Frequently Asked Questions about the School

Where is the school located?
Centro Culturale Linguistico Douglas is in via della Repubblica 100, 15 minutes walking or 5 minutes by bike from the town center, 40 minutes walking or 10 minutes by bike from the beach.

How can I reach the school?
You can easily reach the school by public transport. It takes 10 minutes by public transport to get from the beach to the school. If you live in town it takes from 5 to 15 minutes walking; if your accommodation is on the beach you just have to cross the street.

Which is the next starting date?
You can start your Italian language course every on Monday. Send us an e-mail with your arrive/departure dates and do the Italian language test on line so we can suggest your perfect starting day.

What should I expect upon arriving?
We will meet on the Sunday before commencing your course at 19.00 h. in front of the school ( Via della Repubblica 100 Rimini) for a facultative light snack or a dinner in a typical Italian “trattoria” in order to get to know each other and better verify your conversation level.

What am I supposed to do on the first day at school?
You are supposed to be at the school at 9 am. You will join a group at your same level, unless otherwise requested.

How many levels are the courses divided into?
The courses are divided into 7 teaching levels:
ELEMENTARY 1
A1 – ELEMENTARY
A2 - INTERMEDIATE 1
B1 - INTERMEDIATE 2
B2 - ADVANCED 1
C1 - ADVANCED 2
C2 – TOWARDS PERFECTION

Check “courses and levels” in our web site

How will I be assigned an appropriate level?
The level will be assigned through a written test that we have to do on our web site .On the first meeting on Sunday, if necessary, there will be an oral interview with one of the teachers.

When do the lessons take place?
Lessons normally take place from Monday to Friday in the morning and/or in the afternoon.

Do lessons take place on national holidays or festivities?
On national festivities, local holidays (Easter Monday, 25th April, 1st May, 15th August, 1st November) the school is closed and lessons are not held.

How is a typical course day organised?
A standard course day schedule includes:
9.00am – 11.00am: lessons
11.00am – 11.15: coffee break 1
1.15am – 13.00am: lessons
or
3.00pm – 5.00pm: lessons
5.00pm – 5.15pm: coffee break
5.15pm – 7.00pm : lessons
Three times a week the school organizes afternoon events you can take part in (for a fee): you’ll find all the information at school, but you can also check our “cultural and recreational program” on line
We also offer everyone games, treasure hunts or nights on the beach where, with the help of a glass of local wine and of a dish of spaghetti, you will have good opportunity to improve your Italian.

What books will I use in the lessons?
Our basic text and exercise books have been designed by long experienced teachers. They are used together with complementary materials such as newspaper and magazine articles, audiovisual materials, and other activities.

Is the teaching material included in the course price?
The cost of all text books and other supplies is fully included in the enrolment fee.

What teaching method do you use?
Our lessons have a conversational based teaching approach to the language, to allow even beginners to communicate in Italian. All courses include not only language lessons but also glances into various aspects of the Italian way of life (every day situations, songs, recipes, traditions, etc.).

What is your teachers’ qualification?
Our courses are led by native speakers with a University degree, each speaking at least two foreign languages. They have a specialization in teaching Italian as a second language and experience gathered in our school and in other private and public institutes.

How many students are there in a group?
Groups will range from 5 to 10 students (less in the winter).

Will I receive a certificate?
At the end of each course each student will receive a certificate of attendance indicating the level of proficiency attained.

Can I receive credits for Universities?
We can send certificates to Universities. Please ask us for more information.

What is the average age of students attending the school?
Our students are aged between 18 and 70. Students aged 30 or less usually choose a summer course whereas the average age in spring or autumn is higher.

What progress can I expect to do assuming I am an absolute beginner, I am ready to work hard and good at languages?
We offer 7 different course levels. Each standard course usually consists of 20 lessons per week. For a visa application you must chose a course of 80 lessons per month
If you are good at languages, attend the lessons regularly and try to apply your notions in everyday situations (shops, restaurants, people you may meet), you will notice how naturally and even easily you can be taught a language.
Our aim is to fully introduce you into pragmatic- communicative situations and, at the same time, get you acquainted with the grammar rules.

Do you offer any scholarships?
Centro Culturale Linguistico Douglas offers Universities, Italian Culture Institutes and “Società Dante Alighieri” all over the world a certain amount of scholarships covering 50% the cost of standard courses. For further details you can ask these institutions or contact the school.