Frequently Asked Questions
Why are your classes different from other institutions?
Unlike other places where class size can be as high as 20 people (15 being probably the average), we limit ours to 6. At the same time, we maintain prices that are very similar to our competition. As we want our students to have the best experience and results possible, we strive to make sure that students in a given group have a similar knowledge of the language. And, the instructor is always an experienced native speaker.
How long does it take to learn Italian?
There are two variables to consider when it comes to gauging the amount of time necessary: individual commitment and degree of fluency. Generally—and realistically—speaking, with a dozen hours of instruction a person is able to communicate essential needs and understand basic answers and expressions. After a year of regular instruction and study, the student should feel comfortable carrying on conversations with natives on most subject matters, although perhaps still utilizing a somewhat simple vocabulary. Many people wonder how long it takes to speak Italian as "beautifully" as the Italians do… Well, depending on individual predisposition, it could obviously take years, and several trips to
How do private classes compare to group sessions?
On average, an individual lesson costs three times more than a group class. As far as learning is concerned, from experience we can say that one hour of private instruction typically equals about three hours shared with a group. In other words, the two formats end up costing about the same comparing results.
If that is true, what is best for me?
Some people choose group sessions because they enjoy the social atmosphere and meeting new people. Others will opt for private lessons because their time is limited and cannot attend regularly twice a week or at set times. Or, their learning style is such that they achieve more from individual attention.
Do you assign homework?
Normally, yes. A student should do as much work at home as it is done in class. One hour in class should be complemented by at least another hour of work at home for optimum progress. However, we understand that many of our students are busy professionals and we do keep that in mind.
What can I do to improve my ability to understand spoken Italian?
A major problem for adults (linguistically, anybody over 14 or so) is the difficulty in identifying where one word ends and where the next one begins. Basically, two or more words are heard as one uninterrupted string of sounds.
Understanding a language is a skill like any other. The more exposure you get—listening to a native speaker in class, to CDs at home and in your car, to the radio over the internet—the more you are able to develop this ability of separating each word correctly. That is why it is crucial to hear Italian in class as much as possible.
Overall, it is a process that naturally takes time. Don't be frustrated by it.
How do I sign up for group classes?
Please send a check for the full amount of tuition to:
Nuovo Centro Italiano
340 15th Avenue E. Ste 300
Seattle, WA 98112
Please make the check out to "Nuovo Centro Italiano". We will hold on to the check until we are sure the class is a go. Please include your name and contact information (phone number and email address). We will keep you posted on the status of the class.
Kindly call ahead if you plan on just showing up the day of class to confirm that the class is starting as scheduled or if there are enough spots left.
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