Italian Language Courses in Padua, Italy

Bertrand Russell Italian School, Padua:
Established in 1975, Bertrand Russell Italian School offers Italian language courses in Padua, Northern Italy to students from around the world. Padua (called Padova in Italian) is located 40 km west of Venice and it's international airport. Our school is the perfect venue for those who wish to study or improve their Italian. Our courses cater to all students, from absolute beginners to students with more advanced knowledge, and are divided into levels that mirror the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Courses last for four weeks but students can choose to study for longer if they wish. We also offer individual lessons for students with special time or study requirements, and university admission bridging and foundation courses for foreign students.

Italian language courses
Our Italian language courses are ideal for people who wish to learn together, in small groups of maximum 10 people.
Group lessons allow students to practice their Italian in a relaxed and fun–filled atmosphere and to socialise with other students from all over the world.

Our courses cater to all students, from absolute beginners to students with more advanced knowledge, and are divided into levels that mirror the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Course duration
For each course there are 80 hours of lessons spread over a 4-week period.
However, it is possible to attend courses for longer or shorter periods than the 4 weeks, with fees proportional to the actual period of study.

Attendance
Classes are held Monday to Friday from 9.00 a.m. to 01.00 p.m..
There is an intermission that can be an excellent opportunity for our students to socialize.

Classes
Maximum 10 students per class.

Course levels
The Italian language courses are divided into four different levels with progressive levels of difficulty, from elementary (A1) to advanced (C2), according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.

Students who already have some knowledge of Italian can join a course at the appropriate level for them at any time, after taking a short test to assess their level of competence.

We strongly recommend absolute beginners to join courses on the scheduled start dates. At the end of each course students shall take a test: if the student passes, then a certificate of progress shall be issued. On the contrary, if the outcome is not satisfactory, the course can be repeated at a reduced price.

The study method
“Students are not vessels to be filled, they are a fire to be kindled”.
- Plutarch

This is the guiding principle of our Italian teachers who are all native speakers, with experience and specific training in the field of language teaching.
In our courses we adopt a friendly and communicative approach, encouraging the students to take the lead in the lesson, with the teacher overseeing the learning process like a director.

The sensitivity and eagerness to help of our teachers, combined with their constant attention to the needs and feelings of the students, create a calm atmosphere that is conducive to pleasant and fruitful study of the Italian language.

We use the most modern and diverse teaching methods, including reading, comprehension, games, listening and debate. Starting out with a solid grounding in linguistic competence (including grammar, morphology, syntax and phonetics), we have set ourselves the objective of helping students develop suitable communication skills so as to be able to interact effectively in any situation.

Preparation course for University admission
We offer preparation courses for the admission tests to the main Italian university numerus clausus courses such as Medicine, Architecture, Psychology and Economics.

Our courses will be based on the guidelines set by the university, with particular focus on scientific subjects, and shall be taught by experienced teachers specialising in each subject.
Duration: Each course lasts 8 weeks, for a total of 160 hours.
Attendance: Monday to Friday, from 9.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. or from 2.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m.

Classes: maximum 10 students per class.
Attendance requirements: students wishing to enroll in these courses must have a good knowledge of the Italian language (level B1 at least ).

Otherwise, we recommend attending the Italian language courses first, to acquire the necessary language skills.

Private Italian lessons
Private Italian lessons are the best option for students with specific needs, as the course can be tailored to the individual needs and goals of the student after a discussion with the teacher.

Private Italian lessons are an excellent alternative to group courses, because they allow the student to work with the teacher on a one-on-one basis and focus on specific grammar, culture and news issues, or on any other subject that the student may be particularly interested in. Moreover, they can be useful for students who have already attended a group course and need to strengthen and practice their knowledge and the acquired language skills.

Individual lessons are recommended for those students who aim at obtaining an official Italian language certification (CELI, CILS, PLIDA) and therefore require specific training on the contents and procedures of the relevant examination. This method is also valid for people who need to use Italian in their business dealings and wish to learn the specific economic, business, legal, medical or tourist jargon, or more generally, learn the language that can apply to professional situations in general.

It is possible to take private lessons with a friend or in small groups of 2-3 people, provided all participant have the same level of knowledge of the Italian language. The calendar of classes is flexible; it is possible to attend private Italian language lessons on any day of the year, including on Saturdays and Sundays, by agreeing a time with the teacher.

Italian lessons on line
The philosophy of our School requires us to stay - abreast of the latest technological developments in order to meet the needs of people who wish to learn Italian but cannot come to Padua, or who would like to continue studying after taking courses. This is the reason that led us to offer Italian lessons via Skype. Thanks to an interactive whiteboard and with the help of teachers who are familiar with the latest teaching methods, students can follow the lessons from home, without having to forego the dynamics and effectiveness of an onsite lesson with a teacher.
Lessons are structured according to the student's needs and are recommended for those students who aim to obtain an official Italian language certification (CELI, CILS, PLIDA) and therefore require specific training on the contents and procedures of the relevant examination. This method is also valid for people who need to use Italian in their business dealings and wish to learn the specific economic, business, legal, medical or tourist jargon, or more generally, learn the language that can apply to professional situations in general.

Italian Cooking Lessons
Once a month a cooking lesson is organized for those who wish to learn Italian cuisine.