The Standard format is the most direct way to learn Italian in Italy: 20 in-class lessons per week, every week, six CEFR levels, with small groups and a consistent full-time classroom rhythm. It is also the simplest format for the study-visa narrative — when a consulate asks how many hours you study per week, "20 in-class lessons" is the cleanest answer.
How the format works
20 in-class lessons per week
Morning sessions, Monday to Friday. The structure that international Italian schools have used for decades because it works for full-time language acquisition.
Six levels, A1 to C2
From absolute beginner to advanced proficiency. We test your level before placement; you move up when you are ready, not when the calendar says so.
Small groups
Class size kept small enough that every student talks every day. If you wanted to sit in a lecture hall, you would have stayed home.
Weekly start dates
For most levels, you can start any Monday. Beginner levels (A1) follow scheduled cohort start dates — ask us for the next one.
Who Standard is for
Standard is right for you if you have your days free to study (no full-time job during morning hours), you want the most straightforward study-visa documentation, and you want the fastest measurable progression. Most of our 4–24 week students choose Standard. Most students on a 3+ month study visa also choose Standard.
If you have work or family commitments that prevent a full-time morning schedule, consider Light — same documented commitment, more flexibility, lower price.
How Standard combines with long-term planning
Standard is the engine of our long-term programs. A 3-month long-term program is essentially Standard run for 12 weeks; a 12-month program is Standard run across an academic year with level progression and CILS preparation built in.
Where to take Standard
Talk to us
Tell us your starting level, your target dates, and your goal (CILS exam? university enrolment? professional fluency?). We respond with a concrete Standard plan and which city fits.