Italian Language

SRISA’s Italian courses offer a full immersion language program, with lessons taught in Italian from the first day.

This method exposes students immediately to the language and develops listening and speaking skills. Italian language courses are offered from beginning to advanced levels. While not required, most students take an Italian language course as they are an essential component of the student experience.

Students learn about Italian culture and engage directly with the local community through their Italian language class.

Course Structure

Classes are organized around grammar, vocabulary and conversation topics. Readings and discussions focus on introducing Italian culture, including politics, history, art, traditions, social customs, literature, cinema and daily life. Many conversation topics are taken from local newspapers, television and Italian magazines. Students also attend a Conversation Lab, which is structured around guided conversations led by the instructor on a variety of topics designed to introduce new vocabulary, practice grammar learned in class and develop listening, comprehension and speaking skills.