UNIVERSITY PREPARATION COURSES

Italian language certification and academic pathways

PATHWAY PROGRAMS AND FOUNDATION YEAR TO ACCESS ITALIAN UNIVERSITY

Our Long-term Italian courses are addressed to students who wish to dedicate an extended period (from 12 to 48 weeks) to the study of Italian language and culture.
Students enrolling in our Long-term courses avail of special reduced rates. These courses include 20 lessons per week of group classes (3 hours per day) and are accompanied by an optional program of cultural events, sports, and excursions.

Academic pathway programs, such as art, design, architecture and fashion courses, which draw upon the rich setting and cultural heritage of the city of Siracusa, are offered for international students who already have a specific academic objective such as enrolment in an Italian university program.

All academic courses are taught in English by experienced faculty qualified in their area of study at our partner university, MADE Fine Arts & Design Academy.

Foundation Year in Art, Architecture, Fashion & Design

Pre-university course for students that wish to complete the required 12th year of school (or the A-level / AP exam requirements) or to improve Italian language while preparing an academic portfolio for application.

Learn more about the program

The Italian Academy staff supports prospective students throughout the enrolment process and can provide supporting documentation for the Study Visa application (more on this in our VISA section).

Depending on their starting level, students may aim to acquire a basic knowledge of the Italian language or enhance and perfect their previous knowledge of the language. Attending a full-immersion intensive course it is generally possible for dedicated students to achieve a B2 level (required for university applications) from beginner level within a 6-9 months period.

Students will have the opportunity to take part in our free Tandem language-exchange service, which has proven to be particularly useful for putting the language learned in class into practice and getting to know people of a similar age and interest from the area.

UNIVERSITY OF SIENA – CILS ITALIAN LANGUAGE PREPARATION COURSE AND CERTIFICATION

The Italian Academy is an accredited centre of the University of Siena .  Our long-term students who wish to follow specific examination courses may prepare and sit CILS (Certificazione di Italiano come lingua Straniera – Certification of Italian as a foreign language) examinations at levels from A1 to C2 of the CEFR, which is the most widely accepted Italian language certification in Italy and abroad by universities, employers and governmental institutions.