Yo estuve tomando el curso estándar en el mes de marzo del 2011, un periodo de 4 semanas, en las cuales aprendí muchísimo. Primero que nada los profesores tienen muy buena preparación y conocimiento de la cultura italiana, nunca te dejan con la duda y son muy buenas personas, más que profesores son como tus amigos. En general las clases son bastante divertidas y el tiempo parece que vuela por lo mismo.

Después de las clases normalmente se planean actividades culturales, las cuales nos enseñan un poco de la vida en Milán, tanto en lo cultural como en la vida de ocio como por ejemplo, Discotecas, Bares, conciertos… wow la verdad es una experiencia única. Si tuviera la oportunidad lo volviera hacer. Milán es una ciudad impactante, llena de tantas cosas y diversión, diversión diversión, y más diversión.

Leonardo Da Vinci, una de mis mejores experiencias en la vida… Muchas Gracias Milán!!!!!!

Daniel, Zitácuaro – México

Hello! I am a student of Leonardo da Vinci school. I’ve stayed there for almost 7 month and thanks for the school now i can speak Italian very well. I’ve found so many friends from other countries and all together we have learned a lot about Italy, it’s culture, traditions and people. I can definitely say that all teachers from school are professional and very attentive to all students. They are ready to help you any time you ask or need. One of the advantage of the teaching method is individual approach to each single student. As well as all tutors are trying to be your friends they are good mentors. Their lessons are very interesting and offer various way to absorb the information. Leisure time in Leonardo is an other story to tell. Almost every day there are some activities, excursions or visit to interesting pubs and bars. So many times we went to disco and clubs. We traveled a lot to other cities out of Milan. To be honest if u want to learn Italian very fast and without getting bored in your country, learn more about new culture and make international friendships Leonardo da Vinci School is the best choice! I am very happy that I chose it and passed so many wonderful days with great people studying and having fun!
Elena S., Russia

Sara Serralheiro
Svizzera

THE CITY
First of all, Milan is beautiful. There are not as many monuments as in Rome or Florence, but it definitely has its vibe and soul. It’s the Italian centre of economy and business, and while walking through its streets I always felt like a diva, but also like a well-assimilated citizen. To be honest, before I came here, I had always thought of Milan as not really interesting and snobbish city in which „ordinary“ people such as me have no business poking their nose there.
However, the combination of some extremely splendid monuments (Duomo, Castello Sforzesco), shining shops and nice, always willing to help people, changed my mind by the first day I got there.
My host family also helped me to feel comfortable and welcome. I miss them so much, and if anyone doubts about choosing lodging in a family or in an apartment, I would definitely recommend to choose the family. I had only good experiences with them. In addition to this, by being in a family one can see how the real Italian people live – how their days look like, what they do in their free time, their habits and a lot more. I found it really interesting and helpful in creating my opinion about Italy. Of course, it becomes better and better by every new trip to this beautiful country.

SCHOOL
Located in Navigli zone, famous for the similar river nearby, along which there are situated numerous, small, well-decorated restaurants and lounge bars, the Leonardo da Vinci school offers students a lot of opportunities to have fun. Modern interior design, colorful classroom doors with their own names and a pleasant atmosphere is what immediately makes you feel relaxed and ready to learn plenty of new facts about Italy and, of course, improve your Italian in a fun, fast, simple and productive way.
The first day I just barely managed to get up in time, which was 8:30 am, and then I went to the school. There I met Dario, a likable and approachable receptionist who patiently answered tons of my e-mails (overflowing with hundreds of questions about paying, accommodation , city ,classes…). I’ve sent him the week before I came. It was funny meeting the “famous” Dario, and the following two weeks he was, along with Gessica, my primary resource of information about the city and the events.
Then I wrote an exam and had a conversation with Roberto who decided to put me in B2/2 group. My classroom was the one with green door named “Design” and my professor was Claudio – a great teacher as well as a person, whose lessons were always interesting and dynamic. We laughed most of the time, the jokes told were just hillarious. But we also did a lot of grammar, did many exercises, discussed about politics, economy and current world problems. So the lessons were really well-organized, as one can see. We actually did a serious „job“, but at the time it didn’t seem like that at all, because it was filled with interesting and motivating conversations. Another thing I found useful for broadening my horizons was the ethnical diversity between the people in the group. We were all girls from all parts of the world – Serbia, Montenegro, Turkey, Netherlands, Russia, Bulgary, Germany, Azerbaijan, Polland, Brazil… I also made some good friends there, and I’m still in touch with the girls from Serbia, Montenegro and Russia.

