Home - ARCA Italian Language School in Bologna. Studying Italian in Italy

Bologna is a city full of surprises. A majestic square framed by historical buildings, some dating back to the 1400s; a monumental statue of Neptune, set in a fountain surrounded by four voluptuous sea nymphs; two stately towers, one of which you can climb for a breath-taking view of the city’s russet-coloured rooftops; almost 40 kilometres of porticos, offering shade from the summer heat and shelter from the winter rain; a window where you can look onto a magical, hidden canal; and a vast array of restaurants, bars and cafés where you can enjoy a meal, a snack or just a glass of wine ‘al fresco’ at any time of day. A city you won’t easily forget and the perfect place to study Italian!

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Short term courses

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Long term courses

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On line courses

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About Arca

Methodology

Our method , which is regularly updated, is based on “doing” and “saying”, or “communicative acts”. Important international research has in fact shown that much more is learnt by doing than by simply studying…

History

Arca was one of the first schools of Italian as a foreign language in Bologna. Set up in 1998 with the aim of encouraging the meeting of different cultures and to spread the knowledge of Italian language and culture…

Testimonials

GOUTTE Sophie

Ho passato due settimane fantastiche a l'ARCA di Bologna ! L'accoglienza è stata calorosa fin dal primo giorno e tutto il team è stato molto gentile. Gli insegnanti sono competenti e sanno come infondere fiducia negli studenti, qualunque sia il loro livello. Questa esperienza è stata tanto arricchente sul piano umano quanto su quello linguistico. Riesco con ricordi molto belli e la voglia di tornare. Un grande grazie a tutto il team per queste due settimane indimenticabili! Consiglio questa scuola al 100%.

Glenn Splieth

I attended ARCA italian language school from February to July 2026. The school is located on a pretty street in the center area of Bologna. Classes were Monday through Friday from 9 am to 1 pm with a 1/2 hour coffee break at 11 am. The teachers are excellent at teaching grammar and leading practice in italian conversation. The classes are each geared to the level of the student from beginner to very advanced. My experience at ARCA was excellent.

Vincent Lapeyre

I absolutely loved Arca! The teachers are highly professional, and the lessons are engaging and never feel like traditional school classes. It’s a great opportunity to meet new people, especially during the activities and the daily coffee break when everyone gets together. The school is also perfectly located in the center of Bologna. Another great advantage is its flexibility: you can enroll week by week, with no long-term commitment. Highly recommended!

Hannah K

I cannot recommend this school enough. I spent nearly 4 months studying here. These teachers are brilliant, patient and experts at teaching Italian to all levels. I was fortunate to experience lessons in my time from all of the teachers, they consistently provided a safe, welcoming space that was so enjoyable to learn within. Thank you Roberta, Corrina, Sara, Serafina, Erica, Ludovico and of course to Serena. I definitely will continue to learn and hope to come back to Bologna for more fun!

Alessandro Pinzin

I really enjoyed my 3 weeks at Arca. All the teachers were great; teaching us in a fun, friendly and patient way. I learnt a lot of foundational skills In my short time here and would recommend the school to anyone looking to learn Italian.

Célia Argentieri

The reason I highly recommend Arca is that the class groups are really well made. Serafina and the teachers take the CEFR levels seriously. Because of this, we can build solid foundations instead of just superficial knowledge. The teachers always prepare their lessons, and it shows! I also really appreciated that the teachers rotate every three weeks. I see this as essential: it lets you hear different ways of speaking, experience varied teaching styles, and sometimes it’s about personal affinity too! I also had such a great time during the coffee breaks. The atmosphere was warm and fun, and it was a good opportunity to meet people from other classes :)

Irene Trethowan

I’ve just completed two weeks of study at this extraordinary Italian language school in the heart of beautiful Bologna. It’s been a joy from my first inquiry to the completion of my lessons today. The directors and teachers are warm, helpful and most importantly, take a real interest in all of the students and their welfare and learning. The level of teaching is exceptional and although I still have a distance to travel on my Italian language journey, it’s certainly had a kick start here at ARCA. I plan to come back for longer next time!

Monique Pennings

Afgelopen week veel geleerd: zowel over Italiaanse taal als de Italiaanse cultuur. In administratieve zin was alles prima geregeld. De docenten Erica en Sara bleken deskundig, gedreven en vooral ook gezellig. Een aanrader!

Stella Molina

La scuola è stata fantastica. Piccola e familiare. E gli insegnanti erano tutti molto simpaticissimi. Abbiamo imparato con divertimento. Questa è stata un'esperienza davvero bella che non vorrei perdere. Mi piacerebbe tornare. Ringrazio tutti voi, anche per la buona organizzazione. Angela

Studying Italian in Italy

Studying Italian in Italy

Studying Italian in Italy

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