Italian Language and Culture Weeks

  Italy

San Remo

Dates: Please contact us using the link at the top/bottom of the page for the dates.

Description: This programme aims to immerse participants in a brief but intensive study of all aspects of Italy: offering key elements to understanding 2000 years of uninterrupted Italian history, while improving the fluency of the spoken language, through memorable drama based classes.

The courses run for six days, Sunday to Saturday, in the unique setting of Baiardo, a small mountain-top village, above the coastal town of San Remo on the Italian Riviera. Guests stay in medieval guest house, comprised of 6 apartments, with pre-Christian foundations, which have been beautifully and simply restored

Italian Language: Guests are grouped according to level, from pre to post intermediate. The emphasis is on Italian conversation, demonstrated and reinforced through the use of drama. All lessons are taught al fresco - traditional indoor lessons are banned!
Classes are run by dynamic, fully qualified Italian teachers, 2-3 hours per day.

Literature: Italian literature covers a whole range of human and national themes. An overview of Italian literature is offered, as well as more specific and in depth explorations of particular genres or authors, on request.

Film: Guests have the opportunity to view, discuss and hear talks on at least four quintessential Italian films made by masters of the art e.g. De Sica, Fellini, Visconti & Antoniani. Films will help participants understand not only the history of Italian film-making but also recent political & social history.
4-6 hours per week

History: Italian history is examined from its roots to the modern period. The country will also be discussed in the broader context of the Mediterranean and Europe. In order to bring the history alive, students engage in games and activities devised to support the material.
4-6 hours per week

Art and Music: Slides & videos are shown, and pieces played, of the many artistic and musical masterpieces, which Italians have given birth to. Talks will be given and discussions led, on particular works and artists, both in Italian & simple English.
4-6 hours per week

Cuisine: Guests have the opportunity to prepare and sample the delights of the Italian kitchen and gain knowledge and appreciation of Italian wines and cheeses. Emphasis is placed on traditional dishes, with special attention given to the preparation of different types of pasta, sauces and fresh vegetables.
1-2 hours per day.

Highlights: At the end of the week you will be able to place 'historically' architecture & works of art, as well as social and ideological changes. You will be able to more fully appreciate the Italian cities you visit, after the course, and come closer to understanding the Italian people and their colourful, contradictory & creative mentality. You will see Italy in a new light.

Cost in US$: 780 / EUR460 / 660 per person for 6 nights

Experience Required: no

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants.

Participants Travel to Italy Independently

Typically Participants Work in Groups of 5-10

Application Process Involves:

• Resume
• Written Application

A.C.L.E. & A Retreat with a View's Mission Statement: A.C.L.E.(Associazione Culturale Linguistica Educational) is a non-profit organisation endorsed by the Italian Ministry of Education. A.C.L.E. promotes a student based teaching method and is the first in Italy to teach English to children through T.I.E. and organise drama courses for teachers. A.C.L.E has been operating successfully for over 25 years. The company was founded by Arrigo Speziali and is managed by a team located in Sanremo, Milan, Naples and Rome.

Year Founded: 1982