For all non-beginners, a preliminary written test and interview will be held upon arrival, in order to determine the most appropriate class placement of students:

  1. Beginner
  2. Intermediate
  3. Upper intermediate
  4. Advanced
  5. Fluency Perfection
  6. Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language

Sub-division of classes is also often organised to accommodate the respective levels of students, in order to achieve the best results for the student in the shortest time possible. At the end of each course, a certificate of attendance is issued to each student relative to the respective courses frequented. A mandatory test finale is to be taken by all students following programmes lasting more than 4 weeks, whereby a certificate of merit is awarded only to those passing the final exam.
The Istituto Donatello also offers preparatory courses for the Italian State Certificate CILS: these programmes are conducted by specially qualified teachers.

Group Courses

For courses of more than 3 months, there is an offer of a 15% reduction
on all courses.

Those who prefer an accelerated learning and knowledge of the Italian language may wish to opt for the intensive group course, whereby an additional 2-hour afternoon programme is held from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m., with focus on specific topics of interest and common grammatical errors.

Individual Courses

With a highly flexible time schedule, the Individual course is ideal especially for students who have personal or work commitments that may hinder the attendance of a group course. The maximum of consideration and attention is given to the student, whereby each lesson is specifically tailored to meet the distinct needs and requirements of the pupil. Dedicatd exclusively to the student's particular areas of need, a fuller comprehension and quicker acquisition of the Italian language are thus achieved.

Combined Courses

The combined courses offer students the possibility of supplementing the group course in the morning with a focused individual course in the afternoon. This popular option provides the benefits of both courses-through progressive group learning, and fulfilling the student's individual needs for personal clarification.

 Optional Subjects

In conjunction with the individual and combined courses, students may choose to specialise in various optional subjects that might be of either vocational or personal interest. An integral afternoon group course on a specific subject can be organised, should all the participants of the afternoon group course agree on a determined subject:

Open to all participants:

  • An In-depth study of Grammar and Conversation

Open to students with some knowledge of the language:

  • Business and Trade in Italy
  • Diction and Elocution of the Italian Language
  • History of Art: A Special combined History of Art course on Italian renaissance art: 'Florentine Art between the 14th and 16th Century' is held during the months: March, July, and September. Further information is available here.
  • History of Italian soccer: A special combined course (Italian language and Italian Soccer training) is held in June for all you Soccer enthusiasts! Click here for further information!
  • History of Italian Music and Theatre
  • History of Italy and Italian Politics
  • Italian for Opera Singers
  • Italian Film and Cinema
  • Italian Literature throughout the Centuries
  • Italian for Tourism
  • La Moda Italiana: Fashion in Italy
  • Vini Italiani: Italian Wines
  • La Cucina Italiana: The Italian Kitchen and Tuscan Recipes
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