NUOVA ARCADIA, THE COURSES, THE SCHOOL

What is Nuova Arcadia?
Nuova Arcadia is a Cultural Association. Its aim is the promotion of the Italian language, the Italian traditions and its culture through courses held by teachers and professionists.

May I became a member of the Association?
Yes, doing a course in our school allows you to become one of our member. It allows you to join all the activities of the Association.

When the courses begin?
Generally our courses begin every first Monday of the month. You can reach the town and get into your room one day before (on Sunday).
Before your arrive we will send you an Italian grammar test in order to check your knowledge of the Italian language. We will put you in the most suitable course according to your Italian language skills.
On the first Monday we will introduce you the course and the teacher and you will join a small welcome party with other students. From the first lesson the teachers will give you all information you need about Casalbordino and Abruzzo.

Is there a timetable of the courses?
The Italian lesson (4 hours per day, grammar and conversation) will be during morning, from 9:00 a.m to 01:00 p.m. (breaks included). Italian Culture lessons, excurtions and other activities will be held during afternoon and evening. We are available to student’s suggestions to change our timetable.

Is the book included in the price?
The book which we will give you IS NOT included in the price of the course. You will borrow the book for all duration of your course. When your course finishes you can decide if you want to buy it or give it back to the school.

Do I will get a certificate at the end of the course?
Yes. At the end of each course the students will get a certificate of Nuova Arcadia Italian School. To receive this certificate you need to uphold a final test and you have to attend at least 75% of Italian lessons.

Is the school close to the houses?
The school is very near to the houses and you can reach the school easily on food.

Do I need a partial knowledge of Italian to join the courses?
No. The school offers courses for every level; from absolute beginners to experts (A1, A2, B1, B2, C1, C2, referring to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages 
Our methodology allows everyone to learn Italian. In addition, in case you need help, all our teachers are fluent in English, Russian, Spanish and Portuguese.

Is there a minimum and maximum age to join the courses?
The minimum age to attend the course is 16. Does not exist any maximum age: it is never too late to learn!

Do I have to attend all the activities (Cultural lesson, excursions, etc)?
No. You will be free and you can choose which Cultural lesson or excursion you want to join. However, we would like to advice you to join all the activities, because all the activities are made to allow you to learn Italian and to discover our Culture and our traditions.

Are there a scholarships?
The School offers some scholarships, both for students and foreign Italian teachers L2. Please contact us for information: info@scuolanuovarcadia.ita.it

I am a Italian teacher and I teach abroad in an Italian language school. It is possible to make a special program for my students in your school?
Yes. Our school is available to organize customized courses. The teachers will stay in the houses for free and they will join the courses as didactic coordinators.

Are there some discounts for groups of students?
Yes. There are discounts (10%) for groups of people (at least 15). You have to book your course at least 60 days before your arrive. There are discounts for Italian Association’s partner abroad as well.

ACCOMODATION

Where I will live during my stay in Italy?
Our standard accommodation, included in the price, is in independent houses or flats for maximum 4-5 students. All our flats are in the centre of Casalbordino, very close to the school. You will stay in a double room , in a furnished house, with shared use of kitchen, bathroom, living room and balcony.
The students have to pay for the cleaning of the house (10 € week). The school will provide to clean the shared rooms of the house.
At your first day in the house we will give you a rule book of the houses.
During winter may be asked to the students to pay an extra charge for heater.
We would like to remaind the students that the room will be booked only after we reach the deposit of 140 €.

Are the rooms provided with sheets and blankets?
All rooms are provided with sheets, blankets and towels. In every apartment there is a washing machine.

It is possible to cook in the apartments?
Each apartment has a kitchen with dishes, cutlery and cooking equipment available to students. You can use the refrigerator, oven and gas.

What kind of voltage is used in Italy?
In Italy the voltage is 220 volts. If you have not the same in your own country it is advisable to take with you an adapter before leaving, or buy an adapter at Casalbordino.

