MB Scambi Culturali - Italian Language & Culture Courses for Adults

MB Scambi Culturali is a family run business and has been in operation for 18 years. The language school opened in 2002 and we started to offer a variety of Italian language and culture courses in 2003. It is located in the centre of Padova, a city in the Veneto region in the North of Italy (not far from Venice). The school is located in the city centre, on the second floor of a beautiful old building. MB can cater for groups or individuals. All courses are designed for students who wish to begin to learn Italian language and culture or build upon their current knowledge of the language and culture. All MB teachers are highly qualified native speakers with a minimum of 3 years experience and recognised industry qualifications to teach Italian as a foreign language. The teacher will develop both linguistic and cultural topics with you. Our aim is to build up linguistic and communicative skills and to explore cultural subjects, stimulating the acquisition not only of a language but also of a culture. Teachers utilise "full immersion" techniques and promote active participation by students. Emphasis is placed on conversation/oral and listening/comprehension skills. Up-to-date authentic material is used in the classroom, introducing you to Italian culture and society in a realistic way. Course books are supplemented by other material drawn from radio, TV, music, magazines, newspapers etc. MB offers all language levels. You will take an Italian language placement test so that you can be placed in the appropriate class for your language level. See course descriptions for more information. A course completion / proficiency certificate will be issued by MB Scambi Culturali.

Although close to Venice, a small proportion of the inhabitants speak English. This means that you will get plenty of opportunities to practice your Italian – in shops, restaurants, bars and when taking public transport. It is a beautiful city located close to Venice in the Northeast of Italy. World renowned because of St. Anthony, the cathedral dedicated to him attracts many pilgrims annually from every corner of the world especially on 13th June, which is the Patron’s Day. The city is also famous for Giotto’s frescos, housed in the Scrovegni Chapel (Cappella degli Scrovegni). Giotto was one of Italy’s earliest and most influential painters. Padova itself was founded by the Romans and developed in the Middle Ages to a commercial walled town. The second university of Europe was founded here in 1219 with the University in nearby Bologna being the first. In the XVII century Galileo taught in the University of Padua in the famous wooden Anatomic Theatre (which can still be seen in its original conditions) together with Erasmus from Rotterdam and other personalities of the century, who are all remembered in the decoration of the ancient buildings of the University. Thanks to its population of 60,000 university students, it has a lot of night life to offer. There is a wide variety of restaurants, bars, clubs and “open air” entertainment in the summer months. In addition to this, people also like to meet in the piazzas or in Prato della Valle, a huge open space in the heart of the city, for ice creams and chats. In the early evening the bars are buzzing with people enjoying a “spritz”, a popular aperitif drank by almost everyone. The large student population helps to keep the prices of food and drink down. Padova is also an ideal location from which to visit other places in the Veneto region. Easily accessible by bus or train are: • Venice, just 30 minutes away. • Verona, with its famous Arena where operas are performed. • Other famous cities, such as Vicenza and Bologna • Many beautiful historical places including Arquà Petrarca, the village where the famous poet was born in the XIII century; Asolo, famous for its beautiful antiques shops and markets; Montagnana, Este, Monselice and Marostica, beautiful walled towns where you can walk around thinking that you are still living in the middle ages. • Beach resorts, such as Lido de Jesolo (Venetian Riviera) For those who like sports, there are 2 golf clubs in the hills, many sport clubs in town, lots of swimming pools and one of the best skiing areas of the world - Cortina d’Ampezzo in the Dolomites – just 2 hours drive away.

Italian Language: Intensive Group Course = €180/wk Italian Language: One-to-One Lessons = €30/hour Italian Language + Italian Cooking Course = €680/wk Italian Language Course + Cultural Itinerary = €478/wk Italian Language + Italian Wine & Dine Program = €518/wk Italian Art Course = €384/wk Italian Language + Italian Opera Course = €384/wk Italian Language course for Foreign Italian Teachers = €290/wk for 20 lessons or €435/wk for 30 lessons Expatriate Program = €338/wk In addition to the above: Enrolment fee = €40 Course materials = €30 We can also arrange transfers to/from Venice airports, €80 per person one way.

If you need accommodation, we can organise this for you. We frequently visit our students’ accommodation to be sure that a high quality of service is maintained. HOST FAMILY: Staying with an Italian family offers the possibility of getting a great insight into the way of life and the culture of Italy. Also, you often make more progress because you continue practising the language in a real life situation after your lessons. Arrival day is Sunday and departure Saturday. However, you can add additional night/s to your stay if required. SHARED STUDENT APARTMENT: This type of accommodation provides the opportunity to mix with other students but also allows maximum independence during your stay. Arrival day is Sunday and departure Saturday. You cannot add extra nights. HOTEL/HOSTEL: There is a wide variety of hotels and hostels to choose from. Arrival and departure days are flexible. Prices for accommodation are: Host family (B&B) = €100/wk Host family (HB) = €120/wk Extra night = €20/night Single room in shared apartment = €150/wk Double room in shared apartment = €200/wk Hostel = Approx €25/night Hotel = €55 and upwards + Accommodation placement fee of €45

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