Deciding to study abroad at is a significant milestone in anyone’s life and can be very stressful. This guide aims to help you in the process of selecting a perfect Italian language school that aligns with your personal and academic goals.
Setting goals for studying Italian
Understanding why you want to study Italian and what you hope to achieve during your time in Italy is crucial. If you aim to further your education, find a job, or simply learn about Italian culture, setting specific and realistic goals will help keep you motivated and on track.
For instance, if your goal is to pursue higher education in Italy, consider enrolling in a university preparation course. These courses are specifically designed to equip students with the academic skills and specific language proficiency needed to succeed in Italian universities. They often include intensive language training and may also cover relevant academic subjects, exam preparation, and guidance on university application procedures.
Budget considerations
Let’s face it: studying abroad is not inexpensive. The cost of tuition varies by the location of the school and the duration of the program, and living expenses such as housing, utilities, food, transportation, and entertainment can add up.
It’s important to plan financially; the Italian government generally requires proof that students have sufficient funds, roughly 1,000 euros per month, for their stay when applying for a student visa. However, once you become fluent in Italian, studying at an Italian university becomes much cheaper compared to many other countries like the USA, South Korea and the UK.
Choosing a location in Italy
Italy offers a diverse array of locales to study in, each with its own unique character and lifestyle. Moreover, the proximity of the school to public transport and your accommodation should also be considered, as this will impact your daily life and budget.
Cities like Rome and Milan offer vibrant urban environments with cultural and historical sites, but living costs can be higher. In contrast, smaller cities like Siena or Genoa might provide a more relaxed atmosphere and closer community connections.
Other cities like Florence and Venice are steeped in art and history. Moving south, cities like Salerno and Taormina offer a gateway to the beautiful sea with a more affordable cost of living and accessible on foot.
To find out more about each city’s learning environment and transportation system, read our dedicated article on choosing the right Italian city for your studies.
Intensity of Study
The intensity of the language program is a crucial factor to consider when selecting an Italian language school. There is a variety of program intensities available, from part-time courses that may meet a few hours a week to super-intensive programs that involve up to 30 hours per week or even more.
Note that if you require a student visa to study in Italy, there is a minimum number of study hours per week that must be met. This requirement is at least 20 hours of study per week, for more than 3 months, to qualify for a student visa. This ensures that students are engaged in a full-time program of study.
For those seeking a more balanced approach, many institutions offer Italian language courses combined with areas of interest such as Italian cuisine, wine tasting, art history, or music. These combined courses allow for a more immersive cultural experience while also providing more free time to explore Italy and engage in leisure activities.
When choosing the intensity of your Italian language program, consider your personal schedule, how quickly you wish to progress in your language skills, and your other commitments in Italy. Each option offers different advantages, and the right choice depends on your individual needs and goals.
Duration of studies to reach fluency
When choosing to study Italian, it’s crucial to consider the flexibility and duration of the language courses offered by schools. Most language schools provide programs that can elevate a student from beginner to advanced levels, typically reaching a C1 proficiency.
According to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), reaching a C1 level typically requires approximately 800 to 1,000 hours of dedicated language instruction. This equates to about 40 to 50 weeks of study if you are engaged for 20 hours a week.
However, it’s important to remember that the exact duration can vary based on various personal factors. The time it takes to become fluent will depend significantly on each student’s language background, their native language, overall dedication, and the amount of time invested in additional studies and homework.
Schools also offer shorter courses for those who cannot commit to long-term study, so contact us so that we can help you find the right course for you.
Italian language school accreditation and reputation
When choosing an Italian language school, it’s important to consider the accreditation status of the institution. Accreditation by Italian educational authorities, such as the Ministero dell’Istruzione e del Merito (MIM, formerly known as MIUR, which translates to the Ministry of Education and Merit), is the Italian government department that ensures that the school meets specific standards of quality. This accreditation not only affects the ease of visa applications but also ensures a high-quality educational experience.
Go! Go! Italia collaborates with language schools that hold qualifications from MIM and are members of associations that also perform quality checks, such as the Associazione Scuole Italiane come Lingua Seconda (ASILS), a network of top Italian language schools known for high-quality language and culture education. ASILS translates to the Association of Italian Schools as a Second Language.
Many of our partner schools are also members of the International Association of Language Schools (IALC), among other prestigious organizations, which guarantees the quality of education provided worldwide.
Another mark of quality is shown by some of our school’s affiliation with the Società Dante Alighieri, which is an Italian cultural organization dedicated to promoting the Italian language and culture around the world. For a school to be part of the Società Dante Alighieri, it means that the school adheres to high standards of teaching Italian, participates in cultural initiatives, and is recognized for its commitment to preserving and spreading Italian heritage and linguistic excellence.
Choosing a school that maintains good standing with these accrediting bodies is advisable to avoid complications with visa applications and to enhance your overall study experience in Italy.
These accreditations are reviewed periodically to ensure the institution’s commitment to excellence in language education and cultural immersion, so that students receive the best possible preparation for their future academic or professional pursuits in Italy.
Extra perks and facilities
Consider what facilities and extra services are important to you. Some schools offer technologically advanced classrooms, libraries, cafeterias, terraces for students to enjoy break times, free wi-fi and regular cultural activities, which can significantly enhance your learning experience.
Making the right choice
Ultimately, the choice of an Italian language school should be influenced by a combination of factors including your academic goals, budget, preferred lifestyle, and personal preferences.
If you are ready to apply or need more guidance with our options, contact us! We will guide you step by step. Make sure to follow our blog and social media for more insights about Italy and studying in Italy.
