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Adult Language Courses


Beginner/Pre Intermediate Courses

Course sequence:

Beginner 1 (A1)

Beginner 2 (A1)

Beginner 3 (A1)

Beginner 4 (A1)

Beginner 5 (A1-A2)

Pre-Intermediate 1 (A2)

Pre-Intermediate 2 (A2)

Pre-Intermediate 3 (A2)

Click here for the descriptions of the different proficiency levels.


2025 CALENDAR

SPRING TERM: March 31 through June 9 



Upcoming events

    • 01 Apr 2025
    • 5:30 PM
    • 20 May 2025
    • 7:30 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 3

    Those who wish to spend a period of time in Italy, either for tourism, cultural interest or study abroad, will benefit from a fast paced, communicative approach to the Italian language. 

    This specialized 8-session course - intended for BEGINNER students who are able to digest content and grammar more quickly - will allow for simple but effective communication in everyday life situations such as greetings, getting to know each other, finding out about transportation, asking for directions, reserving a room or an apartment, shopping at a coffee shop or a restaurant. 

    Students will immediately engage in dialogues, comprehension activities, delve into a rich and illustrated vocabulary, all while discovering the rules of everyday life in Italy. 

    The textbook, Facilissimo, can be purchased in 2 formats:

    e-book with online audio or  paper version  with CD.

    Please order your preferred format prior to the first class.

    • 05 Jun 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building, 250 Third Avenue N., Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 8
    Register



    Join us for Game Night in italiano

    A native instructor will lead a small group (maximum of 8 people) through two exciting and creative games: Dixit and Code Names, all played in italiano!

    This event offers a fantastic opportunity to practice your speaking skills, unleash your imagination, and enjoy the company of fellow students in a relaxed and enjoyable setting. Plus, you can savor a glass of Prosecco while you play.

    Don't miss out on this engaging and fun language-learning experience!

    Proficiency levels from Beginner 3 to Intermediate 3 are welcome.

    All workshops must be cancelled a minimum of 72 hours in advance to receive a refund less $20 administrative fee.

    • 10 Jun 2025
    • 5:30 PM
    • 10 Jul 2025
    • 7:30 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 6
    Register

    Those who wish to spend a period of time in Italy, either for tourism, cultural interest, or study abroad, will benefit from a fast-paced, communicative approach to the Italian language. 

    This specialized course - intended for BEGINNER students (levels 1-3)  who can digest content and grammar more quickly - will allow for simple but effective communication in everyday life situations such as greetings, getting to know each other, finding out about transportation, asking for directions, reserving a room or an apartment, shopping at a coffee shop or a restaurant. 

    Students will immediately engage in dialogues and comprehension activities, delve into a rich and illustrated vocabulary, and discover the rules of everyday life in Italy.

    If you have already taken a Beginner 1, 2, or 3 class at ICC but would like the chance to reinforce, practice, and consolidate what you have learned in the past, this is the perfect course.

    NOTE on ATTENDANCE: Summer is crazy, and we know it. This class is designed to help you dive in and practice Italian as often as possible; missing class will not prevent you from continuing. This class is outside our traditional sequence and therefore can help (but would never hinder) your progression to the next level in the Fall classes. Students who continue at ICC in the Fall will be advised on the most appropriate next class on a case-by-case basis after consulting with the Instructor at the end of the course.)

    The textbook, Facilissimo, can be purchased in 2 formats:

    E-book with online audio or  paper version with CD.

    Please order your preferred format prior to the first class.

    • 10 Jun 2025
    • 12 Aug 2025
    • 10 sessions
    • 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Register


    Advanced Caffè e Conversazione Culturale.

    Practice your advanced Italian conversational skills with a native Italian and other Italian culture enthusiasts. Sip un caffè, enjoy un tè caldo, and savor un biscottino while engaging in authentic discussion on variety of pre-announced topics—all while improving fluency and confidence when speaking Italian.

    Led by a native Italian instructor, each 90-minute session offers the perfect opportunity to meet others, exchange ideas and practice conversation at the Upper Intermediate an Advanced level! Short readings will be provided in advance by the instructor.

    Open to both MEMBERS and NON-MEMBERS!

    Immerse yourself in Italian culture, make new friends, and engage in authentic and meaningful conversations in a supportive and structured setting.

    Ti aspettiamo!

    Please Note: Cancellations require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for a refund.

    • 10 Jun 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Ave N., Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 8
    Register

    Ripassiamo, Ripassate... Verb Review and Practice!

    Join us for a two hour workshop focused on how to express yourself when describing current events and plans by reviewing verbi al presente. Led by a native instructor, students will practice regular/irregular verbs in meaningful contexts.

    Prerequisite: Beginning Level 2

    All courses must be cancelled at least 72 hours in advance to qualify for a refund, less a $20 administrative fee.



