WHAT WE LIKE - Key features of this program Unique geography located on 118 little islands, connected by 418 bridges and divided by 160 canals. Venice is in danger of becoming a floating museum, but has so much to see & experience, Moorish palaces, beautiful unique architecture, colorful river traffic including the Grand Canal. School is situated close to Santa Margherita Piazza, it is within walking distance of the Grand canal.

Enjoy an Italian language course in Italy at our language school in the city of Venice.

Situated in the northeastern corner of Italy at the head of the Adriatic, few can forget their first sight of Venice (Venezia), rising like a fairytale from the murky lagoon.

Once little more than island refuge for fishermen, Venice grew to become one of the world's most powerful republics.

Uniquely poised between East and West, Venice dominated the trade routes between Asia and Europe, and by the fifteenth century her empire stretched from the Alps to the island of Cyprus.

Today, Venice is in danger of becoming a floating museum, Venice's unique geography could be her undoing. The city is sinking. Rising water levels cause the city to flood up to 40 times a year, but the construction of steel floodgates across the lagoon remains on hold.

Venice spreads over an area of about 7 square kilometers, is divided into the six districts, developed in 118 little islands, San Giorgio and Giudecca included, connected by 418 bridges and divided by 160 canals.

SCHOOL FACILITIES The school has 7 nice classrooms, computer and internet access, small library. Students who wish to practise or improve their Italian in their free time can use the cassette tape library and the library containing simplified texts for foreign students.

Our school, which was founded in 1933, is located in the center of Venice, in a beautiful historic and recently renovated building, which was once a small palace.

Situated close to Santa Margherita Piazza, it is within walking distance of the Grand canal, St. Mark's Square, the Basilica and Palazzo Ducale, probably the busiest part of the city. The piazza has many cafes, bars, retraurants, market stalls and shops, a great place to sit and watch Venice life go by.

The small school has a friendly family atmosphere, set in a historic setting. Because of its central location, everything is within walking or water taxi distance from the school.

THE BASICS Course for all language levels - set dates for beginners - use of course materials - each student will be expected to take a short placement test on the first Monday morning - lessons are usually held in the mornings starting 09:30am each day - min age 18 - Max. 12 students per class - unlimited course length.

Standard: (20 lessons per week)
Intensive: (30 lessons per week)

All the teachers are native Italian speakers. They have a university background and specialize in teaching Italian as a foreign language. Similarly, all staff are familiar with at least one other language. The teachers conduct class using modern teaching methods that pay particular attention to every-day usage, including individual, paired and group speaking-and-listening exercises, role-play, video work, traditional written response, and reading.

Many aspects of Italian culture are included in language lessons themselves and students can ask their teachers for any extra material they may need to personalize their program further.

After classes are over for the day, our program allows you plenty of time to discover your new country, culture, traditions, customs and everyday life.

Afternoon activities such as bicycle rides around the Lido, guided tour of the Accademia Gallery, walking tour through the Rialto fish market, wine tasting in a local wine-bar weekly screening of an Italian film, train excursion to Vicenza to see Palladio’s work , walking tour to see traditional Venetian boats, a class in traditional Venetian cooking, a guided tour of the Jewish Ghetto.

At the weekend take optional excursions to local places of interest: enjoy bicycle rides around the Lido, guided tour of the Accademia Gallery, walking tour through the Rialto fish market, wine tasting in a local wine-bar, weekly screening of an Italian film, train excursion to Vicenza to see Palladio’s work, walking tour to see traditional Venetian boats, a class in traditional Venetian cooking, a guided tour of the Jewish Ghetto.

> Plan a group language program at this location! > GSA Advantage for US Government & Military personnel > Study & Live with your own private language teacher > 3 Italian cities in 3 months - study in Florence/Rome/Capo > Italian programs for children & teens

Host Family: (private room - no meals)
Living with a host family is probably the best and most effective way to become fully immersed into the language and culture of your chosen country. All families are chosen after a careful selection procedure and are visited regularly by the school to ensure that high living standards are maintained. As many of our host families live in the surrounding neighborhoods, the trip to school, is usually not more than 10 to 20 minutes away by walking or public transport.

Self Catering Apartments: (private room) no meals
This is also a very popular option especially for those students looking for further independence. Our apartments are normally located within the same distance as the host families and are shared (with other international students studying at the school) so will be sharing with many other nationalities. Our apartments are co-ed. Apartments are not air conditioned but have fans and will be cleaned once every week. No washing machine is available, however, there is a Laundromat close-by.

It is the participant's responsibility to have a valid passport and any necessary visas and permits to study abroad. Visit G3Visas for comprehensive information on visa, passport, permit and general country entry requirements.

Please Read: Important Travel Documentation

Venice has an international airport (Marco Polo) which is located 12km from Venice by land and 10km by water.

"This year's trip to Venice was a wonderful experience. I have studied abroad before, but this summer was exceptional. Venice is a beautiful city with very friendly people and the teachers in Venice were no exception. They were friendly and very patient with the students various questions and individual learning styles. The school provided events in the evening...Italian films, walking tours of Venice, and the many musical/theater events found in Venice during the summer months. My time in Italy was enjoyable...and I have greatly improved my Italian conversation ability!

I stayed in an apartment that overlooks a church filled with beautiful art from the 16th century, as an art history student, this was wonderful! The house was only 15 minutes walk from the school. Very close and with wonderful coffee shops and bakeries along the way. I would leave home a little early to enjoy a cappuccino and a pastry each morning a the counter as the Italians do to start their day.

The Languages Abroad staff were very friendly and helpful. The responses to my many questions were quick and very thorough. The brochure was detailed, the pre departure info was helpful, also. Future Advice: Read and research the culture before you leave. The pre-departure info is very helpful, but it cannot replace more in-depth reading."
Kathy Johnston-Keane (age 38)