A precious opportunity to be included in a meaningful way in other people’s lives, every day an invitation for engagement. I love and learn most from the “in between” times of “shooting the breeze” with locals: bar tenders, shop owners, or bench seaters. The teachers are unforgettable – in and out of the classroom, and this is not hyperbolic, I’m easily bored. And, the other group members, many of them (I participated in two programs thus far) well worth getting to know.

An experience of heart, soul, and brain that makes me feel I’ve really been somewhere.

Once again you have produced an amazing course – a perfect mix of language, history, and immersion in Italian culture.

I loved the people we met, the activities we did, and the teaching: Simona as usual was amazing, always easing us into things and a great listener. You’ve found another gem in Martina. Your teachers are all different; a slightly different approach really helps with re-learning things I’ve known and probably forgotten or maybe didn’t understand fully.

The locals and guides were all delightful. I’m understanding Italian so much better!

We were a great group! Affable, enthusiastic and linguistically at the same level. As in Agnone, forging new friendships was a plus! Chiara is a gem; a great listener, and astute presenter of grammar. Genova is a gorgeous city, and while at times I was a bit overwhelmed, I wouldn’t change a thing.

The evening with Simona’s family was particularly special. I loved preparing “trenette al pesto” and conversing with each family member.

Of course, I can’t say enough about Simona! She attends to each person, has relentless energy and curiosity, and a sparkling personality. It was such fun to spend time with her again! I hope to see both of you in the future for another Italian adventure.

Meanwhile, I continue to refer others to your wonderful program.

The Agnone experience truly challenged me and was a completely new learning experience, from breakfast chat, to lessons, excursions, and activities: all in the company of locals who could not speak to us in English, even had they wanted to!

Yes, it was sometimes very demanding – but amazing how confident I became after the initial immersive shock.

I can truly say I have never heard and spoken so much Italian in my life – a real change from a traditional language school with no real sustained opportunity to speak the language during the day…. This was great!

Non era una scuola di lingua, ma un programma integrato nella communità locale – per me ideale.

Non erano dieci giorni da turismo, ma un’opportunità di capire una città in modo diverso …stimolante e pieno di sorprese. Non ho smesso di parlarne ai miei amici e alla mia famiglia.

Ho portato via due lezione…1/leggere più libri in italiano e 2/studiare la grammatica!

Questa vacanza era un’esperienza indimenticabile per me. Grazie.

I really liked the accommodation with Luisa – a 12-minute walk a good way to start the day. Lessons with Simona and Silvia were a good contrast as they focussed on different things. Organised dinners and events with locals were a great opportunity to continue honing conversation skills.

Silvana is an absolute treasure – very knowledgeable, and so generous with her time. Loved the gnocchi making with Carlo!