COURSES

1) What course would be appropriate for me? 
2) I want to have more details about the courses, such as the lesson times and how many days per week, course outlines, etc.
3) How long will the course be and how much money will I need to learn basic Italian language skills?
4) If I want to take a 4 week (40 hours) Italian course, can I continue to study Italian for an additional 4 weeks and will this program be connected to the first 4 weeks?
5) In your Italian school, do you have any cultural courses such as art, history, music, cooking, etc.?

TEACHING METHOD AND CLASSES

ACCOMMODATION

1) Which is the best accommodation for me? I see there is the apartment option and the accommodation to share with other students. I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
2) I have seen on the web-site that prices to stay with a family are from ??0 to ??0 euros. What explains such a difference?
3) I would like to stay in a double room Can I book it although I am alone?
4) Are the prices for the accommodations the same even in the summertime?
5) Do you accommodate three students in one bed room?
6) I would prefer to stay outside of Florence with a host family.Is this possible?
7) I am a vegetarian. Would I be able to find a family who wouldn't mind this?

SERVICE

1) Is there a possibility to arrange for a transfer from the train station and how much would it cost?
2) Is it possible to send emails to the school in order to contact a student studying with you?
3) Do the students have access to the Internet?

OTHER

1) Can I learn the Italian Language?

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COURSES

2) I want to have more details about the courses, such as the lesson times and how many days per week, course outlines, etc.
   We have a standard course "S4" which is 4 hours a day in the morning from Monday to Friday (total 80 hours ). The 4 hours are divided in 2 parts with a small break in between; the first two hours of the course (from 9:00 am to 11:00 am) are dedicated to grammar and the other two (from 11:00 am to 13:00 pm) to conversation or activities to practice the language. However if it is possible, we prefer not to study grammar and conversation separately, since our main objective is to make the learning of the language as natural and communicative as possible.
If you chose the "S2" course (40 hours/month), you have to decide which two hours of the morning you want to study (grammar or conversation).
We also have a special course called "Duetto" which is specifically designed for two students.
The afternoon is often dedicated to individual courses, and special cultural classes (held only when there are requests from more than 3 students). When there are too many students in the same level, some group courses are held in the afternoon.
We pay a lot of attention to the need of each student; we make sure that students are in the proper class for his or her level.

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3) How long will the course be and how much money will I need to learn basic Italian language skills?
    You can chose from different types of Italian courses. Yet in order to learn basic Italian language we think you will need at least three months, studying 4 hours a day.
You can check the prices for each Italian course here.

4) If I want to take a 4 week (40 hours) Italian course, can I continue to study Italian for an additional 4 weeks and will this program be connected to the first 4 weeks?
   Yes, if you continue studying after your 4 week Italian course, you will enter the next level only if you feel confident with what you learned in the class before.

5) In your Italian school, do you have any cultural courses such as art, history, music, cooking, etc.?
   We have different cultural classes available depending on students' requests.

TEACHING METHOD AND CLASSES

1) I want to know which is teaching language at your Italian school? Japanese? English? Italian, etc. ?
   Of course, since we teach the Italian language, we teach in Italian, yet in some special situations and depending on the student's nationality, we can give some grammar explanations in English, Japanese or other languages depending on the language skills of the teacher.  

2) I speak English and assume you have English-Italian classes.
   All of our teachers know English, yet we prefer that they only use it when there is no other way to explain something very important..

3) What nationality are the majority of your students?
   Our students are many different nationalities.

4) At what time do classes start on Monday?
   Typically we do a level check for each student on the first Monday of the course at 9:00 am. Lessons are held at Via dei Pilastri, 51 (tel. 055-2001207). The following day the starting time depends on the students' Italian language level. From the that the timetable will be set for the entire month and it will be communicated after the first lesson.
We will let you know by e-mail, telephone or personally the time of the first lesson. After the level test we will tell you your course timetable.

