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All Italian schools in Florence
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ParolaFlorence, Italy

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

27 students - overall rating
Borgo Santa Croce, 17 - 50122 Florence - see on map
Pay less than booking at the school
What we like about the school
  • Every afternoon free organized leisure activities for adults and juniors
  • Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students.
What we dislike about the school
  • Nationality mix could be more balanced. 55 of students are from USA
Age of students
  Percentage of students
1-18 years 2%
18-24 years 33%
25-34 years 35%
35-50 years 20%
>50 years 10%
The average age outside summer is 5 years higher than in summer.

Location: Parola is situated right in the heart of Florence. The school is seconds from the Basilica of Santa Croce in Florence, which is the main feature of the city. The Ponte alle Grazie is a short walk from Parola, and connects the two sides over the River Arno. There is plenty of activity in the streets surrounding the school, local restaurants are in abundance and there are lots of shops to browse after class.

Getting around: The majority of the main attractions within Florence are all walkable from the centre. The central Florence train station has connecting lines to southern cities such as Naples and Rome, as well as to the northern Italian cities such as Bologna and Milan. The train station is a 25-minute walk from Parola, or alternatively students can take a 10-minute bus.

Course structure: The school provides general Italian classes in a number of formats including a standard course of 20 lessons, less concentrated packages as well as intensive programmes. One-to-one classes are possible in an array of options. Students can take solely individual classes or combine them with group courses. As the Italian culture is a huge part of learning the language, the school offers courses with both art or cooking so students can fully immerse themselves during their language experience. There is a CILS exam preparation course for students wanting to pass this official Italian exam.

Italian Courses

General Language
Private

Our prices for Parola include

  • INCLUDED Organized activities
  • INCLUDED Internet access and use of school computers
  • INCLUDED Wireless LAN zone at school
  • INCLUDED Free certificate of course attendance
  • INCLUDED Language level placement test at first day of classes
  • INCLUDED For junior courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: every afternoon free organized leisure program
  • INCLUDED For adult courses: a minimum of one free organized leisure activity per week
  • INCLUDED Free assistance in finding flats for long-term students

Photos

  • Parola classroom
    Parola classroom1/40
  • Working hard
    Working hard2/40
  • Italian language course at Parola
    Italian language course at Parola3/40
  • Parola school entrance in the historic center of Florence
    Parola school entrance in the historic center of Florence4/40
  • Online Italian course
    Online Italian course5/40
  • 6/40
  • 7/40
  • Italian language course in Florence at Parola
    Italian language course in Florence at Parola8/40
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  • Lesson
    Lesson13/40
  • Students at the reception of Parola school
    Students at the reception of Parola school14/40
  • Au Pair students at Parola school
    Au Pair students at Parola school15/40
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  • 18/40
  • 19/40
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  • Group Italian language courses at Parola
    Group Italian language courses at Parola24/40
  • Group Italian language class at Parola school
    Group Italian language class at Parola school25/40
  • In class
    In class26/40
  • Private Italian language course at Parola school
    Private Italian language course at Parola school27/40
  • 28/40
  • 29/40
  • Grammar lesson at Parola school
    Grammar lesson at Parola school30/40
  • Italian class in Florence at Parola school
    Italian class in Florence at Parola school31/40
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  • Students in a classroom
    Students in a classroom33/40
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Student opinions about Parola, Florence

4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Overall school rating of
Parola, Florence
27 authentic ratings from students who reserved with us
School
Location of the school
5.0 

Rating: 5.0/5.0

Facilities
4.2 

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Social activities
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Organisation
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Course
Quality of teaching
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Value for money
4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

Accommodation
Homestay
3.7 

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Shared Flat (apartment)
3.7 

Rating: 3.7/5.0

Overall school rating by student age group
Students < 18 years (1 rating)
4.0 

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Students 18-30 years (5 ratings)
4.8 

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Students 31-49 years (8 ratings)
4.9 

