Program Structure
You will work on chapters 1, 2 and 3 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills.
You will work on chapters 4, 5 and 6 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills.
You will work on chapters 7, 8 and 9 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills.
You will work on chapter 10 of Nuovo Espresso 5 and will review the entire book as a strengthening exercise. You will also read an Italian novel chosen by your teacher, discussing its content and improving your reading skills.
This in-person class is for learners who have accomplished an intermediate level and wish to continue exploring newer aspects of the Italian grammar, strengthening their oral and phonetic skills, and going deeper into the current language and culture of Italy.
Caffè Corretto is a special class we’ve created with Mattia, designed to make learning Italian as effortless and enjoyable as sipping a good cup of coffee.
In this class, Mattia will guide students in reading, speaking, and engaging in meaningful discussions about a renowned Italian book, helping them enhance their language skills naturally and effectively.
Join us for an immersive Italian learning experience, where literature and conversation blend seamlessly—just like a perfectly made caffè corretto.
In the Summer Term students will read “Sud” by Mario Fortunato, a richly layered novel that explores memory, identity, and the deep connection between people and place. Through the story of Valentino, who leaves his native Calabria and later reflects on his past, the book unfolds as a journey between past and present, personal experience and collective history.
Set against the backdrop of twentieth-century Italy, “Sud” weaves together family stories, historical events, and emotional introspection, offering a nuanced portrait of Italian society beyond stereotypes. Accessible yet intellectually engaging, the novel provides an excellent opportunity for students to work with authentic Italian while engaging in meaningful discussions about culture, belonging, and the complexity of Italian identity.
Join us for an exclusive 3-week advanced reading group starting May 21st, where we will discover the novel “Conversazione in Sicilia” by Elio Vittorini.
Through the journey of Silvestro—who returns to his native Sicily in search of meaning after a personal crisis—we will explore a powerful and poetic reflection on human suffering, memory, and the “offended world,” a metaphor for those marginalized and unheard. Vittorini’s evocative language transforms Sicily into a universal space of introspection and discovery.
Guided by our experienced instructor, Martina, you’ll engage in in-depth discussions that go beyond the text, exploring exploring its central themes of identity, memory, social injustice, and belonging, while also reflecting on the historical and cultural context of the novel and its enduring relevance today.
This group is perfect for advanced learners eager to challenge their Italian through rich literary analysis and meaningful conversation, while exploring themes of power, morality, family ties, and the societal undercurrents of contemporary Italy.
Level: Avanzato and up.
A series of 10 classes, 2 hours each, dedicated to studying, reading, and discussing one of the most significant works of Italian literature.
In the Summer Term, the group will focus on the book “Noi credevamo” by Anna Banti.
Under Mattia’s guidance, you will explore the novel’s psychological depth, linguistic nuance, and philosophical complexity. Each class will combine close textual analysis with engaging discussion, helping you reflect on themes of identity, perception, reality, and self-awareness, while expanding advanced vocabulary and deepening your understanding of modern Italian culture and thought.
This powerful and reflective novel offers a deeply human perspective on the Italian Risorgimento, told through the memories of a Southern patriot who dedicated his life to the ideals of unity and freedom. Inspired by the author’s own family history, the story follows a life shaped by political struggle, imprisonment, hope, and, ultimately, disillusionment.
Rather than presenting history as a series of heroic events, “Noi credevamo” invites readers to explore the emotional and personal cost of those ideals. Through a nuanced and introspective narrative, the novel opens a space for reflection on identity, belonging, and the meaning of collective aspirations—questions that remain strikingly relevant today. For students, it offers not only an opportunity to engage with authentic Italian language, but also to enter into a deeper conversation about Italian history, culture, and the complexity behind the idea of “we.”
Gianna will guide you on a journey of discovery through Italy, with each Term focusing on a distinct region.
Through the pages of this carefully selected book, along with short videos and class discussions, you’ll explore Italy’s regional culture, traditions, and contemporary issues, all while improving your Italian language skills. The course encourages conversation and analysis, offering a dynamic and immersive learning experience.
In addition to reading and discussion, you’ll also review key grammar topics, using the book and videos as a springboard for natural, engaging conversation.
Join us for this unique exploration of Italy—one region, one story at a time!
Master Italian diction and say with confidence any parola you like! Speak with confidence, charm, and the authentic cadence of Italy.
Each 1-hour lesson focuses on a different aspect of Italian pronunciation, helping you accurately recognize and reproduce sounds. You’ll read with greater fluency and speak with increased clarity.
Your instructor, Francesca, brings extensive experience and a passion for teaching Italian pronunciation, ensuring you receive expert guidance every step of the way.
This group welcomes students of all levels, from BEGINNERS to PERFEZIONAMENTO.
Classes content:
- The Italian alphabet
- Vowels and diphthongs
- Italian consonants: Similarity and differences
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- R
- T & D
- S & Z
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- Italian hard sounds:
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- Double consonants
- Letter H
- C & G
- SCI & SCE
- GN
- GLI
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- Stress and intonation
- Apostrophes and linking sounds
- Recap, tongue twisters and confidence boosts!
A 10$ nonrefundable registration fee will be automatically added at checkout.
Books are not included in the enrollment price.
DISCOUNTS
ENROLL IN 2 GROUPS: if you enroll in 2 groups in the same Term, you will get a 15% discount on the second group's enrollment (the less expensive)
This discount will be applied automatically upon enrollment.
Additionally, send an email to italianschool@sfiis.org to get the following discounts:
BRING A FRIEND: If you enroll with a friend (new to IIS), you both get a 10% discount
PRIVATE CLASSES: if you are enrolled in a group, you can purchase private classes with a 10% discount
BULK REGISTRATION: if you enroll in 2 or more Terms at the same time, you will not pay the $10 registration fee and will get an additional 10% discount