Type of course

The course can be taught in-person or online. At 'timetable & registration' you find an overview of our courses.

In a classroom course, the teacher and all students are present in the classroom. To be able to participate online, you are advised to use a headset with microphone.To check that everything is working properly, please use: Quick Tech Check.

It is not possible to switch between courses once the course has started.

Course description

All basic skills are covered: speaking, listening, writing and reading. You will learn approximately 1500 high frequency words with the help of reading and listening texts. The course also makes use of additional materials, including videos. In the lessons you will practice conversation on the basis of these texts. Course participants are expected to prepare the lessons at home. Per lesson you should count on a preparation time of approximately two hours. You will also learn to apply basic grammar.

Once you have completed the course you will be able to converse on various topics of a personal and cultural nature, to read simple articles, to deal with situations occurring while travelling, and to hold a short presentation about your study or work.

You will reach level A1.2 (livello intermedio) according to the Common European Framework.

The course is completed with a written test. If you attend 80% of the lessons and successfully complete the final test you will be awarded a certificate.

Course material

• Mezzadri e.a., Nuovo Rete! A1. Corso multimediale di italiano per stranieri (tekstboek). Guerra Edizioni. ISBN 9788855702447.

The course material is not included in the registration fee. Course participants are required to purchase course materials themselves.

Target group and admission requirements

The course is intended for adults with a higher education, including both Leiden University students and staff members and other interested parties with no relation to the University. The course is open to persons aged 17 and older who have completed a secondary school education. Knowledge of the Italian language is not required for enrolment in this course. It is a beginners course.

Other information

• The maximum number of participants for an online course is 16 and for a classroom course is 18.
• The course load is 112 hours. On request a Course load declaration form can be issued. The student should enquire with their department whether course participation can be converted into credits.
• The holiday periods can be found in the Academic Language Centre's academic calendar.
• If classes are cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances, they will be added on to the end of the course. Please take into account courses may end later than scheduled.
• The course level is indicated with the help of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages.