The school

“Alce and the splendid city of Bologna are ready to give you a very warm welcome. Our centre here offers top quality teaching and a friendly learning environment. All in all, an experience we are sure you will treasure for life.”

Tell to a friend      Printing version

Who we are

ALCE is a school that specialises in teaching the Italian language to overseas students. It was founded in 1999 with the simple goal of providing students with a comprehensive educational and cultural experience, within a friendly and encouraging environment.

Each year we welcome students from all over the world and our wide range of italian courses is designed to meet their every need. Our teaching is sophisticated and uses multimedia technology, but one thing has and never will change and that is our insistence on the same high standards and the same warm welcome we gave when we started.

We work constantly to guarantee this and to maintain the quality on which our reputation is founded. By studying Italian in Italy you will learn the language far more effectively and quickly than you could at home. You will also have the chance to experience Italian lifestyle, make new friends from around the world, and develop your understanding of our increasingly inter-cultural world. ALCE brings all of these experiences together in educational programmes that are proven, effective and stimulating.

We are, and will always be, a traditional institution where you will be treated as an individual, not as a number, and where teachers and staff respect your commitment to your education and take pride in your achievements. We look forward to welcoming you to Bologna and on behalf of all the teachers and staff, I would like to invite you to join us this year.

Rossana Fulchini

(Principal)

 

 

Why learning Italian

Every year half a million students attend Italian language courses outside Italy, in every country throughout the world. Why?

Italian is a language of culture. Speaking Italian means having access not only to an extremely valuable literary heritage, essential to the history of Europe and to extremely precious humanistic and scientific texts, but also to Italian theatre, music, opera, cinema and television.

Italian is a language of study. Every year a number of students decide to attend our schools, universities, academies and libraries.

Italian is a language of work. Managers, investors, technicians, artisans and workers get in touch with Italy’s word of industry, craft and services, which crosses the borders of our country.

Speaking Italian will turn a visit to our country and its friendly and hospitable people, its artistic cities and its beautiful nature into a real pleasure.

^ top

IALC Quality Scheme and Code of Ethics

Ensuring excellence in private language schools

• IALC is an internationally recognised quality seal. tHE member schools are well-established, professional language-teaching institutions, which meet demanding quality standards through regular inspection, annual auditing and compliance with the IALC Code of Ethics.

• IALC schools are independent of large chains and mostly family-run institutions, where language learners and study travel agencies receive a high level of individual attention. Accessible school directors, qualified and experienced teaching staff and responsive, helpful support staff ensure excellent service and care.

All IALC language centres are accredited through the IALC Quality Scheme. The Scheme sets minimum requirements and standards in all areas of language school operation. Its foundation is the IALC Code of Ethics. The Code is updated regularly to meet changing consumer expectations and current best practice in international language schools. A central principle of the IALC Quality Scheme is continuous improvement.

A qualified IALC inspector visits each applicant language school and assesses thoroughly all aspects of its operation: curriculum, teaching, academic management, accommodation, general management, administration, finance, marketing, feedback and complaint procedures, etc.

All IALC language schools must respect the IALC Code of Ethics. Together with the Quality Scheme, the Code of Ethics forms the basis for the quality assurance of IALC language schools. It is based on best practice in the quality management of international language schools, from the employment of qualified teachers and provision of a structured curriculum to accurate publicity and full student support outside classes.

ALCE is now, proud full member of IALC

^ top

Video presentation

See our showcase; requires highspeed broadband connection and Windows Media player (.wmv format file) - 05:40 minutes. (we suggest >> right click >> zoom >> full screen). Enjoy it ! Buona visione !

>>> download the video presentation

See the videos on our Youtube channel:

1. video presentation

2. School, Classes, activities

3. The city: Bologna - english version

4. The city: Bologna - italian version

^ top

Affiliations and memberships

 

Alce is now full member of IALC: International Association of Language Centres. Only Quality Language Schools Worldwide
Alce is an official CILS EXAMINATION CENTRE, Authorized by Unistrasi - University for foreigners at Siena
Customer satisfacion Excellence Award 2010 Only the very best schools receive this Award (acknowledged by an independent organization) to certify that superior customer satisfaction
We are full member of ALTO, the Association of Language Travel Organisations,
and WYSE the World Youth Student & Educational Travel Confederation
ALCE is recognized by CSN, the official Swedish scholarship agency. Swedish students can obtain a grantfor studying our Italian courses in Bologna
BILDUNGSURLAUB Germans can apply for our Bildungsurlaub recognized courses.
We are associated to the Italian language and culture promoting association EDUITALIA

^ top

Why study with us?

