Salerno

Summary Info:
Location: Salerno, southern Italy 50km from Naples
Ages: 16+
Accommodation: Host family
Duration: minimum 2 weeks
Availability: March through October

The town of Salerno is situated in the gulf of Salerno, which also has as a neighbour the wonderful Amalfi coast. Its fortunate geographical position allows one to enjoy a healthy mild climate and clear blue sea all year round. The symbol of the town is its wonderful seafront promenade and offers a place to relax amid ancient buildings, open-air cafes and restaurants. An Italian langauge course in Salerno represents a unique occasion for those who appreciate the fascination and appreciation of the more authentic aspects of Italian life, away from the tourist masses.  The comfortable size of the town prepares students for a positive attitude towards study and allows them to experience an unforgettable taste of Italy.

Inside the school: A photo showing the interior of the Palazzo Angrisani, the school building.


School

For those who are looking for a school of the highest quality in Southern Italy by seaside, in a typical Italian city, popular for its beautiful sea and climate, art and history, and for its wonderful surroundings: Amalfi Coast, Positano, Sorrento, Capri, Ischia, Pompei, Naples, and Cilento, you need look no further. The school is situated in one of the most beautiful and most visited streets in Salerno, via Roma, a short distance from the medieval Cathedral Square right in the heart of the historical centre of the town. The school itself is in a charming antique building of noble origin, Palazzo Angrisani, facing the seafront in authentically unique surroundings for those who really wish to immerse themselves in the Italian life and culture. From the windows of the school one can enjoy the wonderful panorama of the sea and in only a few minutes on foot it is possible to reach all the most important artistic attractions of the town. This year the school expanded its premises, reaching a capacity of
120 students.

All the teachers are highly qualified and specialised in the teaching of Italian as a foreign language. All have university degrees and have been selected for their teacher-training qualification and their great ability to transmit enthusiasm and encourage lively participation.

Accommodation

All students under 18 are placed in local host families. Prices include half board (breakfast and main meal) and single rooms. All housing is strictly booked from the Sunday before the starting date from 14.00pm on, until the Saturday after the course finishes by 10.00am. Students maybe asked for a €100 deposit on arrival which they will have returned on departure less reparation costs if necessary.

Host families are selected and vetted by the language school Housing Office, according to their Inspection Scheme for cleanliness, comfort, and location. All details about accommodation will be communicated 2 weeks before the starting date. As Salerno is so small, the majority of host families are near the school and within walking distance.

Host families, like all families, come in all shapes and sizes. The make-up or structure of the family is variable; some will be retired couples whose children have moved away, others possibly have 3 generations under one roof, young couples, and single parents are all acceptable host family placements.

With the emphasis for language learning being fully immersing oneself in the language and culture, we cannot facilitate requests for friends to be placed in the same host family or "near" one another. Salerno being a safe and small town, students will have ample time to socialise outside class hours and during activities in the evenings.

Courses

Language lessons

  • Standard: 20 group lessons per week, 4 per day Monday through Friday. Each lesson lasts 55 minutes.
  • Intensive: 30 group lessons per week, 6 per day Monday through Friday.
  • Super Intensive: 20 +5 = 20 group lessons per week, 4 per day Monday through Friday + 1 private lesson per day.

Students must present themselves at school on their first day at 08.30. One lesson equals 55 minutes. Group lessons are usually held in the mornings, however on occasion (high season) these group lessons may be scheduled in the afternoons. Individual lessons are generally held in the afternoons. The number of lessons includes the entrance/placement and the final exam, as well as the final feedback. The number of level of knowledge is 6 and completion of a 4-week course does not guarantee advancement to the next level.

Culture courses

In addition to the General Italian Language Courses, there are also addon Italian Culture Courses.

These courses are combined with General Language Courses and are offered throughout the year, starting every second Monday. They generally take place for an extendable duration of 2 weeks for 2 weekly lessons in the afternoon with a minimum number of participants.

All for 2 weeks / 8 hours:

  • Italian Literature
  • History of Italian Art
  • History of Italian Cinema
  • History of Italian Theatre
  • Italian in Opera
  • Italian for Business
  • Italian pottery and ceramics

See prices for details. If minimum number for each Culture Course (4 students) cannot be met by the time the course is due to commence, the fee paid will be used towards the equivalent amount in individual lessons or semi-private lessons (hours reduced by 50 and 25 % respectively).

Schedule

The first day of the course at 08.30 students who are non-beginners do a written and oral entry test to assess their ability and to decide which study group they will be placed in.

STANDARD COURSES
9.00- 11.00 – grammar and practical language part
11.00 – 11.30 coffea break
11.30 – 13.00 conversation part
+
INTENSIVE COURSES
14.00 – 16.00
+
SUPER-INTENSIVE COURSES
1 hour one-to-one lesson in the afternoon

Classes last 55 minutes. Those students taking individual lessons will be given their timetable on arrival when those lessons will take place. Those taking Art and Culture classes will have them in the afternoons.

