What they say about us

I've spent two great weeks in Montepulciano and at Il Sasso and I tried very hard to find something I didn't like - the only thing that came to my mind was, that I would stay longer the next time because there is still so much, I would have liked to do! The classes are small and very sensible put together - I liked most of all that there are plenty of opportunities to conduct a conservation, even to debate in italian. That really helped me to practise the grammar I had learned in two courses in Austria, because I think there's a big difference between doing a written grammar exercise and talking fluently using the correct grammar. And the activities in the afternoons are interesting and also nonstandard, like a grape harvest or a visit at a cheese dairy in the countryside.

We stayed for two weeks in Montepulciano , the place is great. The school is excellent. We are looking forwards to going to Il Sasso again.

Ich habe fünf wunderbare Wochen in Montepulciano verbracht und dabei auch dank der Italienischsprachschule Il Sasso vieles über Sprache, Kultur und Geschichte der Toscana gelernt. Ich kann die Schule wärmstens empfehlen, Staff und Lehrer sind super und das kulturelle Angebot seitens der Schule ist abwechslungsreich und interessant. Ich freue mich schon darauf, nächstes Jahr auf ein Neues die Hügel der Toscana und Montepulciano zu besuchen...

Il Sasso is everything a language school should be, and more. It´s well managed, with staff who are incredibly accessible, helpful, committed and enthusiastic about teaching Italian to foreigners. Group size tends to be on the small side (max. 8) which is ideal for fast and effective language learning. Teachers rotate, meaning that students get used to different accents and different teaching methods. The school´s accommodation options are excellent, too. And most importantly - everyone always has a smile on their face which, in combination with the beautiful location of Montepulciano, makes for a fun and relaxing learning experience.

I spent one week with the school and will return. The teaching staff are very competent, helpful, creative and encouraging. It was an intensive course, with a small class, suited to both challenge and develop my skill level. The wide range of students from around the world was both stimulating and interesting. The school is located in the centre of the town, is very accessible and close to historic towns and wonderful countryside. To be recommended.

I did the beginner's Italian language course in May and was very impressed with the service provided and the standard of tuition. The school is very well organised and right from my first contact with them I was impressed by the informative responses they provided. Once I arrived I was delighted with the town and the lovely accommodation arranged by the school. The lessons were fun, even though a bit daunting with an immersion method, but it was excellent. I would recommend it to anyone.

This is my second trip to Il Sasso, & I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it to anyone. The teaching has been the best I have ever had, the accommodation is wonderful, the surrounds are eternally interesting, & the school is extremely well run & organised. It is also excellent value. Each class has 2 alternating teachers, which is the perfect way to keep students on their toes. I've had 4 teachers during my time at Il Sasso, & while their teaching styles are different, every teacher has been kind, inclusive, lively and engaging. I can't wait to come back!

2 Wochen Sprachurlaub in Il Sasso, das Rundum-Wohlfühlpaket: einfach anmelden und eine schöne - dieses Mal sogar traumhafte - Unterkunft gesucht bekommen, Unterricht in sehr kleinen Klassen mit durchweg kompetenten, sympathischen und vor allem geduldigen (!)) Lehrern, darüber hinaus Hilfe bei Alltäglichem wie Verstehen von italienischen Busfahrplänen, Freizeittipps etc, auch neben der Schule werden Veranstaltungen angeboten wie z.B. Wanderungen und Kochkurse. Sehr angenehm für die absoluten Sprachanfänger bei generellen Fragen außerhalb des Unterrichts: diese können in deutsch geklärt werden. Il Sasso liegt mitten in der Altstadt von Montepulciano, so dass - klassisch italienisch - noch vor der Schule bzw in den Pausen der Kaffee in der Bar geschlürft werden kann. Restaurants und Läden, Bank und Apotheke - alles ums Eck. "Wi-Fi" bzw Computer zur privaten Nutzung vorhanden. Als sehr positiv empfand ich die generelle Freundlichkeit und Hilfsbereitschaft in der Region, und das trotz des hohen Touristenaufkommens. Kurz und knapp: Vielen lieben Dank für die schöne Zeit!!!

Six weeks in a language school in a foreign country in the middle of winter is a serious commitment. Il Sasso had been recommended by several people in New York as a great school, and safely far enough away from the major cities where too much English is spoken. I arrived in early January to brutal weather and empty streets, but was warmly welcomed into the Il Sasso family. We decided to take all-morning classes, and have our afternoons free to roam the countryside. There were several evening activities available at the school, like lectures and cooking classes, but as we were not staying in the town itself, we only participated in a few of these. The time of year proved to be a blessing, as the streets belonged to just us and the locals, and though the weather was stark, it was beautiful, with most restaurants and shops open. The other students were lovely, though quite a few of them were more advanced and therefore in another section. Though I had had some prior Italian lessons, "beginner level" was where I started and there was grammar, vocabulary, homework, and eventually conversation every day. I made great leaps of progress as Cinzia and Roberta taught with patience, kindness and humor. They were seriously professional, knew what they were doing and had a knack for each student's capabilities ... which is a real gift. I could not have asked for better teachers. When I go back, which I surely will, it will probably be for a shorter time, but I would double-up the class schedule and take morning classes and afternoon privates. This may sound intense, but atmosphere is so congenial and the results were so good, that I wish I had done that for the six weeks I was there!

As so many others have said, Il Sasso distinguishes itself among the many language schools to be found in towns across Italy. I've attended a few elsewhere and I was impressed by Il Sasso, not only by the overall attitude of both warmth and professionalism, but the particular expert resources they can bring to bear to offer specialized, "culture" courses. I attended a language class focused on wine and can recommend it to anyone with an interest in wine and some elementary knowledge of Italian. Both the instructor/restauranteur and the sommelier who were my instructors were extremely knowledgeable, cordial and helpful. Complementi a tutti!