Italian Language Immersion In Rural Italy

Learn Italian in a truly Italian environment! Esperienza’s “Living The Language” offers something exceptionally unique for Italian language learners and especially for those who would like to experience what it means to be an active part of the local scene in an Italian town. Talented and inspiring teachers, passionate about their land, will lead you through the hyper-local, genuine, slow immersion in the language and culture in harmony with truly one of a kind interaction with chefs, artists, musicians, poets and farmers in rural Romagna.

Our two-week Italian language immersion programs take you to the heart of Italy in three different villages. They may be combined to provide a full six-week learning journey, steeping you in the local culture, and growing your skills through multi-sensory teaching incorporating literature, song, poetry, cuisine, culture, and much more.

What Is “Living The Language?”

It’s a teaching approach like no other, clearly expressed in the title we chose for the program, which benefits from our unique relationships in the local communities where it takes place. It is built upon three core ideas:

Language for Living

In the course of our program we will visit (and revisit) many of the most typical tasks one may encounter when traveling or living in Italy. Our genuine task-based immersion teaching for adults blends comprehensive exposure with explicit instruction while gradually changing the ratio between the two as students progress. While grammar practice and vocabulary enrichment are still very present, the main focus is on so-called situation-based learning. In class, role-playing and use of high-frequency vocabulary and phrases will build confidence faster than passive listening or mere memorization.

Putting skills Into Practice

The small towns where we stay and learn offer nearly unlimited opportunities for interaction, as students aren’t surrounded by tourists or locals exhausted by its demands. Village life has a slower rhythm, and this relaxed attitude the opens the way for spontaneous conversations. We also include fun and interactive post-class activities which present many forms of direct communication with locals — from aperitivo with locals, to hands-on cooking lessons, to visiting nearby towns and more!

Active Participation

The key ingredient to success is your willingness to be proactive — dive in, remain attentive and open yourself to what is around you! The most successful students take advantage of every opportunity and experience the most gratifying moments of progress and connection. Embracing preparation and the boldness of imperfection will help you overcome the barrier to speaking and communicating.

Program HIGHLIGHTS:

Interactive language lessons take place in the classroom. In the afternoon, there are various activities aimed at adding to your knowledge of the language, and also discovering the treasures of this special corner of the Emilia-Romagna region, including cuisine, history, art, nature and culture. Though less structured, there are also opportunities to experience and participate in local small-town life (i.e., lunching with locals, helping local businesses, attending village concerts, etc.). While the program accommodates all levels of proficiency, it is best-suited to students who have begun their language journey, with at least one year of instruction.

All through your language immersion experience, you’ll be guided by extraordinarily talented teachers. With expertise ranging from theater to ancient languages, poetry to music and cinema, our teachers use a variety of interactive techniques to help advance your Italian skills, and your enjoyment of the language. Most classes and activities are conducted in Italian for maximum immersion.

Most of our activities are centered in the town where you’ll be staying. Each offers its own quiet beauty, rich culture, and delicious culinary offerings are compelling on their own, our program also includes visits to nearby towns to further explore this intriguing part of Romagna.

• Verucchio: Offers the most accessible program and is well-suited to all learning levels. Classroom sessions are 3 1/2 hours and there will be some English spoken on city tours and museum visits.

• Pennabilli: Offers a bridge between Verucchio and Santa Sofia to grow your skills and increase your confidence. Classroom sessions are 3 1/2 hours and there will be minimal English spoken during activities and visits. Combining this program with Verucchio or Santa Sofia provides the opportunity for four weeks of immersion.

• Santa Sofia: Offers a deep immersion for more advanced levels of proficiency. Classroom sessions are 90 minutes, there are more meals on your own (including breakfasts) and greater free time for independent learning opportunities. When added to Verucchio and Pennabilli, students may be progressively immersed in the language for a total of six weeks.

The program is designed to encourage students to return to the same town year after year. For variety, we will vary some of the specific activities and places visited, while retaining core of the program and the sense of familiarity you have gained. There is nothing like walking into a village in Italy and being recognized to encourage your learning journey!

Click the link below for details about the program - including dates, locations, availability and pricing.

Esperienza also offers specially curated trips that dive deeply into Italian cuisine and hiking trips that explore the beauty of nature.To learn more about our other tour programs - in the region of Romagna and now also in Sicily - click here.