Rome Gap Year Program for 16+ year olds

2010 Gap Year Program in Rome, Italy

Is this program for you?

The Gap Year Program in Rome is suited to the student who is looking for a high-quality language immersion program in the heart of one of the world's most culturally rich cities! The program is ideal for students who want to combine daily Italian language classes with afternoons, evenings and weekends that are free to join optional activities and excursions or spend time exploring Rome on their own, with their host family or with new friends. The program is intended for students who are independent, have some travel experience, are comfortable taking public transit, are used to time away from family and are able to effectively manage and advocate for themselves in new and unfamiliar situations. Please see the About Mature Teen & Gap Year Programs page for more information.

Location

It has been said that the enduring gift of Rome to is citizens and visitors is that they will—if they’re open to experience—find themselves born again into the shining appreciation of the moment.  This must be because in Rome, the excavated past flows through the present.  Rome stands on top of more than two and a half thousand years of history and the evidence is everywhere.  Once the largest and most important city in the world and the centre of Western civilization, today, Rome is thriving, cosmopolitan and proud—and the third most popular tourist destination in Europe.  Whether it’s Vatican City, the Colosseum, or the endless ruins, ever-fascinating Rome begs to be explored.  Be inspired to learn Italian in the Eternal City.  Viva Roma!

The School
The school is located in the centre of Rome just a short walk from the main railway station (called "Stazione Termini"). Buses, subways and trams leave from here to every area of the city. The building is a 4 story villa with 25 air conditioned classrooms, free Wi-Fi, student club room, cafe and a charming outside patio.

Courses

The main objective of the Italian classes in Rome is to improve conversational skills. Classes are conducted entirely in Italian and students are given plenty of opportunity to develop their practical speaking skills.  Attention is also paid to grammar, vocabulary, reading and writing skills, and a wide variety of materials are used including published materials from many sources, and materials written by the  teachers. While the atmosphere in the classroom is relaxed and informal, you should be prepared to work hard and participate fully. With the 20 lesson per week option

you will have 4 lesson per day in the morning or afternoon with optional activities and excursions offered during the non class time. This program is offered for up to 40 weeks. If you choose the 30 lesson per week course you will have 6 lessons per day in the morning or afternoon with optional activities and excursion offered during the non class time. The 30 lesson per week option is offered for up to 28 weeks. One lesson is 50 minutes in length.

We can arrange a number of other programs to suit your interests and language learning needs. Please contact us for more information of the following courses:

• Part-time Italian (15 lessons per week)
• Italian through Film Making
• Business Italian
• Private lessons

Teachers

The teachers in this Italian language holiday program are native speakers and hold both a university degree and a diploma in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language. The school has several teachers who have been teaching in the school for an average of 10 years. One hour per week of each teacher's contract hours is devoted to teacher training in order to continually improve teaching techniques.  This is reflected by the high level of professionalism and responsibility of the teachers towards the school and all the students.

Accommodation - Homestay

You will be accommodated with welcoming hosts who are keen to share Italian culture with you.  Families come in all shapes and sizes from single adults (female) to couples with and without children. Host family accommodation are at a maximum of 45 minutes from the school by public transportation. The host family will provide you with a single or double room with a bed(s), desk and chair and space for your personal belongings and clean bed linens once per week. Students may use the host family's kitchen unless they book the half board option meal plan. (See below)

Meals

You can choose either breakfast only or half-board, which consists of breakfast and dinner.  For any meals you do not take with your host family you are free to enjoy many of the hundreds of outstanding restaurants and cafes that can be found throughout the city. 

For general information on homestay accommodation please visit our Homestay Q & A page.

The following program features are included in the price:

• 20 or 30 lessons per week
• Language level test on first day of class
• Course materials- excluding books

• Certificate of attendance and linguistic competence for each exam passed

• Social and cultural program
• Homestay accommodation

• 24-hour emergency support

• Comprehensive Medical & Travel Insurance (Only available for US citizens/residents)