A.L.C.E. Associazione Lingue e Culture Europee

ALCE is a school that specialises in teaching the Italian language to overseas students. It was founded in 1999 with the simple goal of providing students with a comprehensive educational and cultural experience, within a friendly and encouraging environment. Each year we welcome students from all over the world and our wide range of courses is designed to meet their every need. Our teaching is sophisticated and uses multimedia technology, but one thing has and never will change and that is our insistence on the same high standards and the same warm welcome we gave when we started. We work constantly to guarantee this and to maintain the quality on which our reputation is founded. By studying Italian in Italy you will learn the language far more effectively and quickly than you could at home. You will also have the chance to experience Italian lifestyle, make new friends from around the world, and develop your understanding of our increasingly inter-cultural world. ALCE brings all of these experiences together in educational programmes that are proven, effective and stimulating. We are, and will always be, a traditional institution where you will be treated as an individual, not as a number, and where teachers and staff respect your commitment to your education and take pride in your achievements. We look forward to welcoming you to Bologna and on behalf of all the teachers and staff, I would like to invite you to join us this year.

The City of Bologna Bologna, the capital of the province of Emilia-Romagna, is a city of ancient story and culture. Surrounded by green hills, Bologna hides in the shade of its towers and porticoes, countless art treasures and one of the most amazing architectural and urban site ever seen; rarely are citizens as proud of their city as the “Bolognesi” are. Bologna’s old town centre is extensive, well-preserved and rich in memories of the many civilisations that have established themselves here over the millenia: from the Roman urban plan to the Longobard medieval street system that extends from the city centre like the spokes of a wheel; from the many convents evidence of the Papal power of the past, to the impressive Jewish ghetto still intact today. While exploring the narrow medieval streets you can walk across many medieval towers in red brick. In the past there were over 200 of these towers in the city, each considered a symboln of power for the leading families who erected them. Two of the finest examples, the Asinelli Tower and the unfinished Garisenda Tower, are symbols of the city. The ancient streets at their feet, wind almost without interruption for a good thirty kilometres. The monumental porticoes are regarded as unique from an architectural point of view and have been admired by visitors for centuries and centuries; for this the city will be recognised with the city’s future status of World Heritage Site. An important medieval centre, Bologna saw the birth of the oldest university in the western and later one of the most important harbours in Europe. In the past, large and industrial cities required large volumes of water and Bologna managed these waterways near to perfection by building a series of canals to facilitate mercantile navigation and enhance its business activities. Bologna’s canals today are mainly underground and have recently restored and opened to visitors. Bologna is also an important gastronomic city. For the people of Bologna, eating is above all the art of preparing and savouring food, a refined search for old and new flavours combined with skill and passion

Our Italian courses are designed for all foreigners wishing to approach our language and increase their knowledge of it for personal or professional reasons. The Italian Courses respect the methodology of ALCE which favours high quality and professional teaching in an informal environment. Teaching integrates the traditional methods for basic grammar and syntax, with an innovative use of audio, video and authentic materials. But what really makes the difference is the teacher-student relationship. There is nothing that can influence teaching more positively. All of our teachers tailor their teaching as far as possible to the needs of each and every student. Correspondingly our classes are small, with a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 8 participants . The Italian Course is organised by level to respond to the different needs of the participants Our Methodology Our objective is for you to learn quickly and effectively. To achieve this we teach in a direct and communicative manner, in Italian from the very first day, using the most advanced methods and the most dynamic and interactive techniques. All aspects of language are covered with an emphasis on speaking and listening. As well as teaching Italian we offer social and cultural activities to help make communication easier in normal everyday situations. The learning path is completely centred on your needs as a student, your style of learning, and your preference of classroom activities. At ALCE we know that the best place to learn a language is in the country where it is spoken, living in contact with local people. Therefore we encourage you to take part in our different cultural and social exchange activities between our Italian and international students. At ALCE in Bologna we offer you all this and much, much more Our Italian course is designed for all foreigners wishing to approach our language and increase their knowledge of it for personal or professional reasons. The Italian Course respects the methodology of ALCE which favours high quality and professional teaching in an informal environment. Teaching follows traditional methods for basic grammar and syntax, but is made much easier due to the innovative use of audio and video support and authentic materials integrated into traditional course books. But what really makes the difference is the teacher-student relationship . There is nothing which can influence teaching more positively. All of our teachers try to adapt their teaching as much as possible so that every student is on the right wavelength. Therefore, our classes have a small number of participants: a minimum of 4 to a maximum of 8 . The Italian Course is organized into different levels to satisfy the different needs of the participants On the first day the student takes a test to determine the level of his/her knowledge. This level test is both written and oral, and is always simple and informal. Its objective is to classify your particular needs. At the end of every module, to evaluate progress made, students take a complete test based on specific skills : written comprehension, written composition, oral comprehension, grammar and syntax, dialogue and conversation . Levels 1. Beginner 2. Elementary 3. Pre-intermediate 4. Intermediate 5. Upper intermediate 6. Advanced 7. Upper Advanced 8. Proficiency