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5) How many students are in a class and how are the classes broken up, i.e. grammar, conversation.....?
- Although, it is written on our Internet site that there are between 2 to 5 students in a class.
- As much as possible, we divide classes by levels, nationalities, personalities, and learning capacities.
- Our teaching method is very communicative, yet we make sure students get to know all of the Italian language grammar.
- The standard course "S4", which is 4 hours a day in the morning from Monday to Friday (total 80 hours), is divided in to 2 parts with a small break in between; the first two hours of the course (from 9:00 am to 11:00 am) are dedicated to grammar and the other two (from 11:00 am to 13:00 PM) to conversation or activities to practice the language. However, if it is possible, we prefer not to study grammar and conversation separately, since our main objective is to make the learning of the language as natural and communicative as possible.
If you chose the "S2" course (40 hours/month), you have to decide which two hours of the morning you want to study (grammar or conversation).

6) Do you have different levels?
   Yes, we have different levels. As much as possible, we divide classes by levels, nationalities, personalities, and learning capacities.

7) Do you test students to asses their level?
   Of course. Students must take a test before they start the course. Usually, we do a level check for each student on the first Monday of the course at 9:00 am.

8) I am more that fifty years old and I am really looking for a course in which I will interact with people of my age.
   We have students of your age at the moment, Yet we cannot divide classes divided by age. If it is possible, we do our best to make classes as age related as possible. Anyway, don't worry about age.When we teach, everyone is treated equally, with respect, and we try to make age differences a positive thing. We like to have students of different nationalities and ages, so that we can exchange ideas and experiences about learning Italian language.

9) I am 18 years old. I would like to study with young people. What is the average student age?
   The age of our students is between 18 and 70 years old. We could say that the average age is 30, but don't worry about age. As I said, we like to have students of different nationalities and ages, so that we can exchange ideas and experiences about learning a language.

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THE ITALIAN LANGUAGE

1) How well will I be able to speak after a 4 weeks course?
   Usually after 4 weeks, if you take a standard course, you will be able to have basic conversations using the present and past tenses.You will have learned the language you need for every day activities in Italy.

2) Do you require a certain level of prior knowledge of Italian?
   No, when you enroll, you let us know your level and then after a quick test the first day of the course, we decide the class at your level. If you don't know any Italian, you will study with other beginners

ENROLLING, PAYMENT AND DEPOSIT

1) I can't download the enrollment form; is it possible for you to e-mail or mail me one along with a brochure?
   Yes, if you have problems filling in the form on-line, please let us know by e-mail, mail or telephone. Tell us the type of format you would like to receive (mail with printed form or e-mail with word document form).

2) Can I print out the enrollment forms, complete and send them to you by post?
   Yes, you can do that or you can tell us by e-mail, mail or telephone the type of format you would like to receive (mail with printed form or e-mail with word document form).

3) When will my enrollment form be processed after I send it to you?
   We will process your enrollment and send you the enrollment certification only when we see (by fax or mail) a proof of payment of the deposit (40% of the course total fee).

4) How can I make a payment to the school?
   For the payment method you can use the Bank Transfer or other ways as indicated on this Internet page [course payment details].
The payment must be 40% of the total price of the course.
You do not have to pay deposit for your accommodation; you pay for your accommodation after the course has started.
After you have made the payment, please fill at this on-line form [course enrollment form].

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5) Can I use credit card?
   We are sorry, but we do not have a credit card payment facility. If you want to know other ways to pay the deposit, visit this Internet page [course payment details].
If you want to use Western Union, please use this name and address:

Marcello Ciao
Via dei Pilastri, 51
Florence 50121 Italy
(+39) 055 2001207
(+39) 339 8724 363

6) Do I need to pay in euro?
If it is possible, we prefer that you make the payment in euros.

I'm not clear on where to make the payment (40% upfront)?
   You can pay the deposit in one of the following ways:

1) Bank transfer to: (banking expenses to be paid by the student):

7) Are there any enrollment fees?
   No, there is no enrollment fee.

