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.

Language Exchange

Students will have the opportunity to participate in arranged language exchanges (scambi) with Italian students who are studying English. These exchanges, coordinated by the Italian instructors, take place outside of class time. Advanced Italian Language students are required to participate in these language exchanges.

Conversation

Conversation topics will initially focus on daily situations and travel in Italy. This includes such topics as how to ask for information or directions, use transportation, order food or book hotels. Knowledge of vocabulary for these practical topics will give students the tools to interact immediately in their new environment. As students develop their language skills, new and more complex topics of conversation are introduced along with more advanced grammar and vocabulary.

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.

The course includes activities around Florence, which get them into the city with real life language practice designed to introduce new vocabulary, practice grammar learned in class and develop listening, comprehension and speaking skills.