Language Immersion Courses in Italy

Italian is the official language of Italy, and studying it in the country means learning in class in the morning and using it straight away in shops, cafés and on public transport. Italy has a long-established network of language schools for foreigners, from small private schools in seaside towns to university centres.

SpainExchange lists 39 Italian language schools in Italy. Florence has the largest group, with ten schools, followed by Rome with four; there are also schools in Venice, Milan, Siena, Taormina, Tropea and many smaller towns.

Types of language schools

• University courses: the Università per Stranieri di Siena and the Università per Stranieri di Perugia run intensive Italian courses at different levels, open all year round and independent of degree programmes; some can award university credits (CFU). Other universities have similar centres, such as the Centro di Cultura per Stranieri of the University of Florence.
• Private language schools: independent schools that teach Italian to adults, often with cultural programmes, exam preparation and help with accommodation. Long-established examples include Centro Machiavelli in Florence, which has taught Italian since 1978, and Koinè Center, founded in Florence in 1980.
• Schools linked to the Società Dante Alighieri, such as the Dante Alighieri school in Siena (DA Siena), which has taught Italian for 40 years.

Some private schools are officially authorised or recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education. Dilit International House in Rome states that it is officially authorised by the ministry, and Istituto Venezia states that it is recognised by the ministry and complies with the UNI 11863:22 quality standard. Dilit is also a member of ASILS, the association of schools of Italian as a second language.

Courses and levels

Courses follow the levels of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), from A1 to C2, and new students usually take a placement test. At Dilit in Rome, for example, the options include:

• group courses of 15 to 30 lessons a week
• combined courses with group and individual lessons
• Italian plus culture, such as art, cooking, wine or opera
• business Italian and other specialised courses
• preparation for certificates of Italian
• long courses of up to 24 weeks, and a preparatory course for Italian universities

At the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, for example, lessons last 50 minutes and take place every day from Monday to Friday, two to four hours a day.

Certificates of Italian

The best-known certificates of Italian as a foreign language are the CILS, run by the Università per Stranieri di Siena, and the CELI, run by the Università per Stranieri di Perugia. Private schools can also be exam centres: Dilit, for example, holds both CILS and CELI exams and runs preparation courses. A certificate is also useful before university: universities test the Italian of students who enrol on programmes taught in Italian, and foundation programmes for international students aim at level B2.

Costs

Prices depend on the city, the number of lessons and the length of the course. Two examples:

• Università per Stranieri di Perugia: €540 for a four-week course with 18 hours a week at levels A1 to B2
• Dilit in Rome: for 2027, a group course with 20 lessons a week costs €260 for one week and €880 for four weeks

Visa and practical tips

Students from outside the EU who need a study visa for an Italian course must have an acceptance letter from the school, stating the length of the course, the number of hours and where it takes place. Before booking, compare:

• recognition by the Ministry of Education or membership of quality associations
• class size and number of lessons per week
• whether the school is an exam centre for CILS or CELI
• the city: a large city such as Rome or Florence, or a smaller town
• start dates: at Dilit, for example, group courses start every Monday

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to learn Italian in Italy?

It depends on what you want. Florence has the largest number of schools on SpainExchange, Rome offers big-city life, and smaller towns on the coast or in the hills offer a quieter setting. The two universities for foreigners are in Siena and Perugia.

How much does an Italian course in Italy cost?

As an example, a four-week course with 18 hours a week costs €540 at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia, and four weeks of 20 lessons a week cost €880 at Dilit in Rome (2027 prices).

Which Italian certificate should I take?

The CILS (Università per Stranieri di Siena) and the CELI (Università per Stranieri di Perugia) are the most widely known. Check which certificate and level your university or employer asks for.

Do I need a visa to study Italian in Italy?

Students from outside the EU who apply for a study visa need an acceptance letter from the school with the course length, the number of hours and the location.