The Italian Language Programs in Venice are designed to immerse participants in 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, such as developing skills in 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 participants with 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
- Intensive or Combination Tailored programs offered
- Study from a minimum of 1 week
- 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 (maximum 12)
- Free weekly guided tours, excursions, and activities
These programs are designed to 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.
2008
| Italian Language Immersion Programs |
Duration |
Start Dates 2008 |
Intensive
20 classes a week |
1 to 36 weeks |
New programs start on the following dates:
Jan 7, Feb 4, Mar 3, Mar 31, Apr 28, May 26, Jun 23, Jul 21, Aug 18, Sep 15, Oct 13, Nov 10, Dec 8*.
*Maximum duration 2 weeks.
Non-beginners may start on any Monday
|
Combination Tailored 25
20 intensive + 5 individual
classes a week |
1 to 36 weeks |
Combination Tailored 30
20 intensive + 5 individual
classes a week |
1 to 36 weeks |
2009
| Italian Language Immersion Programs |
Duration |
Start Dates 2009 |
Intensive
20 classes a week |
1 to 36 weeks |
New programs start on the following dates:
Jan 5, Feb 2, Mar 2 & 30, Apr 27, May 25, Jun 22, Jul 20, Aug 17, Sep 14, Oct 12, Nov 9, Dec 7*.
*Maximum duration 2 weeks.
Non-beginners may start on any Monday
|
Combination Tailored 25
20 intensive + 5 individual
classes a week |
1 to 36 weeks |
Combination Tailored 30
20 intensive + 5 individual
classes a week |
1 to 36 weeks |
2008
Classes are not held on the following dates.
Public Holidays: Mar 24, Apr 25, May 1, Aug 15
Christmas and New Year: December 22 2008 to January 5, 2009.
2009
Classes are not held on the following dates. On the below public holidays,
an excursion is arranged.
Public holidays: Jan 6, Apr 13, May 1, Jun 2.
Christmas and New Year: December 19, 2009 to January 3, 2010.
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 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.
There are 5 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 at 8.30am on the first day. Second placements are made according to the results of the placement tests. 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: Lower Intermediate
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 expressing their opinions. Writing exercises include composing brief letters and messages. Phonetics exercises and drills ensure that participants learn correct pronunciation and intonation.
Level 3: Intermediate
This level is designed to build on participants' vocabulary, grammar, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Participants are introduced to important colloquial expressions and more complex grammatical structures. Class work focuses on enabling participants to use the language with confidence and the ability to communicate in structured conversation.
Level 4: Upper Intermediate
This level is designed to complete the program of grammar and colloquial expressions while building on participants' vocabulary, listening, speaking, reading and writing skills. Class work focuses on a wide range of topics encompassing Italian culture and society, improving communication skills, and the ability to express instructions clearly and functionally in different contexts from social to work-related situations.
Level 5: 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 current Italian events, civilization and literature to build linguistic skills, while at the same time developing a greater awareness of the culture and society. 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. All staff speaks at least one other language in addition to Italian. 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.
The
Italian Art Program is a unique course ideal for participants who wish to learn about Italian art. These art classes allow students to learn about and appreciate painting, sculpture and architecture from some of the greatest Venetian artists from the middle-ages to contemporary age. Classes are held in the mornings or in the afternoons. Participants must have at least intermediate Italian proficiency level as the classes are held in Italian.
For more information on the Italian Art Program contact the nearest WLE Office.
To ensure a comprehensive learning experience, free excursions and activities are provided as part of the Total Program Fee. Admission, transportation, and participation are included at no additional cost. The program of scheduled activities varies. These excursions and activities are held on weekday afternoons or evenings, and on Saturdays. A sample monthly program is as follows:
- Welcome Party
- Bicycle ride around the Lido
- Guided tour of the Academia gallery
- Walking tour through the Rialto fish market
- Wine tasting
- Italian cinema
- Train excursions to Vicenza to view Palladio's works
- Venetian boats walking tour
- A cooking class in traditional Venetian cooking
- Guided tour of the Jewish Ghetto
- Farewell Party
Participants' progress is assessed continuously using homework assignments and tests throughout the program. Upon 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.
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 varying needs for all participants, accommodation options located close to the Academy are offered to those enrolled in the programs. These options include: Host Family (no meals provided) or Shared Apartment with use of kitchen. 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. Details include a description of the accommodation, the address, phone number, distance from the Academy and other useful information.
For more information on accommodation options, click here
Total Program Fees include Tuition, Accommodation, Textbooks, 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 during the program.
For Total Program Fees,
click here
Tuition Fees only are for those who do not require accommodation or other program features and wish to participate only in the classes, see 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 (where specified) from the bus station, train station or airport in Venice, 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.
