Master Class (over 45) course

A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee

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Course description

This is a course aimed at students over the age of 45. Lessons (which take place in small groups of 3 - 8 students) are designed for learning everyday Italian with a greater focus on spoken language than on grammar and written work. Teachers are aware of the specific needs of older students, of their different learning speeds, and their greater interest in the cultural aspects of Italian, such as customs, festivals, history and literature. The courses last for two weeks with 4 hours of General Italian a day and a specific programme of specially-designed activities and excursions for the over45s. The course programme includes being picked up from Bolognam airport, a welcome drink, 20 lessons a week and a wide range of cultural activities for two days a week, including Italian cookery courses and wine testing sessions. The cost of the course includes entrance to all museums, an evening at the theatre, dinner with the teacher, and a day trips. We are also happy to make reservations at hotels or “Agriturismo” farm accommodation for you.

Course topics

Listening, Speaking, Pronunciation, Reading, Writing, Vocabulary, Grammar and Activities

Class schedule

Course duration
2 weeks
Classes per week
20 lessons per week (each lesson lasts 60 min)
Class days
Monday - Friday
School holidays
16 Dec 2024 - 06 Jan 2025

A.L.C.E. does not hold classes on the holiday dates above. The school does not compensate for these holidays, so make sure to choose your start date accordingly.

Class times

You can choose from the following class times:

Morning session
09:00 AM - 01:15 PM

Class schedule may change depending on availability and season.

Class level

Elementary
Pre-intermediate
Intermediate
High intermediate
You will take a placement test on your first day to determine your class level. You may also take this test before your arrival in Bologna.

Class size

Average 4 students
Maximum 8 students

Student age

Age range 45 years old and older
Average 50 years old

Certificate

A certificate of completion will be issued at the end of the course.
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Photos

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  • Classroom at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee 21/47
  • Students of A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee 22/47
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  • Classroom at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee 28/47
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  • Classroom at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee 34/47
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  • Activities offered at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee 37/47
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  • Classroom at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee 39/47
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reviews

Reviews

92% recommend

based on 12 reviews
5 stars
6
4 stars
5
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
1
Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing

"Very pleasant and positive experience"

Diégo AGUEROS, student from France

It's been all right. The agency that organized my stay in Bologna, the school and the teachers and the family where I stayed. At school everything was very well organized, very punctual and friendly. Very good level of teaching from the teachers, very pedagogical and friendly.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
9 Oct 2023 - 20 Oct 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great Teachers"

Michael Alexiou, student from USA

I loved my classmates, I really liked my teachers. The housing was great, but I did have a problem with the host family. Activities were difficult; they were beyond my language level. I also feel that I was placed into a class a bit more difficult for me than those students around me. That being said, my teachers were very patient and good.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
11 Sep 2023 - 22 Sep 2023
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A great way to improve your Italian"

Caroline Turnbull, student from UK

The school is ideally located in the old town, within easy walking distance of the main sights. The teachers were great - Francesca taught us grammar and Christiana did conversation. We spoke Italian the whole time. Francesca accompanied us on the excursions and is a walking encyclopedia! We had a cookery lesson, which was great fun, and a wine tasting which was very interesting as we learned how to taste wine properly.

Although I signed up for the "Master class", there was a mixture of ages in the class and the lessons were not really tailored to the older age group. The grammar was too easy for me - it was level B1 and I am taking a class at level B2 in the UK. However, I felt that my spoken Italian improved a lot and I now feel more confident about speaking.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
12 Sep 2022 - 23 Sep 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Great classes and activities"

Tomi Cunningham, student from USA

Great classes. Location easily accessible by bus routes. Lots of extra afternoon activities. Diverse group of students. Wonderful experience.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
12 Sep 2022 - 23 Sep 2022
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"It was mind-opening and life-changing."

