Testimonials

“I have taken a school party to Il Sillabo for now two years running and have found their pastoral care and, most of all, the standard of their academic teaching of an outstandingly high order. Partly thanks to Il Sillabo’s revision courses, my girls performed exceptionally well in their examinations. I travelled with students from three different classes (girls between the ages of 14 and 18) ranging in ability from elementary to the most advanced A Level candidates. I was impressed by how Il Sillabo took note of my directives and suited their courses perfectly to the needs of my students. The girls were enthusiastic in their praise for the Italian teachers and many felt the intensive tuition had so improved their performance that they elected to return for a second year believing this would enhance their chances of excelling in their public examinations. The way in which host families were selected and then monitored was equally impressive: the girls felt cared for, looked after and also as though they had been given a short but truly accurate glimpse of Italian living with all its warmth and exceptional food! I can truly recommend Il Sillabo without the least hesitation and fully intend to avail myself of their outstanding services in the future.” Dr Paola di Robilant, BA MA MPhil PhD, Head of Italian, The Cheltenham Ladies’ College

“I can highly recommend this institute to you and your students. I went there for the first time in March, 2004, and was happy to find a most competent team of teachers. As I am a language teacher myself, I am rather critical as regards the quality and methods of teaching. I can assure you that "Il Sillabo" meets the standards of any university in the field of language courses.

I was so pleased with the results of my first stay in San Giovanni that I decided to return in autumn that same year. And this spring I went there for the third time! Learning Italian at "Il Sillabo" really is a great pleasure, an enjoyable experience which your students will appreciate as well. There are young, enthusiastic teachers who know the subtleties of their language and are very sensitive to the difficulties of those who learn. They succeed in motivating students by a rich variety of texts and exercises - and - above all up-to-date methods.

Apart from language courses and other activities there is also the possibility of attending classes in Italian literature. I asked for a course on Dante, Petrarca, Boccaccio and Ariosto, which I found very stimulating. My teacher coped with these difficult and complex topics easily. She impressed me by her knowledge, her precision and her rhetorical skills. I will continue my literary studies this year, and I intend to enrol on a lecture on arts, especially architecture.

Your students will gain a lot from a stay at "Il Sillabo". Anna Paola and Erica, the two owners and managers of the institute are very helpful and make everybody feel at home there. They are supported by Nicoletta and Orazio (Anna Paola's parents) and Alessio (Anna Paola's husband). Orazio, a former architect and an expert in arts, is responsible for the excursions organized by "Il Sillabo". He is a most competent and enthusiastic guide able to answer all questions with great professional skill.

I will return to San Giovanni in November, and I know a great number of people who have been there several times and also want to return. Some of my friends have attended different language schools in Florence, Siena and Perugia. They all prefer San Giovanni because you are guaranteed not only best quality of teaching in a very individual manner, but also a very friendly atmosphere of mutual trust and respect. Gertrude Melzer, Engish and French Teacher, Germany

"I am delighted to recommend Il Sillabo, where I spent two very happy months. The school really does have a family atmosphere; both the teaching and administrative staff are extremely helpful, friendly and efficient and everyone is welcomed and given the same personal attention irrespective of age or nationality! I greatly enjoyed the lessons which were varied and interesting; moreover, the small classes provide one with the opportunity of speaking more. The school styles itself a 'cultural centre' and indeed Italian culture is an important part both of the lessons and of the afternoon activities; for the trips around Tuscany, and to Florence in particular, the guide is not only knowledgeable but also passionate about art, architecture, philosophy and life in general -hence one receives a real education and for me a whole new world was opened up. The greatest fun was the cooking course, taught, as everything is at Il Sillabo, with patience, passion and good humour!" John - UK

“I am already back home! This time I have been at Il Sillabo for 5 weeks, longer than last year but still very short. Time has passed very quickly! I thank you very much. I felt I was at home with my family while staying at Il Sillabo. Horace (Orazio): I enjoyed very much the excursions! Francesca: you are a good teacher. This is true! All lessons were pleasant and amusing with other students. I will keep on studying Italian and next time I will speak even better. Trust me: I will come to Il Sillabo again. I do not know when and how but I will! I will be in touch again!” Yoko (22) - Japan