April 09 - May 07

Leggiamo Insieme

ou teachers exploring and selecting books to enhance the learning experience for our students
You will read along with your classmates high Italian literature novels, written by renowned Italian novelists, discussing their main points exclusively in Italian, under the guidance of your expert teacher Martina.

Additional information

Join us for an exclusive 5-week advanced reading group starting April 9th, where we will discover the novel “L’acqua del lago non è mai dolce” by Giulia Caminito.

Set against the stark and magnetic landscape of Lake Bracciano—an ancient volcanic crater filled with dark waters—the novel follows Gaia and her family as they flee the indifference of Rome in search of a new beginning. At its core is Antonia, a fiercely principled and uncompromising mother who cares for her disabled husband and four children, determined to raise Gaia with dignity, resilience, and self-reliance. Yet Gaia’s inner world simmers with unrest: coming of age in the early 2000s, in a society marked by quiet inequalities and muted ambitions, she responds to disappointment and injustice with unpredictable intensity. Through sharp, essential, and poetic prose, Caminito crafts a powerful coming-of-age story that explores youth, anger, class tensions, female strength, and the restless search for identity in contemporary Italy.

Guided by our experienced instructor, Martina, you’ll engage in in-depth discussions that go beyond the text, exploring themes of identity, success, and the cost of artistic pursuit. Together, we will analyze language, style, and historical references, expand advanced vocabulary in context, and use the novel as a springboard for thoughtful conversation in Italian.

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.

 

Reading book: “L’acqua del lago non è mai dolce” by Giulia Caminito.

For additional information, please contact us via email at:
PRICE
$130/pers
+ 10$ nonrefundable registration fee
DURATION

5 Weeks

HOURS
Thursday 11:00am - 12:00pm PT
WHERE
Via Zoom

Let our students speak for us!

Truly a gem of a school
Erin Yu
"SFIIS runs a fantastic org and program - truly a gem of a school. The staff are warm and wonderfully efficient. I've done both in-person and online classes, and plan to continue for as long as I can. They cover all levels of Italian proficiency, with an engaging mix of private lessons, themed classes (e.g. Italian for Travelers), and regular Term classes. If you can, I highly recommend going in person for at least some lessons - they have a wonderful office in sunny North Beach."
Cannot recommend this online foreign language program for toddlers enough!
Andrea DiSandro
"First and foremost, let me sing praises for the incredible teacher, Francesca. She possesses a remarkable talent for not only teaching but captivating young minds. Her ability to blend learning and play seamlessly is nothing short of amazing. [...] What's truly heartwarming is witnessing my daughter's enthusiasm for her weekly class. [...] As a family that values multilingualism, I can confidently say that this virtual program stands head and shoulders above the rest. [...] I am beyond impressed and immensely grateful for the positive impact this program has had on our family. If you're seeking a top-tier virtual language learning experience for your little one, look no further. This program is truly amazing, and I wholeheartedly endorse it to any parent seeking to enrich their child's linguistic abilities.
Beginners 1 experience
Jeffrey Jordan
"I just completed my first course with Istituto Italiano Scuola and was quite impressed. It was both rigorous and fun in balance, inspiring me to learn and take my Italian further than ever before. I'll be back for the next level course."
IL MIO POSTO FELICE!!!!
Leslie Hughes
“What I like most about participating in a literature class with the Istituto is having classmates with whom to discuss our books. I like hearing their opinions and responding to them. Reading is a great pleasure of mine, but sharing a book makes reading an adventure. With a teacher guiding us we improve our language skills and become more self-confident expressing ourselves. I’m grateful for the opportunity!”
The best way to maintain and improve my language skills
Dennis Abbe
“I have been taking classes at the SFIIS for years because, short of a long stay in Italy, it is the best way to maintain and improve my language skills. But more than that, I enjoy being with the other students and my instructor(s), many of whom are now good friends. In my class we read classic and contemporary Italian literature, and our instructor keeps us up to date on Italian culture and even politics. The experience on Zoom is almost as good as the in-person classes; Barbara is amazing in her use of the tools to run a lively, efficient, and fun class.”
I've made life-long friends through SFIIS classes
Dede Heitman
“The SFIIS school offers the best, well rounded Italian languages classes in the Bay Area. With native speakers as teachers, the classes provide a comprehensive, natural and fun way of learning. Everyone feels welcome, no matter the level. The teachers are encouraging, entertaining and enthusiastic about their language and culture. As a bonus, I've made life-long friends through SFIIS classes. Please join our Italian language learning community!”
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