Aude Bex, student from Belgium

It was really well organized and there were a lot of activities 4 meeting the other people !
The classes were especially efficient as the groups were small and the teachers were always helping us to improve.
Moreover, living in the bilbo apartment was great and it was really fun to be with our classmates after the lessons.
Thank you for this experience. Aude

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Date of study
6 Sep 2021 - 10 Sep 2021
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Educational"

Thais Vianna, student from Brazil

The school is very well located in Bologna, near the town center and more importantly near the school apartments. The school has a very able body of teachers, each of them had very good teaching methods and a lot of patience with the studies, i can sure say that I've learned a lot. it was also very interesting that the school offered some extra courses, helped a lot with the learning experience. The organization on itself was a little not organized and we experienced some difficulties in the apartments, (such as broken over or toilets) which were solved but with delay. But overall it was a great experience and i would definitely recommend.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
12 weeks
Date of study
6 May 2019 - 2 Aug 2019
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Luca, Director at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee responded to this review.
22 August 2019

Dear Thais
Many thanks for your feed back !
We put all our efforts in order to ensure a great experience as we always have done

"Great experience, everything well organised...I wouldn't hesitate to book it again. Grazie mille Manuela e Olga!"

Veronika Kuna, student from Austria

Great experience, everything well organised...I wouldn't hesitate to book it again. Grazie mille Manuela e Olga!

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
2 weeks
Date of study
2 Apr 2018 - 20 Apr 2018
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"Negative"

Ekaterina Vashchenkova, student from Russia

I took a course at this school, but at the end of the course I have not been given a certificate for three weeks already, which I really need. I went to school - they said they would send it to the post office - they did not send it. I wrote it myself - except for promises nothing was received. One negative. Indifference from the school. Money received - the rest is not important. Very disappointing. I do not advise you to contact this institution.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
10 Jul 2017 - 14 Jul 2017
Would you recommend this school?
No
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Luca Armaroli, Director at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee responded to this review.
08 August 2018

I'm afraid to read your commnt, which honestly doesn't correspond to reality
We issue a certificate of attendance to ALL students enrolled in our school
When you finished the course you were in a hurry and the administrative staff just told you that it would have taken a little bit (half an hour) to get it
Not only; we issue a personalized and detailed report filled by our teachers which contains rating and opinion on every educational field
Feel free to come at school to get it

"It was a good experience"

Attila Barbosa, student from Brazil

I am so busy right now. Everything was good: teachers, location, facilities and housing.

The location of the school and housing is excellent.

I can recommend to everyone.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
29 Aug 2016 - 9 Sep 2016
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A.L.C.E. is super to learn the Italian language."

Zenro Nihei, student from Japan

The teachers were very friendly and enthusiastic. In the afternoon, the additional courses were open and some activities were provided. I enjoyed the course, as well as the city tour with one of the teachers and some friends.

A.L.C.E. is not located in the center of the town, but is not in an inconvenient place. There are a lot of bars near the school, so I was able to spend a nice time having breakfast before the class, though the entrance was not open early in the morning.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Date of study
14 Sep 2015 - 18 Sep 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.

"A beautiful experience"

Huguette HEINIS, student from France

For a first time experience, I was very pleased with the welcoming and availability of the entire team. The atmosphere was friendly, and the teachers were competent and attentive to the difficulties encountered by pupils. I stayed for 2 weeks, but I have gained fluency of the language and have progressed in the lexical field. We worked almost without realizing it. Congratulations to the entire team.

Although I was much older than the average student, I always felt at ease and perfectly integrated. Bologna is a lovely city. The school offered a cooking activity. They were very friendly as were the tours.

I was hosted at the Frodo House which was located close to the school and well-served by public transport.

I would recommend this school for sure.

Huguette

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
27 Jul 2015 - 7 Aug 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Lucas Armaroli, co-director at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee responded to this review.
28 August 2015

Merci Huguette
Thank you for your kind words
Hope to see you again here in Bologna another time
au revoir

"For me, this was a very good total immersion program and A.L.C.E. was extremely supportive and accommodating."

Eugene Creany, student from USA

The level of course work was very demanding and I had to work very hard every day and night. I probably could have started at a lower level but the course I was in pushed me to catch up. I signed up for an optional one-to-one tutoring to assist me in keeping up. The instructors were excellent, and the variation of courses through the day and through the two weeks were well balanced. I opted for in-home housing and it was really great in terms of proximity to the school, and the woman who housed me was very kind and helpful in both advice on Bologna and in coaching me on some points of the language. I am very satisfied with the A.L.C.E. experience.

