Courses in Rome

Learn Italian language in Rome – 3 Top Schools

Find here all information on their courses, pricing, and other details. Prices are typically for 2024 or 2025, so it’s always advisable to check the schools’ official websites for the most current information.

Rome is rich in culture and history (and, of course, excellent food) and offers many opportunities – especially for young people. During your language course abroad, you have the chance to learn the language, experience the Italian way of life, and gain many valuable experiences.

General Criteria for Choosing a School:

• Accreditation: Look for schools accredited by official bodies (e.g., Italian Ministry of Education) or respected international organizations.
• Class Size: Smaller class sizes generally allow for more personalized attention.
• Location: Consider how important proximity to your accommodation or local attractions is.
• Course Content: Ensure the courses align with your learning goals (e.g., exam prep, conversation, business).
• Reviews: Check recent student reviews on independent platforms. Here are details for three prominent Italian language learning schools in Rome, including their courses, pricing, and other key features. Prices are indicative and it’s always recommended to check the schools’ official websites for the most current information and exact start dates.

1. DILIT International House Rome

DILIT (Divulgazione Lingua Italiana) International House is one of Italy’s oldest and most prestigious language schools, known for its high teaching standards and central location.

• Location: Central Rome, conveniently located near Termini Station.
• Details:
  • Founded in 1974, with a long-standing reputation for excellence.
  • Accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education and a member of International House World Organisation.
  • Offers teacher training courses for Italian as a foreign language.
  • Provides assistance with accommodation and organizes a rich cultural program (e.g., guided tours, cooking classes, wine tasting).
  • Modern facilities and experienced teachers.
• Courses:
  • Intensive Italian Course (20 lessons/week): The most popular course, focusing on developing all four language skills (reading, writing, listening, speaking) and grammar.
  • Super Intensive Italian Course (30 lessons/week): Combines the intensive course with 10 additional lessons per week, often focusing on conversation, cultural topics, or specific interests.
  • One-to-One Lessons: Highly personalized instruction tailored to individual needs.
  • Cultural Courses: Programs focusing on Italian history, art, cuisine, wine, and more.
  • Exam Preparation Courses: For official Italian language certifications like CELI and CILS.
  • Italian for Business & Italian for Specific Purposes: (e.g., opera, art history, fashion).
• Prices (Indicative, per week for 2025):
  • Intensive 20 (20 lessons/week):
    • 1-2 weeks: €240 per week
    • 3-4 weeks: €220 per week
    • 5-8 weeks: €210 per week
    • 9-12 weeks: €200 per week
  • Super Intensive 30 (30 lessons/week):
    • 1-2 weeks: €320 per week
    • 3-4 weeks: €290 per week
    • 5-8 weeks: €270 per week
    • 9-12 weeks: €250 per week
• Additional Fees:
  • Registration Fee: €70 (valid for 12 months).
  • Textbook: Approximately €35.

2. Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Rome

Part of a renowned group of Italian language schools, Scuola Leonardo da Vinci in Rome offers a vibrant learning environment in a historic setting.

• Location: Piazza dell’Orologio, a charming and lively historical part of Rome.
• Details:
  • Part of a network of schools across Italy (Florence, Milan, Siena, Rome).
  • Recognized by the Italian Ministry of Education and accredited by various international bodies.
  • Offers a diverse range of courses for all levels.
  • Provides comprehensive accommodation services (shared apartments, host families).
  • Organizes a wide array of social and cultural activities to immerse students in Italian life.
• Courses:
  • Standard Course (20 lessons/week): The most popular option, focusing on grammar and communication in small international groups.
  • Intensive Course (30 lessons/week): Combines the standard course with 10 additional lessons for deeper immersion or specific skills.
  • Super Intensive Courses (30 or 40 lessons/week): Including private lessons for faster progress.
  • Long-Term Courses: For students planning extended stays.
  • Combined Courses: Group lessons plus individual tutoring.
  • Exam Preparation: For CILS and CELI certifications.
  • Cultural Courses: Including Art History, Italian cooking, wine tasting, fashion & design, and more.
  • “Italian for 50+” Program: Tailored cultural and language programs for mature students.
• Prices (Indicative, per week for 2025):
  • Standard Course (20 lessons/week):
    • 1 week: €250
    • 2 weeks: €230/week
    • 4 weeks: €215/week
    • 8 weeks: €195/week
    • 12 weeks: €185/week
  • Intensive Course (30 lessons/week):
    • 1 week: €330
    • 2 weeks: €300/week
    • 4 weeks: €280/week
    • 8 weeks: €260/week
    • 12 weeks: €245/week
• Additional Fees:
  • Registration Fee: €70 (valid for 12 months for any school in the group).
  • Books: Approximately €20 per level.

3. Koiné Italian Language Centre

Koiné is a friendly and dynamic language center known for its communicative approach and welcoming atmosphere, with two convenient locations in Rome.

