PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Immerse yourself in the language and culture of Italy this summer. S-Trip's! Language and Cultural Immersion program in Florence is designed for students of all academic backgrounds and levels. While living in Florence you’ll experience Italy in its real-life context. Each day your senses will be stimulated as you’ll see collections of priceless works of art; you’ll taste sensational pasta, pizza, focaccia, espresso and of course Italian gelato; and you’ll hear the traditional music of Italy.
Our program balances Italian language classes, cultural workshops and a full schedule of structured activities and excursions. Students and staff live together in a superbly appointed residence. In Italy the lifestyle is focused on enjoying every day to fullest as you soak in every ray of sunshine, taste the culinary magnificence and make new friends with locals. This is your chance to live, study and explore in one of Europe’s most majestic cities.
LIFE IN FLORENCE
Located in the heart of Tuscany, Florence is famous for its artistic tradition, spectacular landscapes, passionate populace and exquisite cuisine. Situated on the banks of the Arno River, surrounded by the rolling hills of the Italian countryside, Florence is a city that welcomes a visitor immediately. Every day is a new opportunity to experience la dolce vita first-hand as you enjoy the meal of a lifetime in Piazza Santa Croce and wander along Ponte Vecchio listening to nightly live music. Florence’s elegant, palace-lined streets make for the ultimate Italian cultural study experience.
The home of the Italian Renaissance, Florence is a living museum holding some of the world’s greatest treasures making it the ideal place for study. Get ready to be inspired as you see some of the greatest masterpieces of Renaissance art, giving you a glimpse of the rich history that is the foundation for so much Italian culture. To study and live in Florence is to walk the streets of Dante, Brunelleschi, Giotto and many other contributors to the arts and humanities. In the summer, Florence is a city full of scholars, artists, visitors and students looking to relive past discoveries in the arts and sciences. Florence truly is the perfect setting for this unique learning experience, where students will develop a deep knowledge of Italy, its language and culture.
Experience la dolce vita on this ultimate cultural study experience
CULTURAL IMMERSION
Our program has been designed to immerse students in the life and culture of Italy. As such a full schedule of activities has been organized to ensure students get the most out of their trip. Each afternoon is filled with cultural activities and visits to local attractions including a visit to the world famous Gallery of the Uffizi and the golden hills of Chianti, a hands-on pizza workshop and a seminar in Renaissance painting. These experiences will give students the opportunity to practice their new language skills in a real-life context.
Once per week students will travel for a half day excursion to experience another town within the Tuscan region. On weekends, students will travel together on full day excursions to experience all that Italy has to offer. A trip to Italy is never complete without a visit to Rome and students will get an opportunity to explore this famous city on a weekend excursion. All students will participate in a hands-on culinary workshop. In this workshop, students will use local products to prepare a variety of traditional Italian dishes, and they will learn how food relates to the Italian lifestyle and culture.
CAMPUS LIFE
Each morning students will experience the history of this magical city walking to and from Scuola Toscana where they will take their Italian language classes. Scuola Toscana is located in the centre of Florence in the Pazza Santa Croce. Students will study in a historical building with 15 classrooms all equipped with WiFi and computers for the students. Walk out the front door of the school and you’re within five minutes walking from many of Florence’s most exciting attractions. Wander over to the Piazza del Duomo where you’ll can step back in time with Florence’s world-renowned cathedral church, Basilica di Santa Maria del Fiore, which was built from 1296-1436. The school’s location amongst the winding streets, the inviting architecture, and the warm people make it the ideal location to discover and learn in Italy.
LANGUAGE PROGRAM
The academic program consists of 4 hours of Italian language lessons each weekday from 8.30-12.30. On arrival in Florence, students are given a classification test which determines their level of Italian and their subsequent class. Courses are taught in Italian by local instructors. No prior knowledge of Italian is required. Pragmatic active teaching methods are used to develop the students’ oral skills and their linguistic and cultural knowledge with emphasis on oral expression and comprehension. Teaching tactics include illustrations, situational role play, videos, analysis of current newspapers and magazines and creative exercises. The program is accredited by the Italian education ministry. Students receive a certificate recognizing their achievement and a transcript. Students are eligible to receive university credit in Canada. In order to transfer their credit students must make an appeal for transfer with their university registrar by presenting their certificate and course materials. S-Trip! will assist students in completing this process.
ACCOMMODATION
Accommodation is located within walking distance of the school. Students are in single sex multi share rooms (3 or 4 students) with an ensuite bathroom. Each student has storage space for all their belongings during their stay. Security and safety is our number one priority. Therefore, staff are available and on supervision 24 hours a day. Staff are bilingual and live in the hotel with the students. Each day the staff run a program of cultural, social and recreational activities for the group. Group leaders are there to ensure health and safety but also to act as advisors and friends helping you adjust to your new environment. Breakfast is provided everyday in the hotel restaurant and dinner is provided in Italian Trattoria.
What’s Included
- Return airfare from Toronto
- Airport transfers in Florence
- 21 nights accommodation in hotel (single sex multi-share)
- Breakfast and dinner daily
- Tuition – 20 lessons/week (60 minutes/lesson)
- School certificate of attendance stating the acquired language level (European standard)
- Half-day excursion to Siena
- Half-day excursion to Lucca
- Full-day excursion to Viareggio
- Full-day excursion to Rome
- Daily cultural, sports and social activities on the campus and around town
- Movie night once a week
- Study materials
- Use of computer facilities
- Escorted services of a certified Italian teacher and fully trained S-Trip! leader
- Pre-departure preparation
- 24-hour support services
- Student travel advice
- RBC Classic Medical Insurance
Not Included
- Your spending money, tips, souvenirs
- Lunch daily
- Visas (not needed if travelling on a Canadian Passport)
- Optional RBC Youth And Student Comprehensive Insurance ($145.00)