Italian Language and Culture (B1-B2): Advanced Experiential Learning in Rome

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. At the B1-B2 level, the focus shifts from basic survival language to fluency, spontaneous interaction, and deep cultural immersion.
• In the Classroom: The supportive environment of the classroom is used to tackle complex grammar (such as the subjunctive and conditional moods), build advanced vocabulary and idiomatic expressions, debate current events, and simulate high-level interactions.
• Outdoor: The city of Rome becomes the setting for advanced Task-Based Learning activities. Participants will explore cultural sites, vibrant neighborhoods, and social hubs to conduct interviews with locals, debate topics, and navigate complex social scenarios.

Course Programme (Flexible: 5, 6, 7, or 10 Days)

• Day 1: Classroom Lesson 1 – Fluency & Current Events
• Theme: L’Italia di Oggi (Contemporary Italy)
• Activities: Italian Gestures and Non-Verbal Communication: An enjoyable ice-breaking activity explores common Italian gestures and their meanings, comparing gestures across cultures and using them in short dialogues. Review of intermediate grammar structures (passato prossimo vs. imperfetto). Reading and analyzing an article from an Italian newspaper or watching a news clip. Vocabulary building focused on society, media, and current events. Interactive Task: A guided group debate on a contemporary issue (e.g., sustainability, social media) requiring participants to express and defend opinions using appropriate linking words.

Day 2: Outdoor Education 1 – Art, History & Storytelling
• Theme: Il Fascino di Roma (The Charm of Rome)
• Location: A major cultural or archaeological site (e.g., Capitoline Museums, Roman Forum, or a historic neighborhood).
• Activities: The Cultural Guide Task: Working in pairs, participants research a specific artwork, monument, or historical figure beforehand and act as “tour guides” presenting their topic to the group entirely in Italian. The Explorer Challenge: Participants interact with museum staff, guards, or local guides to ask detailed, complex questions about the site’s history. Debriefing: Discussion on the use of descriptive language and specialized vocabulary.

Day 3: Classroom Lesson 2 – Opinions, Nuances & Idioms
• Theme: Sfumature e Modi di Dire (Nuances and Idioms)
• Activities: Deep dive into advanced grammar: The Subjunctive mood (Il Congiuntivo) and conditionals for expressing doubt, hypotheses, and wishes. Learning common Italian idiomatic expressions, slang, and understanding non-verbal communication at a deeper level. Interactive Task: Role-playing complex, unpredictable scenarios (e.g., resolving a dispute with a landlord, negotiating a price, or participating in a mock job interview) to practice formal vs. informal registers.

Day 4: Outdoor Education 2 – The Roman Citizen Experience
• Theme: Voce al Popolo (Voice of the People)
• Location: A vibrant, authentic neighborhood (e.g., Trastevere, Testaccio, or Garbatella).
• Activities: The Social Interview (“Vox Pop”): Participants conduct brief, respectful interviews with locals on the street or in local shops based on pre-determined topics, using active listening skills and asking follow-up questions spontaneously. Debriefing: Gathering at a local café to share interview experiences, analyze accents/dialects encountered, and compile social insights.

Day 5: Classroom Lesson 3 – Presentations, Debate & Conclusion (for the 5-day format)
• Theme: Condivisione e Prospettive (Sharing and Perspectives)
• Activities: Participants synthesize information gathered from outdoor interviews and present a brief oral report to the class. A final, structured group debate based on weekly insights using the subjunctive and advanced vocabulary. Closing Session: Final group reflection on the experiential learning methodology, strategies for maintaining B2 fluency after 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 advanced fieldwork into historical sites and neighborhoods of Rome, specialized language workshops tailored to professional or educational contexts, and complex simulations of high-level social and cultural interactions.

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

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