The Italian city of Milan is not only a fashion mecca but is also popular with international students keen to learn one of the great Romance languages.
(Photo: Società Dante Alighieri)
Situated in Italy’s northern Lombardy region, Milan is best known as one of the world’s fashion and design capitals, as well as for its array of historical gems, many of which recall the city’s rich heritage in the fields of art and culture. Needless to say, a foreign student living in Milan won’t be short of things to see and do – though those who want to focus on their studies can also benefit from a degree of anonymity, with plenty of peaceful neighbourhoods outside the centre. For those wanting to come and pick up the lingo, we’ve selected three of Milan’s best Italian language schools below.
Società Dante Alighieri
Located in the city centre, the Milan School of the Dante Alighieri Society has been teaching Italian for more than a century through a wide range of courses. Among them are intensive courses, business courses, conversation courses and cultural courses, all of which can be taken either 1 to 1 or as part of group lessons. Students who successfully complete a course will receive a Certificate of Competence in Italian Language for Foreigners, an accreditation recognised by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. In terms of extra-curricular activities, there’s a regular programme of conferences and cultural events, most of which are free to attend for registered students. For those needing accommodation during their studies, the school can also help connect you with agencies that will arrange your housing needs.
Passepartout
(Photo: Passepartout)
Passepartout is a boutique school that is officially recognised by the Italian Ministry of Education. A wide variety of courses are available, ranging from intensive long-term and short-term courses, evening courses, one-to-one courses, Skype courses and courses for companies. Class sizes are kept to a maximum of eight students, ensuring that each student gets plenty of individual attention in every lesson. All of the school’s teachers are highly qualified and have undergone rigorous training in custom-made methodology, which combines a communicative approach with strong attention to the structures of the language. The school also offers a free-of-charge accommodation information service which can be accessed after enrolling on your course.
Bocconi University
(Photo: Bocconi University)
A leading European research and teaching institution with a strong international orientation, Bocconi University provides Italian language courses at its dedicated Language Centre. These comprise curricular courses and other activities supporting learning language progress, including workshops to develop phrasing and wording skills. The centre is equipped with computer stations to help students improve their language skills, multimedia materials, online self-assessment tests, and materials to prepare for internal exams and international certifications. There are also regular Italian movie sessions hosted by university teachers, as well as services that match native speakers of different languages.