The Italian Language Programs in Milan are designed to immerse participants in the Italian language and culture. Participants gain valuable information about modern-day Italian culture and society while improving their 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 available
- Semi-Intensive, Intensive, Super-Intensive or Combination programs offered
- Study from 2 weeks to one Academic Year
- Total Beginner programs start every month
- All other levels may start on any Monday throughout the year
- Small classes: average 8 to 10 students per class (max 12)
- Free weekly guided tours, excursions, and activities
- Optional courses in Italian Fashion & Design, and Commercial studies
These programs focus on all aspects of the language: 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 50 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.
2008
| Italian Language Immersion Programs |
Duration |
Start Dates 2008 |
Semi-Intensive
10 classes a week
|
4 weeks |
New programs start on the
following dates:
Total Beginners:
Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Mar 31, Apr 28,
May 26, Jun 30,
Jul 28, Aug 25,
Sep 22, Oct 20, Nov 17
All Other Levels:
Suggested start dates above or any Monday throughout the year. |
Intensive
20 classes a week |
2 to 36 weeks |
Combination Tailored
20 classes a week plus
10 private classes a week |
2 to 36 weeks |
Part-Time
4 classes a week |
8 weeks |
Italian for Fashion & Design
20 classes a week |
4 weeks |
July 28 & August 25 |
2009
| Italian Language Immersion Programs |
Duration |
Start Dates 2009 |
Semi-Intensive
10 classes a week
|
4 weeks |
New programs start on the
following dates:
Total Beginners:
Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 2, Mar 30,
Apr 27,
May 25, Jun 22, Jul 6,
Aug 3, Aug 31, Sep 28, Oct 26, Nov 23
All Other Levels:
Suggested start dates above or any Monday throughout the year. |
Intensive
20 classes a week |
2 to 36 weeks |
Super-Intensive
30 classes a week |
2 to 20 weeks |
Combination Tailored
20 classes a week plus
10 private classes a week |
2 to 36 weeks |
Part-Time
4 classes a week |
8 weeks |
Italian for Fashion & Design
20 classes a week |
4 weeks |
August 3 & August 25 |
2008
Public Holidays: Mar 24, Apr 25, May 1, Jun 2, Aug 15, Nov 1, Dec 8
Group classes are not held during
Summer Holiday: from Jun 23 to Jun 27
Christmas and New Year: from Dec 15, 2008 to Jan 4, 2008.
2009
Public Holidays: Jan 6, Apr 13, May 1, Jun 2, Dec 7, Dec 8
Christmas and New Year: from 21 December 2009 to 3 January 2010.
The curriculum is based on the needs of each proficiency level (see below for description) and is designed to allow participants to progress rapidly and gain language fluency. Modern teaching methods focus on instilling 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.
The Italian for Fashion & Design program is designed to extend participants' knowledge of Italian and provide students with the opportunity of improving their studies and career goals.
This course provides participants with sound language and knowledge of the Italian fashion industry. The course focuses on the adequate preparation of students attending fashion schools or specialized fashion programs after completion of their Italian language studies. This course also caters for participants who wish to acquire more knowledge of the fashion industry.
There are 9 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 focusing 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: False Beginner
This level is for those who have learned Italian and have a grasp of simple sentence structures. Classes focus on building everyday vocabulary and grammar. Participants learn how to converse on simple daily topics, including using the telephone for essential communication. Writing exercises include composing brief letters, and messages. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
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. Participants learn to communicate in general situations with clarity and confidence including describing personal experiences. Writing and reading comprehension exercises include composing personal letters and understanding general work correspondences.
Levels 4, 5 & 6: Intermediate
Lower Intermediate, Intermediate and Upper Intermediate
These levels are designed to build on vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Participants learn how to express their opinions, describe past events, understand written instructions and read newspaper articles. Writing exercises include composing personal letters and short essays. The phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation. Class work focuses on a wide range of topics encompassing Italian culture and society, including the following:
- Level 4:
Classes build on basic conversation skills to enable the participants to express themselves using the correct grammar and in complete sentence structures. Class work improves grammar and vocabulary with a range of exercises including extracts from newspapers to teach participants how to read and gain a general understanding of daily news. Other objectives of this level include learning how to perform in a job interview and writing a curriculum vitae.
