The Utopic Italian Language School was founded out of a desire to create a free, open, and welcoming space—a place where language is not a barrier but a tool for living, working, and participating fully in the community. A lack of words isolates, inhibits, and makes people feel distant; that is why our volunteers work every day to transform the process of learning Italian into a journey toward independence and new opportunities.
We deeply believe in multicultural communities where everyone can find their place, learn, express themselves, and feel valued. For us, teaching plays a central role: the classroom is a communal space, an environment where every voice matters, and where the coming together of diverse experiences fosters knowledge, respect, and shared growth.
We choose to teach because we want to remain human.
Because we reject the tendencies that fuel fear and exclusion.
Because we feel the need to offer a sense of security to those who come from far away.
Because we believe that a safe haven can change lives, and that independence also depends on the ability to communicate, understand, and be understood.
This is what our school is: a place for learning, yes, but also for coming together, for building connections, and for creating a sense of community; a place where people’s dignity comes first.
OBJECTIVES
- To ensure language literacy and proficiency, while expanding the vocabulary and communication skills of those with a limited knowledge of Italian.
- To provide a welcoming, supportive, and inclusive space where everyone can feel valued and safe.
- To encourage participation in community life, while also facilitating involvement in other activities offered by the association.
- Provide support in preparing for the language exams required to complete the procedures for obtaining a residence permit.
Levels:
1. Base level
For those who have recently arrived in Italy and are just starting to learn the language.
Learning Outcomes:
- Learn the alphabet and basic reading and writing skills.
- Understanding and expressing simple phrases useful in everyday life.
- Introduce basic vocabulary (home, work, transportation, health).
- Develop basic listening comprehension skills through guided dialogues.
- Promote independence in essential interactions (asking for information, introducing oneself, finding one’s way around).
2. Intermediate level
For those who already speak and understand Italian but need to strengthen and expand their skills.
Learning Outcomes:
- Reinforce the main grammatical structures.
- Expand vocabulary, including thematic vocabulary (work, services, citizenship).
- Improve listening comprehension through more complex texts and dialogues.
- Build confidence in conversation, description, and expressing opinions.
- Develop writing skills through short texts relevant to everyday life.
MODALITÀ
The courses are open to everyone, without exception (people without a residence permit, refugees, economic migrants, international students, etc.).
The courses are free, and the school provides the materials.
Classes are held on Mondays from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at La città dell’Utopia, located at Via Valeriano 3f. The location is in the San Paolo neighborhood (South Rome), just a few minutes’ walk from the Metro B stop.
The school is open from October through July.
For more information about the courses, please email us at lacittadellutopia@sci-italia.it.