Italian

If you are a complete beginner in learning Italian, you will be introduced to a specially designed program which is aimed at forming basic language skills such as reading, writing and speaking using fundamental everyday expressions. If you have some preliminary experience in studying Italian or living in an Italian-speaking environment, you will first need to take a placement test to define your language proficiency level. After the placement test and a short interview, you will have the opportunity to join an academic group which best corresponds with your language level and where you will feel comfortable while enjoying effective learning every lesson (there are six language proficiency levels, see page 2). Studying at one sublevel lasts 1, 5 months and the classes take place three times a week with each lesson lasting one hour and a half. In addition, you have the opportunity to choose the most convenient time for your lessons – there are classes conducted either in the morning (11.00-12.00/ 13.00-14.30) or evening (17.30 -19.00/ 19.15-20.45).
In our school we use a communicative approach of teaching the language that is largely focused on the development of the student’s speaking skills. An integrated approach will enable students to effectively develop their language skills such as speaking, listening, reading and writing.  Grammar is studied considering the idea of its practical value - the way it is used in a real language. Special attention is given to the use of functional language structures essential in different everyday life situations. Italian is the only language used during the lessons even at a beginner level. Our teachers only work with original course books from leading Italian publishers (Edizioni Guerra, Alma Edizioni Firenze, Editrice la scuola) and utilize exceptional original video and audio materials. The course book series Linea diretta are used at all levels. The majority of your learning takes place during the lessons; however, spending 20-30 minutes at home doing homework or consolidating acquired knowledge will greatly facilitate your progress. You are invited to attend lessons and study in a small group of students (up to 5 individuals) with a highly qualified teacher who is always ready to help with difficulties in grammar and pronunciation considering the individual peculiarities of every student. Moreover, our lessons are result-oriented as well as truly interesting and involving. We promise to demonstrate professionalism and enthusiasm which will make every lesson a pleasure to attend.

The system of the Italian language proficiency levels
Italian 1
At this level the students will familiarize themselves with the Italian phonetics, brush up their pronunciation and reading of the Italian phonemes, study some grammar basics and elementary communicative phrases which are essential for future independent learning of the language.
 Italian 2
At this level the students will learn the basics of communication in some simple everyday contexts, extend their vocabulary and knowledge of grammar. This level enables the students to understand the general idea of some simple reading texts in Italian.
Italian 3
This is the final course at the Elementary level. After completing the level the students can use some simple grammar structures in their language output and interact in some basic everyday life situations (traveling, telephone conversation, shopping, etc).
Italian 4
At this level the students considerably extend their vocabulary stock and learn more complicated grammar structures which will enable them to use Italian in a broad range of everyday situations. The students read fairly complicated texts which include the elements of business-related and scientific lexis.
 Italian 5
At this level the students are not only ready to communicate in any life situations but also to discuss some abstract topics and complicated issues.
Italian 6
This is the  final course at  the Intermediate level, which facilitates  the consolidation of   students’  knowledge and skills of speaking on various topics,  effective interaction  in everyday life situations  and reading the Italian press and books in the original consulting  the dictionary (if necessary).