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My ratings for this school

Quality of teaching
School facilities
Social activities
School location
Housing
Duration of study
1 week
Date of study
18 May 2015 - 29 May 2015
Would you recommend this school?
Yes
This is a verified review. This student has booked a course at this school through Language International.
Lucas Armaroli, co-director at A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee responded to this review.
28 August 2015

Thank you Eugenie for your feedback
Our students opinions are important and at the same time rewarding
One thing that 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 are proud to be appreciated as a school committed to academic excellence
It was a pleasure to have had you here as our student and guest
Luca

housing

Housing

A.L.C.E. offers the following housing types:
homestay

Homestay - Single-person room - No meals

S$ 281
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Bologna
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, tV room, heating, and 24/7 supervision
Distance to school: 5 - 10 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 12:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
S$ 281
All of our host families are carefully selected and are checked regularly. This option includes half-board (breakfast and lunch or dinner) or self-catering (only use of kitchen). Students eat a main meal with the family and are therefore brought naturally into contact with everyday Italian life. Cleaning and laundry services are included.

Homestay - Single-person room - Breakfast and dinner

S$ 411
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: different
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, tV room, and heating
Distance to school: 5 - 35 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 12:00 PM
Check-out: Saturday, before 12:00 PM
S$ 411
All of our host families are carefully selected and are checked regularly. This option includes half-board (breakfast and lunch or dinner) or self-catering (only use of kitchen). Students eat a main meal with the family and are therefore brought naturally into contact with everyday Italian life. Cleaning and laundry services are included.

Homestay - 2-person shared room - No meals - 2 students must book together

S$ 225
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: different
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, tV room, heating, and 24/7 supervision
Distance to school: 5 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
S$ 225
All of our host families are carefully selected and are checked regularly. This option includes half-board (breakfast and lunch or dinner) or self-catering (only use of kitchen). Students eat a main meal with the family and are therefore brought naturally into contact with everyday Italian life. Cleaning and laundry services are included.

Homestay - 2-person shared room - Breakfast and dinner - 2 students must book together

S$ 328
weekly
Age range: 17 years old and older
Location: different
Housing type: Homestay
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast and dinner (14 meals per week)
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, tV room, heating, and 24/7 supervision
Distance to school: 5 - 30 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
S$ 328
All of our host families are carefully selected and are checked regularly. This option includes half-board (breakfast and lunch or dinner) or self-catering (only use of kitchen). Students eat a main meal with the family and are therefore brought naturally into contact with everyday Italian life. Cleaning and laundry services are included.
student-residence

Bilbo / Frodo / Gandalf House - Student residence - Double room - No meals

S$ 243
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: Viale Carducci 34, Bologna 40125, Italy
Location: In the city center of Bologna
Housing type: Student residence (off-campus)
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, air conditioning, and heating
Distance to school: 5 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
Restriction: 2 students must book together
S$ 243
Bilbo House is the only accommodation option managed directly by ALCE and it is a perfect solution for students who wish to live
more independently, yet being part of a “family” group of international students (Italians included). The Bilbo House accommodation
consists of two different apartments, both less than a five minute walk away from the school. Centrally situated, both apartments are
within walking distance to the famous shopping streets of Bologna, the most beautiful city park, the Giradini Margherita is only few
hundred metres away, a perfect spot for recreation activities or simply to relax and enjoy the luscious greens.
Bilbo House apartments contain 8 bedrooms in total and include following facilities:
 fully equipped kitchen
 shared bathroom and toilet
 washing machine (free of charge)
 common area (an open space living /dining area)
 Wi-Fi (free of charge)

Bilbo / Frodo / Gandalf House - Student residence - Single-person room - No meals

