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.
This two-week Italian language immersion program takes you to the heart of Italy, in three different villages, and 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. Genuine task-based immersion teaching for adults that 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 it 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.
Click the links below to learn more about our language immersion programs or here to learn about our other tour programs.
“To have a second language is to have a second soul.”