There are 7 levels offered, and each level takes 4 weeks to complete. The appropriate level for each student will be determined by a placement test. Our levels approximately correspond to the Common European Reference Levels – European Language Portfolio as follows:

Beginner = A1
By the end of the course (80 hours), students will be able to understand sentences and common expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g., very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, traveling); to undertake simple and routine tasks requiring a direct exchange of information on familiar and everyday concerns; to describe in simple terms aspects of their background, immediate environment and essential needs.

Intermediate 1 = A2
By the end of the course (80 hours), learners will be able to understand sentences and frequently used expressions concerning basic information and the main points in short and simple messages; to handle short social exchanges; to describe in simple phrases matters related to their personal life (family, education, living conditions, employment); to write short, simple notes (e.g., letters and brief messages).

Intermediate 2 = B1
By the end of the course (80 hours), learners will be able to understand the main point of ordinary conversation likely to be encountered in school, work, leisure etc.; to deal with common situations which arise while living in a foreign country; to enter unprepared into conversation on topics relevant to everyday life; to describe their own feelings, hopes and ambitions; to give reasons for, and explanations of, opinions and plans.

Intermediate 3 = B2
By the end of the course (80 hours), learners will be able to understand the main ideas of complex texts on both concrete and abstract topics, including technical discussions in their field of specialization; to interact with sufficient fluency and spontaneity with native speakers; to present clear, detailed descriptions on different subjects and explain their personal opinions, giving the advantages and disadvantages of various options; to write essays and reports in support or against a particular point of view, and letters about significant experiences and events.

Advanced 1 = C1
By the end of the course (80 hours), learners will be able to understand a wide range of longer, difficult texts and recognize implicit meaning (TV news and current affairs items); to read articles and contemporary literary prose; to take active part in discussions about matters familiar to them, supporting their opinions adequately; to describe subjects, developing particular points and presenting an appropriate conclusion; to write about complex subjects in a letter, essay or a report, selecting the right style for the reader.

Advanced 2 = C2
By the end of the course (80 hours), learners will be able to understand without difficulty any kind of spoken language (TV broadcast, speeches by native speakers given at fast speed and/or with a particular accent); to read a great variety of complex, specialized texts; to participate in conversations showing a high competence in idiomatic expressions; to solve any problems in communications by reshaping the interactions in order to get the message through; to present a topic in the most appropriate style to the context by choosing the logical structure which highlights the significant points; to write articulated texts (letters, reports, articles), summaries and reviews of professional and literary works.

Mastery – Magister Linguae Certificate
At this level, students will master any kind of spoken language, whether live or broadcast, even when idiomatic Italian, regional accents and slang expressions are used. Upon completion of the Mastery level of Espresso 4, students will receive the Magister Linguae Certificate. This certificate is the attestation of excellence that the school bestows upon those who have completely mastered Italian as a second language and demonstrates attendance of at least 600 hours of lessons. Bearers of the Magister Linguae Certificate will be able to read virtually all forms of written Italian with ease, of both a professional-technical and linguistically complex nature. They will be able to formulate thoughts precisely, in order to differentiate and eliminate ambiguity when speaking and writing. They will also appreciate and make use of socio-cultural implications of language employed by native speakers.

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