Italian Lessons in Florence, Italy

Tolomei Cultural Institute, Florence:
Located to the northeast of Florence in Settignano in northern Italy, the Tolomei Cultural Institute uses the city of Florence and its surrounding territory as a grand “laboratory” for language learning. Systematic reflection on the language and its structure is inserted into exciting communicative situations of discovery, suggested by the enormous literary and artistic patrimony of the city of Florence, which may well be considered the cradle of Italian culture. The language is considered as an instrument for communicating tradition, as a way of experiencing the world around us (culture, food, fashion, sport, etc.), and as a means for expressing beauty (literature, theatre, painting, architecture, music, etc.). The starting point of each lesson will be a real life communicative situation. Thanks to the historic and artistic setting of the surrounding territory, the language may be learned in conjunction with the discovery of the world of Florence.

The method is based on a direct relationship between the student and teacher, whose aim is to provide each participant with the knowledge necessary for acquiring the language.

The multiple codes communication are considered in real life contexts. Reflection and revision will take place in the classroom after hands-on excursions into the city. Starting from what was experienced earlier in the day, the instructor will provide explanations of linguistic structure.

Intensive Italian Courses; Business Italian; Italian Language and Culture; Italian Express; Group Italian; Private Italian Tuition.

We accommodate our students in an ex-monastery of the Benedictine Olivetani monks situated in the hills of Settingnano (a small village overlooking Florence).

The area has always been considered an ideal location for repose and has been home to elegant villas and the hunting reserves of rich Florentine merchants. The entire monastic complex combines the charm of the old with the convenience of the new, offering an original synthesis of tradition and function. Even the walls of the structure itself seem to allude to the cultural and educational goals of this center for Italian language and culture.

Lodging is provided in the same structure as that in which the students will attend lessons. All rooms have an individual style with either a view of Florence or of the vast garden of the ex-monastery, rich with cypress, fir, olive, fig, and cherry trees.
Every room, which is decorated in a simple and modern fashion, has its own private bath and is equipped with standard facilities such as a desk, wardrobe, television, bed, linens, and bath towels.