     










    • 11 Jun 2025
    • 5:30 PM
    • 09 Jul 2025
    • 7:30 PM
    • 250 Third Avenue N. Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 7
    Register

    This 10-hour (5 week) special course is a more focussed variation of Beginner 2. Students will focus more on verbs and accurate use of conjugations in more detailed sentences in a variety of social contexts, such as speaking with family and friends about social plans, daily activities, one's profession and hobbies, as well as likes and dislikes. Students can approach these topics for the first time, or students can expand on their current proficiency level with the material. This course is designed to bring each individual student to a higher level of comfort and automaticity. Students will also gain a deeper understanding of proper etiquette in cultural contexts such as cafes, restaurants and stores in Italy.

    Prerequisite: Beginner Level 1 and/or Beginner 2.

    Cost: $200

    If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before, PLEASE SIGN UP TO TAKE OUR PLACEMENT TEST HERE. An instructor will assess your level.

    Please use these links to order a copy of both the text and workbook prior to the first day of class:

    Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO (Beginner/Pre-Intermediate) UPDATED ED. TEXTBOOK + E-BOOK

    Workbook:  NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO (Beginner/Pre-Intermediate) UPDATED ED. WORKBOOK

    Note: The E-book includes online access to Audio and Videos and interactive exercises used throughout the course. The same textbook will be used for our entire series Beginner 1-5.

    If interested, English Grammar for students of Italian is a great reference for differences in English and Italian grammar structures.

    • 12 Jun 2025
    • 10 Jul 2025
    • 5 sessions
    • 250 Third Avenue N, Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    Register


    Back by popular demand! ICC’s Caffè e Conversazione Series, NOW at the Beginner and (Pre-)Intermediate Levels (A2-B1).

    Practice your emergent Italian conversational skills in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Sip un caffè, enjoy un tè caldo, and savor un biscottino while engaging in authentic discussion on variety of topics—all while improving fluency and confidence when speaking Italian.

    Led by a native Italian instructor, each 90-minute session offers the perfect opportunity to meet others, exchange stories, and practice conversation at the Advanced Beginner/Pre-Intermediate and Intermediate levels! Come for just an hour, or stay the whole time...

    Open to both MEMBERS and NON-MEMBERS!

    Immerse yourself in Italian culture, make new friends, and experience the joy of authentic conversations in a friendly community of fellow language enthusiasts.  

    Practice your emergent Italian conversational skills in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Sip un caffè, enjoy un tè caldo, and savor un biscottino while engaging in authentic discussion on variety of topics—all while improving fluency and confidence when speaking Italian.

    Ti aspettiamo!

    Please Note: Cancellations require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for a refund.

    • 24 Jun 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N., Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 7
    Register


    Telling Stories in the Past

    Join us for a two-hour workshop focused on speaking about the past. Whether you want to recount a story about what you did yesterday or where you went on vacation last year, the past tense takes a lot of practice! In this workshop, led by a native instructor, you'll not only practice using the passato prossimo in Italian, but compare it to the past tense in English or other romance languages to finally understand how it works and how to use it correctly and more confidently.

    By the end of the workshop, you'll be a proficient storyteller in Italian and fully understand this tricky grammatical element!

    Prerequisite: Beginning Level 2

    To receive a refund, less a $20 administrative fee, all workshops must be canceled at least 72 hours in advance.

    For any questions, please email us at contact@theitalianculturalcenter.org

    • 08 Jul 2025
    • 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
    • Traffic Zone Building 250 Third Avenue N., Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401
    • 7
    Register


    Telling detailed and engaging Stories in the Past

    Join us for a two-hour workshop focused on telling stories in the past. Whether you want to talk about what you did yesterday with more engaging scene-setting, or whether you want to speak about a past vacation with inspiring details, distinguishing between the simple and imperfect past tense is an important step in proficiency. In this workshop, led by a native instructor, you'll not only practice forming both the passato prossimo and the imperfettoro in Italian, but learn why you choose one instead of the other more confidently.

    By the end of the workshop, you'll be a proficient storyteller in Italian and fully understand this important grammatical distinction!

    Prerequisite: Beginning Level 2

    To receive a refund, less a $20 administrative fee, all workshops must be canceled at least 72 hours in advance.

    For any questions, please email us at contact@theitalianculturalcenter.org

    • 15 Jul 2025
    • 5:30 PM
    • 14 Aug 2025
    • 7:30 PM
    • ZOOM
    • 8
    Register

    If you are planning on spending time in Italy, either for tourism, cultural interest or study abroad, you will benefit from this fast paced, communicative approach to the Italian language. 

    This specialized course ONLINE is intended for BEGINNER students (levels 3-5)  who are able to digest content and grammar more quickly - will allow for simple but effective communication in everyday life situations, expanding on those covered in previous terms at ICC.

    Students will immediately engage in dialogues, comprehension activities, delve into a rich and illustrated vocabulary, all while discovering the rules of everyday life in Italy.