PRICES, BOOKING AND PAYEMENT

What is included in the price of the course?
Please check out our internet site “calendar and prices” to know what is included in the price of the course.

What about the enrollment in my course?
You can do your registration  from our internet site “registration form”  and send us 140€ (deposit) by bank transfer. After you send us the filled registration form and you send us the deposit we will book your course and your room. It is advisable to book your course 1 month before your arrive, in order to allow the school to organize your stay in the best way.

How do I have to pay for my course?
After you send the deposit (140€) you will pay when you arrive here. You have to pay during the first day of your course. You can also pay all your course before you come in Italy, during your registration, from your own country. In this case you have to send money by bank transfer as well.
Please check out our internet site “calendar and prices” to know the prices of the courses or send us a mail: info@scuolanuovarcadia.it

TRANSFER

The transfer from Vasto bus station and Casalbordino railway station to the houses is paid by the school (from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.).
The transfer from the Rome International airport to the houses and back is possible only for groups of 15 people and the price is 30 € per person.

TERRITORY:

If I arrive by car can I find the parking?
In Casalbordino there are many parking areas. Some are free, others charge from 10:00 to 20:00.

Is there a bus city service?
In Casalbordino there is a local service that connects the historic center of the town to the beach. It takes less than ten minutes by bus or by car. Other buses connect Casalbordino with the surrounding territory: Vasto, Lanciano, Pescara, Chieti and other little town as Pollutri, Scerni etc.. And there is a railway station, through which it is possible to reach places such as Termoli, Pescara. From Pescara it is possible to take trains towards all cities of Italy.

If I want to come with public transport but traveling independently during my stay?
In this case it is advisable to rent a car on arrival.

What are the opening hours for the shops?
During spring and summer opening hours for the shops is from 9:00 a.m. to 01:00 p.m. and from 04:00 p.m. to 08:00 p.m. During the winter season is from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. and 05:00 p.m. to 07:30 p.m. The closing day of the shops are Monday and Sunday afternoon.

What about the weather?
The climate in the territory of Casalbordino is typically Mediterranean, being at 6 kilometers from the sea benefits from marine influences. Classified as coastal hills the temperatures are neither too rigid nor too hot. The average temperature in summer is about 25 ° in winter is about 7 °.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

Are credit cards accepted in the shops?
Credit cards are accepted in most of the shops. However, it happens that some shop does not accept payment by credit card for the goods . This is not a problem because the town is provided with banks and ATMs where you can withdraw money (VISA, MasterCard, American Express, Maestro, etc..). Anyway it is better to provide with a little cash in Euros before leaving your country.

Do I need insurance for my stay?
Students are provided within the school during the lesson activities . There is not any insurance policy that covers the time they spend outside of school, housing or leisure activities. For this reason, it is strongly recommended to take personal travel insurance against accidents and diseases.
Therefore it is necessary to check about insurance for trip abroad with the authorities of the own country before leaving.

Are There hospitals in case I need?
The nearest hospital is in Vasto, about 20 kilometers, with the first aid station. In Casalbordino there is also a doctor for night emergency. There are also several medical clinics and pharmacies.

What is the international code?
The international code is +39.

During national and religious holidays will classes be held?
No. During the National holidays and major religious holidays the school is closed. The National feasts are: January 6 (Epiphany), April 25 (National Holiday of Independence), May 1 (Labor Day), June 2 (Republic Day), August 15 (August), 1 November (feast of Saints); December 8 (Feast of the Immaculate Conception). Religious holidays are Easter Sunday and the following Monday, December 25 (Christmas). These lessons will be recovered.

Do I need a visa?
EU citizens do not need visa to stay in Italy. For people resident in other countries they need to consult the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the following link: http://www.esteri.it/visti/ and consult the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their country of residence. The school, after registration on-line and paying the fee, will inform the embassy of your registration in our course.

Other useful information?
Do not forget an identity document (for non-EU citizens it is necessary a passport); credit cards, cash, airline reservations, medications that you might need during your stay; European Health Insurance Card (for European citizens); insurance , useful  addresses and telephone numbers.