FREE TIME
Of course, I have to mention the most amusing part – nightlife. Going out in Milan is certainly something I’ll never forget. I was fascinated by the “aperitivo” nights, because I paid 8 euros for a coctail and ate as much as I wanted, or could. For me, who is a true gourmet, that was simply marvelous. Then, there is clubbing. Unfortunately I didn’t have enough time for exploring all types of clubs, such as jazz or alternative ones, but I can say that clubs with actual house and r’n'b music are great places where one can spend unforgettable time. People are approachable and one can almost smell the party vibe, so having fun is guaranteed. My 12th day in Milan I went with school to Club11 due to Russian week which was organized by Erasmus agency. I had so much fun there, people and atmosphere were crazy, in a positive way. Unfortunately, I had to have my luggage packed the day after and prepare myself psychically for returning to Croatia. I was terribly sad during my last day at school, my chest hurt, because everything passed so fast. I saluted my girlfriends from the group and the school crew and went to Piazza del Duomo one last time. It was around 6 o’clock and the night had fallen. I stood in front of Duomo, admiring it. Huge, blazing, magnificent, powerful. With its 3500 statues it pierced the black sky. Truly, a scene to remember.

CONCLUSION
So, whoever thinks about coming to this language school in Milan, all what can I say is – come and have the best time of your life with great teachers and interesting people from the whole world!

Ines Pandzic

For more information about the city of Milan visit: About Milan, travel guide about Milan

Taking on learning a new language is no small task. Add to this, living in a different country with different customs (umm…I know it’s Sunday but I was hoping to go to the grocery store…) and being far away from family and friends, one is left to think that there really must be something rewarding to learning Italian and in fact there IS !! At the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan, where every week students from all over the world start classes ranging from complete beginner to advanced, we thought it was a perfect opportunity get to the bottom of why Italian and why Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan? Here are our questions and our students candid responses:

Why did you choose to study Italian here? What was or is the most difficult thing about learning Italian for the 1st time and how did you get through it?
I really like Italian food and Italian cooking. I speak Spanish so I wanted to add Italian to the languages that I speak. I visited Milan before and liked it, so I decided to return to Milan to study. The most difficult thing for me, at the beginning of my studies, are the verbs and how to conjugate them. If I don’t understand something, the teachers are always patient and helpful, then I review it and it’s not confusing anymore.
Jamie (Boston, USA, Level 1)

Why did you choose to return to Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan for a second time?
I decided to come back to the school because I liked it, now I know people here…even the directors of the school I got to know. Also I like Milan, the last time I was here I made a lot of friend. This time I was also able to stay in the same apartment living with the same family that I already lived with. I had a good experience in the home and as well as at the school. This is why I come back !
Robert (Vienna, Austria, Level 6)

How do you balance learning Italian with all the places you can visit during your stay in Italy?
Living in Milan is pretty much studying itself. You don’t necessarily get to know things during the class. Whatever you do, buy milk in a shop, refill your phone, buy train ticket,
you study. The school organizes lots of trips, meetings, parties, etc. I always try to practice mu Italian with other students of the school, which means I am studying and having fun at the same time. That would be my tip for Italian learners: try to practice your Italian always, not just during classes !
Alisa (Moscow, Russia, Level 6)

Why did you choose Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan when there are so many language schools in Italy?
I find this school to be very modern…where you can really learn Italian and not get board ever. You can also learn about culture, life style and traditions and not just the language. Here, there is no time to feel lonely. Almost everyday the school organizes excursions and meetings so that the students can socialize also out of the language classes. In that way, the school creates the possibility for the students to practice the language in a friendly environment that is very useful !
Elena (Moscow, Russia, Level 3-6)

Why does the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan succeed in teaching Italian to foreign students ?
We succeeded in helping students to learn Italian because we use the “communicative method” which permits us to teach the language through every day situations and real life contexts. Our approach is humanistic and that is why we take into account that every student is different and has it’s own learning style. The main importance is placed on oral comprehension and expression and the grammar is learned in a natural, deductive way.
Claudio (teacher and trainer)

What surprises you most about the students here at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan?
What surprises me the most is their sincere interest in the Italian language and culture. Students that have studied Italian in their home country, arrive with a solid knowledge and it makes me happy finding out how well Italian is taught abroad.
Roberto (teacher)

Rome
Known as ‘Caput Mundi’ (capital of the world), Rome contrasts a sprawling metropolis with mysterious ancient relics. Here Liz discovers the true pleasure of nourishment as she samples the rich cuisine, and learns Italian at Scuola Leonardo Da Vinci.