Rating: 4.9/5.0

Students 50+ years (13 ratings)
4.5 

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Verified reviews only, uncensored. All student opinions from students who booked a course at the school with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Everything was very personal and individual. The contact with the teachers was friendly and I felt very well looked after. The way of teaching was also very goal-oriented and a lot of fun. I would not have thought it possible that I would learn sooo much in just one week. It was really fantastic and I will definitely do it again. I also really enjoyed the afternoon events.
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 1 week
Review date: 17. Oct. 2023 by Monika Bolsmann
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The teachers and staff were especially friendly, which was very important to me. The location was central, and on the way to school you could see beautiful sights of the city early in the morning.
Disliked
In some cases, it was a little difficult to combine different levels. But there was also a redistribution of responsibilities during our time, which meant that we had a change of teachers once.
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro - 2 weeks
Review date: 21. Feb. 2023 by Shanna Ball
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Loved my teacher, Gemma. She made me feel very relaxed about the process and I feel that I learnt a lot because she took all of the angst out of it. Very relaxed atmosphere. I liked it.
Disliked
Air conditioning was not coping but it was a massive heat wave. I think they could have provided more tuition books to students.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Loved it. I will return next year next & probably do 4 days per week and four hours per day
Course: Private lessons - 36 lessons (9 lessons per week) - 4 weeks
Review date: 30. Jul. 2023 by Susan Pierce
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The kindness and warmth of the instructors. Very motivating, they teach with a fun style and show you how to love the language.
Disliked
Sometimes there were too many students in the class.
Review details
Other comments Amazing location, fantastic teachers.
Course: Semi-Intensive Course - Andante: Conversation - 4 weeks
Review date: 8. Jun. 2023 by Patrick Ciliberto
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The teachers have been very good, always willing to answer any questions and always with a smile. A very good experience.
Review details
Other comments Always willing to help.
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 1 week
Review date: 1. Aug. 2022 by M. Pilar Medrano Martín
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Amazing teachers. Very generous compromise for daily private lessons when the molto allegro course was not run.
Disliked
N/A
Review details
Course: Super Intensive Course - Molto Allegro - 3 weeks
Review date: 18. Jun. 2024 by Anjelica D'Alessandri
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The language of teaching is Italian only. The teachers are really very friendly, sympathetic, patient, humorous.
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Grammar and conversation in the morning, individual one-to-one tuition in the afternoon.
Other comments Great and friendly teachers
Course: Combo Course - Presto (20 Group + 10 Individual) - 1 week
Review date: 21. Oct. 2023 by Julia Pippi
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Everyone is very nice, sympathetic teachers, uncomplicated and helpful staff. The lessons are good.
Disliked
No afternoon activities were offered.
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 1 week
Review date: 22. May. 2023 by Annette Gross
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
The organisation of the language courses and the language school fill me with great satisfaction.
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro - 2 weeks
Review date: 24. Aug. 2023 by Andre Hofmann
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Very nice and helpful staff. Will book again if possible for Easter 2023
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: The teachers taught the material with wit, humour and charm. Thank you.
Other comments Will book there again
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 2 weeks
Review date: 1. Sep. 2022 by Anton Quinsz
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
Atmosphere, learning materials, location and after-school activities
Insider tip: Participate as much as possible in the activities, that’s where the actual language learning takes place!
Review details
Quality of teaching / language progress: Overall the experience was great; the course material, activities, location of the school and general learning atmosphere. Of course, there were some differences in the teaching motivation / attitude of the teachers, which affected the language training somewhat. Mainly taking the course was a wonderful experience in a family-like environment!
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 3 weeks
Review date: 20. Mar. 2020 by Cassandra Zaeske
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
4.0

Rating: 4/5.0

Liked
The commitment of the teachers (incl. contact person) was super!
Disliked
Small rooms; during my week there were no leisure activities (except going out to eat once) - the reason was the bad weather; I lacked affordable cooperation to visit one or two famous museums (only one man came along who offered this - with a guided tour - but at a much higher price commercially).
Review details
Other comments I would definitely choose it again
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 1 week
Review date: 22. May. 2023 by Helga Neupärtl
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Very engaging, lively teachers! Amazingly low price!
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 1 week
Review date: 5. Sep. 2023 by John Chapman
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.
Overall rating
5.0

Rating: 5/5.0

Liked
Nice teachers, pleasant atmosphere
Disliked
Unfortunately, in a two-week period, only 2 afternoon activities; material: partially copies, in which the pictures were not recognisable
Review details
Course: Intensive Course - Allegro [Italian] - 2 weeks
Review date: 23. Aug. 2022 by Eva-Maria Berger
Verified student who booked this course with LanguageCourse.net.

