"Bertrand Russell" Italian Language School

Not appropriate for learning conversation!

I attended the Bertrand Russell Italian Language School for three weeks in March and April, 2016 and, although the instructors (I had three) were very enthusiastic and welcoming, I was very disappointed with the program itself. I had previously attended the Italian language programs of the Berlitz School in Rome and the British Institute in Florence (at the upper intermediate level), both of which were magnificent experiences. The BR program seems to focus almost entirely, at least in the first three months of study, on written grammar. In class, I spent four hours each day mostly filling in worksheet pages in the various textbooks. Conversation was minimal, and there was no guided practice in conversation. I was shocked at this, since it was conversational ability that I wanted to develop.

On the third day of what I had planned to be a monthlong course of study, I complained to the director of the school. She informed me that the conversation class was offered only after four months of study in grammar. I found this approach absolutely baffling, and not at all supported by the research in language learning or by current practice at any of the language schools I have attended. She refused to refund my tuition, and would only offer two hours weekly of private tutoring as a substitute for the 20 hours of classroom instruction which I found completely unsatisfactory. I was angry and upset that she seemed so unconcerned to have such a dissatisfied client. I managed to endure three weeks of the program before I finally quit in disgust.

If your intention is to prepare yourself to pass written tests in Italian, this may be the place for you. If you would like to develop listening comprehension and conversational fluency (in order to enjoy daily life in Italy, watch Italian films, etc.), this is definitely not the place to go. I cannot say enough nice things about my instructors, who were all wonderful people, but I could never recommend the program at this school to anyone.

pubblicato 8 anni fa

Bob Rivituso

If you are serious about learning the Italian language and culture the Bertrand Russell School in Padua is the perfect place. The instructors are top grade and the students come from all over the world; many to perfect their Italian language skills in preparation for entrance exams to Padua's world famous university and medical school.

I found the courses challenging yet made interesting by the instructors who are not only helpful but committed to ensuring that students learn and understand the subject matter. A balance of grammar and conversation at all levels ensures that the language comes to life and also provides a deeper understanding of Italian culture.

The language learning went well beyond the classroom and included several varied cultural events ranging from local tours of Padua's famous sights to dinner at the home of a local person. Italian is the only language spoken in the school so learning is always immersive.

For me Bertrand Russell School was the perfect choice that combined intensive language learning with a truly wonderful cultural experience.

I'm definitely coming back again.

pubblicato 8 anni fa

Wonderful experience!

I spent two months studying Italian at Bertrand Russell, and it is unbelievable how much I learned! It was intense but very enjoyable. The teachers are amazing! Kind, patient and full of good humor:) The field trips in and around Padova were wonderful, and gave me a chance to get to know my classmates better.
I continue to read in Italian every day, and can speak with my husband's Italian-speaking relatives fairly well. I look forward to returning to Padova and to Bertrand Russell to continue my studies next year!

I highly recommend this school!

pubblicato 8 anni fa

Finger weg! Auf gar keinen Fall diese Schule wählen !!!

Falschinformationen vor Kursbuchung! Zugesagte Rückerstattung wurde einfach ignoriert. Keine Antworten auf Emails und Anrufe. Unverschämtes Verhalten und Unwahrheiten. Ich kann jedem nur abraten in diese Schule zu gehen !!!

pubblicato 3 anni fa

Finger weg! Auf gar keinen Fall diese Schule wählen !!!

Falschinformationen vor Kursbuchung! Zugesagte Rückerstattung wurde einfach ignoriert. Keine Antworten auf Emails und Anrufe. Unverschämtes Verhalten und Unwahrheiten. Ich kann jedem nur abraten in diese Schule zu gehen !!!

pubblicato 3 anni fa

Most Disappointed

In March I booked, along with my partner, four weeks of Italian lessons at the Bertrand Russell School in Padua based on the information given on its website. We had both previously studied Italian elsewhere, most enjoyably. To say that I was terribly disappointed in this school would be a gross understatement. When we arrived we were assessed on paper only, which led to my partner (who can communicate in Italian with considerable fluency) being put into a beginners class and me (I know a bit of grammar, but have absolutely no confidence when speaking) into a more advanced class. Our hearts were beginning to sink.The welcoming and seductive description on the school’s website quite simply contains untruths. I am quoting directly: the classes take place “in a relaxed and fun-filled atmosphere” (Well true in a way, but only if your idea of fun is completing endless grammatical exercises from a photocopied exercise book for four hours every day.) “We adopt a communicative approach, encouraging the students to take the lead in the lesson with the teacher overseeing the process like a director.” (In my class communication was actively discouraged, students only spoke to read out the answers from their ‘work’. The teacher rather resignedly said at one point, “We have to finish the subjunctive by the end of today.” And this was my holiday!) “We use the most modern and diverse teaching methods.” (Workbooks and textbooks with no conversation?)And the final irony is a quotation from Plutarch: “Students are not vessels to be filled, they are a fire to be kindled.” Had I not been born with such a passion for Italy and all things Italian, my fire would have been well and truly doused.What did we do about it? Requested a refund, or at the very least an alternative reduced-hours tutor. The first request was denied categorically. The second resulted in a grudging offer of two hours private tuition a week although this was never forthcoming despite my written request which was ignored. The approach taken by the Director of the School was ‘you paid, we provided, you don’t like it, well tough.’ I left the school and joined a gym, where I actually enjoyed learning and speaking in a real setting. My bitter regret is the thousand pounds, which we can ill afford, given in good faith to the Bertrand Russell School. Bertrand Russell, along with Plutarch, would be turning in his grave.

pubblicato 8 anni fa

Not for beginners!

