Italian Language Courses

The Michigan Chapter of the Dante Alighieri Society offers Italian language and cultural classes for a wide variety of ages and skill levels (Italian as a second language).
DAS also offers classes aimed at children with an Italian background who already possess Italian language skills. Instructors teach Italian-based courses, including culture, history, geography and literature.

Children classes are taught in Ann Arbor and Birmingham.
All courses require a minimum number of students to run, please enroll before the start date to avoid disappointment.

REFUNDS POLICY

• A full refund will be made if a class does not start.
• No refunds will be made after the class has started.
  For info contact: education@dantemichigan.org
  

ITALIAN LANGUAGE CLASSES FOR CHILDREN

Italiano lingua primaria/Italian for Native Speakers

Il corso è rivolto a bambini di origine italiana la cui lingua primaria è l'italiano e/o bambini che hanno frequentato la scuola in Italia. Il corso comprende lezioni d'italiano, grammatica, storia e cultura italiane.
Gli studenti, alla fine del corso completato con successo, riceveranno un certificato di partecipazione. Il certificato potrà essere presentato al Consolato d'Italia a Detroit per la relativa convalida.

The Italian language for native speakers (L1) is a course designed to maintain and enhance existing Italian language fluency skills that students possess through the study of grammar, composition, culture, history, and general language exercises. Students will receive a certificate of partecipation at the end of each successful session which can be presented to the Italian Consulate of Detroit for proper authentication.

Wednesday - 4:30 - 6:00 pm Cost: $130.00 - Sibling: $120.00 7 Sessions - 10 hours and 30 minutes April 17, 24 - May 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 Registration is required in advance by April 16th. $20.00 - Late Registration Fee will be Applied	Registration 1st child $130.00 USD Sibling $120.00 USD
NEW! Italian Summer Camp for Children Aged 4-9
Dates: June 24th -28th - First session Time 9:00 am - 12:00pm Dates: July 15th -19th - Second session Time 9:00 am - 12:00pm Dates: August 12th -16th - Third session Time 9:00 am - 12:00pm Registration is required in advance. Space is limited.	Join us for our 1st Summer Day Camp! This year DAS education program includes extra educational programs. This camp will intruduce children to the Italian Language and culture through games and fun activities. Location: TBD

Why study Italian?

A recent study by the British Council suggests that the world is becoming more multilingual and that English-speaking youth will need additional language capabilities in order to compete in the global economy (English Next, David Graddol, British Council, 2006).

Other studies have shown that the optimal time to learn a second language is during early childhood.

Learning Italian gives young people an edge because:

• There are 61 million native Italian speakers in Italy, San Marino, Switzerland, Slovenia and Croatia, plus significant expatriate communities in the United States, Canada, Germany, Argentina, Australia and France.
• Italy has become one of the world's most popular vacation destinations. Knowledge of the Italian language and culture will make a trip there far more enjoyable.
• Italy is the world's 7th largest economy. Major multinational firms such as Fiat, Eni SpA, Ferrari, Pirelli, Barilla and Prada are all headquartered in Italy. Knowledge of Italian improves one's chances of working for, or doing business with, Italian firms.
• Italian is a Romance language based on Latin; as such it has much in common with other Romance languages such as Spanish, French and Portuguese.
• Italian is the language of the Vatican.
• Italian is the language of art, culture and music. Have you ever wondered where the word "diva" comes from? Or why "opera" is called "opera?" Or what "crescendo" means?
• Learning Italian can help students improve their command of their mother tongue.
• For Americans of Italian descent, learning the Italian language opens doors to connect with their Italian roots.

For Italian expatriates living in Michigan, the Dante Alighieri Society affords an opportunity for their children to continue learning Italian from native Italians.

All Dante Alighieri Society instructors are native speakers with years of experience teaching Italian as a second language. For more information or to register for classes e-mail us.