Courses for Travelers

1. Courses & Trips

Our school’s goal is to expose students to an authentic immersion into the Italian Culture. With our “Discover a region” Courses here in Bethesda, our native instructors will lead you through a virtual tour of their region. These introductory courses will give you the tools to learn more and appreciate its beauty…and flavour.

Then, we suggest a Trip, through our contacts in Italy, or the local tour operators that we trust, to offer you the possibility to experience the country as an insider. Participants will interact with selected local contacts, who will speak in Italian or in English and will lead the traveler through history, archeology, art, traditions, gastronomy, and the natural beauty of their region, with a warm welcome.

Offers for SPRING and SUMMER 2026:

* DISCOVER SARDEGNA (in English) – You will learn the geography, history, traditions, food, and more of one of the most breathtaking destinations in the world: Sardinia! Get the tools you need to be an insider rather than just a tourist. 3 weeks: May 28-June 11 Thu. 6:00-8:00pm (online) with Laura Loddo Moticka

* DISCOVER SICILY, THE ISLAND OF A THOUSAND FACES (B2-C2) – You will explore the rich cultural heritage of Sicily through its art, architecture, literature, history, and gastronomy. This course offers an engaging journey through the island’s diverse traditions and influences, from ancient civilizations to contemporary Sicilian culture. 5 weeks (10 hours): July 10th-August 7th (In Italian/English) Fri. 12:00-2:00pm (online) with Mariangela Rodilosso

* BORGHI E ISOLE D’ITALIA (B1-C2) NEW! ASYNCHRONOUS MINI-COURSES:

• BORGHI in Italian with subtitles in Italian or in English: two recordings of 2:30 hours  
• ISOLE in Italian with subtitles in Italian or in English: two recordings of 2:30 hours 

Discover hidden treasures like Volterra, Casale Monferrato, Schilpario and the Valle di Scalve, and the islands of Procida, Elba, and Tremiti — places shaped by our ancestors, still rich in history, authenticity, and pristine beauty.

These courses will explore the history of these multifaceted settlements, from the Alps to the South, through engaging video content and interviews with local administrators and associations.

Cristina Loglio, a renowned expert in cultural promotion, Council member of the Touring Club Italiano, and former advisor to the Italian Minister of Culture, will guide this fascinating exploration.

Enroll through the link below to access the recorded mini-courses (in Italian, with Italian or English subtitles).
Learn at your own pace and get ready for an hour of live Q&A sessions with Cristina Loglio on a date t.b.d. with the instructor.

(Select the name of the instructor Cristina Loglio to find your class more easily)

2. Immersion Course for Travelers.

This 16-hour course will prepare you to find your way around Italy and enjoy interacting with its people. It focuses on real, practical situations in daily life, employing a variety of  learning materials and videos. Minimum of 8 students required, or course will meet for 13 hrs. instead of 16 hrs.

When:  Saturday & Sunday, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Learn how to: introduce yourself, go through customs formalities, take public transportation (taxi, bus, train), ask for directions, make hotel reservations, order at a restaurant, rent a car, refill your tank, buy train tickets, postcards, stamps, inquire about prices for food, arts and crafts, souvenirs, clothing, and shoes!

Grammatical points: Articles: definite/indefinite, Nouns: gender/number, Adjectives: possessive/qualitative, Prepositions,Verbs: present/simple past/commands

Material & Methods: Role-playing, Handouts, Songs and Videos.

(Filter by Semester “Immersion Course for Travelers 2026” to find this program easily)