Cultural Immersion in Rural Tuscany

Comments from the perspective of an American teacher in Tuscany

The first weekend I was in San Giovanni Valdarno, I found myself packed in a crowd of Italians, waiting for a helping of Tuscan bread and wild boar stew. It was a beautiful day and the main piazza was filled with Sangiovannesi. People pushed through the crowds in all kinds of medieval costumes. The quiet piazza of the night before had been entirely transformed with small booths lining its perimeter, where people demonstrated ancient trades to passers-by. I had stumbled upon the fest of the Perdono, and though I combed the crowd for other tourists, I only found a handful of Il Sillabo students. When I travel, I want an experience of real cultural immersion. For me, travel is about broadening my perspectives and absorbing the history, the art, and the politics of a place from the people who live there. I have participated in high-quality abroad programs such as Global Routes, Legacy International, Peacecamps, and School For International Training. While Il Sillabo is a small school, it provides programs and opportunities that brings students into the heart of Tuscany.

But not only that. One needs an entry point; one needs a guide. As an experienced teacher, I knew exactly what I wanted from a language school. Il Sillabo's classes are of the highest quality; the teachers continually demonstrate their mastery, both from the standpoint of the content and the pedagogy. While Florence and Rome crawl with tourists and language schools, little San Giovanni offers a place where students can experience a wealth of culture not found in the souvenir shops. It is an ideal location for a short term program where students can learn Italian and explore the art and culture that makes Italy so rich. Here are just a few points which set Il Sillabo apart.

1.Il Sillabo is a family-run language school. Anna Paola Bosi, the director, started the school in 1997 with her sister-in-law, Erica. Both studied language and education at University and worked in the fields of education; Alessio, Anna Paolas husband, teaches cooking classes; her mother, Nicoletta, teaches Italian; her father, an art historian and architect, leads excursions; and her sister-in-law, Erica is the office manager. This highly-qualified team is professional and precise, while at the same time giving the school itself a palpable family atmosphere.

2.The schools teachers are carefully selected and rigorously trained. All have exemplary qualifications. Professional development is a cornerstone of the teachers work; they plan, they research, and they collaboratively construct a unique curriculum together, under the careful guidance of the director. The result is a staff that uses the same teaching philosophy and the same curriculum, but instead of being passive transmitters of pre-made courses, they adapt activities, tests, and lessons daily to adjust to the personality of each class. This level of professional engagement and commitment drives dynamic, rigorous classes, while the same time, the teachers take great pains to cultivate a relaxed, supportive atmosphere where students feel comfortable taking risks.

3.Another strength of Il Sillabo offering is its location. Tuscany is overrun with tourists, yet San Giovanni offers a 14th century town centre where one can practice Italian without the competition of demanding tour groups. The Bosi family chose San Giovanni because it is off the beaten path while still offering a setting rich with culture and history. The school itself is housed in the oldest building in town, constructed for noble families in the 1300's. It overlooks the historic town centre and main piazza. San Giovanni is also easy to reach. San Giovanni is located on the Florence â€" Rome line, 30 minutes from Florence, 30 minutes from Arezzo and 3 hours from Rome. Siena, Cortona, Orvieto, and other tourist cities are also close by.

4.Il Sillabo offers a wide range of other courses in addition to Italian language. Student can attend a culinary course which explores the world-famous regional dishes of Tuscany. In addition, the school offers several guided trips a week to museums, churches, vineyards, and olive farms. Other courses include literature, film, archaeology, architecture and art history. Please see the enclosed course treatments for examples.

5.There are many schools in Italy that offer Italian lessons. However Il Sillabo's holistic approach to education offers a unique experience, ideal for American students interested in Italy. I whole-heartedly recommend the Il Sillabo experience.

Il Sillabo is an Italian Language and Cultural Centre located in the historic, medieval town of San Giovanni Valdarno in Tuscany Here it is still possible to savour the taste of Italian daly life far from the crowds of the nearby city of Florence Il Sillabo seeks to spread Italian culture with both passion and enthusiasm through its specialised courses in language, art and gastronomy Italian Language and Culture..

Author's Note: Perspectives from an American Teacher on a visit to a medieval town in Tuscany, Italy..  http://www.sillabo.it http://www.studyabroadtuscany.com

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