Description
This intensive course (structured flexibly into 5, 6, 7, or 10 days) is designed for adults, educators, teachers, and European students who wish to acquire or consolidate the foundations of the Italian language (CEFR levels A1-A2) through a dynamic and innovative approach. The program goes beyond traditional teaching, blending linguistic theory with immersive practice and transforming the city of Rome into a true “open-air classroom”.
Methodology: Alternating Classroom and Outdoor Education
The distinctive feature of this training project is its hybrid structure, which strategically alternates classroom lessons with days of Outdoor Education. Participants will not simply study grammar and vocabulary from textbooks; they will be challenged to immediately put what they have learned into practice through real-life tasks and urban simulations.
• In the Classroom: The supportive environment of the classroom is used to provide the linguistic foundations, build essential vocabulary, correct pronunciation, and simulate interactions through role-play.
• Outdoor: The city of Rome becomes the setting for Task-Based Learning activities. Participants will explore historical piazzas, traditional cafés, and local neighborhood markets, interacting with citizens to order breakfast, ask for directions, and go shopping.
Course Programme (Flexible: 5, 6, 7, or 10 Days)
• Day 1: Classroom Lesson – Foundations & Socializing
◦ Theme: Benvenuti a Roma! (Ice-breaking & Essentials)
◦ Activities: Introduction to the Italian alphabet and pronunciation rules (focusing on sounds unique to Italian). Essential vocabulary for greetings, introducing oneself, and basic courtesy phrases (per favore, grazie, prego). Numbers (1-100) and telling the time. Interactive Task: Pair work and ice-breaking games where participants role-play meeting for the first time, exchanging personal details in a supportive classroom environment. Italian Gestures and Non-Verbal Communication: Simple mime and matching games help break the ice and connect common Italian gestures with everyday expressions.
• Day 2: Outdoor Education – Navigating Rome & Coffee Culture
◦ Theme: Urban Survival & The Italian Breakfast
◦ Location: Rome City Center & a traditional Roman Caffetteria.
◦ Activities: The Coffee Challenge: Participants visit a local bar to practice reading the menu, ordering coffee and pastries, and interacting with the barista using the vocabulary learned on Day 1. The Navigator Task: An interactive urban challenge where participants must locate specific historical monuments (e.g., Pantheon or Trevi Fountain) by reading urban signs and politely asking locals for directions in Italian (“Scusi, dov’è…?”). Debriefing: A short on-site reflection to discuss the interactions, analyze local responses, and learn common Italian gestures.
• Day 3: Classroom Lesson – Italian Lifestyle, Food & Shopping
◦ Theme: The Colors and Flavors of Italy
◦ Activities: Vocabulary building focused on food, drinks, and daily routines. Grammar essentials: expressing preferences (mi piace / non mi piace), understanding quantities, and asking for prices (Quanto costa?). Learning how to handle basic transactions, read labels, and understand the cultural importance of seasonal food in Italy. Interactive Task: A simulated marketplace inside the classroom. Participants use flashcards and fake currency to practice buying and selling goods, preparing them for the next day’s outdoor challenge.
• Day 4: Outdoor Education – The Open-Air Market & Cultural Immersion
◦ Theme: The Authentic Roman Market Experience
◦ Location: A historical Roman outdoor market.
◦ Activities: Market Scavenger Hunt: Participants are divided into small groups and given a shopping list in Italian. They must navigate the bustling market, interact with local vendors, ask for prices, and identify specific seasonal ingredients. “On-the-Street” Interviews: A guided, simple conversational exchange where participants ask vendors or locals brief questions about their favorite Roman dishes or daily habits, practicing active listening. Debriefing: Gathering in a nearby piazza to share the acquired items, discuss the cultural observations made, and correct any recurring language mistakes.
• Day 5: Classroom Lesson – Consolidation, Role-Play & Conclusion (for the 5-day format)
◦ Theme: Storytelling and Next Steps
◦ Activities: Review and consolidation of the week’s grammar, vocabulary, and cultural insights. Introduction to basic verbs for expressing past experiences and future plans (“I visited…”, “I will go…”). Final Communicative Task: A comprehensive classroom role-play scenario where participants must combine all the skills learned to resolve a complex situation (e.g., booking a hotel room, complaining about a restaurant bill, or planning a weekend trip). Closing Session: Final group reflection on the experiential learning methodology, strategies for continuing self-directed language learning after the mobility, and the Europass/Certificate of Attendance award ceremony.
• Days 6, 7 up to 10 (for extended formats): Advanced Modules, Cultural Excursions, and Complex Urban Tasks
◦ Activities: Extension of field practice in historical sites and neighborhoods of Rome (e.g., Trastevere, EUR, historical parks), advanced language laboratories based on specific working/educational contexts, simulations of complex social interactions, and deeper exploration of Italian gestures and culture.
Certification Details
Certificate of attendance
Upcoming sessions
| Dates | Location | |
|---|---|---|
| 16–20 November 2026 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 7–11 December 2026 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 18–22 January 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 1–5 February 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 15–19 February 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 1–5 March 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 15–19 March 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 5–9 April 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 19–23 April 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 3–7 May 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 17–21 May 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 7–11 June 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 21–25 June 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 5–9 July 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 19–23 July 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 2–6 August 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 6–10 September 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 20–24 September 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 4–8 October 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 18–22 October 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 1–5 November 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 15–19 November 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
| 6–10 December 2027 | Rome, Italy | Enroll |
Pricing, Packages and Other Information
Price: EUR 400-800
Course package content:
We can assist you:
- Accommodation: We can help you find suitable and comfortable accommodation options near the training venue, whether you prefer hotels, guesthouses, or apartments.
- Cultural Tours: Immerse yourself in the local culture with our curated tours and excursions. Explore historical sites, museums, and hidden gems, and gain a deeper understanding of your surroundings.
- Transportation: We can arrange convenient and reliable transportation options for your arrival and departure.
Cancellation & Changes
We understand that plans can change. That’s why we offer flexible options for cancellations and changes, while also providing clarity on our policy in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Participant-Initiated Changes and Cancellations:
Changes: We are happy to accommodate changes to your registration, such as transferring to a different course date or modifying your accommodation choices, whenever possible. Please contact us as soon as possible with your request and we will do our best to assist you.
Additional Information
- Language: English
- Target audience ISCED: Primary education (ISCED 1), Lower secondary education (ISCED 2), Upper secondary education (ISCED 3)
- Target audience type: Student Teacher, Head Teacher / Principal, Teacher Educator
- Learning time: 25 hours or more
