italian language in italy : Talk to School Director
Before choosing a course, however, Ms Mattiussi-Seaman, whose husband Michael Seaman organizes Scuola Insieme’s cultural program, believes it is vital that prospective students speak to the school director.
She says: “Some interesting questions that they may want an answer are: How many students per class? It is important to note that statistics or average numbers are deceiving because they take into account the number of students in the class in the winter months. Also, where is the school located and what is the attitude of the locals towards foreigners, particularly Americans? And what is the teaching philosophy of the school? I would also ask how the classes are scheduled. Sometimes an overwhelming number of tuition hours is counterproductive. Usually both students and teachers are not productive over a period of longer than two hours.”
Facilities Available: Next, ask about the the type of facilities available. A good school will have lots of facilities: Italian-language books and DVDs or videos that you can borrow and a computer lab where you can use the internet and special computer programs to help you improve your skills. But don’t forget to check other things too: where is the school located and is it easily accessible on foot and by public transport? Is there a bar or "mensa" (canteen) on site where you can eat lunch? (Probably not if it is a small school.) If not, are there bars and restaurants nearby where you can eat well on a budget?
Lesson Length: Another point often overlooked is the teaching time: in some schools an hour is exactly that: 60 minutes. But in others the lesson hour may only be 40 or 45 minutes long. Even if the schools insist on providing you with a complete package ask for the hourly rate so that you can compare schools.
Where to stay: Do you want to live in a flat with other foreign students, in a family or B and B? A good school should be able to provide you with lots of different options. Remember, if you are in a family, you will be forced to speak Italian. While this can be a more scary option, it means that you will be practicing real Italian all the time, meaning that you will be getting a better return on your money.
Cultural Activities: Ask about the cultural program and whether it is an optional extra or integrated into the course. You need to know if you will be paying for a service you do not want. If this is your main priority then find out if the cooking or sailing lessons or pottery classes are given in Italian or English as this will make a difference to your language progression. Immersion programs are an excellent way of learning more about the culture while improving your language skills at the same time.
By Emma Bird
She says: “Some interesting questions that they may want an answer are: How many students per class? It is important to note that statistics or average numbers are deceiving because they take into account the number of students in the class in the winter months. Also, where is the school located and what is the attitude of the locals towards foreigners, particularly Americans? And what is the teaching philosophy of the school? I would also ask how the classes are scheduled. Sometimes an overwhelming number of tuition hours is counterproductive. Usually both students and teachers are not productive over a period of longer than two hours.”
Facilities Available: Next, ask about the the type of facilities available. A good school will have lots of facilities: Italian-language books and DVDs or videos that you can borrow and a computer lab where you can use the internet and special computer programs to help you improve your skills. But don’t forget to check other things too: where is the school located and is it easily accessible on foot and by public transport? Is there a bar or "mensa" (canteen) on site where you can eat lunch? (Probably not if it is a small school.) If not, are there bars and restaurants nearby where you can eat well on a budget?
Lesson Length: Another point often overlooked is the teaching time: in some schools an hour is exactly that: 60 minutes. But in others the lesson hour may only be 40 or 45 minutes long. Even if the schools insist on providing you with a complete package ask for the hourly rate so that you can compare schools.
Where to stay: Do you want to live in a flat with other foreign students, in a family or B and B? A good school should be able to provide you with lots of different options. Remember, if you are in a family, you will be forced to speak Italian. While this can be a more scary option, it means that you will be practicing real Italian all the time, meaning that you will be getting a better return on your money.
Cultural Activities: Ask about the cultural program and whether it is an optional extra or integrated into the course. You need to know if you will be paying for a service you do not want. If this is your main priority then find out if the cooking or sailing lessons or pottery classes are given in Italian or English as this will make a difference to your language progression. Immersion programs are an excellent way of learning more about the culture while improving your language skills at the same time.
By Emma Bird
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