As well as being one of the world’s most iconic cities, Rome is also a hugely popular base for foreign language students to come from around the world to come and study.
(Photo: Kappa Language School)
The Italian capital is a veritable goldmine of historical treasures, with nearly 3,000 years of globally influential art, architecture and culture on display. But it is also a highly cosmopolitan city that attracts an international crowd – including many language students. The choice of language schools in Rome is vast, meaning that picking the right one for you can be a bit of a minefield. To help you, we’ve picked out three highly regarded Rome language schools and compared them based on a variety of courses on offer, accreditations, and additional services such as extra-curricular activities and help with accommodation.
Kappa Language School
Located in the centre of Rome, Kappa Language School prides itself on its student-centred environment, cultivated by a team of highly qualified, native-speaking teachers. The school offers affordable Italian courses for all levels and profiles, including intensive courses, private lessons and Skype lessons, all designed to obtain the PLIDA and CELI Certificates – essential when applying for long-term residence permits. Course schedules are flexible in order to accommodate each student’s individual needs, while the methodology is focussed around a communicative approach for action-oriented teaching in a fun and relaxed setting, with classes kept small to ensure everyone receives a high level of attention. Emphasis is also given to enhancing every student’s knowledge and appreciation of Italian and Roman culture. Lessons are often combined with guided tours and live events, both in Rome and in the city surroundings, to further promote this cultural immersion.
Language Studies International
Since opening their first school in London way back in 1965, LSI have gone from strength to strength, today boasting fourteen schools spanning seven countries. Among them is their partner school in Rome, occupying a prime location on one of the city’s most important commercial streets. The modern language school features 12 classrooms, all fully equipped with the latest technology including audiovisual facilities, a computer room with free internet, a video library and a student lounge. General language courses provide immersive and interactive training in a group environment with classes limited to 15 students and are designed to improve all areas of your language skills. The school also provides accommodation services including homestays, shared apartments and longer- term living solutions.
University Language Centre
Established in 1994 at Roma Tre University, located in the Ostiense district in the Southeast of the city, the University Language Centre offers intensive Italian courses for foreign students, both in-person and in guided self-study courses. All language courses run for a duration of 10 weeks, including a total of 30 hours of classroom training activities, plus final examination. The centre also provides language exchanges between students of different mother tongues through their “Tandem” projects comprising of face-to-face or distanced conversations. All successful students receive a Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language, which is officially recognised by the Italian State through the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.