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10 days‘ holiday, I was toying with the idea of spending some of this time at an Italian language course. The Piccola Universita Italiana sounded good and was recommemded to me by several work colleagues and the internet page which I found to be very detailed and informative really appealed to me. Apart from registering with the school and booking my flights, I didnt have to worry about anything, the rest was taken care of by the school (accommodation as well as the transfer to and from the airport).

From the very first day the welcome and the support from the staff at the school was heartfelt and attentive and this continued right throughout my course. My individual wishes were taken into consideration and fulfilled in the best possible way.

The Italian language courses were held in small groups by qualified Italian language teachers, these courses were excellent paedogogically and there was a great atmosphere in the classroom. From the very first day, everyone spoke in Italian which was accpeted, surprisingly, by all participants.

This was the first holiday I have ever been on where I didn't feel like just another tourist anywhere. No, I felt more like part of a big family. We all addressed each other informally and this all really helped to take away any inhibitions about speaking in a foreign language.

I was also pleasantly surprised by the welcoming encounters with the local people.The majority of them was always open for a little chat, we were easily recognisable even from a distance with our blue folders which were given to us on the first day at school.

The staff of the local shops, restaurants and bars answered our questions and listened patiently before giving us an explanation or recommendation. They also always made an effort to speak clearly and not in their local dialect. The incidental costs in Tropea are lower than in other regions in Italy.

The excursions, museum visits, sports and other cultural events in the school's programme were very diversified and there was something to be found for everyone.

So I spent 2 weeks totally immerged in the Italian language and culture. I learned a lot of interesting facts about the history and geography of the country which helped me to make considerable progress in the Italian language. With every day I became more and more aware of how much I wanted to come back to this beautiful place.

Because of my experience, I can highly recommend the Piccola Universita Italiana to all those who are interested in and enjoy the Italian language and culture. In Tropea at the Piccola Uniersita Italiana you have found the right place in perfect surroundings.

I now know that Tropea is not called the ‚Pearl of Calabria‘ for nothing, every day I discovered quaint little alleyways and corners anew in this rather well preserved medieval small town which is certainly not lacking in charm.

For those travelling alone, the Piccola Universita Italiana offers the perfect opportunity for you to get to know others who share similar interests; a pleasant stay in good company is guaranteed here!

 

Sonja works for: