knowledge of the language and wish to improve. The advanced courses are for those who already speak Italian but want to improve their fluency and accuracy of their language skills.

Duration

The duration of Italian language courses in Italy varies from a few days to several weeks or months. You can choose intensive courses lasting one week or longer courses lasting several weeks or months.

Costs

The costs of Italian language courses in Italy vary depending on the institution offering them and the duration of the course. University courses tend to be more expensive than courses offered by accredited language schools. In general, Italian language courses can cost from a few hundred euros for a short course to several thousand euros for a long Italian course.

Teaching methods

Italian language courses in Italy employ a variety of teaching methods to enhance the learning experience. These methods may include classroom lectures, guided conversations, practical activities and project-based learning. By combining these approaches, Italian language courses aim to provide students with a well-rounded and comprehensive learning experience. If you have specific preferences or questions regarding the teaching methods employed, we recommend reaching out to your chosen school for further information before enrolling in a course.

Certifications

If you have the need, or simply the desire, to obtain an official certification that demonstrates your level of proficiency in the Italian language, there are various preparatory courses for recognised exams available. The certifications include the PLIDA Certificate from the Dante Alighieri Society, the Certificate of Italian as a Foreign Language (CILS) from the University for Foreigners of Siena, or the Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language (CELI) from the University for Foreigners of Perugia. Some schools also serve as examination centers for obtaining these certifications.

Lastly, in order to choose the course that is right for you, we recommend that you consider your starting level, your personal and professional needs and, of course, your budget. Gather information through our platform about the characteristics of each school, its accreditations, the courses offered, and contact the school of your choice for more details. You can choose to study in a big city where you’ll be visiting historical sites of interest, by the sea where you’ll enjoy breathtaking beaches or in the countryside where you’ll be surrounded by unspoiled nature. By using our search engine you can easily find schools that suit your needs.

Study visa for Italy

Study visas for language courses in Italy are required for students from countries outside the European Union who wish to attend an Italian language course at a university or accredited school in Italy for a period exceeding 3 months. Generally, to obtain a study visa, you need to submit an application at the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country, along with several required documents, including a valid passport, a certificate of enrollment in the language course, proof of medical insurance, and evidence of sufficient financial means to cover the course and living expenses in Italy.

Once you have obtained your visa, you can enter Italy and start your language course. Within a week of your entry, you will have to apply for a residence permit, the duration of which will be the same as that of your study visa. During your stay in Italy, you will be able to work part-time for a maximum of 20 hours per week; please note that the income from part-time work is not considered valid for the purposes of proving economic self-sufficiency; you will still have to prove that you have the financial means to cover your expenses for the duration of your stay in Italy.

It is important to strictly comply with Italian laws and regulations during your stay in Italy, and you must maintain your student status by regularly attending the language course. Failure to do so may result in the revocation of your visa, and you may be subject to deportation from Italy at your own expense.

You can find more information about the various types of visas applicable to your personal case through the following official website: https://vistoperitalia.esteri.it/home.aspx

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