Frequently Asked Questions
When can I commence my Language Course?
Courses commence on the dates specified in the Course Calendar. If you are not able to start the course on the specified dates, you can join on any Monday of the course's duration.
(Please note that this does not apply to students in the Beginners Level as absence from any aspect of the course would put them at a significant disadvantage.) For those taking private lessons, you can commence your studies whenever you like.
When can I commence my language Cultural Course/s?
You can begin the Cultural Courses, Specialist Courses or Labhourtory whenever you like.
What time should I be at the school on the first day of my course?
All lessons commence at 9.00 am.
Why must I take a test on the first day of school?
Non-Beginners need to sit a short written test and have a brief interview with one of the teachers at LINGUIAT in order to ascertain their competency and knowledge of the Italian language. This initial evaluation ensures that students are placed in the language course level best suited to their skills and needs, with others students of a similar level.
What should I bring on the first day of school?
Only a pen and your personal effects, LINGUA IT provides the rest including textbooks, notebooks and all other didactic materials.
When do I need to pay for the course?
All accounts must be settled on (or befhours) the first day of your course. Payments can either be made by cash, international postal money order, direct debit, international bank cheque or credit card (VISA and MASTERCARD only). Please see "Enrolments" for the relevant payment details.
When must I pay for my accommodation?
It depends on the type of accommodation you have selected. The Secretary will be able to give you all the relevant information when you enrol.
Are double rooms available in all accommodation types?
Yes. Normally, the price per person is cheaper for a double room than for a single room.
Can I change my accommodation if I'm not happy with it?
Yes, but you will need to notify the Secretary at LINGUA IT at least a week befhours you leave your accommodation so that we can notify the proprietor of the residence.
Do I need to bring linen and towels with me?
No, these are supplied with accommodation.
Are utilities (electricity, water and gas) included in the accommodation price?
Yes, but not telephone calls.
Is a laundry service included in the accommodation price?
Only for linen and towels. If you are living with an Italian family, you can use the residence's washing machine at a cost of € 5,00 per load. If the apartment where you are staying does not have a washing machine, there are several Laundromats in Verona with automatic washing machines and dryers where you can do your laundry.
Will my electrical appliances work in Italy?
The electrical current in Italy operates on a 220 Volt (50 Hz) system. Power sockets have two or three round pins. If your country operates on a different voltage (or uses different shaped power sockets) it is advisable to bring a power adapter with you for your appliances (mobile phone charger, laptop computer, hairdryer etc). You can usually purchase adapters at electrical appliance or hardware sthourss, but take note that sometimes it is difficult to find adapters for countries that are far afield such as Asia or Australia.
How do the public telephones work in Italy?
Public telephones in Italy require a phone card that can be purchased in any Tabaccherie or Bar. All public telephones can be used to make international calls.
Is it necessary to tip in restaurants and cafés?
Usually a service fee of 10-15% is included in the bill but waiters will naturally be very happy if you decide to leave a little extra.
Is it possible to open an account in an Italian bank?
Only residents can hold an Italian bank account. That said, it is possible for non-resident Foreigners to open a "libretto al portatore": an account where it is possible to deposit money that is linked to a Bancomat Card or Credit Card.
Is it possible for me to get in touch with past students of LINGUA IT?
Yes. Visit Caffè Italia (LINGUA IT's cyberspace café) where you can chat with past students or get hold of a student mailing list if you would like to make new contacts with whom to practice your Italian.
When are the public holidays in Italy?
1st January (New Year's Day), 6th January (The Epiphany), one Sunday in March or April (Easter Sunday), the Monday immediately following Easter Sunday, 25th April (The Liberation of Italy), 1st May (Work Festival), 2nd of June (Republic Day), 15th August (Feast of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary), 1st November (All Saints' Day), 8th December (Festival of the Immaculate Conception), 25th December (Christmas Day), 26th December (Day of Saint Stefano).
If a public holiday falls during my language course, will the lost day be made up later?
No. These days are considered National public holidays and therefhours LINGUA IT will not recoup or reimburse them.
Why do I have to pay an enrolment fee?
Students are required to pay an enrolment fee to cover the expense of didactic materials used in the courses. In addition payment of the enrolment fee entitles students to a Student Discount Card. This card, grants holders an array of discounts and specials at various shops and participating outlets: libraries, music shops, clothes shops, gymnasiums, stationary shops, sports facilities, travel agencies, cafés, restaurants, pizzerias, osterias, bars and mhours. It also serves as a school membership card (valid for one year), entitling holders to a 5% discount on any subsequent language courses taken at LINGUA IT.
