The Italian Language Program (ILP) GIFT CARD
Click the button PURCHASE, selecting the amount/choice of course, then send an email to [email protected] to redeem your gift card, specifying if you want the physical card to be picked up at the ICS, or the digital version.
The Italian Language Program (ILP)
The “Pride” of the Italian Cultural Society.
Founded in 1974 with support from the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation through the Embassy of Italy, the Italian Language Program (ILP) is the premier center for Italian language education in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area.
As an ENTE GESTORE e PROMOTORE della lingua e cultura italiana, our mission is to expand the presence of the Italian language in American schools—public and private—and to promote Italian culture among families, adults, teens, and children across the U.S. We work closely with the Education Office of the Embassy of Italy, ensuring the highest quality standards in Italian language instruction.
Today, the ILP is recognized as one of the leading Italian language school in the United States, serving a vibrant and growing community of learners of all ages and levels. Whether you are just beginning your language journey or continuing your studies, our program offers expert instructors, a structured curriculum, and an immersive cultural experience.
Find Your Italian Level
Beginners with no prior Italian should enroll in Beginner 1 (A1).
Students with previous study can determine their level using the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). Learn about the objective and outcome regarding each level.
The CEFR is an internationally recognized standard used to measure language proficiency across six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2 (mastery). Our full curriculum is aligned with CEFR guidelines to ensure consistent progress and clear learning objectives. You can explore the CEFR level descriptions for Italian further down on this page.
The curriculum of our language classes is designed in accordance with the CEFR. It includes:
– Beginners 1,2,3 (or Beginners 1 and 2 Intensive for Spanish, French, Portuguese speakers – or for those who studied Italian in the past, and want to start from the beginning at a fastest pace) – Level A1
– Elementary 1,2,3 – Level A2
– Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate 1,2 – Level B1
– Intermediate 3,4, Pre Advanced – Level B2
– Advanced (several levels) – Level C1, C2
Read the content of each course.
Detailed syllabi are given at the beginning of class.
Most of our courses take place at our headquarters or online.
–> In 2018 we started the ILP Virginia Chapter
with courses for adults & children,
Why Study Italian at ICS?
Expert Native Instructors
All classes are taught by highly qualified, native-speaking Italian instructors with extensive teaching experience and deep knowledge of Italian culture.
Small Class Sizes & Personalized Learning
Limited class sizes ensure individual attention and meaningful interaction, helping students progress faster and build confidence in speaking Italian.
Flexible Online & In-Person Options
Choose from a variety of online Italian classes, in-person sessions, weekend workshops, and immersive cultural programs to fit your schedule.
Comprehensive Course Levels
We offer all language levels — from Italian for Beginners to Advanced Conversation, Grammar Mastery, Business Italian, CELI and AP/Exam preparation.
Cultural Enrichment Beyond the Classroom
Students enjoy access to ICS cultural events, cooking classes, opera nights, lectures, and Italy-related activities that bring the language to life.
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.
What students are saying:
Once again, a round of applause for Parliamone.
The class with Valentina Asciutti this semester was wonderful. The number of students in the class was perfect for discussing and reviewing our writings. I looked forward to each session and even if the material was hard, and some of it was, it was always interesting. Valentina knows how to generate discussion and having a student from Germany made the class even more interesting.
The best part was when Valentina would carefully go over what we had written, explaining what was not quite right or needed some adjustments, but always with such good grace that it was easy to accept corrections. It seemed to me that the other students enjoyed the classes as well and there was ample time to discuss and review when the class was extended for 30 minutes.
I do hope that the course will be offered again in the Fall.
Please let Francesca know how much I liked the class.
Thank you,
Piera Weiss
Joe Bertoni here, I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to let you know what a great class Italian beginners was for my wife and I (we are leaving for vacation tomorrow so we will not be at the last two classes).
The textbook and workbook are great, but the most important thing was our teacher, Mariangela. She is a super instructor and my wife and I very much enjoyed working with her on our Italian language journey.
Not only does Mariangela have a great command of the language and all of its intricacies, she often brought great stories about the culture and history of Italy, its customs, and much more to the lessons. She is also very helpful, and patient, which are important attributes for a teacher. I know when we sign up for another Italian language class at ICS, we will make sure, that we choose a class where she is our instructor.
Many thanks to ICS and you for a great language learning experience!
Joe Bertoni
“I am a student in the Friday Beginners 2 class this term. I am writing to you because I want to compliment our instructor, Silvia Bonacina.
(Not sure if a class is for you? You can try it out by purchasing a Drop-In.)
