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PROJECT INTRODUCTION
This project is a language learning project in Florence, Italy, where romance and art come alive. If you’re interested in careers in art, fashion, workshops, or jewelry making, you might imagine experiencing or learning about the arts in Italy.
To live in Italy, you need a basic requirement: the 'language'. You can learn Italian, a language with its own unique characteristics different from English and Korean, directly from the locals. This project also allows you to immerse yourself in Italian culture.
Imagine seeing the artworks that used to decorate the corners of art books during your school days in person. How amazing would that be?
The sculptures, murals, and paintings from art books are all gathered here in Florence, Italy. A city blooming with art, Florence is a city designed for convenience with scooters, bicycles, and pedestrians rather than cars. You can escape the noisy sounds of traffic and explore the alleys of Florence.
In the alleys, you’ll find shops selling small and large art pieces, handcrafted items, and souvenirs for travelers—each shop has its own unique style. You can see the charm of the old medieval streets and the historical buildings with their own stories and vintage appeal. Experience real Italy while learning Italian with your international friends!
12.5 Week
Based on past participants’ experiences, we’ve organized the common themes of learning, reflection, and growth by time period.
What makes this project special
Grow
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PROJECT ACTIVITIES
■ Italian Language Classes
The classes are held from Monday to Friday (5 days a week), with each lesson lasting 45 minutes. (A total of 4 lessons per day)
Classes are held in the morning (9:20 AM - 1:00 PM) or afternoon (1:30 PM - 3:10 PM).
* The schedule may vary depending on the level.
- Classes are divided into grammar and conversation, with each session lasting 45 minutes.
- On the first day of class, you will be placed into one of nine levels based on a placement test (including writing and reading).
- Average group size is 6-7 people (maximum 10), with classes split into morning and afternoon sessions.
- Language classes are divided into two parts. The first part covers Italian grammar and syntax,
and the second part focuses on acquiring essential vocabulary and conversation skills.
Need for Italian ★☆☆☆☆
This project is conducted in Italian. If you are a beginner, we recommend studying basic Italian grammar before starting the project.
■ 2024 Beginner Start Dates
- Beginner Italian learners are encouraged to start on the dates listed below.
January 8, 22
February 5, 19
March 4, 18
April 2, 15, 29
May 13, 27
June 10, 25
July 8, 22
August 5, 19
September 2, 16, 30
October 14, 28
November 11, 25
December 9
* Public holidays in 2024: April 1/25, May 1, June 24, August 15, November 1
■ Example Activities
Various cultural activities are organized at the Italian school. Below are examples of activities you can participate in.
1. Visit Historical Sites in Florence
Explore historical sites in Florence. Visit famous landmarks and engage in various activities with friends.
2. Visit Florence Coffee School
Learn about coffee menu explanations, handling equipment, extracting espresso, grinding coffee beans, and how to take orders and respond to requests.
3. Visit to a Florence Art Painter Workshop
Visit famous artists in Florence and view various artworks.
4. Visit to a Florence Fashion Company
Visit famous fashion companies in Florence and observe their work and working environment.
5. Winery Tour
Enjoy a tour of Florence’s famous wineries and taste a variety of delicious wines.
6. Various Other Activities
Various activities are organized to enhance students’ cultural experience and understanding of Italy.
These activities also help strengthen friendships among students studying the language and improve their Italian skills.
* (Note) The following activities are available only during the summer season.
- Cooking and Craftsmanship Workshops
- Walking Tours of Nearby Areas
- Coastal Picnics
- Bicycle Tours
- Enjoyable dinners and concerts with friends from around the world
* Transportation and admission fees for activities are to be paid locally.
SUPPORT
* Cultural activities include historical tours of Florence, coffee school visits, art painter workshops, fashion company visits, and winery tours.
* Activities available only during the summer season
: Cooking and craftsmanship workshops, walking tours of nearby areas, coastal picnics, bicycle tours, and enjoyable dinners and concerts with friends from around the world.
Exclusions
INSTITUTION INTRODUCTION
The organization running this project was established in 1978 and has a long history and experience in education. It has researched various methods to make learning Italian easier for visiting students, resulting in a class project divided into two parts.
Classes are designed to focus on grammar and syntax, and also to be fun and interactive through communication with friends. The aim is to make language learning a bit easier and more enjoyable in a comfortable environment. The institution is located in the heart of Piazza Santo Spirito, allowing you to experience the historical and beautiful atmosphere of Florence.
We strive to ensure that students who may take some time to adapt and meet new friends can comfortably mingle and use Italian while experiencing the culture. The area across the Arno River where the institution is located allows you to observe the daily life of Italians and interact with traditional artisans and artists. Enjoy a pleasant life in a culture where international students and Italians coexist!
* In the past three years, the average nationality of students has been 38% from Asia, 26% from Latin America, 22% from Western Europe, and 5% from North America. Students from various nationalities seek to learn Italian.
Message from the Local Institution Manager
Hello, gap year participants! I am Pina, in charge of this institution. Our school, established in 1978, is an Italian language school in Florence for international students. Located near the famous Piazza Santo Spirito in Florence, the area is surrounded by bars, cafes, daily markets, and restaurants, and hosts various events.