    Pre-requisite: Italian For Travellers I, or Beginner 3 or 4.

    NOTE on ATTENDANCE: 

    The textbook, Facilissimo, can be purchased in 2 formats:

    e-book with online audio or  paper version with CD.

    Please order your preferred format prior to the first class.

    • 17 Jul 2025
    • 5:30 PM
    • 14 Aug 2025
    • 7:30 PM
    • ZOOM
    • 8
    Register

    This 10-hour (5 week) special course is an ONLINE continuation of Beginner 2. Students will continue to focus more on verbs and accurate use of conjugations in more detailed sentences in a variety of social contexts, such as speaking with family and friends about social plans, daily activities, ones profession and hobbies, as well as likes and dislikes. Students will build on their current proficiency level with the material, while learning important cultural aspects of Italian life.

    Prerequisite: Beginner 2 or the first half of Beginner 2+.

    Cost: $200

    If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before, PLEASE SIGN UP TO TAKE OUR PLACEMENT TEST HERE. An instructor will assess your level.

    Please use these links to order a copy of both the text and workbook prior to the first day of class:

    Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO (Beginner/Pre-Intermediate) UPDATED ED. TEXTBOOK + E-BOOK

    Workbook:  NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO (Beginner/Pre-Intermediate) UPDATED ED. WORKBOOK

    Note: The E-book includes online access to Audio and Videos and interactive exercises used throughout the course. The same textbook will be used for our entire series Beginner 1-5.

    If interested, English Grammar for students of Italian is a great reference for differences in English and Italian grammar structures.

    • 10 Sep 2025
    • 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM
    • 250 Third Avenue N. Suite 625, Minneapolis MN. 55401
    • 6
    Register


    PLIDA Certification Exams

    Upcoming Session Information

    Certify your Italian language skills, for citizenship, or any other purpose.

    What: PLIDA Exam (Level B1)

    When: Wednesday, September 10, 2025

    Registration Deadline with ICC: Friday, August 22, 2025

    Where: in-person at ICC, 250 Third Avenue N., Suite 625, Minneapolis, MN 55401

    How to Register: Membership with ICC is required to take the PLIDA exam at our exam center. Prior to registering to take the PLIDA exam at ICC, the candidate must enroll with the Società Dante Alighieri at dante.global. You are not required to hold a membership with the SDA in order to take the exam, but when enrolling on dante.global, answer the question according to your status. Be sure to use the same email address to enroll on dante.global that you will use to register for the PLIDA exam with ICC. Detailed instructions are available here.

    Time: (Tentative Schedule)

    9:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. (Ascoltare 40', Leggere 40', e Scrivere 60')

    12:30-3:30 p.m. (Pausa Pranzo)

    3:30 p.m. - 5:15 p.m. (Parlare – 15' + wait time in between candidates)

    Exact times will be shared with each candidate closer to the exam date.

    Cost: The registration fee for the PLIDA B1 is $210.

    For any questions: contact@theitalianculturalcenter.org


Course Information:

  • Classes are offered once per week for ten weeks. Cost: $350
  • All students must hold active ICC memberships.
  • Adult classes are for students who are 18 or older.
  • Attendance of 70% of the classes and the passing of a test are required to continue to the next level
  • Punctuality towards class starting time is kindly required to avoid class disruption
  • The ICC requires a minimum of 4 students in any group class. When enrollment drops below this number, students are offered the option of remitting a tuition supplement. If all involved students agree to the supplement, the class can materialize.
  • All tuition is due in full prior to the first class.
  • Class registration is not transferable to another person.
  • All group classes will close after the first week of class, and no new students will be added.
  • No discounts apply to private, semi-private, customized classes or workshops.
  • Cancellations of private or semi-private lessons, made less than 24 hours in advance, will be charged at the normal rate of tuition

For online classes:

  • If you do not receive a Zoom link, and class details, by the day before your first class session, please check your spam folder.
  • Language sessions are not recorded for students who miss a class.
  • Active participation is key. Video and audio must be turned on, auditing the class without interaction affects the class dynamic and is ultimately not conducive to learning 
  • Zoom group classes are limited to 8 students per class. However, ICC reserves the right to adjust the number as necessary.

For in-person classes:

  • Joining a session via Zoom is not an option. The instructor will send information about the missed class to all students before the following session.

Refund Policy:

  • Students will receive a full refund of course tuition, less a $10 registration fee, prior to the start of the first lesson in the session.
  • Students can withdraw from the course prior to the second week of class. An administrative fee of $50 will be retained.
  • No refunds will be issued after the second week of group classes.
  • PLEASE NOTE: Regular class attendance is strongly advised. If a student must miss class, for any reason, s/he will not qualify for reimbursement or an individual makeup class.

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250 Third Ave. N, Suite 625
Minneapolis, MN 55401
(612) 295-4111

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