Bologna, the main town of the region Emilia-Romagna, is one of the main towns of Italy. The city is also called "la grassa" (the rich and the fat) because of its excellent and famous cuisine; "la rossa" (the red) because of the red colour of the terracotta and tiles, which are characteristic of the houses; "la dotta" (the learned) because of its University, which is the oldest institution of its kind in the Western World, founded in 1088. The decision of Bologna to recover its historical center, has been an example for Italy and Europe; also by the importance that social services have in the budget of the city, which leads several studies on the city and its administration. The school is located in the Palazzo Pepoli, a medieval construction in the historical center of Bologna, near the famous Two Towers of the city.

The institute is in charge to look for and book a room in family houses, apartments (private or shared with other students) and in hotels.

The school organizes language courses in cooperation with other cultural Institutes during the year. The courses begin on Mondays with an exam, 6 different levels and last 4, 3, 2 or 6, 8, 12 weeks. These consist of 20 academic hours (each one of 50 minutes) plus 6 hours of program per week. Aside from the normal classes, of 6 to 12 students, the school also offers 3 to 5 students groups, courses with 2 students and individual classes. Courses for the preparation to the exams for the Italian universities are also dictated. At the end of the course the students receive a certificate.

The program consists of several activities that involve a general comprehension of the Italian lifestyle: history of the art, present time and political society. Historical visits to museums and places are made, also a visit to a psychiatric hospital with chat on the advances and problems of the Italian legislation of psychiatry, an encounter with members of several political parties, that can help to understand the daily problems of the city, a stroll to discover the hidden beauties of Bologna and a visit to the study of a famous fashion designer.

Cultura Italiana
Via Castiglione 4
Bologna
Tel.: +39 051 228003
Fax: +39 051 227675
Email: info@culturaitaliana.it
Web: www.culturaitaliana.it