I enrolled on a 4 week Italian course which started on 7 March 2016. When I enrolled I informed the lady on reception that I was a complete beginner and confirmed that it was an 80 hours course with a maximum of 10 students per class; which started at 9am on 7 March 2016. It is clearly stated on the Bertrand Russell website and brochure that there is a maximum of “10 students per class” and “for each course there are 80 hours of lessons spread over a 4-week period”. For these reasons I choose to study at Bertrand Russell Language School.

The first issue is the amount of students per class! On the first day there were 12 students in this tiny classroom. I made a formal complaint via email to Christina on day two – which was quickly disregarded She informed me that if there are more than 10 people in the class she would consider splitting us. The class was not split up throughout the 4 weeks. There was not a single day when less than 10 students were in the class. Christina even introduced new students throughout the course and towards the end we had to move into an even bigger classroom due to the amount of students enrolled.

At times, students were chatting to their neighbour about irrelevant activities – and I struggled to hear the teacher. Some students were simply not paying attention to the teacher. With a smaller class there is less disruption. Furthermore, some students, including myself, were embarrassed and did not have the confidence to speak in front of such a large group.

Secondly, they have a 30 minute break every day which is not advertised. I understand the need for a break - students need time to relax before concentrating for a further hour and a half. However, Bertrand Russell promote online, on their flyer and orally that “for each course there are 80 hours of lessons spread over a 4-week period”. The school does not provide 80 hours of lessons due to having a 30 minute break every day. In doing so, this equates to 10 hours of non-teaching time over the 4 week course. The school provides 70 hours of lessons spread over a 4-week period.

Thirdly, the teaching methods are not what they advertise. During the 4 week Italian beginner course there was never any other teaching method bar reading through the exercise book, filling in gaps and listening to other students read the sentences. There are no games or debates during the course. The teaching method was very outdated and extremely boring.

Fourthly, and very importantly, the level of Italian required is not beginners. IF YOU ARE A COMPLETE BEGINNER THIS IS NOT FOR YOU. Bertrand Russell’s promotional material states that no or very little Italian language is needed for the beginner course. When I began the course I had no Italian language knowledge but during the first class we were introduced to phrases and sentences which were not suited to a complete beginner. I was put under a lot of pressure to speak in Italian and understand sentences I had heard for the first time. I felt embarrassed that my Italian was not at the level of some others in the class. The level of Italian being taught was not for a complete beginner and I even contemplated quitting the course.

Fifthly, the mix of student ability in my class was extremely wide. I found that I was the complete beginner alongside two or three others and then there were some students which had completed the 4 week course already.

I expected a much higher level of service from Bertrand Russell due to its reputation and information stated on promotional material. I am very disappointed and regret choosing Bertrand Russell. Changes need to be made to the schools promotional material and potentially the way the classes are organised. The only good thing was I learnt something and Dario the teacher was very thorough.

pubblicato 8 anni fa

Learning Italian.

I have attended courses 3 times since 2012 (for 1 month and twice for 2 weeks, demonstrating how flexible they are in fitting the course to the needs of the student).
Sc Bertrand Russell is EXCELLENT. The staff are expert, their teaching methods professional and sympathetic, the atmosphere friendly and their students come from a wide variety of countries and cover a very wide age range.
The school also gives excellent support in finding good accommodation and arranging a wide variety of extra-curricular activities complementing the language course.
In summary, they provide everything that I want to help me to learn a new language from scratch in the most pleasant, professional and user friendly way - which is why I have already been there 3 times and will be going back this year.

pubblicato 8 anni fa

エレガントな学生の多い街、パドヴァで楽しくイタリア語が学べますよ！

お勧めポイントは、以下のとおりです。
①きちんとした教育制度：教材が充実、優れた教師、節目のテスト(開始と終了時)
②日本人が少ない：日本人同士で群れることなく、欧米から多様な人材が受講。
③安全で快適な生活：安全、文化的、教育関係者が多く、生活水準も高い。
予習、復習で毎日２時間程度が必要ですが、その分、上達も早いと思われます。

pubblicato 8 anni fa

Итали хэлний курс.

Гадаад оюутнуудад зориулсан Итали хэлний курс хичээл нь маш сонирхолтой бөгөөд ойлгомжтой бүх оюутнууддаа хүртээмжтэй байдлаар явагддаг гэдгээрээ давуу талтай юм. Бертранд Руссел сургуулийн багш болон ажилчид нь үнэхээр эелдэг, найрсаг сайхан хамт олон бөгөөд таныг ямар ч улсаас ирсэн халуун дотноор хүлээж авах болно. Сургалтын хувьд богино хугацаанд Итали хэлний дүрмийн мэдлэгийг олгохоос гадна давхар тухайн орны түүх, соёл, ёс заншил, уламжлал гэх мэт мэдлэгийг олж авах боломжтой юм. Хэрвээ та бүхэн Итали хэл сурах сонирхолтой бөгөөд хаана чанартай мэдлэг олж авахаа хараахан сонгоогүй бол манай Bertrand Russel Итали хэлний сургуулийг сонгоорой.

pubblicato 8 anni fa