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 the 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 the metro. If you live in a big city like Rome or Milan, you can easily get around using public transport. However, if you live 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 varied culture, including art, architecture, history and fashion. Regardless of whether you stay in a big city or in the smaller, picturesque villages, you will always be spoilt for choice whether to visit some of the world's most famous museums and historical sites, such as the Sistine Chapel, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and St Peter's Basilica, or visit the archaeological sites of Pompeii, to name but one, or immerse yourself in medieval towns with countless churches often located by the sea. Of course, you can also attend theatre performances, concerts and other cultural events during your language study holiday in Italy.

In general, studying Italian in Italy is a unique and enriching experience, offering students the chance 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 mainly by private and accredited language schools. To better organise yourself according to your needs, here is some general information on 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 are based on various teaching methods, including lectures, guided conversations, practical activities and projects. In general, Italian language courses offer a combination of these methods to provide students with a complete learning experience. In any case, before booking your course, you can ask for more information on the teaching methods used at the school of your choice.

Certifications

If you have the need, or simply the pleasure, of obtaining an official certification that demonstrates your level of knowledge of the Italian language, there are various recognised exam preparation courses. 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 are also exam centres for obtaining one of these certifications.

Finally, in order to choose the right course for you, we recommend that you consider your starting language level, your personal and professional needs and, of course, your budget. Inform yourself through our portal about the characteristics of the individual schools, the courses offered, accreditations, and contact the schools you are interested in for more information. Also consider in your choice your cultural interests and possible extracurricular activities according to the geographical location of the school. You can choose to study in a big city visiting historical sites of interest, at the seaside enjoying breathtaking beaches, or in the countryside admiring unspoilt nature. 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 follow an Italian language course at an accredited university or school in Italy for a period of more than 3 months. Generally, to obtain a study visa, you must submit an application to the Italian embassy or consulate in your home country, accompanied by a number of required documents, including a valid passport, a certificate of enrolment in the language course, a certificate of medical insurance and proof of sufficient financial means to cover the costs of the course and living 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.

Clearly, you must scrupulously respect Italian laws and rules during your stay in Italy and you must regularly maintain your status as a student, enrolled in a language course. Otherwise, your visa may be revoked and you may be expelled 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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