Preparation Course for the CILS Exam

at the time i was studying at Terramarre there weren’t many students, but the few of them that accompanied me were certainly helpful and fun to study with. The teachers I’ve met, Maria and Lavinia were very kind and helped me a lot. Both the teachers and the students made the two weeks I spent in Tuscany an amazing and well- used time for me. I hope to continue the Italian course in Orbetello next year.

Maria, the school director, wants her student to be permanently immersed in the Italian language and culture. They have to communicate even if their level is very basic. That is encouraged through very small groups and a lot of activities out of the school. Interesting lessons and topics, logically built up, allows to catch up with grammar. Maria, who gives lessons herself, organizes also the activities and accompanies her students during them. She is a very engaged, passionate and sensible woman. I really liked this course. And it is definitely worth the money!

I was nervous being the only student for the Christmas Program but the teacher Maria made me feel welcomed. She was patient and understood how I learned best, which was very helpful. The 1st week I learned and retained a great deal. However, the 2nd week, which added a student, I felt like I regressed. Maria said it was normal and to stay encouraged by the progression even though it did not feel positive. Since I have come back home to Fermo Italy, I must admit I do speak much better Italiano.

Orbetello is the perfect location for learning Italian. It is a small town that only has Italian speaking people living there. The town has many attractions that served as a wonderful holiday as well; cafes, bars, pizzerias, good restaurants, cinema, beauty, great weather, coastal town, several historical and wilderness locations extremely close. Walking and/or biking to Monte Argentario is a must and only 1 km away. The ports and historical sites of Monte Argentario could be a stand-alone trip.

The classroom and school itself was what I expected and conducive to learning another language. Having large maps of the area were surprisingly helpful. The housing and the location of my room could not be better! Literally 30 seconds away. Paola's hospitality was over the top and I would not hesitate for a moment to stay at her home again, and hope to again some day. The breakfast was typical Italian and plentiful. My room was large, well-lit, and the bed comfortable. What more could anyone want?

What was the biggest surprise were the activities. The website does not do this justice nor was I knowledgeable of the fact there would be an activity everyday but Sunday. The Christmas Program included activities on Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, and New Years Day. The activities made the trip! Maria was extremely accommodating to our wants and desires of what to see and to do. Everyone should experience the live Nativity scene. What a thrill to see this along with: natural hot-springs, large organic farm, beautiful ports, Roman villas, Spanish fortresses, and so much more.

I highly recommend this school, the incredible Christmas program, and the beautiful location.

Sincerely, Joey Singleton.

I really liked the methodology adopted, the teachers, the availability to do many revisions until all doubts are answered. The room extra activities were lovely and variable.

Hello.
The location and school are very good. A big thanks to our teacher, Stefan Adami. But the cultural program was not interesting at all.

The Teachers were really nice, but the classes too small. I spent three weeks at Terramare and we were in total 2 – 6 people, but we were divided in classes of two. Our Italian levels were completely different. The activities weren't well-organized and there was no possibility to travel to Rome, Pisa or Siena. It wouldn’t work either to ride horses, because it was too complicated and too far away for me. I enjoyed Orbetello very much and I have to admit that my Italian is better now. The family I lived with was so hospitable and friendly.

I really had a good time there. I recommend Orbitlingua.

Small groups, familiar atmosphere, basic knowledge, helpful.

Terramare Language School was really above my expectations. The teachers take care of you all day long, so you don't have a problem "what to do in my spare time". We were taken by car every evening somewhere to see something interesting. During the road there was also a language study by songs, discussions and explanation of what is going on around.
Class - not so many students, max 5. The room was clean, warm, quiet and enough light. There are also several other class rooms in the school, one of them with private garden.
Teacher Maria was very friendly. The lesson was divided into several parts: grammar, new words, reading text, exercises. She makes me speak a lot though I was not so sure how to speak Italian. Maria made students talk to each other, found interesting ideas for conversations, with humor and games. More than that, she eagerly came to help in any situation - explaining where to find what and how to do something.
The location of school is very nice - in the ancient city of Orbetello, near the sea, in Toscana. The school takes the first floor of the ancient house and has a small private garden. The streets are small with no cars but with possibility to ride a bike. A lot of small bars and modern shops. Nice sea views around.
Activities. Every evening you can visit different places of interest, both natural and historical. I spent 2 weeks, so we went to several small ancient cities, and also big cities. We've seen castles, took thermal bath, we visited gardens, museums, national restaurants, we climbed mountains, rode bikes, we have seen several nice beaches with possibility to swim (I did). There was a boat tour to another island. We walked in the forest and vice versa. And what is very pretty - students can discuss and choose, where they want to go.
Housing. I lived in a family. Very friendly and caring family, my room was not big, but there was everything I need - single bed, chairs, wardrobe and table. Clean bathroom with the window I shared with the other student, she lived in the same flat. Her room was bigger, with king size bed.