Footsteps Through Time
Here’s the thing, we can only speak Italian while we are here. But don’t worry, we have fully qualified native speaking teachers to help with that!
Lessons are every weekday and Saturday morning. These qualified and very experienced teachers will be with you much of the day with the opportunity to mix with the community and practice throughout the day.
This program is designed to get you not just learning in the classroom, but even more so, outside of it! Practice by immersing yourself in the lives of the local community, discovering their history and traditions, and cooking and sharing meals. Language is not static, it’s dynamic. It lives and breathes. It is something to be lived and felt.
Patrica is a hidden gem, off the tourism trail so you will only hear Italian and will have to speak it to be understood! You may not know everything and that’s OK; it’s part of the beauty! Ask questions - that’s what you’re here for! And with active listening, you’ll understand. Besides, life here is slow, so there’s plenty of time to get the words out and find a way to express yourself.
This area of Ciociaria is a rich sub-region with many hidden treasures. Do you know that the “medieval Sistine chapel”, prominent PRE- Roman ruins, a 13th century Eucharistic miracle, pioneering first radio transmission and 4 popes are all from this little-known area?! Come and explore with us!
There is a lot to discover and immerse yourself in. No week is the same; activities and encounters vary depending on local events, host availability, festivals and the seasons. Just bring a notebook and pen/pencils, other learning materials are provided, and we do not follow a specific textbook.
Your B&B provides WiFi for emails and WhatsApp, not for downloading.
WhatsApp is very useful for daily notices, so please download the App before you come and ideally have Wifi access on your phone.
Transform hard-earned knowledge of Italian into fluent expression and everyday colloquialisms. Revise and refresh what you already know - and communicate. We study grammar, of course, but teaching you loads of new rules is not our focus: putting into practice what you kind of know, but are maybe not so sure, is! Think of us as your trainer to help polish and hone your hard work into the abilities you crave and have earned!
Levels assessed on registration, more detailed assessment at the start of your course:
Minimum A2 level required
Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR):
In 2001 the Common European Framework of References for Languages was published after many years of research. This framework, also called CEFR, describes what language users who have acquired a new language can do and how well and efficiently they do so. These CEFR levels indicate the various levels of language proficiency of users of a language:
| A (beginners levels) | B (intermediate levels) | C (advanced levels) |
|---|---|---|
| A1 beginner | B1 | C1 |
| A2 | B2 | C2 |
A2: You can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). You can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.