You come to Madrelingua Italian language School to learn to speak and understand the Italian language, but of course you want to have a good time too!
Meeting people and socializing with them in Italian is also an essential part of yourItalian language course. We try hard to make sure that Italian (not English) is the “lingua franca” of the school and of its social events, so creating valuable opportunities for you to put into practise the grammar and skills that you learn in your classes.
Ask the Social Program Organiser!
To find out what’s happening after your Italian classes, ask the Social Program Organizer!
Each week our Social Program Organiser plans 3-4 different social activities, which you can choose to do if you wish – just sign your name on the notice board at reception. There is no charge to participate in the social program, but some activities, such as visiting a museum or having a meal, will involve a cost to you. If you’re unsure, just ask the Social Program Organiser for details!
Typical social program activities include:
Cookery classes
Learn how to cook traditional Bolognese dishes!
Learning how to cook traditional Bolognese dishes like tagliatelle, lasagna or ragù can be great fun and will inspire your own menu when you leave Italy and return home. Our friendly cookery teacher will show you how to prepare a traditional Bolognese-style meal. Then, when’s it’s ready, you get to eat it!
Wine-tasting
Don’t miss tasting the wines of Emilia-Romagna!
Tasting the wines of Emilia-Romagna is a great way to spend an afternoon. A local wine-expert visits the school with a selection of wines for you to try. She’ll explain where and how they are produced, and how to recognise and appreciate the differences between them, all in Italian, of course! When the tasting is finished, students normally stay on at the school to chat and to finish what’s left in the bottles…
The “aperitivo”
A drink and a snack after your Italian classes is known as an “aperitivo”..
The “aperitivo” – a drink and a snack with friends – is a tradition in Bologna. Bars lay out snacks, which are free if you buy a drink, so for the price of a glass of wine or cocktail, you can eat as much as you like (and maybe save the price of your evening meal!) There are many places to go: our Social Program Organiser will show you her favourites!
Underground Bologna
Exploring the rivers under Bologna
Exploring the subterranean rivers and tunnels which run under Bologna can be great fun. On rafts or on foot, there’s a lot to see and your guide will show you the points of interest and stop you getting too wet! It certainly makes a change from the traditional way of seeing an Italian city!
Famous regional products!
Discover famous regional products such as balsamic vinegar
Visiting the homes of famous regional products: the balsamic vinegar of Modena, the Ducati factory and museum, and so on, is a must during your stay in Bologna. Who would have guessed there was so much to know about vinegar?
Country walks
A welcome break from the city and from studying Italian!
Discovering the hills above Bologna, in spring or autumn, makes a welcome break from the city, and offers fresh air and beautiful views. One of our teachers, or the Social Program Organiser, will show you her favourite paths and scenic spots.
Coffee!
The mid-morning coffee break is an essential part of your Italian course!
We occasionally organise a coffee-tasting, to help our guests understand that coffee is not just coffee! And don’t forget our famous, much-appreciated, “coffee-break”! A part of your normal lessons in the morning, rather than a
social program event, the coffee break is not just a chance to visit the bathroom and check your e-mail, but a fantastic opportunity to socialize, speak Italian, sample the local snacks, and learn to appreciate a range of real Italian coffees (don’t worry, someone will explain what you should order!)
.. plus lots more!
We try to provide as much variety as we can in the social program. Other possibilities include:
- visiting some of Bologna’s many museums and cultural attractions
- taking a guided tour of the city
- day trips or half-day trips to interesting places near Bologna: Ferrara, Ravenna, Dozza, Modena
- organising a trip with other students to major Italian cities such as: Venice (2 hours by train), Florence (1 hour), Rome (3 hours). We will help you arrange your train tickets and advise you on things to do and see.
- shopping in Bologna’s famous markets and boutiques
- walking (or running, like the locals) in the city’s parks, or under the portici all the way up the hill to the famous landmark, San Luca.
- eating ice-cream from the best “gelateria” in the city.
- watching an Italian movie together with your classmates – we have a selection of DVDs for you to borrow
- climbing one of Bologna’s famous towers
On your first day at the school, you’ll be given a list of things to do and places to see. We promise you won’t be bored!
