Centro Culturale Giacomo Puccini srl

The Italian language school Centro Culturale Giacomo Puccini is situated in the seaside town Viareggio in the heart of the Tuscan Riviera. The school is located in a two storey building right across from a traffic-free park. Its central location makes it easy to access the popular market place and the beach with all its shops and restaurants. Founded in 1988 the school, which is recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research hast many years of experience in the teaching of Italian as a second language. The young and motivated professional teaching faculty is highly qualified and specially trained in teaching the Italian language to foreign students whoch can attend the various courses in six levels all year round. The small groups that allow for personlized teaching and the friendly ambient in the classroom guarantee a fast progress. In the afternoon and on weekends the school offers a wide range of freetime activities to get in touch with the Italian culture during joyful excursions.

Viareggio is situated on the Tuscan Riviera, just 30 km from Pisa. Due to its position the charming seaside town is an ideal starting point for various excursions. Culturally interested persons can quickly reach the cities of Lucca, Pisa and Florence, while people who like to enjoy the beautiful nature can go trekking or mountain biking in the Alpi Apuani or in Garfagnana. Viareggio is famous for its endless beaches, the palm tree lined shopping streets, a great variety of restaurants and an exciting night life with the famous clubs of the Versilia. During the summer months the beach is the place for a relaxing day of sunbathing, wheras spring and fall are ideal for excursions. The winter months are mild, nevertheless the nearby Apennine Mountains offer excellent conditions for skiing. All in all, Viareggio is the ideal vacationing spot for those who love the sun, beach, an exciting night life in a culturally and naturally interesting region.

The most popular course is the standard group course consisting of 20 lessons per week. This course is offered throughout the year for all six ability levels. The lessons cover all necessary requirements of the Italian language and the main aim of this course is to improve the conversational skills as well as to create confidence in the handling of everyday situations. Students who want to concentrate on potential difficulties can choose our Intensive Plus courses, that combine group lessons and private tuition. Our school is an accredited center for the examination of the Accademia Italiana di Lingua (AIL) and organizes preparation courses for the different Italian language exams. Our method of instruction is based on the direct teaching method, meaning that from the first day, no matter which level, students speak exclusively the Italian language. Main emphasis is the spoken language, in the advanced courses a higher emphasis is also placed on the written word. All our teachers have completed university studies and have been specifically trained in teaching Italian as a foreign language. However, for us teaching Italian is not just grammar and vocabulary. We want to help our students understand the heart and mind of the Italian people and their culture. This is why we offer many extra curricular activities for our students to choose from.

Our school helps you find the type of accomodation you like. You can choose from the following types of lodgings: Student apartment: You would share this apartment with international students and can cook on your own. You can book a single or double room. Host family: Staying at a host family gives you the opportunity to quickly integrate into the Italian society and culture. This option includes a room and breakfast or half board. Hotel: If you wish the school can arrange for a single or double room including breakfast in a hotel. All hotels are close to the school and not far from the markets and the beach. Mini residences and camping grounds: The school can also book a mini-residence for you or provide you with information about the nearest camping grounds which are located 20 minutes by car from Viareggio. Transfer: Centro Puccini offers a transfer service from the airport in Pisa to your place of residence in Viareggio.

The immediate vicinity of Viareggio offers many interesting and pictureque places. You can explore the mountains, valleys and lakes or check out the marble quarries of Michelangelo, or study a medieval town with all its museums and landmarks. The school also offers a guided activity program whose goal is also to use the newly gained knowledge in a natural setting while soaking up the Italian culture and lifestyle. The activities also help students to get to know each other a little better while together experiencing something new.