Adult Learning Programs in Italy this Summer?

Couldn't tell you if they have special group classes geared towards solely towards a specific age range (my guess is no unless it's a class for teens), but if you are wanting to really focus on your ability to learn Italian, I would recommend Inlingua. I met with their instructor 1:1 daily when I had to learn to speak, read and write in Italian while I was working there. Inlingua has locations all over Italy.

In June 2015 I took two weeks of semi-private lessons (with one other student) at the ILoveIt School in Orvieto. It's a small school where you certainly wouldn't get lost in a sea of other students. Besides me, there were at least 4 other over-55 students at the time I was there. Orvieto, of course, is a charming place, and you'll encounter some shopkeepers who do not speak English (good for practicing!). The town is not particularly well located for half-day trips to neighboring towns during your non-classroom time, however.

It's possible that the relatively small size of the school would be a disadvantage in getting slotted into a class of the appropriate level.

One thing to keep in mind about Italian classes in Italy is that your fellow students will be from many origins. They will not all be native English-speakers. The book will be completely in Italian (plus pictures and diagrams), because otherwise, it just wouldn't work. For those of us used to language classes in the US and textbooks containing bi-lingual glossaries, it can be quite an adjustment. You may not get the sort of detailed explanation of grammatical issues you expect, because there won't be time for the instructor to cover that material in English, French, German, etc.--even assuming that he/she speaks all the appropriate languages. It will be handy to have a paperback English-Italian / Italian-English dictionary.

I don't mean to discourage you. I hope to take French lessons in France next summer, but I think it's best to go in with eyes open.

Check national and regional holidays for the time you anticipate taking the class, because I've seen some language schools that charge by the week and give no discount for days missed due to holidays. For a short term of study, that would really bother me.

One other thing: The textbook we used in Orvieto was extremely heavy. I swear it weighed 3 pounds (probably not, but it sure felt like it). I cursed that book for the remainder of my very long trip, but having paid something like 35 euros for it, I wasn't going to throw it away. Keep your suitcase light enough that if won't be overly burdensome with a heavy textbook added to it.

I took a 4 week language program last summer at Centro Studi in Urbania. It's in the Marche area. I loved the class and the school's staff are extremely professional. The town is small and that gives you more of an opportunity to practice your Italian. For a 4 week class the cost was only about $700, which I thought was a good price. The nice thing I enjoyed was the range of ages of the students, from 20's to 80's. It was a nice mix of ages and cultures. You will enjoy it! The cost of dinning out is very inexpensive and the area is just beautiful.

Best wishes,
Robin

Oh, forget to give you the link http://www.centrostuditaliani.org/italian-language-and-culture-course/

Centro Studi in Urbania

Todi has Italian language classes.

Thank you so much for the helpful information! I will look into the names above.