This area is especially popular among locals, offering students a great opportunity to interact with local people while attending school. For a long time, our school has maintained a certain scale to allow daily interaction with students and has made every effort to care for them. The atmosphere at our school is very relaxed and friendly.
Classes are conducted in small groups, which helps students become familiar with each other quickly. Teachers consider each student's situation and needs to facilitate easier and more meaningful interactions among students. We emphasize conversation, which is the foundation of communication, and minimize the use of other languages in our teaching. In addition to language instruction, we offer various cultural courses, such as music, singing, art, crafts, and cooking.
These cultural classes can be combined with language lessons or taken separately. The school is officially accredited by the Italian Ministry of Education and recognized by international accreditation agencies. Since 2008, our school has been well-known in the Tuscany region for lifelong learning education and training, and we guarantee that we can provide education and an environment tailored to each student's individual characteristics.
ACCOMMODATION INTRODUCTION
Participants can freely choose accommodation in the local area of Florence according to their personal preferences and budget.
For project participants who have difficulty finding accommodation, Korea Gap Year will recommend accommodations (guesthouses/hotels, etc.) near the training location.
1. Homestay
Staying with a general family in the country where the international student is staying allows you to learn about the country's culture and language. This type of accommodation involves living with a family, enhancing language skills through communication, and gaining understanding of the lifestyle, values, and cultural practices of the people in that country.
2. Guesthouse
The characteristic of a guesthouse is that it is a lodging facility where the kitchen, bathroom, and shower are shared. Rooms are typically assigned for 4, 6, or 8 people, allowing several friends to stay together in one room. When traveling to other countries, staying in a guesthouse allows for brief encounters with various travelers, sharing stories, and exchanging travel information.
3. Apartment Share
Apartment share involves international students sharing a rented house with 5-6 people, living together in a communal setting. Depending on the condition of the house, you may choose to stay in a private room or share a room with a friend. Unlike homestays, this option does not involve living with a family but rather sharing household chores such as cooking, cleaning, and laundry with friends. It provides the advantage of interacting with friends from various countries.
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Apartment Share (Single Room) |
2 Weeks |
3 Weeks |
4 Weeks |
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Price |
750,000 KRW |
1,000,000 KRW |
1,230,000 KRW |
* Accommodation is generally checked in/out on Sundays. Detailed schedules and available times will be provided individually at a later time.
* If desired, meal options can be added upon request (additional fees apply).
LOCATION INTRODUCTION
Location: Italy, Florence
Florence, Italy, often called the city of geniuses, is home to many brilliant artists and art pieces. Visitors are drawn to attractions such as the Uffizi Gallery, where they often wait in line, and the statues in Michelangelo Square, among other captivating art pieces.
Top 3 Recommended Travel Destinations by the Planner
- Anyone aged 18 and above is welcome
- Anyone who dreams of learning Italian and working abroad
- Anyone who wants to experience living in Florence, Italy, with students from around the world
- Anyone interested in strolling through the streets of Florence, the city of fashion and art
- Anyone who wants to learn Italian and experience the local culture in Florence, Italy
SCHEDULE AND PRICES
■ The minimum participation period for this project is 2 weeks.
■ Participation Costs
2 weeks - 1,060,000 KRW
3 weeks - 1,300,000 KRW
4 weeks - 1,520,000 KRW
6 weeks - 2,050,000 KRW
8 weeks - 2,570,000 KRW
10 weeks - 3,100,000 KRW
12 weeks - 3,590,000 KRW
16 weeks - 4,380,000 KRW
24 weeks - 5,290,000 KRW
* For popular projects, there might be no available slots, so please apply as soon as possible to secure your spot.
■ Gap Year Mission Scholarship (▶ Learn more)
■ Payment Plan Information
If you are unable to pay in full, you can make a deposit of 500,000 KRW and pay the remaining balance within 2 weeks. Based on the deposit date, we will proceed with the process to confirm your participation and check availability. Early booking is crucial to secure your desired dates and duration. (Non-refundable once confirmed)
* However, if the start date is approaching, the schedule for the remaining balance payment may vary.
■ Early Bird Discounts and Emergency Applications Information
We recommend applying for Gap Year projects at least 3 months before the project start date to allow for proper procedures and preparation. Applications should be submitted no later than 2 months before the start date. However, if you need to participate urgently, we offer an emergency application service for an additional fee to expedite the process.
* Although we assist with expedited procedures, please note that time is required for communication with local institutions and confirmation of participation. Emergency applicants must actively cooperate with the Korean Gap Year operation team.
** Applicants who apply more than 180 days before the start date will receive an early bird discount.
*** Emergency application services can be selected from the options above. For inquiries about the emergency application service, please contact koreagapyear@gmail.com.
- Provided: Gap Year mission and notes automatic application / OT materials provided immediately upon confirmation / Additional urgent personnel deployment / Support for document preparation if needed, etc.
* If you have trouble calculating dates, you can use the Naver Date Calculator >> Naver Date Calculator
** Note: For extremely urgent applications, there may be no available slots due to local circumstances, and the process will proceed according to Gap Year refund regulations. Also, any issues arising from participant non-cooperation are the responsibility of the participant.
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