Italian Language in Siena

Study in Siena, Italy
Italian Language & Culture: 20 hrs / wk
2 wks: $1295 / 4 wks: $1695 USD
Start any Monday – Minimum age 16 yrs
Open to all Worldwide

The Program

The Lingua Arte E Cultura Italiana program specializes in teaching the language and culture of Italy. The program is open throughout the year and offers the opportunity of learning Italian in one of the world’s most beautiful cities. Minimum age is 16 yrs.

The Location

Siena, Italy. Located in a magnificently frescoed 17th century palazzo in the heart of the medieval city, by the Lizza gardens. Classes are also held in our Cultural Center, in a 13th century cloister attached to the Basilica of San Domenico, which is famous for its precious works of art. The program is open year-around and offers the opportunity of learning Italian in one of the world’s most beautiful cities.

Siena, a town far away removed from the frenzied pace of Italy’s larger cities, Siena has preserved its own urbanist dimension, guarding her art treasures and continuing, undisturbed, to celebrate her most precious festivity, the Palio, in an atmosphere typical of the Renaissance.

Courses – Start Any Monday

9 levels – Beginning, intermediate, advanced. Courses are offered year-around and taught by qualified teachers. All courses are taught in small groups, 4 hrs daily, 20 hrs per week, M-F. Exact schedule upon arrival. Minimum age 16 yrs.

Each level lasts a minimum of 4 weeks, with the possibility of attending the school up to nine months. Each lesson is 60 minutes, and the maximum number of students in each class is 12. The school offers a wide range of cultural courses that give the students a useful introduction to the masterpieces of Italian Art and Literature. The teachers are highly qualified university graduates with specialized training in teaching foreigners. Also, classes in Italian Cooking as well as Arts and Crafts are available, taught in Italian.

A placement test is given to all students upon arrival. Beginners start their course immediately on the first day of classes.

Absolute beginners (no previous lessons) – should begin the 1st or 3rd Monday of each month.

Level 1: Basic grammar and sentence structure. Essential vocabulary. Phonetics. Listening comprehension exercises. Conversation. Dictations. This course establishes the basis for a self-assurance conversation leading to independence in essential situations.

Level 2: Development of basic grammar. Vocabulary building. Phonetics. Dictations. Exercises in oral summarizing. Conversation. Elementary readings.

Level 3: Completion of basic grammar and its application. Vocabulary building. Written composition. Readings from contemporary authors (Calvino and Pratolini, for example). In this course, the student reaches a good level of competence and is capable of coping with normal situations in an Italian environment.

Level 4: Syntactic structures and their use. Idiomatic expressions. Written composition. Conversation and discussion. Readings from contemporary authors (Moravia and Montale, for example). Readings from newspapers and magazines. A good level of expression is attained in this course.

Level 5: Special syntactic structures. Synonyms and idiomatic expressions in everyday speech. Special topics in grammar morphology. Conversation and discussion on current topics. Readings from contemporary authors. Reading and analysis of newspaper and magazine articles. In this course, fluency is attained.

Level 6: Analysis, assimilation and use of more complex structures of the language. Topics of interest to the class. Contemporary readings. This course is the top level (Superior), and aims at general excellence.

Academic Credit

Students earn 3-4 credits per month. Thus, about 1 credit per week. 4 hrs of class taught daily, 20 hrs per week.

Financial Aid

Yes, you can use your financial aid on this program. Please have your Financial Aid office e-mail us a “Consortium Agreement” to complete and sign. CSA does not offer any scholarships or financial aid, we can only assist you in using your home school’s financial aid on this program.

The earlier the better, since it takes time to process. Overall, CSA does not offer any financial aid, we can only assist you in obtaining and using your aid from your home school on these programs.

Housing

Housing is provided in student residence, nearby flats (apts), or local Italian host family. Select your housing type on the registration form. CSA will book it. You pay there upon check-in.

Student residence or flat (apts), and Italian home will cost approx $250 USD per week. Breakfast with host family. Can cook own meals, or eat at school cafeteria or local places. Can arrange for dinner at host family if desired.

Also, you can arrange own housing if you prefer. Stay with a relative, friend, or book your own housing is okay with CSA.

Again, select your housing type on the registration form online.

Dates and Fees

* Minimum age is 16 yrs
* 4 hrs per day / 20 hrs per week
* Small classes: 5 – 10 students
* Non-beginners can start any Monday
* Absolute beginners start the 1st or 3rd Monday of each month.

Addtl week = $200 USD per week extra. Housing not included.

Holidays: Closed on national holidays, and the last 2 weeks of December – early January (xmas / new years).

Requirements

Open to all students and adults worldwide. Minimum age is 16 yrs.

Entry Requirements
Valid passport required. Visa not required for tourist stay up to 3 months. For longer stays, employment or study visa, be sure to apply in advance. CSA will provide a “Letter of Admission” to show that you will be attending the school.

Arrival

Arrive 1 day prior to starting date (Sunday) to begin housing.

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