Ratings of Parola compared to ratings of all schools in Italy

 Parola FlorenceAverage of all other schools in Italy
Overall school rating4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Location of the school5.0

Rating: 5.0/5.0

4.8

Rating: 4.8/5.0

Facilities4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

3.9

Rating: 3.9/5.0

Social activities4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

4.0

Rating: 4.0/5.0

Organisation4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Quality of teaching4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.5

Rating: 4.5/5.0

Value for money4.7

Rating: 4.7/5.0

4.4

Rating: 4.4/5.0

Homestay3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Shared flat3.7

Rating: 3.7/5.0

4.2

Rating: 4.2/5.0

Parola

“A friendly, welcoming and professional atmosphere are good elements to learn a language.”
Simone Cioni
– 
Simone Cioni
Director of Parola
Accreditations and Quality seals
Italian in ItalyPreferential Terms in Case of Visa Refusal
Italian teacher qualifications
100% hold a university degree
100% hold a recognised language teaching qualification
Languages spoken by school staff (cannot be guaranteed by school)
First day of course
Written and oral level test is performed. Students should arrive at 8:30
Student gender mix
15% male / 85% female
Offer for returning students
You will be refunded/waived the school's administration fee if you already attended previously a course at Parola and you book here.
Payment methods accepted for payments made directly to the school
Visa - logoMastercard - logoEurocard - logoAmerican Express - logoPayPal - logoMaestro - logoEurocheque - logoTravellers Check - logoWestern Union - logoCash payment - logoVisa Debit - logoBank Transfer - logo
Year of school foundation
1992
Legal name/parent company
Parola s.n.c. | Tax registration ID: IT06768210483

General school facilities

  • Microwave for student use

  • Fridge for student use

  • Cafeteria

  • Drink vending machine

  • Library

  • Movie rental

  • Movie room

  • Balcony / terrace

  • Student support desk

  • Copy machine

  • Self-study areas

  • Printer for student use

  • Free WIFI

  • Free water dispenser

  • Non-smoking (all indoor areas, but not all outdoor areas of school)

  • Tourist information

  • Assistance with reservations for restaurants, bars, clubs

  • Classroom equipment

    • Air conditioning in all classrooms

    • Heating in all classrooms

    • Ample natural light in all classrooms

    • Number of classrooms: 7
    • Number of public PC workstations: 2

Student Age / Nationality

Average number of students
Adult courses - In summer: 60
Adult courses - Throughout the year: 40
Junior courses - In summer: 5
Junior courses - Throughout the year: 10
Minimum age of students
16 years
Average number of levels
Adult courses In summer: 6
Adult courses Throughout the year: 5
Average age of students
In summer: 25 years
Throughout the year: 30 years

Top student nationalities

Student Nationality Percentage of students
USA 55%
Spain 20%
Germany 10%
England 10%
Brazil 5%

Information for all courses offered by Parola

Lesson duration
55 minutes
Course material
Generally course material is distributed free to students and will stay in student property.
Individual classes
Single individual lessons of tuition can be reserved at 30 €. The combination of group and individual lessons is highly recommended. Individual lessons will encourage you to actively speak the foreign language and will offer you the opportunity to discuss individual problems and weaknesses.
Days without class
In 2024 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2024, 01 Apr 2024, 01 May 2024, 02 Jun 2024, 15 Aug 2024, 01 Nov 2024, 08 Dec 2024, 21 Dec 2024 - 31 Dec 2024.
In 2025 (including national and regional bank holidays):
01 Jan 2025 - 06 Jan 2025, 20 Apr 2025, 21 Apr 2025, 25 Apr 2025, 01 May 2025, 02 Jun 2025, 15 Aug 2025, 01 Nov 2025, 08 Dec 2025, 25 Dec 2025, 26 Dec 2025.
School policy regarding bank holidays:Private classes are recuperated or refunded. Same as for nearly all language schools, group classes falling on bank holiday are not refunded and not recuperated.
Level test
A test to assess your exact language level takes place at the school on the first day of the course.
Lessons needed per Italian language level
Level (CEFR) LESSONS needed per level WEEKS needed
(20 lessons per week)
A1 Beginner A1 to A2 80 4
A2 Elementary A2 to B1 160 8
B1 Intermediate B1 to B2 180 9
B2 Higher Intermediate B2 to C1 200 10
C1 Advanced C1 to C2 220 11
C2 Proficiency
Data above gives some guidance. For more details consult our page How long does it take to learn a language or reach a specific level.