Our unique option directly managed by us, that is a modern house located in a quiet residential part of the cityabout 10 minutes walk from the school and the center. We found out that our students enjoy the pleasant and friendly atmosphere: They live independently but at the same time belong to a 'family'group of international students (Italians included). They can choose to stay in a single or a shared bedroom. Bathrooms and showers are shared. Student can prepare their own meals in the well-equipped kitchen. use of totally equipped kitchen to prepare evening meals living room with TV and video cd short walk to School international environment single / twin bedrooms all expenses are included (no hidden costs) shops and markets at walking distance bus stop to the city centre at 20 mt It can accommodate (in two separate but communicating flats with 4 and 3 bedrooms) male and female students. The beautiful and biggest Park “Giardini Margherita” is nearby. You can stay in a single or a shared bedrooms (2 beds). Bathrooms and showers are shared. Bed linen are provided, and you can use the washing machine. You have your own front door key. Bilbo House is a non-smoking accommodation. Shared apartments Most of our apartments are located in central Bologna , allowing you to reach the school within five minutes. The rooms are simply furnished and can be either single or double (shared with a friend). Usually in the apartments one or two foreigners are housed with one or two Italians. The students share the communal areas. This option means living independently but also in contact with Italians. Cleaning service not included. With a family All of our host families are carefully selected and undergo periodic checks. This option includes half-board (breakfast and lunch or dinner) or full-board. Students eat a midday meal with the family and consequently come into contact naturally with an everyday Italian atmosphere. Cleaning and laundry service included Room rental Perhaps the most inexpensive option, entailing a single room in an Italian apartment with shared facilities. Agriturismo The cutting-edge of Italian tourism, in locations characterised by unspoiled beauty, deep in the heart of nature and surrounded by traditional farming and agricultural activities . Bed & Breakfast Well-known in Northern Europe, now an expanding industry throughout Italy thanks to recent legislation which allows this type of accommodation In Hotel The classic solution to your accommodation needs at a slightly higher price. A high standard of cleanliness and comfort is guaranteed

Italian Cusine classes Qualified chefs will show you the secrets of Italian cuisine, secrets that spring from the diverse histories of various parts of the country, with its numerous regional and local varieties. They will help you prepare, bit by bit, the best of dishes. The basic techniques are learned ‘over the stove' and at the table, and at the end the opportunity to taste, combining food and wine. The whole process is summarised in a cookbook which collects the teaching and methods developed together. Wine Tasting Lessons are taken with a professional wine expert who will take you on a tour designed to broaden your knowledge of one of the most typical and historic products of the Italian tradition: wine. Not only will you learn the theory but also above all how to taste wine and how to match it with various foods, finishing up with a visit to a wine-cellar to learn about the processes involved in turning a bunch of grapes into a bottle of wine. Latin and Ancient Greek Courses Classical History Courses Discover the past and understand the present. How can we understand the world of today without referring to the lengthy Greco-Roman tradition which permeates every aspect and every moment of our daily lives in Europe today? The influence of Greco-Roman tradition and culture is perhaps the element which unites the European peoples, whether direct descendents of these civilisations or of the Anglo-Saxon tradition. In any case, the customs, institutions, laws and idioms of the Old World contain the unmistakable mark of Classical civilisation. Therefore it is a priority of our association to make a concrete contribution to the knowledge and popularization both of Latin and Ancient Greek, the source of ancient history and of the two civilisations on which modern Europe was founded and to which future generations of European citizens will be born. ALCE suggests, especially for foreigners, courses of historical immersion as well as classes in the Classical languages Excursions to historical sites and wine and gastronomy trips The historical, artistic and cultural heritage of Italy has been long considered the pride and joy of the whole nation. Nowhere else in the world does there exist a country which can boast archaeological and artistic treasures like Italy in terms of both quantity and quality. A stay in Italy is at the same time a perfect occasion to discover the immense richness (also of the natural environment) of a nation which is always welcoming to tourists. Cities of artistic importance, museums, art galleries – traces of the past can be found throughout the Italian peninsula. The unexpected awaits all travellers, especially those who want to venture off the beaten track of usual tourist destinations. We at ALCE invite you to visit Italy in a new way so you can genuinely discover and really get to know the history and culture of an entire people. ALCE can show you alternative routes, places less visited but no less worthy of a visit, the countryside, and gastronomic trips. Italy is characterized not only by artistic beauty but its own indivisible multiplicity of cultures, its food and its wine. In hotels, bed and breakfasts and agriturismo , you will have the possibility to discover these hidden treasures and to enjoy more of the country every day