Program Structure
You will strengthen your Italian knowledge using Nuovo Espresso 6 and reading an Italian novel chosen by your teacher. Your Italian will get stronger, perfectioning your grammar knowledge and your reading skills.
Join us for an exclusive 2-week advanced reading group happening on December 4th and 11th, where we will discover the novel “L’incontro” by Michela Murgia.
Guided by our experienced instructor, Martina, you’ll engage in in-depth discussions about this poignant coming-of-age story set in 1980s Sardinia. The novel follows ten-year-old Maurizio, who spends every summer with his grandparents in the quiet village of Crabas, alongside his childhood friends Franco and Lorenzo.
Their carefree days of marbles, scraped knees, and dragonfly chases are suddenly interrupted when a new parish threatens to divide the community. What begins as a dispute over a local religious procession soon becomes a humorous yet profound reflection on faith, belonging, and the meaning of “us.”
This group is perfect for advanced learners eager to challenge their Italian through rich literary analysis and meaningful conversation, while exploring themes of community, power, morality, and social change in contemporary 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 Winter Term – Session 1, students will read “Bella mia”, Donatella Di Pietrantonio, a powerful novel set in post-earthquake L’Aquila that explores themes of grief, resilience, and sisterhood through the author’s evocative and lyrical prose. The book offers a rich opportunity to deepen linguistic skills while gaining insight into contemporary Italian society and emotions expressed through literature.
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 Winter Term, the group will focus on the book “Francesco e Nunziata” by Maria Orsini Natale.
Set in the early 20th century along the sun-drenched coast of southern Italy, this novel tells the story of a Neapolitan family bound by love, ambition, and sacrifice. Through the lives of Francesco and Nunziata, Orsini Natale paints a vivid portrait of Italy in transformation — a country balancing between tradition and modernity, between the values of the past and the challenges of a new industrial age.
A masterpiece of contemporary Italian literature, Francesco e Nunziata is not only a love story but also a reflection on social class, gender, and the resilience of human bonds. Reading this novel offers students a chance to deepen their understanding of Italian culture and language through expressive, emotionally rich prose that brings the complexities of family, history, and identity to life.
Under Mattia’s guidance, you will discover the subtle layers of Orsini Natale’s storytelling — exploring the language, symbolism, and historical context that shape the novel’s emotional depth. Each class will blend literary analysis with lively discussion, helping you connect personally with the characters while enriching your vocabulary and cultural understanding.
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!
Reading book: coming soon
A 10$ nonrefundable registration fee will be automatically added at checkout.
Books are not included in the enrollment price.
DISCOUNTS
BRING A FRIEND: If you enroll with a friend (new to IIS), you both get a 10% discount
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)
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
To get these discounts, send an email to italianschool@sfiis.org
