Koine Italian Language schools

[carmel]

I wondered if anyone has experience of the Koine Italian language schools. They are based in places like Florence, Lucca and Elba. They run courses in varying levels and organise accomodation with families, in student apartments, convents and hotels.The website looks interesting and there are a few reviews(all positive of course!) I am interested in doing a course and wondered if any memebers have any personal experience of these schools
PS don't know if I've have broken any rules about naming a business so maybe members could pm me

[Aretina]

Hi Carmel

I am sorry but I dont have any direct information on Koine language schools. There are many different small schools in Italy teaching Italian to foreigners. There are schools, in Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, Arezzo etc. (in Tuscany) and to learn Italian in Tuscany is a bonus because Tuscan Italian is considered a bit like 'BBC English' ie grammatically/phonectically (sp?) correct. I note that you are in Liguria - are you there all the time and do you need a school near your home?

Although I have been here 5 years I am at the moment doing an Italian course at a local school in Arezzo to move my level of Italian on a notch or two. And, because of the recession they are offering a 20% discount, also because of the low numbers of students at the moment you can be assigned to a class which more closely matches your level. So,my partner and I - of different levels, are each having 1:1 classes with a teacher and other students are in other classes. They are called www.culturaitaliana.it and have schools in Bologna, Arezzo and Maremma in Southern Tuscany.
They also arrange accommodation etc. and arrange good trips etc.

Good Luck!

[is4b2rd]

Hi,

I've attended Koine in Lucca twice. Once for 3 weeks the other for 1 week. I very much enjoyed the classes, they were kept interesting, yet challenging. I'm sure all of the Koine schools are run as well, for me it's the charm of Lucca that brings me back to Koine Lucca.

Originally Posted by carmel

I wondered if anyone has experience of the Koine Italian language schools. They are based in places like Florence, Lucca and Elba. They run courses in varying levels and organise accomodation with families, in student apartments, convents and hotels.The website looks interesting and there are a few reviews(all positive of course!) I am interested in doing a course and wondered if any memebers have any personal experience of these schools
PS don't know if I've have broken any rules about naming a business so maybe members could pm me

[Licciana]

Not been myself but I know 2 people who have and they both recommended it highly. They also recommended attending classes in Lucca in preference to Florence if only because it's easier to speak English when one is out and about in Florence.than Lucca. Studying in Lucca meant that they kept their noses to the grindstone for longer.

[Gala Placidia]

I would add that Lucca has a lovely atmosphere and I would say that it is a perfect city for an immersion course in Italian.

[IRITALIA]

Does anyone know if the courses are only available for overseas visitors, ie: only with accommodation provided?
I had a look at the website but, unless I am reading it wrong, the fees seemed to be inclusive of lodging????
OH is in third year advanced at the moment and would like to continue after the move to Italy but would, of course, not need accommodation in Lucca.

[carmel]

Maybe I'm also reading the website incorrectly, but I understood there were two rates, one for the course, the other for the chosen accomodation.
PS there is also one in Cortona.

[The Smiths in Puglia]

You`ve just brought back memories - we did a course at the Koine school in Firenze but a good 20 years ago. Can`t vouch for it now but it was certainly excellent back then!

[carmel]

Originally Posted by Aretina

Hi Carmel

I am sorry but I dont have any direct information on Koine language schools. There are many different small schools in Italy teaching Italian to foreigners. There are schools, in Florence, Siena, Montepulciano, Arezzo etc. (in Tuscany) and to learn Italian in Tuscany is a bonus because Tuscan Italian is considered a bit like 'BBC English' ie grammatically/phonectically (sp?) correct. I note that you are in Liguria - are you there all the time and do you need a school near your home?

Although I have been here 5 years I am at the moment doing an Italian course at a local school in Arezzo to move my level of Italian on a notch or two. And, because of the recession they are offering a 20% discount, also because of the low numbers of students at the moment you can be assigned to a class which more closely matches your level. So,my partner and I - of different levels, are each having 1:1 classes with a teacher and other students are in other classes. They are called www.culturaitaliana.it and have schools in Bologna, Arezzo and Maremma in Southern Tuscany.
They also arrange accommodation etc. and arrange good trips etc.

Good Luck!

Thanks Aretina
I don't live in Liguria permanently. I considered a course in Tuscany for the reasons you've given and of course for it's many attractions. There are many schools offering a variety of course all over Italy.. Like anything else, there is no substitute for personal recommendation. I'm doing some careful research because with a months course costing upwards of £1000, choosing the wrong one could be an expensive mistake. I'm also debating whether to opt for staying with a family or going for private or shared accomodation.

[IRITALIA]

Originally Posted by carmel

Maybe I'm also reading the website incorrectly, but I understood there were two rates, one for the course, the other for the chosen accomodation.
PS there is also one in Cortona.

No, you're absolutely right, I scrolled down without studying it properly and they are separate fees.
Seems well liked so it may just be the one.