8) I would like to know if money can be paid via western union money transfer.
   We do not have a credit card payment method on our Internet site. For this reason, you pay by Western Union money transfer if you like, by Bank transfer or another type of payment as explained at this Internet page [course payment details] .

10) To register, do I need to pay the 40% deposit and the cost of the accommodation together?
   You only have to pay 40% of the course and pay the accommodation and the rest of the course fee when you start the first lesson in Florence.

11) Will I have to pay a deposit for accommodation? I am asking this because the Embassy here requires this information?
   You do not have to pay any deposit for your accommodation; you pay for your accommodation after the course has started.
As for providing a confirmed accommodation reservation and the enrollment certificate, you will receive them only when we receive proof of your deposit payment (40% of the total course price).
Please read the instructions at this Internet page [course payment details], and also fill-out the enrolment form at this Internet page [course enrollment form].

VISA

List of countries whose citizens are subject to the visa obligation:

In view of the need to gradually harmonize the different national visa policies, the European authorities have adopted various measures including the Council Regulation 539 of 15.3.2001 containing the list of countries whose nationals are subject to the visa requirement.

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Nationals bearing ordinary passports of the following countries are subject to visa obligations:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Antigua and Barbuda, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Balers, Belize, Benin, Bhutan, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Cape Verde, Central Africa, Chad, China, Colombia, Calmer Islands, Congo, Congo (Democratic Republic), Cat d'Ivoire, Cuba, Djibouti, Dominica, Dominican (Republic), East Timor, Ecuador, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Fiji, Gabon, The Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Granada, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kyrgyzstan, Kiribati, Kuwait, Laos, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Macedonia (the Former Yugoslav Republic of), Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Nepal, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Northern Marianas, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Papua-New Guinea, Peru, the Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Solomon, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Swaziland, Syria, Tajikistan, Taiwan, (non-recognized territorial entity), Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vietnam, Western Samoa, Yemen, Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia-Montenegro), Zambia, Zimbabwe.

(*) Exempt from obligation if the passenger holds a valid visa or residence permit from one of the EU Member States or one of the Parties to the European Economic Area Agreement of 2 May 1992, from Canada, Switzerland or the United States.

(**) Exempt from obligation if the passenger holds a valid visa or residence permit from one of the Member States of the European Economic Area, Canada, or the United States of America.

For long stays (above 90 days) for whatever purpose all aliens are required to hold a visa, even if they are nationals of countries which do not require transit or short-stay visas. [Visa explanation]

2) I am traveling in Australia at the moment, and I will be coming back to Israel in the middle of July. I will need to get a visa, but my passport is with me. Is there anything I can do?
   Although you can stay in Italy with a tourist visa for 90 days, I advise you to contact the Italian Embassy in Israel or visit their home page at this address:
http://www.italian-embassy-israel.org/SiteFiles/3/23/207.asp

3) What if I do not get visa from the Embassy?
   If you do not receive a visa from the Italian Consulate in your country, after you send us proof of the reason why you didn't get the visa, we will send back the money you paid, but we have to charge you a fee for the office work (around 35 euro).
We hope that this won't be the case!

4) Is it necessary for me to get a student visa in order to register?
  When you enroll from your country, you don't need a visa, but if your country is subject to visa obligations, you need one when you come to Italy. Please  contact the Italian Embassy in your country to make sure you are eligible for a visa application or check this page:
[Visa explanation]

5) Can I extend my studying when I am in Italy? Can I work while I am studying?
   You can extend it if the expiration date of your visa allows it and if you continue to study Italian. If your visa has expired, you have to go back to your country to extend it. If you are a national of a country that does not require a visa for visits up to a maximum of 90 days, you can study in Italy without a visa for up to 90 days.
If you don't have a working visa, you can work in Italy only 20 hours per month.                              Top

6) When is the latest date to apply if I want to enroll in four months?
   It depends on the Italian Embassy in your country, but we advise you to do it as soon as possible, at least 2-3 months before.

