School
founded: 1998
Founded and directed by: Dr.
Claudio Serafini
Our courses in Italian language and culture
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Our courses in Italian language and culture take place in the light and airy rooms of a small manor house on an Etruscan settlement, located close to a 14 th century Benedictine monastery.
At
our school you will receive individual attention:
courses are tailored to your personal wishes
and language proficiency.
This
means that we work exclusively through private tuition or
in small groups , giving you the
satisfaction of learning Italian in an effective
and focused way while experiencing a
sense of harmony with the natural
surroundings.
foto: Dr. Claudio Serafini
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Rooms
Our school is in southern
Tuscany, in the picturesque Orcia
Valley in the province of Siena.
The roomy premises of a former estate renovated in
2003 reflect the motion of the gently rolling countryside
and transform the light and mood of
the surrounding landscape into inner contentment and focus ,
with glass panels and high windows that
also afford beautiful and peaceful views.
Our school
is thus also a place to relax and reflect ,
where you can contemplate and enjoy the unique landscape
of this corner of Tuscany.
Another emblem of the place is the ancient oak tree growing in front of the school building, a symbol of freedom and strength.
And the surrounding hilltop villages (Castelmuzio, Petroio, Lucignano d'Asso) are an invitation to unwind and get to know the local people. |
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Courses
We
work exclusively through private
tuition or
in small groups, (Class size: 5
max.) giving you the satisfaction of learning Italian.
Depending
on your personal and professional interests, your particular
knowledge of foreign languages and learning style,
we offer:
Beginners,
advanced and “professional” level language courses
Focus
on:
- speaking
- grammar
- pronunciation
- written
expression
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Special thematic courses:
- Art, history, religion, philosophy, literature
- Local cuisine and products (wine, olive oil, Pecorino cheese) in collaboration with nearby farms
Workshops on one of the nearby farms
The program of each course ranges from the 1st level (for beginners) to the 5th level.
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Courses Vivace, Allegro, Andante
2,3,4 hours a day, from 9.00am o'clock, are advisable above all for those who wish to have free time for other activities.
Course "Presto "
6 hours a day, from 9am to 12.20 o'clock and from 2pm to 3.40pm. Offers concentrated study in the morning and exercises of practical use of the language during the afternoon hours.
Course "Presto" including lunch with the teacher
6 hours a day, from 9am to 2pm. This formula insures the lesson's continuity and the participation of the student in realistic situations .
Course "Prestissimo"
8 hours a day, from 9am to 1.10 o'clock and from 2pm to 4.30pm. Offers a longer, more concentrated contact with the language. Two instructors teach this course.
Course "Prestissimo" including lunch
8 hours a day, from 9am to 3.40pm including lunch with the teacher. The lessons continue without interruption with two different teachers . This formula insures the lesson's continuity and the participation of the student in realistic situations.
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Overview of courses:
The prices include:
use of textbooks, video tapes; certificates and diplomas; school tax; examination fee.
10% discount for each extra week.
"Assolo" (private tuition)
The one-to-one courses may start and finish on any days requested.
"Assolo"
(private tuition)
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Hours per week
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Price per week |
Prestissimo (including lunch) |
40 |
€ 1450 |
Prestissimo |
40 |
€ 1300 |
Presto (including lunch) |
30 |
€ 1350 |
Presto |
30 |
€ 1.000 |
Vivace |
20 |
€ 750 |
Allegro |
15 |
€ 650 |
Andante |
10 |
€ 500 |
“Duetto” For 2 participants in the same course
The "Duetto" courses may start and finish on any days requested.
"Duetto"
(for two partecipants)
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Hours per week
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Price per week |
Prestissimo |
40 |
€ 1200 |
Presto |
30 |
€ 1100 |
Vivace |
20 |
€ 840 |
Allegro |
15 |
€ 720 |
Andante |
10 |
€ 600 |
We design special course modules for
large groups (e.g. school/university classes, other course
groups).
Lessons
Class size: 5 max
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Teachers: Graduates
with experience in teaching Italian to foreigners
Courses
offered: Year-round, Mondays
to Fridays (no lessons on bank holidays)
If
required at weekends and on holidays (15% supplement)
Lessons last: 50 minutes
Class size: 5 max.
Course fees include: Individual course
material, placement test on request, course certificate
(the course books may be borrowed or purchased)
Preparatory
courses for the CILS Diploma (Università per
Stranieri, Siena) and PLIDA (Società Dante Alighieri).
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Our visitors from all over the world:
- Single people seeking immersion in Italian language and
culture in a peaceful rural environment
- Couples wishing to learn Italian together through private
lessons
- Groups following school, university, painting or pottery
classes who are staying in the monastery of Sant'Anna and
wish to supplement their activities with an introductory
course in Italian or prepare for study at an Italian university
(e.g. the Modern Art Institute in San Francisco, University
of Washington, Munich/Salzburg Summer Academy).
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