Useful Information
Associations
Languageducation.net has selected the best schools in the respective
region. The quality of the courses is guaranteed either by membership
of an independent school association, or by acknowledgment by the
national ministry of education:
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ASILS (Associazione Scuole d’Italiano
come Lingua Seconda) The Association of Schools of Italian as a
Second Language, with member schools well-represented in the various
regions of Italy, is designed to guarantee the quality of instruction
and professional level of services offered to students. |
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IALC (International Association of Language Centres)
was founded in 1983 by eight private language schools in Europe
and North America and has since grown to become a global association
for private, independent language schools. Today, the IALC network
of schools extends across the world, from Auckland to Tokyo, via
St Petersburg and Galway to Montréal and down to San José
and Santiago. |
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ELITE (European Federation of National Associations
of Native Language Instruction) is an accepted common standard of
professional excellence in language instruction and services provided
by their member schools. The purpose of the charter is to encourage
the learning of the federation countries' native languages and,
specifically, to encourage the learning to take place in the countries
where the language is spoken. The wider objective is to encourage
a professional standard of language instruction to increase the
student's language proficiency as well as foster the social, cultural
and economic interchange between the students of the countries of
Europe and beyond. |
Courses
Language schools offer a wide range of different courses. It is sometimes
not easy to find the most suitable course for you. In order to help you
make the best choice, here is an overall view of the main types of courses
offered by our partner schools:
General and Intensive courses - these courses cover all areas
of language study.
Foundation and Access - programmes with the aim to obtain a University
certificate or diploma.
Italian for Academic or Specific Purposes - these courses provide intensive
language practice in specific subjects (finance, law, banking, marketing,
etc.).
Italian for Business/Executives - these courses enhance language
level, spoken fluency and communicative skills in a business context.
Italian Plus/Work Experience - after a general language course,
students have the opportunity to consolidate their language skills during
an internship.
Adult Vacation (age 18+) – general courses for adult combined
with leisure activities (golf, wine tasting, etc).
Junior Vacation (age 5-15) – course for junior students
combined with sports activities and recreational programmes.
One to One – individual courses.
Teachers – teacher training and post graduate courses.
Costs
The following factors influence overall costs quite significantly and
should be carefully taken into consideration:
Cost of living - sometimes you can save a significant amount
by choosing a language course in a country with a low cost of living.
Group sizes - one of the main factors which determines the
price of a language course is the number of students per class.
Included services - airport transfer or study material can
raise costs. Compare the entire price including registration fee, Accommodation
and course price.
Certificates
CILS - Certificate of Italian as a foreign language
The CILS may be useful to those who are studying Italian, to people
who work and/or study in contact with Italian, or for those who simply
wish to evaluate their Italian language skills. Each CILS level certifies
a capacity for communication that can be applied in different situations
and contexts. The application of each level of certification, for foreigners
wishing to undertake work or study relating to Italian institutions,
is outlined in the document of the Ministry for Foreign Affairs: “Coordinated
System of Italian Language Certificates for Foreigners”.
The CILS is divided in to six different levels, corresponding exactly
to the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages
scale:
Level A1, Level A2, Level ONE-B1, Level TWO-B2, Level THREE-C1 and Level
FOUR-C2.
It certifies your Italian language skills and communication capacity
on a progressive scale. Each level is independent and complete, and
its certificate recognises a specific language level relating to diverse
social, professional and educational contexts.
To obtain one of the six certificates, you must pass an exam made up
of five parts: a listening test, a reading comprehension test, an analysis
of communication structures, a written exercise and a speaking test.
All parts of the exam are produced and evaluated by the Centre of Certification
of the University for Foreigners Siena, based on European parameters
set out by the European Council. The CILS exams are issued by the University
for Foreigners Siena and have an excellent international reputation.
AIL - Accademia Italiana di Lingua
DELI Diploma Elementare di Lingua Italiana “Firenze”
– AIL basic level.
Preparation time: approximately 100 to 120 hours.
DILI Diploma Intermedio di Lingua Italiana “Firenze” –
AIL intermediate level. Preparation time: approximately 240 to 300 hours.
DILC Diploma Intermedio di Lingua Italiana Commerciale "Firenze"
– AIL intermediate level business language. Preparation time:
approximately 240 to 300 hours, including a minimum of 40 hours in specific
business language.
DALI Diploma Avanzato di Lingua Italiana "Firenze" –
AIL advanced level. Preparation time: approximately 450 to 500 hours.
DALC Diploma Avanzato di Lingua Italiana Commerciale "Firenze"
– AIL advanced level business language. Preparation time: approximately
500 to 550 hours, including a minimum of 80 hours in specific business
language.
These exams take place four times per year, on the same day, in several
locations around the world. The tests are all identical and marking
and final evaluation take place at the head office in Florence, to guarantee
uniformity.
CELI - Certificazione della Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana
There are five CELI exams - CELI 1, CELI 2, CELI 3, CELI 4,
and CELI 5, which test general Italian language ability. They can open
doors to higher education and improve job prospects in and outside Italy.
CELI qualifications are recognised at different levels by Government
organisations for many purposes, such as the recruitment of government
officials and for training teachers in the State School sector. CELI
exams are issued by the Perugia University for foreigners and recognized
by the Italian Department/Ministry of Education and the Italian Department/Ministry
of Foreign Affairs.
CIC - Certificazione dell'italiano commerciale
There are two CIC exams - CIC I (certificato di italiano commerciale
– livello intermedio) B1and CIC A (certificato di italiano commerciale
– livello avanzato) C1, which test Italian language ability used
in the context of business. They are ideal if you are preparing for
a career in business.
A good knowledge of Italian is a big advantage if you want to succeed
in european business and commerce. If you can show you have relevant
language skills you'll have a great advantage in the jobs market and
much greater flexibility if you want to work abroad. An internationally
recognised business qualification can help you show that you have learned
Italian to an appropriate standard and can use it in a professional
context. CIC exams are the world's leading range of certificates for
learners of Italian. They are issued by the Perugia University for foreigners
and recognized by the Italian Department/Ministry of Education and the
Italian Department/Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Entry test
On your first day at school, you will be asked to take a written test
in order to have an accurate measure of your initial language level.
Attendance Certificate
An attendance certificate will be awarded to the students at the end of
their language course.
Accommodation
Language schools offer a range of Accommodation options. The most common
options are:
Homestay – either single or double room. Usually Breakfast
and dinner are included.
Residence – usually single room with shared bathroom.
Hotels and youth hostels – Most of the language schools
also offer hotel rooms at a close distance from the school.
Apartments – Many schools rent apartments for students
near the school. Usually you share the bathroom and kitchen with about
3-6 other students.
Health insurance
You should contact your health insurer
and make sure that you are covered abroad.
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