Written by Isaac Grad, University of Connecticut | ISI Florence Fall 2024
If you study abroad in Italy, you will likely need to take an Italian language class – at ISI Florence, this is a requirement for all students. Most students start with no knowledge of Italian and start at the beginner level, but those with some language skills can take a test to find the right level. While this requirement may seem overwhelming, especially for students who want to focus on exploring the area rather than studying, learning Italian can greatly improve the experience outside the classroom. Learning a language while living in a country that speaks it is much more enjoyable and will greatly benefit your abroad experience.
At ISI Florence, teachers use activities that involve local people and the community. A memorable activity included an Italian actor named Roberto Caccavo, who came to our class for an interactive performance in Italian. He got to know us and encouraged us to practice speaking by asking interesting questions. Roberto taught us common Italian gestures, explaining how and when to use them, as many students know about gestures in Italy but may not feel comfortable using them. Roberto made the lesson fun by having us create a scene involving gestures. His humor made the hour-long class feel too short!
Studying abroad and learning the language spoken is an incredible opportunity to experience a more meaningful time and learn so much about the culture!
Another great activity was hosting local high school students for a language exchange in our class. We started speaking in Italian to practice, then switched to English to help them. This interaction allowed us not only to practice the language but also to learn about the lives of local students and the differences with the American culture.
One of the Italian students, Andy Skendo, commented on their experience:
“It is a simple yet effective way to improve the language skills of both American and Italian students, offering a space for conversation with peers while also bridging two cultures that are often reduced to mere stereotypes.
Relaxing and stimulating, this day allows for a morning visit to Florence—a city so close to me yet, unfortunately, still so unfamiliar—and provides an interesting approach to different perspectives from which I can learn to build an increasingly precise vision of today’s world.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone who made this project possible and express my hope to participate again in the future, perhaps in a different format.”
Editorial Note
The Istituto Statale di Istruzione Superiore Valdarno is a technical and technological institute located 7 miles away from Florence. Professor Monica Capaci from ISIS and ISI Florence Professor Catia Santi organized this meet-up and we are happy to celebrate its success!