The Italian Language Program (ILP)
The “Pride” of the Italian Cultural Society.
The Italian Language Program, founded in 1974 with contributions from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supports the primary mission of the Italian Cultural Society of Washington, DC namely: “the promotion and diffusion of Italian Language and Culture.”
We are the leading private language school in the metropolitan area, focused on educating a growing learning community of adults, teenagers and children.
Beginners with no previous knowledge of Italian should register for Beginners 1 (A1). Learners with previous knowledge of Italian can identify their level from the following definitions of the CEFR, and contact us at [email protected] or at the (301) 215-7885 to determine which course is appropriate for them.
The curricula of our language classes are designed in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The CEFR is an internationally recognized framework that describes 6 levels of language ability from A1 for beginners up to C2 for those who have mastered a language. The CEFR is used by organizations all over the world as a reliable benchmark of language ability.
Most of our courses at our headquarters or online.
—> In 2018 we started the ILP Virginia Chapter, with courses for adults and children. Now, courses for children take place in:
– Green Acres Center, 4401 Sideburn Rd, Fairfax, VA 22030 (5-7 yrs old and Elementary school children.) See Programs for Kids & Teens: –>
– Cortona Academy School, 13505 Dulles Technology Dr Suite 3, Herndon, VA 20171. Beginner level started December 1st 2022 for 10 weeks. New session will start in March (dates TBD)
- Middle school and High School Thu. 3:50-5:20 (Text book: Espresso Ragazzi 1) – free
- Adults Thu. 5:30-7:30 (Text book: Nuovo Contatto A1) – $350
Winter courses for adults will start January 9th
Each course is designed around the needs and interests of the participants. Culture is an essential part of the courses from the beginner levels, and advanced students can deepen their knowledge of History, Literature, Cinema, Opera, Art, Food, Travel, and much more. We recently added Latin classes, and other cultural classes in English.
Which Level Is Right for You?
Level A1 - Beginner
Listening
Can understand basic instructions or take part in a basic factual conversation on a predictable topic.
Reading
Can understand basic notices, instructions or information.
Writing
Can complete basic forms, and write notes including times, dates and places.
Level A2 - Elementary
Listening
Can express simple opinions or requirements in a familiar context.
Reading
Can understand straightforward information within a known area, such as on products and signs and simple textbooks or reports on familiar matters.
Writing
Can complete forms and write short simple letters or postcards related to personal information.
Level B1 - Pre-Intermediate
Listening
Can express opinions on abstract/cultural matters in a limited way or offer advice within a known area, and understand instructions or public announcements.
Reading
Can understand routine information and articles, and the general meaning of non-routine information within a familiar area.
Writing
Can write letters or make notes on familiar or predictable matters.
Level B2 - Intermediate
Listening
Can follow or give a talk on a familiar topic or keep up a conversation on a fairly wide range of topics.
Reading
Can scan texts for relevant information, and understand detailed instructions or advice.
Writing
Can make notes while someone is talking or write a letter including non-standard requests.
Level C1 - Advanced
Listening
Can contribute effectively to meetings and seminars within own area of work or keep up a casual conversation with a good degree of fluency, coping with abstract expressions.
Reading
Can read quickly enough to cope with an academic course, to read the media for information or to understand non-standard correspondence.
Writing
Can prepare/draft professional correspondence, take reasonably accurate notes in meetings or write an essay which shows an ability to communicate.
Level C2 - Native Speaker
Listening
Can advise on or talk about complex or sensitive issues, understanding colloquial references and dealing confidently with hostile questions.
Reading
Can understand documents, correspondence and reports, including the finer points of complex texts.
Writing
Can write letters on any subject and full notes of meetings or seminars with good expression and accuracy.
Featured Adult Courses
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Beginner Language Courses
$350.00 -
Elementary Language Courses
$350.00 -
Intermediate Language Courses
$350.00 -
Advanced Language & Culture Courses
$350.00 -
Weekend Immersion
$230.00 -
Diction for Classical Singers & Postcards from the Opera (A1-B2)
$210.00 -
Roman History
$140.00 -
Discover Italian Wine: History and Tasting
$150.00 -
Exploring Italy’s Regional Food & Wine
$150.00 -
Discover Liguria: history, food and wine
$120.00 -
Italian Tutorials – 5 Hours
$350.00 -
Discover Emilia Romagna
$200.00
(Not sure if a class is for you? You can try it out by purchasing a Drop-In.)