• Location: Two main locations – one in the historical center (near Piazza San Giovanni in Laterano) and another in the lively Trastevere district.
• Details:
  • Focuses on a communicative teaching method, encouraging students to speak from day one.
  • Offers small class sizes (maximum 12 students, typically 6-8), ensuring personalized attention.
  • Provides a friendly and inclusive learning environment.
  • Organizes various extracurricular activities, such as guided tours, cooking classes, wine tasting, and social gatherings.
  • Offers assistance with finding accommodation in Rome.
• Courses:
  • Intensive Group Course (20 lessons/week): The most popular option, covering grammar and communication skills for all levels.
  • Extensive Group Course (4 or 8 lessons/week): Ideal for those with less time or living in Rome.
  • Combined Courses: Blending group lessons with private one-to-one sessions.
  • Individual Lessons: Fully customized lessons to meet specific learning goals.
  • Cultural Courses: Including Italian cooking, wine tasting, art history, and more.
  • Exam Preparation Courses: For CELI and CILS certifications.
  • Italian for Specific Purposes: (e.g., Business Italian, Italian for Tourism).
• Prices (Indicative, based on 2024 data, per week):
  • Intensive Group Course (20 lessons/week):
    • 1 week: €210
    • 2 weeks: €380 (€190/week)
    • 4 weeks: €720 (€180/week)
    • 8 weeks: €1360 (€170/week)
    • 12 weeks: €1920 (€160/week)
  • Extensive Group Course (4 lessons/week): €140 for 4 weeks.
• Additional Fees:
  • Registration Fee: €45 (valid for 1 year).
  • Course materials may be an additional cost.

International Students – personal experience of studying in Rome:

After a few phone calls with the International Office, the option of studying at the Universita Europea di Roma in Rome arose. I was very grateful that the partner university accepted me at such short notice. I also received a PROMOS scholarship from my home university worth around 1,000 euros. I also applied for the foreign student loan, but to this day (five months later) I still haven’t received a response.

The application process at the UER was actually super easy and only took about 45 minutes. The university has a very structured website, and someone was always available to answer any questions. Unfortunately, the English-taught psychology course offerings were limited to just five, which you couldn’t choose in every combination because some of them overlapped. My classmate and I started looking for a room or apartment. Unfortunately, this turned out to be far from easy in a city as big as Rome, especially at such short notice. The search for accommodation was a real rollercoaster and drove us to despair. I searched through all online forums, Facebook, WhatsApp groups, job postings, friends’ contacts, etc., and contacted them. But when something came up, it was usually far too far from the university or there wasn’t a shared kitchen. After some time, we found a newly opened student residence hall that let us move in at short notice. However, the university started a little early, so I unfortunately missed the orientation week and the buddy days. The residence hall was right next to the Vatican and had the perfect location. My fellow student and I shared a small room and paid €450 each in rent. Upon our arrival, however, we discovered that the residence hall was still being renovated and didn’t have a kitchen or Wi-Fi. After several discussions with the manager, they tried to get the kitchen installed as quickly as possible. Despite the fact that the residence hall wasn’t finished yet, it was still a really cool place and also the reason why our rent was still affordable compared to the other locations. Due to the renovations, there were only around 24 students from various countries living there at its peak, and everyone knew each other, which made the whole situation very familiar. There was also a huge garden, which is very unusual for Rome’s inner city.

Studying in Rome – Upon my arrival in Rome, I unfortunately learned that my university had implemented a hybrid teaching model due to renovations on the university building, with three weeks of online courses followed by three weeks of in-person classes. This system made it very difficult to meet new people at first, especially since I had also missed the orientation week. The course levels and exams varied greatly and could range from a two-minute presentation on a self-selected topic to a 20-minute oral exam on two books and 16 texts. The hybrid classes also gave me the opportunity to travel and explore Italy. The best trip was a tour with my friends to Amalfi, Capri, Positano, and Naples. This time was unforgettable, and we experienced so much. What really helped me meet new people were the Erasmus events, which included parties, excursions, trips, sports activities, etc., and the Bumble Friends app. These two things allow you to get to know a lot of people quickly, and I’ve made some really good friends through them. Because of the many universities in Rome, there are a lot of Erasmus students, and everyone is very open and sociable. Rome is a beautiful city and offers so many opportunities for activities. With my newfound free time, I was able to explore so much and get to know the city better. My personal highlights were the beaches, which were a 40-minute walk away by regional train, and the weekly Porta Portese flea market. Despite the initial difficulties, I highly recommend a semester abroad in Rome to everyone. This time allowed me to grow so much, and I had a wonderful four months with new friends, great food, culture, a very good work-life balance, fantastic activities, and just a lot of fun. Even though it was quite expensive, especially due to the university fees, I would do it again for this unforgettable time.