Want to study abroad? The Michelangelo Language School in Florence, Italy is a private language school situated a block away from Piazza Santa Croce in the centre of the city. People throughout the world attend this school so there are good chances you will make some new pen pals.
Lise Rebec studied in Florence and says it provided her with a fantastic opportunity to mix a European holiday with a learning experience.
“The classes at Michelangelo are small enough to be effective especially when coupled to the Florentine living experience,” she says. “I loved the diversity and the international feel of the school. Florence also provided an excellent base from which to explore Italy. A truly memorable experience that I am actually considering doing for a third time.”
Paola Basile, professor of Italian language and literature at Universit de Montral says studying Italian in Italy gives students a chance not only to learn the language, but also to learn about Italian culture. “It is the best way to learn everything there is to know about Italy. Michelangelo Language School is a very reputable school with small classes therefore, the learning opportunities are greater.”
There are many living arrangement options for students studying in Florence. You can live with a family with either breakfast, or breakfast and supper prepared for you. A second option is to share an apartment with other students, no meals included but full kitchen provided, or you can go the solo route and live alone in a studio apartment. Rent varies from $570 per person to $1,300 per person depending on your choice of accommodations.
Cynthia De Luca’s experience was invaluable. “A month in Italy is worth more than a hundred years of merely studying Italian culture from a textbook,” she says. “Florence is an amazing city because not only is it overflowing with art and culture, but it is small enough to get to know intimately. Never will I forget my experience on this tour. Everything from the people to the food to the discothque were out of this world. I will definitely be returning in the near future.”
You may visit one of the famous museums such as, Ufizzi, the Bargello, or Palazzo Pitti and the Boboli Gardens, or the Accademia, which houses the original statue of David. You can visit the Palazzo Pitti or the Bargello museums.
Florence also has a very active nightlife. It seems Florentines never sleep as the bars and discos are full to capacity every night of the week. Bring your dancing shoes! Most of the students in the program participate in a four-week tour and have only had one complaint, there just isn’t enough time to do everything.
One thing no parent has to worry about while the students are in Florence is food. A favourite restaurant frequented by students is the Coccotrippone, a small cozy resto that seats 20 people. Their specialties are wild boar, rabbit, and homemade pasta and sauces!
Italy also has a very reliable railway system. While in Florence, take a three-hour train ride north and you are in Venice, be sure to visit the three islands of Murano, Burano, and Torcello, see the glass being heated and blown in Murano! Then at night hit one of the many great restaurants and why not even a ride in a gondola.
Three hours south of Florence you are in Rome. Visit the Vatican, the Fontana di Trevi, and take a walk down the main that leads to the Spanish Steps. If you are not into visiting the cities, then take a train to the seaside village of Viareggio and bask in the sun. Or how about a one-day cooking class on the Tuscan countryside. Many of the students who attended a one-day cooking class in the Tuscan countryside said it was the highlight of their trip because of the view and also the food.
For a four-week stay the cost is very reasonable. Based on double occupancy in a student apartment, plus the school registration of 80 hours of Italian lessons over four weeks, will run you approximately $1,600. You must then book your own flight and travel insurance and arrange for your Visa!
The school is opened all year round so you may attend any month you want, and people of all ages are welcome to attend! The summer sessions are May 29 to June 26 or June 26 to July 24.
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There will be an information session Sunday March 14 at 3484 Peel St., between Sherbrooke St. and Dr. Penfield. For additional information contact [email protected] or call 488-1778.
