The first thing that comes to mind is how on earth to convey to you the high regard which I hold for the Istituto Galilei. I suppose the short version would be to say that environments of excellence are only too rare in today's world, and that environments of excellence offer me great comfort. The school offers both, an environment of excellence itself, which strives to offer adult students an environment in which they may excel, comfortably and at one's own pace. The school is superb. It is intended for adults, and it succeeds in a way which can be expressed only with superlatives. I have always found learning to be a stimulant, but I found that learning a language when one is in one's 50's is a new experience (different). That is one of the strengths of the Istituto Galileo Galilei. I found the teachers and the method of teaching clearly focused towards adults, as opposed to a 'student-school structure'. The teachers are, themselves, adults, which I found to be equally important. They are highly skilled professionals, with their experience in teaching, learning, education and working together with adult students in great evidence. They exhibited flexibility in adapting their teaching methods to my learning needs, which they readily and professionally identified. The ability of the teachers to enhance my focus with interests that provoked learning is also not to be overlooked. The school is excellent. In addition to the study of the language, the support and assistance I received in every facet of living in Florence temporarily is not to be undervalued. Hotel, transportation, culture, and general care. My overall well-being was of obvious and sincere concern, in a very comfortable way. It was constant, but it was not stifling, nor rigid. It was simply human and kind. Of course I can only speak for myself, but my experience was exceptional. I achieved a profound comprehension of the language, and ability to communicate in Italian at the Istituto Galilei, that I never dreamed possible in a matter of months. The dedication and commitment of the people at the school was extraordinary (sorry, another superlative). I desperately wished to learn Italian for professional reasons, and they embraced my desire almost insisting that I succeeded. I did. The people themselves, with whom I spent 8 hours every day, are very, very nice, ethical and warm people. I very much enjoyed my time with them. Moreso, I admire and respect them - all of them, each in their individuality. I found the professional curriculum excellent. My learning curve was vertical (and still is), and I can only recommend the school with the highest of accolades. I have since returned for brief stays following my several month study in Florence, and I am constantly trying to get back to study more. Well Rita, you asked, and as I remain extremely enthusiastic about my experience at the Istituto Galileo Galilei, I am only too happy to share it with you. If I rambled on, please forgive me, but I truly wish to share my highest regards for the school with you. I can only urge you to proceed with your plans and hope that your world will become as enhanced as mine since my sojourn to Florence with the Istituto. I credit them with having given me the Italian language in a sophisticated, mature and delightfully professional manner. It was one of the highlights of my life, and at this stage in my life, that's not said lightly.