• A great city in a wonderful location

• Very easy to reach (international airport and railway station)

• The main railroad junction in Italy (therefore it is crossed by all the main national and international lines)

• Close to the main cities of Art (Florence, Venice, Milan, Verona, Ravenna, Mantova, Ferrara ...)

• A medium-sized school (2 buildings with 13 confortable classrooms)

• A language institute that is open all year-round (50 weeks)

• An official CILS examination centre

• Good opportunities to meet Italian people

• A relaxed and friendly learning atmosphere

• Individual attention in the classroom

• Open door policy to address any student problem or question

• Small classes (average 3/5, maximum 8)

• The right course to suit your age and your needs

• An academic system structured to ensure all weak points are identified and dealt with effectively

• A wide selection of resources including up-to-date books, CD's and multimedia materials

• Weekly student assessments

• A quality accommodation (apartments and homestay) experience guaranteed

^ top

Our Methods

Our aim is to help you learn quickly and effectively. To achieve this we teach in a direct and communicative manner, in Italian from the very first day, using the most advanced methods and the most dynamic and interactive techniques.

All aspects of the language are covered with an emphasis on speaking and listening.

As well as teaching Italian we also organise social and cultural activities to help make communication easier in normal everyday situations. The learning process focuses entirely on your needs as a student, your way of learning, and the classroom activities you like best.

At ALCE we know that the best place to learn a language is in the country where it is spoken, as there you are in direct contact with local people. This is why we encourage you to take part in the various cultural and social exchange activities we organise with our Italian and international students.

At ALCE in Bologna we offer you all this and much, much more.

^ top

Our Teachers

Our teachers are all native speaker language graduates . In this way we guarantee a high standard of teaching. Our teachers are used to different learning styles and are well aware of the need for flexible teaching methods, especially with classes of mixed age, nationality and motivation. Improving a student's communication skills involves working on linguistic goals and socio-cultural adaptation, developing learning and communication strategies, emphasizing sentence coherence and cohesion, and focusing on meaning first, and then structure. We encourage our students to avoid simply imitating structures and to express themselves through their own linguistic creativity.

^ top

Social Programme and student services

The social programme is organised directly by the school's Director, assisted by the Activities Coordinator and by the teachers in the school. Most of these activities are included in the course fee and are completely FREE.

>>> Download November Calendar of social activities

Some activities require a charge for admission, tickets and/or transport. These are organized on a pay-as-you-go basis. Our activities offer an ideal opportunity to explore the city and surroundings and to meet new friends. The programme differs in focus from educational to cultural, fun to inspirational. All events are supervised and accompanied by our staff and we strongly encourage the partecipation: this helps and accelerates yor Italian language learning.

The Social Programme is changed every four weeks so that students staying for longer periods will not have to repeat specific activities. All students are given a copy of the Social Programme planned for the following 4-week period when they arrive.

Cultural and social activities arranged by the school on a regular basis include:

 

	Italian Cinema (maxi screen in Sala Dante, at school)
	Guided walking tours of Bologna (different and various itineraries): Medieval city centre and its streets "i portici" and San Luca the Churchs and the monuments Bologna "sotterranea" - underground waterways and hidden attractions
	"Exchange evenings" at which students can meet and talk with some of our other italian students who are learning English, French, Spanish or German in the school
	Guided visits to Museums and Galleries (Civico Medioevale, Archeologico, Collezioni Comunali d'Arte, Pinacoteca Nazionale ..)
	Cooking classes with professional chef >>> check the programme
	Dinner out at typical restaurant
	Video Film and "castagne arrosto"
	Welcome, summer and Christmas parties
	Trivial Pursuit in Italian, quiz night
	Wine tasting session >>> check the programme
	Ice skating (Pattinaggio)
	BBQ ("la grigliata")
	Tea and Hot Chocolate afternoon with table games

 

We also organise half and full-day excursions to towns and places of interest outside Bologna. These excursions are organised once or twice a month during the whole year (even more in the summer months):

• Ferrara

• Ravenna

• Mantova

• Verona

• San Marino

• Dozza

• Parma

• Firenze

• Venezia

• Perugia e Assisi

• Orvieto

• Siena

• Padova

The historical, artistic and cultural heritage of Italy has been long considered the pride and joy of this nation. Nowhere else in the world can boast the same archaeological and artistic treasures as Italy. Your time at ALCE is therefore the perfect opportunity to discover the infinite natural and cultural riches of a nation that is always ready to welcome tourists. Cities of artistic importance, museums, art galleries – traces of the past can be found throughout the Italian peninsula. Unexpected surprises await all travellers, especially those who are willing to venture off the beaten track of the more popular tourist attractions.

