ACADEMIC YEAR

Also known as the “Gap Year”, this is the ideal course for those who would like to become a bit Italian, reaching an advanced level of proficiency in the language, as well as getting a deeper knowledge of the country’s history and culture.
This course, lasting 32 weeks, offers 480 lessons dedicated to the study of language together with 80 academic lessons ranging from the history of modern and contemporary Italy, to history of art, aspects of business Italian as well as the history of Italian fashion & design. Apart from that 80 lessons are dedicated to prepare the AIL diploma.

A full and complete immersion into the country!
Students of this course will receive at least two “Firenze” Diplomas issued by the Accademia Italiana di Lingua.

At the end of the course, students must write an essay on a topic of their choice (for example: art, history, Italian business), with the help of our school library and a teacher that will assist them for 10 lessons. This short essay will be assessed as part of the final exam.

This course is particularly indicated for those who wish to take a year's break to increase their cultural background and for those who, after leaving school, want to enrich their cultural knowledge before going onto study at university.

Starting Dates

ACADEMIC SCHOOL YEAR 2026/2027
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From 5 January 2026 to 14 August 2026	From 4 May 2026 to 11 December 2026	From 31 August 2026 to 23 April 2027
For students, starting the Academic Year in September the duration of the whole stay is 34 weeks, including one week of Christmas Holidays where no courses are held.

Course Facts

Duration	Course N°	Lessons	Class Size	Fees
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32 weeks	321	650	max 14 students	€ 6.195
Course Facts & Notes	Participants: minimum 5 Starting dates: click to view dates The duration of the whole stay is 32 weeks, (33 weeks for the course starting in September which includes two weeks of Christmas holidays when no lessons are held) All students can take part in the weekly cultural and social activities organized by the school A €80 enrollment fee valid for 12 months must be paid for any enrollment
The price of the course includes	Teaching material Student card 650 lessons of language, culture and exam preparation in 32 weeks Placement, mid-term and final tests, including continuous assessment tests Fees for two Diploma «Firenze» AIL exams Drop-in hours; same as office hours Documents for Visa and Residence Permit Social activities (free or at cost price) "Academic School Year" Diploma
Special accommodation offer, reserved for "Academic School Year" students	You can choose from the following: Double or single room in an apartment with other students / Double or single room in family, breakfast included / Double or single room in family, half board (breakfast and dinner) Accommodation price for 32 weeks (223 nights): * Single room in shared apartment 7.360 Supplement for September course, including Christmas Holidays (2 weeks): 460 Euro • Single room in Family homestay, breakfast: 8.475 Euro Supplement for September course, including Christmas Holidays (2 weeks): 530 Euro • Single room in Family homestay, half board: 12.040 Euro Supplement for September course, including Christmas Holidays (2 weeks): 755 Euro

Student Opinions

Maria Emilia Viteri Banda

Country: Ecuador - Source: Testimonial

maria emilia viteri banda student of italian language in florence I started the programme “Academic Year” in Scuola Leonardo da Vinci Firenze in 2013. Today, I am starting my third year in this beautiful city and everything is thanks to this great school, that not only taught me one of the most beautiful languages of the world, but also very usefull knowledge about the culture, which I would have never have learned without the help of the teacher of the school. Teachers and staff are very carefull to the needs and the requests of every single student, offering always the adequate information and a big smile!