Language courses offered to international students

Exam preparation courses offered

» Closest Airport: BOLOGNA 'Marconi'
» Airport pick-up service? Yes
» Airport return service? Yes
» Certificates Offered? Yes
» Teacher qualifications:
100 % hold a recognized language teaching qualification
» Main nationalities of attending students at ALCE ASSOCIAZIONE LINGUE E CULTURE EUROPEE:
balanced international mix
» Extracurricular excursions offered? No
» Weekly activities offered? Yes
» Maximum number of students per class? 8 
» Average number of students per class? 5 
» Minimum age of students? 17 Years old
» Average age of students in summer? 23 Years old
» Average age of students for the rest of year? 25 Years old
» Average number of course levels offered in the summer? 5 
» Average number of course levels offered for the rest of year? 5 
» Language lab? Yes
» Library? Yes
» Access to a computer and to the Internet? Yes
» Cafeteria? No

Bologna

Bologna, the capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is a city steeped in history and culture.

Surrounded by green hills, the town conceals countless artistic and architectural treasures in the shade of its towers and porticoes.

It is one of the most amazing urban centres in existence and rarely are citizens as proud of their hometown as the Bolognese. The old town centre is extensive, well-preserved and rich in memories of the many civilisations that have lived here over the ages. The urban structure was defined by the Romans. The medieval street system, that extends from the city centre like the spokes of a wheel, was laid down by the Longobards.

Numerous convents bear witness to the bygone power of the Popes and the impressive Jewish ghetto, still intact today, is also movingly reminiscent.

Another fine feature of the town are its picturesque red brick towers. In the past there were over 200 of these, each demonstrating the power of the important families who built them. Two of the finest examples, the Asinelli Tower and the unfinished Garisenda Tower, have now become a symbol of the town.

But what really distinguishes Bologna’s urban character are its porticoes. No other city in the world can boast a monumental procession of arcades that stretches, almost without interruption, for over thirty five kilometres.

Admired by visitors for centuries, this unique example of architectural harmony has recently been submitted for nomination as a World Heritage Site.

An important centre in medieval times, Bologna is not only famous for being the birthplace of the oldest university in the western hemisphere, it was once also one of Europe’s major harbours. In bygone times, large, industrial cities depended on water and Bologna’s advanced technical system of waterwaysand canals facilitated mercantile navigation and enhanced its business activities. Today, most of Bologna’s canals flow underground, but many have been recently restored and opened to visitors.

Bologna is also an important gastronomic centre. Its inhabitants regard preparing and savouring food, not as a mere necessity, but as a refined art where new and classic flavours are blended with skill and passion.