 

^ top

Welfare and student services

We’re here to provide you with information, advice and guidance to help you enjoy the best study abroad experience possible. Don't hexitate to ask us. We'll be glad to support you for any evenience or need.

STUDENT CARD

 

At the commencement of each language course, students are issued with a Student Card. Students will receive their personal card on the first day of their course, on receipt of 1 passport-sized photos. The Student Card serves as a membership card to the institute (valid for one year) which entitles holders to use all school facilities:

 

• INTERNET POINT (free access at Alce 1 and Alce 2) + Wi-fi connection

• BICYCLE HIRE

• BOOK, CD & DVD LOANS

• MOBILE PHONE RENTAL

• FAX, PRINTING & PHOTOCOPYING SERVICES

• HEALTH INSURANCE

• TRANSLATION SERVICE

• DIDACTIC MATERIAL LOANS

Main budget services for our international students

 

	Italian Basic Health Insurance: Students are advised to take out medical and personal insurance before leaving their home country. Moreover, students are also advised to insure themselves against loss of fees through non-arrival, absence for any reason, or unforeseen termination of their courses. Alce can also arrange your insurance (quality but budget) with one leading european Company. >>> read the details
	Bike Hire : Bologna is the ideal place to be visited by bike. We have some new city bikes (for men and women) available for our students. Low cost rent service.>>> read the details
	Mobile Phone Our professional partner offesr phones for sale or to rent. Our wireless device packages include a wireless phone, a SIM card for the desired home service area of travel, a battery and charger suitable for use in that country or region. Ordering a phone will provide reliability, security and the priceless reassurance of always being in touch with home and the office. >>> read the details

^ top

The staff

The Principal: Rossana Fulchini. Course Director. Economy with Project Master graduated at Asunciòn University, has created and grown A.l.c.e, primary as a school of european languages in Bologna since 1999, than as international study abroad agency.

Her greatest pleasure in working at ALCE is seeing the progress that students make during their stay and knowing that teachers and staff have helped them to achieve this."

She says: "this is not simply a work, but a stimulating and rewardyng life style"

 

 

The registrar and welfare officer: Jorge Wannis. Before you come to Bologna our Student Advisors will answer any questions you have and help you with your booking. Once you are in Bologna they can help you with any problems you have or any advice you need. Jorge is the first "interface", who is in charge to listen to any needs and concerns of the students on a day to day basis As ALCE is a medium size family run school, each and every member of staff (including the school Director, and the manager of international admissions) is committed to the wellbeing of the students, creating and maintaining a friendly and encouraging environment.

 

 

The Co-Director of Studies: Agnese Cattaneo. Graduate in languages and literature, has a Master in “Didattica e Promozione della Lingua e Cultura italiane a stranieri (ITALS) ” and years of experience in teaching Italian to overseas students. Our academic system is structured to ensure all weak points are identified and dealt with effectively. Students progress through levels through the satisfactory completion of a previous level of study.

 

 

 

 

 

The accommodation officer: Maria Pasquali carefully selects suitable host families and apartments for you. The ALCE Director of International Admissions takes a strong personal interest in the quality and suitability of all accommodation options offered to students. As a result, regular inspection visits are made to each premises to ensure that the high standards that the school demands are met for each and every new student. Student feedback also serves as an invaluable tool in monitoring the quality of accommodation and of the level of student satisfaction.

 

 

^ top

 

 

 

Where we are

We are ideally located, on the main bus rutes. Medieval historic centre is just 500 metres by foot.

 

Localize us on google map; click here >>>

 

Easy and fast connections to railway station and airport.

The G. Marconi airport was born in 1963. Its aim is to give dynamic, effective and flexible contribute to the Italian economical development by offering a service which is competitive and at the highest levels of European standards.

Is situated 5 kilometres from the city centre. Many national and international flights are scheduled

How to get here ???

 

 

^ top

Quality Italian Language School in Bologna
Learn Italian, Discover Italian Art and Culture, Experience the difference. Italian courses in Bologna