Progetto Lingua

The Progetto Lingua School is a new study centre for the Italian language in Viterbo, a beautiful and characteristic town in Lazio. The school is located on Viale Trieste, an avenue lined with trees and neoclassical villas, and only a stone’s throw away from the historical town centre. The aim of the school is to provide a meeting point for diverse nationalities and cultures, for people of all ages, with the common goal of understanding the language, art and culture of Italy.

Viterbo, the provincial capital of Tuscia, is a small town of about 60,000 people in northern Lazio; a region with hills and valleys, rich in ecological surprises, important archaeological discoveries, and yet still relatively undisturbed by mass-tourism. The city is situated at the foot of the breathtaking Monti Cimini, and a few minutes away from the two most important volcanic lakes in Lazio; Lago di Vico and Lago di Bolsena. The seaside is nearby, as is Italy’s capital Rome. In addition, there are many tranquil and uncontaminated areas of natural beauty in the town’s surrounds. Thanks to its privileged geographic position, Viterbo offers a wide range of possibilites for excursions and activities, be they historical, cultural or for those who love the great outdoors. Viterbo is famous for having been a Papal city, and the reminders of this grand past are scattered throughout the ‘medieval town centre’. The beautiful town walls are merely the gateway to some of the unique historical sights Viterbo has preserved. The city houses the Province’s University and other sporting, cultural and commercial centres.

Taught by native speakers, the lessons are divided into levels according to the needs of the students and their current ability. The teachers are all university graduates with an additional qualification in Italian language teaching as a foreign language. They are therefore responsive to each student’s needs in learning or improving his or her Italian. Courses in specific elements of the language; tourism, business or economics for example, are also available on request. Teaching Method The teaching method of the Progetto Lingua School is the fruit of a lengthy study in the teaching of Italian to foreigners. Students are constantly stimulated to think and use the linguistic and grammatical mechanisms of Italian. The objective of the courses is to improve the four principal skills; reading, writing, listening and speaking, not only to produce expressive spoken language but also to correct grammatical structures. In no time, students will find themselves speaking and interacting in all kinds of situations.

The School pays close attention to its students’ accommodation. Options include living with a family, in an apartment, in a hotel or in a bed and breakfast – all of which are hand picked and of a high standard. The Monastery is located in a very little village near to the School, at about 20 minutes on foot. It is also possible to stay overnight there. Some of the rooms include bathroom and have been recently restored.

Through afternoon activities in Italian history, architecture and literature, students develop a deeper understanding of Italy, the country not simply the language. In fact, one of the School’s aims is to create, as realistically as possible, a comprehensive and authentic Italian experience. To this end, the school offers a number of extra-curricula activities for the students’ free time: visits to museums, dining in local restaurants, evenings at the theatre, concerts, hiking, horseriding, courses in Italian cooking and food, sailing and visits to thermal baths including the famous local Spa “Terme dei Papi”.