Before you book an Italian course in Italy

On top of the weekly rate there is almost always a one-off enrolment fee, typically around €50–90 in Italy. Then these may be charged separately: books and materials, accommodation, the accommodation-finding service, cultural activities and the exam fee. Always ask for the total, not the weekly price.

Almost every school counts in 'lesson hours' of 45 or 50 minutes, not 60. A 20-hour week with 45-minute lessons is 15 real hours; with 50-minute lessons it is 16 hours 40. The actual lesson length is listed under 'The course' on this page: use it to compare two schools at the same price.

The most common yardstick is roughly 200 guided lesson hours to move from one Common European Framework level to the next. At an intensive 20 hours a week that is about ten weeks per level, less if you also study outside class. One or two weeks will not change your level: they unlock your spoken Italian, which is already a lot.

The four recognised by the Italian state are CILS (University for Foreigners of Siena), CELI (University for Foreigners of Perugia), PLIDA (Società Dante Alighieri) and CERT.IT (Roma Tre University). They are worth the same: what differs is the exam format and the session dates. Italian citizenship requires level B1; enrolling at an Italian university usually requires B2. AIL is a private certificate, widespread but not on the state list.

With an EU passport you need nothing but your ID card. From outside the EU, many nationalities may stay up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area without a visa; beyond 90 days you need a study visa, and to get it the school must send you an enrolment letter with the course already paid. Within eight days of arrival you apply for the residence permit. Start at least two months ahead.

Host family: the most useful for the language, often with breakfast or half board, and it makes you speak Italian every evening. Shared flat with other students: more freedom, less language practice if your flatmates speak English. Studio or residence: convenient and pricier. Always ask the distance from the school, what is included, whether there is a deposit, and which day to which day the week runs.

How many people are actually in class in high season, not the stated maximum. How long a lesson lasts in minutes. What the total is including enrolment, materials and accommodation. What happens if few people sign up at your level: is the class merged, reduced to fewer one-to-one hours, or cancelled. What the cancellation terms are and whether the deposit is refundable.