Why learn Italian in Venice?

Granted, if it’s quintessential Italy or a budget option that you’re after, Venice may not be the best choice of location, but personally I couldn’t recommend it enough as an Italian study destination.

It’s true that planning a trip or course in the height of summer may not be especially well advised, simply because of the sheer number of people who visit during this time, but spring and autumn are fantastic times to go. Not only are they fewer tourists to share the streets with, but it’s far less hot and, in a way more atmospheric too.

The maze-like passageways, rippling canals and historic buildings are so renowned that some people expect to be underwhelmed when they arrive, but I’ve now been twice and each time have been astounded by the city. The thing about Venice is that it’s just so different. Logic (and hearing the local language!) tells you that you’re in Italy, but it doesn’t feel like the rest of the country …in fact, it doesn’t really feel like you’re in any country – Venice almost feels like a world of its own. 

The sense of history that you get from being in Venice is huge – it’s a place with a long and significant history, and its array of ancient buildings and the lack of cars and buses make it easier than in other places to imagine the city in times gone by. Of course, if you have time, there are scores of museums, palaces and galleries to explore too.

If you’d rather spend your free time searching out places to eat and drink than perusing museums, you’ll also have plenty to keep you occupied. Venetians, like the rest of their Italian countrymen (and women), place huge importance on food and drink, especially seafood, and you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to fantastic food. Veering off the beaten track into the backstreets of Venice (away from the Realto Bridge and St Mark’s), you’ll find scores of authentic ‘osterie’ (pub restaurants) where you’ll enjoy great food at a reasonable price. As in other parts of northern Italy, you can also make the most of the ‘aperativi’ that are offered during the early evening in these types of places – sampling a local ‘spritz al apero’ will give you some evening refreshment, and a few free nibbles to boot.

See full details of Italian courses currently available in Venice

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