7) I am very interested in studying in Italy, can you guide me through the visa process so that I can obtain a visa with no problems?
   Although we can help you in some ways to obtain a visa, typically the Italian Embassies around the world cannot give or accept details about students who are applying for visas. We advise you to talk carefully with the Italian Embassy about the things you need to do for your visa application.

ACCOMMODATION

1) Which is the best accommodation for me? I see there is the apartment option and the accommodation to share with other students. I would like to know the advantages and disadvantages of each option.
   As for the accommodations, of course, the apartment is the most comfortable solution, but we advise you to rent a single room in an apartment with other students, possibly Italians.
In Florence, unfortunately for men, owners prefer to rent to girls, but there are also many good apartments for men.
The host-family solution is also a good one because you'll have a chance to experience the every day Italian life-style. The problem is that every year, many students from all over the world come to study in Florence, and many of the families offering this service have developed a negative attitude towards students. This doesn't mean that you shouldn't consider this solution, since we regularly visit and check every type of accommodation, meet the families and we also place students in accommodation in which previous students of ours have been happy.
Although Florence is quite small, the price of rent is more expensive in the centre.

- Sharing Student Apartment

Shared apartments are excellent options for students are looking for independence during their stay. In these fully-equipped self-catering apartments, students live with other students, in single or twin rooms, sharing the kitchen, bathroom and sitting room. This type of accommodation is almost always the most economical option.

- Host family

Host family accommodation is one of the most popular options. This type of accommodation not only ensures that the student is totally immersed in the language, with every opportunity to practise and develop their language skills, but is also a wonderful way to gain an insight into the culture and the daily life of Italians. The lodging is in a single or double room with breakfast and one meal (half board).

A "host family" can be a married couple, or a single person, with or without children.

Students can opt for: Self-catering, bed and breakfast, half or full board

These are private, fully equipped mini-apartments, providing a student, or a couple, with a private bathroom and private cooking facilities. This type of accommodation is ideal for students who are looking for complete independence.

2) I have seen on the web-site that prices to stay with a family are from ??0 to ??0 euros. What explains such a difference?
   As written on the home page, the prices of the accommodations are estimates; we offer different accommodations which have different characteristics and different prices. Although we have good prices and the quality of the accommodations is checked personally, we cannot be sure which accommodation will be available at the time of your booking.

3) I would like to stay in a double room Can I book it although I am alone?
    At the moment, accommodation owners prefer to rent the double room accommodations only students who know each other. Due to this, in your case, only single rooms are available.

4) Are the prices for the accommodations the same even in the summertime?
Yes, the price won't change in the summer, but it is more difficult to find an accommodation.

5) Do you accommodate three students in one bed room?
   It is possible, but it depends on the owner of the accommodation. Some don't mind having three students in one room, but others want to charge more than for a double.              

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6) I would prefer to stay outside of Florence with a host family.Is this possible?
   Yes, this is possible. We have many different types of accommodations available for our students. Usually, accommodations outside the center are less expensive.

7) I am a vegetarian.Would I be able to find a family who wouldn't mind this?
   We asked a few host families if this was a problem for them and they told us that there is no problem. Before booking your accommodation, we will make sure the owner is aware that you are vegetarian.

SERVICE

1) Is there a possibility to arrange for a transfer from the train station and how much would it cost?
   Yes, it is possible and it costs 30 euro.

2) Is it possible to send emails to the school in order to contact a student studying with you?
   Yes, it is possible. You can address your e-mail to any name plus @spiritoitaliano.com (ex: Peter@spiritoitaliano.com). But, before doing that, let us know the address name you have chosen. We will pass you a printed copy of your e-mail.

3) Do the students have access to the Internet?
   Yes, we have a small Internet-point corner with some computers that students can use. After two hours free, we charge a small fee for use of the Internet.

OTHER

1) Can I learn the Italian Language?

  Anyone can learn any language with a bit of passion an some effort.

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