Learn Italian Language and Culture in Authentic Tuscany

  Italy

• All Other Areas in Italy: 
San Giovanni

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months

Description: When you open the door to il Sillabo you step into an ancient medieval building in the historical center of San Giovanni Valdarno, a quiet, Tuscan town, in the Arno valley, surrounded by undulating green hills. Wandering through its streets, alleys and squares you can't help but breathe in the atmosphere of a fascinating and distant age which still lingers in the streets and shops of what is now a modern, lively, fashionable and authentic, Italian town.

If when you learn and travel, you want an experience of real cultural immersion and travel is about broadening your perspectives and absorbing the history, the art, and the politics of a place from the people who live there, then Il Sillabo program is your place for a semester abroad.

While Florence and Rome crawl with tourists and language schools, little San Giovanni offers a place where students can experience a wealth of culture not found in the souvenir shops. It is an ideal location for a program where students can learn Italian and explore the art and culture that makes Italy so rich.

Il Sillabo's holistic approach to education offers a unique experience. The school was started by teachers; and they know teaching. The school's teachers are carefully selected and rigorously trained. All have exemplary qualifications. Professional development is a cornerstone of the teachers work; they plan, they research, and they collaboratively construct an interdisciplinary curriculum together. The result is a staff that uses the same teaching philosophy with frequent connections to the other subjects: between History and Literature, between History of Art and social, cultural development, between Culture and Life style, between Art and Design.

The teachers instead of being passive transmitters of pre-made courses, they adapt activities, tests, and lessons daily to adjust to the personality of each class. This level of professional engagement and commitment drives dynamic, rigorous classes, while the same time, the teachers take great pains to cultivate a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks and are ultimately supported to engage and maintain their immersive language and cultural experiences.

Highlights: Special Courses Include: Drawing & Painting | Cooking lessons | Wine lessons | History of Art | Antique Furniture | Archaeology | Italian Literature | Ceramic

* Italian language classes comprise a Maximum of 10 Students, although the yearly average is less
* Italian language lessons are held from Monday to Friday, usually from 9 am to 1.15 pm (with a break from 11.00 to 11.15 am), and occasionally in the afternoon
* A one hour class is deemed to be a full 60 minutes
* Textbooks and/or teaching materials are included in the course price
* We offer 5 levels - Beginners, Elementary, Intermediate I, Intermediate II, and Advanced
* On the first day, students are asked to take a PLACEMENT TEST; Afterwards there is an introduction and welcome meeting
* Students receive an attendance and achievment certificate upon completion of their course
* Afternoon schedules can vary according to staff and/or student needs
* The minimum age for enrollment is 14 years. There is no maximum age.
* Average age is 31 years
* Wireless Internet access is available throughout the school campus
* Il Sillabo is accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education (2003)

Cost in US$: Varies

Weeks/Hours/Euros

Intensive Italian language Courses
1 20 235
2 40 315
3 60 460
4 80 550
Additional week 137

Super Intensive Italian language Courses
1 30 410
2 60 545
3 90 775
4 120 960
Additional week 240

Combined Italian language Courses
1 25 410
2 50 545
3 75 775
4 100 960
Additional week 240

*20% V.A.T. is not included

Subsidiary Courses (no registration fee)

Hours/Euro

History of Art 8 140
Italian Literature 8 140
Cooking lessons
1 lesson (3-4 hrs.) 50
2 lessons (2 x 3-4 hrs.) 100
4 lessons (4 x 3-4 hrs.) 180
6 lessons (6 x 3-4 hrs.) 270
8 lessons (8 x 3-4 hrs.) 360
Additional lesson 45
Archaeology 4 110
Drawing and Painting (individual lessons)    28/hour*
Decoration on Ceramic 8/16 150/290
Wine lessons 2 lessons 160
Antique Furniture 8 140
* material for painting not included   

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Italy Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work Independently or in Groups of no more than 10

Application Process Involves:

• Written Application

Post-Program Services Include:

• Job and Internship Network

Il Sillabo - School of Italian Language and Culture in Rural Tuscany's Mission Statement: To bridge the gap between cultures through language education and cultural immersion; we strive to offer our students a genuine experience of Tuscan life. We are proud to host people of all ages from all over the globe, allowing our school to serve as an international point of exchange focused around the common interest of Italy and the Italian language.

Year Founded: 1996