Read the article: http://i-travel.kuoni.co.uk/features/eat_pray_love.html
Article added 27 August 2010

Taking on learning a new language is no small task. Add to this, living in a different country with different customs (umm…I know it’s Sunday but I was hoping to go to the grocery store…) and being far away from family and friends, one is left to think that there really must be something rewarding to learning Italian and in fact there IS !! At the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan, where every week students from all over the world start classes ranging from complete beginner to advanced, we thought it was a perfect opportunity get to the bottom of why Italian and why Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan? Here are our questions and our students candid responses:

Why did you choose to study Italian here? What was or is the most difficult thing about learning Italian for the 1st time and how did you get through it?
I really like Italian food and Italian cooking. I speak Spanish so I wanted to add Italian to the languages that I speak. I visited Milan before and liked it, so I decided to return to Milan to study. The most difficult thing for me, at the beginning of my studies, are the verbs and how to conjugate them. If I don’t understand something, the teachers are always patient and helpful, then I review it and it’s not confusing anymore.
Jamie (Boston, USA, Level 1)

Why did you choose to return to Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan for a second time?
I decided to come back to the school because I liked it, now I know people here…even the directors of the school I got to know. Also I like Milan, the last time I was here I made a lot of friend. This time I was also able to stay in the same apartment living with the same family that I already lived with. I had a good experience in the home and as well as at the school. This is why I come back !
Robert (Vienna, Austria, Level 6)

How do you balance learning Italian with all the places you can visit during your stay in Italy?
Living in Milan is pretty much studying itself. You don’t necessarily get to know things during the class. Whatever you do, buy milk in a shop, refill your phone, buy train ticket,
you study. The school organizes lots of trips, meetings, parties, etc. I always try to practice mu Italian with other students of the school, which means I am studying and having fun at the same time. That would be my tip for Italian learners: try to practice your Italian always, not just during classes !
Alisa (Moscow, Russia, Level 6)

Why did you choose Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan when there are so many language schools in Italy?
I find this school to be very modern…where you can really learn Italian and not get board ever. You can also learn about culture, life style and traditions and not just the language. Here, there is no time to feel lonely. Almost everyday the school organizes excursions and meetings so that the students can socialize also out of the language classes. In that way, the school creates the possibility for the students to practice the language in a friendly environment that is very useful !
Elena (Moscow, Russia, Level 3-6)

Why does the Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan succeed in teaching Italian to foreign students ?
We succeeded in helping students to learn Italian because we use the “communicative method” which permits us to teach the language through every day situations and real life contexts. Our approach is humanistic and that is why we take into account that every student is different and has it’s own learning style. The main importance is placed on oral comprehension and expression and the grammar is learned in a natural, deductive way.
Claudio (teacher and trainer)

What surprises you most about the students here at Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Milan?
What surprises me the most is their sincere interest in the Italian language and culture. Students that have studied Italian in their home country, arrive with a solid knowledge and it makes me happy finding out how well Italian is taught abroad.
Roberto (teacher)

This is the beginning of an amazing newspaper written by our students of Italian language in Milan!
They produced a real student magazine with articles about their experiences as well as a mail corner and horoscope!!
We strongly suggest that you read every page: you can dowload it here: Il Leonardino.

Here’s the summary of the magazine:

La scuola multinazionale non dorme mai! – page 1
Dite la vostra: quattro studenti (Francia, Iran, Inghilterra e Svezia) a confronto – page 2
Ricordando il primo giorno a Milano – page 2
Lo sapevate che… (curiosity about Leoonardo da Vinci and Milan) – page 2
Lettera aperta a… – page 3
C’è post@ per te… (mail corner) – page 3
Intervista a Valentina (Italian language teacher) – page 4
Si mangia bene, anche dallo Straniero – page 4
L’oroscopo delle stelle – page 5
Crossword puzzle and other games – page 6

We would like to thank students who have participated in the project.

Maggiori informazioni: corso di formazione per insegnanti di italiano