British Institute of Florence

The British Institute of Florence was founded in 1917 with the aim of developing cultural understanding between the UK and Italy through the teaching of their respective languages and cultures. In 1923 it was granted a Royal Charter and in 1953 was recognised in the Anglo-Italian Cultural Convention as an official representative of British culture in Italy. Today, the Institute offers a broad range of courses from Italian language to History of Art and Italian culture, in addition to providing courses in English language and culture to the local population. Courses are suitable for all age groups, from gap year and university students to those who simply want to broaden their horizons by studying in Florence. ITALIAN LANGUAGE: The Institute offers a variety of Italian language courses for all ability levels, from the complete beginner to the advanced student. Courses run from 1 – 12 weeks and are held in the morning to allow students the possibility of combining the study of language with Art History, or a course from the Life & Culture in Italy programme. ART HISTORY Art History courses are taught in English. The courses vary in length, from short breaks of 5 days, to 4 weeks. The Institute also runs a study abroad programme in association with the University of Bristol. Practical art courses are offered through the Life & Culture in Italy programme. LIFE & CULTURE IN ITALY: Students can experience Italy’s rich cultural tradition through a number of different courses. For example, they can choose to study classical life drawing techniques in a Florentine atelier or watercolour or fresco painting in and around Florence. Tuscan cooking is taught in a local cookery school and Italian opera can be studied in the Institute itself. SUMMER SCHOOLS: During August the Institute offers two 2-week summer schools. The first is in Massa Marittima near the Tuscan coast where Italian language and a one week opera course are offered. A 2-week Italian language course is offered in Florence during the last two weeks of August.

LIVING ITALIAN This 3 month intensive course is intended for those wishing to acquire an ability to communicate in the language within a short period of time, while experiencing the life and culture of Italy. The course is suitable both for beginners and those who have some knowledge of Italian. The course comprises 3 hours of teaching each day, Monday to Friday. During the first two months the focus will be on providing students with a sound basis in the Italian language. In the third month students will be introduced to various aspects of Italian culture including cinema, literature, art and food, as well as the folklore and traditions surrounding day to day Italian life. Students will be encouraged to participate in Florence’s rich and varied cultural life by attending concerts and films and visiting museums, galleries and exhibitions. All of these activities can be arranged through the Institute although tickets are not included in the course fees. Dates 10 Jan 2005 & 11 April 2005

Accommodation Adviser & Studen Support: Naturally, one of the biggest concerns when going abroad is where you might stay - here the Institute can help at no extra cost. Our accommodation adviser can help, depending on preference and budget, where best to stay be it with Italian homes or hotel situated close to the Institute or within reach by bus. We also have access to a very limited number of rooms in self-catering accommodation often shared with Italian/foreign students to be booked at least three months in advance. Students wishing to find their own flat/apartment can be given a list of agencies by the Institute, but will have to make arrangements themselves. For further information please do not hesitate to contact our accommodation adviser on accommodation@britishinstitute.it or on +39 055 26778 261 (Monday - Friday, 10.30 - 13.00 local time) or the admission secretary on +39 055 26778 200.