University Preparation Architecture - Intensive, Italian Track

I had a great experience at the school, especially with theacher Simona. There was a good atmosphere and we could practice Italian a lot.

I did the online A1 basic level class as someone who had a few years of college Italian and lived in Italy (35 years ago). It was frustrating to say the least and I have about 50-60% comprehension of spoken Italian. It was a very beginner class and it was ALL in Italian. The teacher jumped around a lot and it was obvious from the looks on all of the student's faces, everyone was confused most of the time. I lasted 3 sessions out of 2 months and changed to a private tutor because the school refused to give me a refund. I connected with some fellow students after the fact only to find out they had a similar experience and had switched teachers a few times and still felt frustrated. I would not recommend this school for online learning, especially if you are new to Italian.

The school is very attentive to its students, from the staff in the office to the teachers and principals. The classes are very good and the activities promoted by the school help students to integrate.
In addition, being located near the Duomo, it makes it easier to travel around the city.

SLD provided the perfect mix of theoretical grammar and practical day to day communication, I had very basic Italian coming in and left with enough conversational skills to speak to native italians including my Nonna! They also provided plenty opportunities to get to know the city of Florence and its surroundings, social events so the students could mingle and get to know each other.

Excellent course; lessons at a good pace. Helpful resources provided and some opportunity for discussion.

I started in January and finished my time at Scuola Leonardo in May. I decided to stay on my own in an apartment in Santo Spirito. My landlady was fantastic and helped make my stay so easy. All the teachers I had (a total of 3) were outstanding. Monica, who I had the longest, made sure everyone engaged in conversation and did not hold back on discussing complex topics. I felt prepared to take the CILS B2 exam at the end of May. I decided to take it one level down from what I finished at (C1) based on the recommendations from Scuola Leonardo. It made the testing process so much less stressful. Overall, it was more than I could've hoped for, and I advise anyone looking at the school to go.

I liked it a lot although it was too much to have 4,5 hours intense course with very short pauses. I should have chosen private lessons in the afternoon. Too many young people in my class so that made me feel a bit lonely as I did not get to know anyone. Next time I will chose La Dolce Vita maybe. The teachers were excellent, competent and really nice. Location perfect very central. Cultural interesting activities. I stayed close to the school in a lady's apartment and it was comfortable and clean.

I fell in love with Florence and I highly recommend the school. I did not get enough opportunity to speak and I lack fluency in the language.