S$ 289
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Address: Viale Carducci 34, Bologna 40125, Italy
Location: In the city center of Bologna
Housing type: Student residence
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, air conditioning, and heating
Distance to school: 5 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, after 11:00 AM
Check-out: Saturday, before 11:00 AM
S$ 289
Bilbo House is the only accommodation option managed directly by ALCE and it is a perfect solution for students who wish to live
more independently, yet being part of a “family” group of international students (Italians included). The Bilbo House accommodation
consists of two different apartments, both less than a five minute walk away from the school. Centrally situated, both apartments are
within walking distance to the famous shopping streets of Bologna, the most beautiful city park, the Giradini Margherita is only few
hundred metres away, a perfect spot for recreation activities or simply to relax and enjoy the luscious greens.
Bilbo House apartments contain 8 bedrooms in total and include following facilities:
 fully equipped kitchen
 shared bathroom and toilet
 washing machine (free of charge)
 common area (an open space living /dining area)
 Wi-Fi (free of charge)
apartment

Private apartment - 2-person shared room - No meals

S$ 517
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Private apartment
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 517
We can organise the rental of one bedroom or two bedroom apartments located in the city centre, 400 metres from the school. These apartments are available for a 2 week minimum.

Private apartment - Single-person room - No meals

S$ 639
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Housing type: Private apartment
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: No meals
Facilities: Kitchen, laundry, and heating
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 639
We can organise the rental of one bedroom or two bedroom apartments located in the city centre, 400 metres from the school. These apartments are available for a 2 week minimum. From 270 euros per week.
hotel

3-star hotel - Single-person room - Breakfast (PRICES ON DEMAND)

S$ 532
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Bologna
Housing type: 3-star hotel
Room type: Single-person room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, air conditioning, heating, 24/7 supervision, and garden
Distance to school: 15 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
S$ 532
The classic solution to your accommodation needs at a slightly higher price. A high standard of cleanliness and comfort is guaranteed.. We have agreement with quality hotel at walking distance from the school.

Since the price of hotels varies depending on the time of the year, we cannot guarantee a fixed price for accommodation in hotels. Please get in touch with one of our student advisors to check the availability.

3-star hotel - 2-person shared room - Breakfast - 2 students must book together (PRICES ON DEMAND)

S$ 745
weekly
Age range: 18 years old and older
Location: In the city center of Bologna
Housing type: 3-star hotel
Room type: 2-person shared room
Board type: Breakfast (7 meals per week)
Facilities: Private bathroom, laundry, telephone, wireless internet, free internet, tV room, air conditioning, heating, 24/7 supervision, and garden
Distance to school: 15 - 20 minutes by walk
Availability: January - December
Check-in: Sunday, anytime
Check-out: Saturday, anytime
Restriction: 2 students must book together
S$ 745
The classic solution to your accommodation needs at a slightly higher price. A high standard of cleanliness and comfort is guaranteed.. We have agreement with quality hotel at walking distance from the school.

Since the price of hotels varies depending on the time of the year, we cannot guarantee a fixed price for accommodation in hotels. Please get in touch with one of our student advisors to check the availability.
visa

Visa support

We cannot apply for visas on behalf of students. However, the school can supply you with all the documentation you need to support your visa application.

Your letter of acceptance will be sent to your home address by regular mail at no charge to you. If you wish to receive your paperwork by express mail, you will be charged 50 € when you register.

Flights and airport transfer

Please note that we do not book flights for our students. If you are researching airfare costs, we recommend using Kayak.com, a search engine that lets you compare flight options from your home country to Bologna based on your budget, schedule and preferences.

Travel insurance

Study abroad worry-free with Language International's health and personal effects insurance coverage. When you book a course with us, you can opt to purchase an international insurance plan that covers not only your health care cost but also loss of your personal belongings. You must book your insurance in advance when you register.

Learn more about our insurance plan »

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questions

Questions and answers

Have questions? Get answers from A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee staff, Language International student advisors, and past students.

Ask a question

"What is the minimum number of students you required to run the Master Class course?"

Dyan Test, student from USA
Luca Armaroli, A.L.C.E. Accademia Lingue e Culture Europee school representative

We run the Master class when we have a minimum number of 4 students enroled.

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