Istituto Europass, Centro Studi Europeo

Located in the historical town centre, inside a prestigious 19th century building, Europass Centro Studi Europeo has a longtime experience in the teaching of the Italian language and culture, and organises Italian language courses at all levels: general courses, exam preparatory courses, tailor-made courses, courses for teachers and professional courses. Moreover, the school offers combined courses focusing on Italian and Culture,Italian and Cooking, Italian and Visual Arts, Photography and Journalism, and also organises special programmes such as Italian and Internship.

Europass Centro Studi Europeo is located in the heart of Florence, on the second floor of a prestigious 19th Century palace, Palazzo Galletti, within walking distance from the Duomo and the most important museums, such as the Uffizi and the Accademia. Being under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Culture, the building has been recently renovated, so as to preserve its beauty and historical value. The stone stairs with white marble banisters, the decorated ceilings, the imposing bronze gates convey an elegant and solemn aura to the palace. The school overviews Via S. Egidio, and covers a broad surface with several spacey classes and corridors. Near the school, in the narrow streets and the nice squares, students can find restaurants offering typical dishes and small shops selling Tuscan products, and taste the genuine flavours of the authentic Tuscan cooking.

The classes… Consist of minimum 4, maximum 12 students of different nationalities. The small size of the classes guarantees individual attention, allowing to maintain a high teaching standard. The method… Our teaching method is based on modern and innovative principles, that immediately enable the students to communicate easily and confidently in everyday situations. The courses offer challenging activities focusing on real situations. At the same time, the due emphasis is placed on the study of grammar, as well as on the systematic learning and strengthening of the various subjects. Moreover, programs include information on the Italian life and culture. The teaching material… Includes a textbook supported by a CD, videos, didactic games, various literary excerpts, articles taken from newspapers and magazines, and any kind of authentic material (adverts, timetables, TV programs, pictures and so on) used to stimulate collective discussions regarding issues of common interest and daily situations. The teachers… All of them are mother tongue Italians, holders of degrees in Humanities, provided with a specific philological, linguistic and dialectological training , and highly qualified in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language. Their longtime experience allows them to assist students with a competent and co-operative approach. Moreover, their interest in history, art, music and literature makes them ideal guides to anyone wishing to approach our language and culture.

Accommodation with a host family … The Italian host family can consist of a married couple, with or without children, or of a single person. Students can choose between single or double room with breakfast or half board (including breakfast and dinner). One can also choose the use of kitchen, by paying a weekly extra. Students are requested to comply with the rules and the habits of the Italian host family. The use of telephone and washing machine must be arranged by common agreement, by paying an extra. Accommodation in STANDARD apartments … Standard apartments, generally including two or three bedrooms, are mostly located out of the historical town centre and are therefore appropriate for those who prefer a silent accommodation in quiet areas, to be reached on foot in 30 or 40 minutes, or by bus in 10-15 minutes. In certain cases the owners (generally students or professionals) may live in the apartments. Although in most cases not luxuriously furnished, apartments are provided with all the essential utilities, including bed linen and towels. Kitchen and bathroom are to be shared with the other tenants and kept clean. Upon their departure, students must leave the apartments tidy and clean. Usually telephone, washing machine and TV are not available. However, the school can provide information for the rental of a mobile. Accommodation in COMFORT apartments … Comfort apartments are located in the historical town centre and can be easily reached on foot in max. 10-15 minutes. The rent includes general cleaning before the arrival and after the departure of the guests. Each apartment is provided with washing machine and TV. In certain cases also air conditioning (to be paid as an extra) and a safe are available. The apartments are not provided with a phone. Hotels and tourist farmhouses… Upon request, the school is willing to book hotel rooms and accommodation in tourist farmhouses of all categories, even out of Florence.