The classes are made up of a minimum of 4 and a maximum of 10 students, which allows the creation of a group environment in which the teacher can follow the linguistic progress of each individual student. The groups are formed according to the initial linguistic level and are composed of varied nationalities so that a linguistic stimulus is created and the students are encouraged to use Italian as their official language.

 

Activities

One of the aims of the school is to give a daily point of reference for students, providing a meeting place in a relaxing and friendly atmosphere. During the week many cultural and recreational activities are organised, which are included in the cost of the language course. Students need only pay for entry to museums, cinemas or theatres, for public transport, guides and for evening meals in restaurants. Students will receive full information about these activities on the first day of the course in a general meeting or presentation. These may include:

  • The sea and the sport: water and sporting activities.
  • Concerts, cinema and theatre
  • Evening meals with teachers and friends
  • Cinema meetings
  • Meetings about Italian topical events and culture
  • Meetings on Italian music, both classical and modern
  • Visiting Salerno: guided tour of places of interest in the town.
  • Meetings on the history and the art of Salerno

Excursions once a week are also scheduled on a pay-as-you-go basis at a special rate just for students:

  • Sea-side trips: to bustling, colourful places such as Amalfi, Ravello, Positano and Sorrento which are ideal for visits, cultural walks and marine activity.
  • History and archaeology: among the most famous archaeological sites in Italy are Paestum and Pompei where precious examples of Greek and Roman remains have been preserved intact and where the Greek-Roman civilisation is most evident.
  • Also, special tasting visits are also organized for small groups to various specialty food and drink producers such as Olive Oil, Wine, Mozzarella and Lemoncello factories. These are normally in the afternoon and usually last 2 hours.

FAQ

Questions

Answers

  • What do I write in my “Dear Host Family letter?

    The letter to your host family is an opportunity to introduce yourself and tell your hosts about yourself; family, hobbies, interests, friends are all good topics. Written in Italian, your letter will differentiate you from other students the host families maybe hosting or have hosted and also give your hosts topics to start conversation with once you arrive so you can practice your Italian even more.

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  • How do I get to Salerno?

    Transfers via Naples Airport are included on arrival and departure. Aer Lingus offers service to Naples on Saturdays and Sundays from Dublin. We must receive your full flight details at least 1 week prior to departure.

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  • Does Salerno offer Junior Courses?

    The courses are open for students ages 16 and up. Should you be interested in a course designed specifically for teens which is offered during the summer, please see the Italian Summer Camp option offered in Lignano in north-east Italy.

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Supervision

This programme is suitable only for students who are 16 or over and have a certain level of maturity and sense of responsibility. This course does not offer 24hr supervision and is not suitable for all students. If parents are concerned about the level of supervision and feel the student might not be sufficiently mature for this type of course please contact EIL to discuss alternative programmes that do offer campus accommodation and 24hr supervision.

Students are supervised only when they are in the language school or on language school organised activities (which in some cases are optional). Students are free to come and go as they please on afternoons, when they do not have tuition, and evenings. Host families offer a boarding service and are not expected to “police” the students.

Dates/Prices

Dates

The arrival date is the Sunday before the start date and departure is on Saturdays

  • 11 January*
  • 1 February*
  • 15 February
  • 01 March*
  • 15 March
  • 29 March*
  • 12 April
  • 03 May*
  • 17 May
  • 31 May*
  • 14 June*
  • 05 July*
  • 19 July*
  • 02 August*
  • 16 August*
  • 06 September*
  • 20 September*
  • 04 October*
  • 18 October
  • 02 November*
  • 15 November
  • 29 November*
  • 6 December*
  • 13 December

* Start dates for Beginners as well

The school remains closed on all the following national holidays and the lessons lost cannot be made up on other days:

  • 10.01.10
  • 05.04.10
  • 02.06.10
  • 01.11.10
  • 08.12.10
  • From 24.12.10 to 07.01.11

Prices 2010

Duration Standard Course Intensive Course Super Intensive Course
2 weeks €1541 €1701 €1813
3 weeks €1893 €2101 €2301
4 weeks €2245 €2485 €2789

For Courses over 4 weeks, please contact EIL Study Abroad for a quote.

Prices include enrollment fee, lessons, textbook and teaching materials, course certificate, complimentary actitities, half board, host family accommodation, transfers from and to Naples airport and CareMed Insurance.

Additional Culture Course Prices

  • Italian Literature:
  • History of Italian Art:
  • History of Italian Cinema: 2 weeks / 8 hours, €130
  • History of Italian Theatre: 4 weeks/ 16 hours, €260
  • Italian in Opera:
  • Italian for Business:
  • Italian Cooking: 2 weeks / 8 hours, €160
  • Italian Pottery and Ceramics: 4 weeks / 16 hours, €320

Apply

  • Please fully complete the Salerno Application form
  • €350 deposit, cheque, postal order or bank draft made out to EIL
  • 2 passport photos
  • "Dear Host Family" letter written in Italian

Application are due 6 weeks prior to departure. Late applications are accepted.

Blogs/Photos

Photos: 
Palazzo Angrisani
Salerno position
Bell tower seaview
Salerno harbour
Sunny lesson
Italian lession
Inside the school
Cathedral cloisters
Amalfi coastline
Stories: 

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