- Level 5:
Classes improve communication skills, and the ability to express instructions clearly and functionally in different contexts, such as in the work place. Participants learn a range of skills commonly used at work, including answering the telephone, and writing brief reports and business letters. Class work also focuses on understanding essential information from the media.
- Level 6:
Classes focus on developing comprehension skills using a variety of newspaper articles and excerpts from the television broadcast news. Participants enhance general communication skills through a range of exercises including using the telephone in different contexts, from social to work-related situations.
Levels 7, 8 & 9: Advanced
This level is for those who can discuss general topics, raise complex questions and express their viewpoints clearly using correct pronunciation. The advanced curriculum is focused on enabling participants to express themselves proficiently at an abstract level. To improve participants' fluency, class work uses advanced texts and exercises including Italian non-fiction, articles, and financial texts. To build on writing skills, participants learn how to write commentaries, essays, speeches and debates. Class work focuses on a wide range of topics developing a greater awareness of Italian culture and society, including the following:
- Level 7:
Classes improve public speaking skills in professional situations including maintaining and supporting one's opinions. Class work focuses on current Italian events, civilization and literature to build linguistic skills, while at the same time developing a greater awareness of the culture and society.
- Level 8:
Classes focus on communicating with confidence, in social and professional contexts. Participants examine radio and television programs and produce written texts presenting strong grammatical and stylistic command of the language.
- Level 9:
Classes aim to enable participants to converse fluently, and produce written texts in any given facility.
The sound reputation of the Academy is largely attributed to the high quality of the teaching staff. The teachers are carefully selected based on their qualifications, varied backgrounds and experience. Teachers are native Italian and have degrees in teaching Italian as a Foreign Language. Current and carefully selected materials are used in class, providing participants with valuable information on modern-day Italian culture and society while at the same time developing language and communication skills.
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 evenings, and on Saturdays, and may include the following:
| Guided Visits: |
A range of historical sites, museums, and art exhibitions including Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Last Supper', Brera Gallery, Sforza Castle, La Scala Museum, Triennale and Italian Design Museum, Modern and Contemporary Art |
| Theatre Evenings: |
Visit to the opera at the Arena of Verona, concerts, ballets, and musical events |
| Social Events: |
Dinner in typical Italian restaurants and live concerts |
| Italian Films: |
Classics and latest films by renowned directors including Nuovo Cinema Paradiso (Tornatore), La Vita e´Bella (Benigni), Il Postino (Troisi), and Mediterraneo (Salvatores) |
Full day excursions to other cities are available at extra cost.
For further information about free activities and excursions in Milan, click here
These free weekly lectures are designed to immerse participants in Italian culture, art and history. The lectures focus on a range of Italian customs and events from Italian Cooking, Italian Wine, Regions and Towns in Italy, to Italian Traditions. Lecture topics vary from week to week, providing a selection of topics designed to further improve linguistic skills while deepening participants' knowledge of Italy.
Participants' progress is assessed continuously by homework assignments and tests given throughout the program. Upon the participants' 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.
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 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.
To cater for the varying needs of each participant, a range of accommodation options located close to the Academy are offered. These options include: Home Stay Half Board, Home Stay Bed & Breakfast, Home Stay No Meals, Shared Apartment with use of kitchen, furnished private apartments, and furnished residences. For further information regarding private flats, hotels or hotel apartments, contact info@wle-italy.com or the nearest WLE office. Participants are given details of the accommodation pre-departure. This includes a description of the accommodation, the address, phone number, distance from the Academy and other useful information.
For more information on accommodation options for students in Milan, click here
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Meals (where specified), Registration and Enrollment, Placement Test, Certificate and Transcript, Visa Support Documentation, Airport Pickup to Accommodation, Orientation, Welcome Pack, Language Travel Medical Insurance, and more. Free after class lectures, 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, 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, click here
There are no special requirements. The program is open to participants from all over the world, who are at least 18 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 How To Apply procedures, click here
For the Application Form, click here
Free pickup from the bus station, train station or airport in Milan, to your accommodation is provided in the Total Program. Details of your arrival such as the date, time and place are required
at least 10 days before your arrival.
