LUISS

Different Erasmus students had quite different levels of Italian, and all coped fine. Many Spaniards and some Dutch spoke quite poor Italian. The course offered in September was very dull for an intermediate speaker, but an excellent way of getting to know the other Erasmus. It was somewhat more useful for the beginners and advanced groups. Lectures in term time, though unbelievably boring were an excellent way of picking up good Italian. Roman dialect sounds lovely, but is not quite pure Italian. Lots of the students come from the Mezzogiorno, some speaking in dialect as a first language. Lecturers were largely clear.

The communication between professors and students is good, while the overall academic atmosphere very hyrarchical. Communication for me was not a problem, as I lived with Italians and already had some good knowledge before coming to Italy. I belive, this is an important precondition for having a good time at LUISS. You have to study lots of literature and could get stressed without a certain fluency of academic Italian.

Initially undertook 3week language course prior to studying in order to help my educational integration. General experiences were 100%positive- immensley enjoyed dealing with potentially difficult language situations & constantly being tested. Within university interacted well in discussions with professors & other students. Often mistaken for an Italian.

My first language experiences in Italy was pretty good. In Poland I completed a four semester course. Moreover, at the beginning of academic year LUISS organised a intensive language course for all Erasmus students, what helped me a lot in every-day life as well as in communicating with professors.

Coming from an Italian family living outside Italy I was already fluent in the language. Nevertheless during my stay I did improve considerably my Italian. The other exchange students who made an effort in communicating in Italian and followed the appropriate courses improved surprisingly quickly.

The international department were very helpful if i ever needed them (which i'm happy to say wasn't often). The teachers were helpful and sympathetic to our language abilities. In general the italians were very supportive and helpful and encouraged my progress in all aspects of the language.