Airport transfer

Florence Peretola Airport:
45 € one way
90 € return (both ways)
More details about airports near Florence and how to travel independently from the airport to the city on our Florence page. For flight comparisons to Florence, we recommend using skyscanner.com.

Visa Documents

Nationals from Hong Kong do not require a visa to study short term courses up to 90 days.
Check visa requirements for nationals from other countries.
Nationals from countries that require a visa will receive documents from the school, related to booking confirmation, which is required for the visa application.
Full payment of all fees required before school dispatches documents required for visa application
No
Express shipment fee (via courier)
50 €
Free shipment via regular mail
Yes
Preferential cancellation terms in case of visa refusal
School agreed that students booking online on this site will benefit from preferential cancellation fees in case of visa refusal, and in this case will never exceed EUR 180.

Leisure activities

activity possibledistance from school
Cooking2 km
Dancing3 km
Diving3 km
Football (soccer)5 km
Golf5 km
Horse riding10 km
Mountainbiking10 km
Music1 km
Sailing70 km
Skiing70 km
Squash3 km
Swimming-
Tennis2 km
Volleyball2 km
Windsurfing70 km

Examples of leisure activities organized by the school

Adults - Free activities

Sightseeing, churches, and art museums.

Adults - Paid activities

Parola school’s events include visiting art museums and churches, orientation walks in Florence, field trips to Tuscan cities, aperitifs, Florentine restaurants eating pizza and Tuscan food.

Accommodation

Map  

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Other language schools in Florence offering Italian courses: 

Questions and answers about Parola

  • For accommodation, if you wants, we can find a private apartment just for you. Due to your age, unfortunately you can not stay in an apartment with other students (usually they are very young), usually the owners do not allow it.
    Dott. Gianluca Donati, Director from Scuola Parola - Oct 04, 2024
  • Yes, Parola can also offer private lessons where you can decide the topics and lesson times. Please note that both students must have approximately the same language level.
    Gianluca, School Director from Parola - Dec 11, 2024

FAQ about Parola, Florence

  • At the time of writing (2024), Parola school in Florence offers courses for students from the age of 18. The average age of students is 25 during the summer and 30 during the rest of the year.
    Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Feb 12, 2024
  • Currently (2024), the school offers several accommodation options: homestay, shared apartment and private apartment. Let us know the preferred dates and we will be happy to check availability for you!
    Veronica Romualdi, Language Travel Consultant from LanguageCourse.Net - Oct 15, 2024
  • Yes. The school offers pickup from Florence Peretola Airport (45 €)
  • Depending on the chosen course, the maximum number of students at Parola varies from 1 students (Individual Italian Course - 10 hours weekly) to 12 students (Very Intensive Course (30 hours weekly) - MOLTO ALLEGRO)
  • 100% of teachers at Parola hold a university degree. 100% hold a recognized language teaching certificate.
  • The highest Nationality percentage at Parola comes from USA with a 55% representation, followed by students from Spain (20%) and England (10%).
  • Yes, there is an exclusive discount that only applies when booking online here.
  • Parola offers courses from 16 years to 99. Average age is 25 during the summer and 30 for the rest of the year.

PDF brochure / price list of Parola

Parola Brochure
Parola Brochure
Parola Pricelist 2025
Parola Pricelist 2025
years
Starting date
Course available
Check-in date
Check-out date
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incl.
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FREE cancellation
FREE changes
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4.7 

Rating: 4.7/5.0

More information about Florence including climate data and events on our Florence page with a list of all 16 Italian schools in Florence.
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