Frequently asked questions
If you can't find your answer, please contact us!
Will the school help me with the documents for my student visa?
Yes, we are here to help you. If you are a non-EU student, we will provide you with all the official enrollment certificates to submit to the Embassy or Consulate. Please note that we will only send the documents after receiving payment of the full course fee.
Please note: If your visa application is rejected, you are entitled to a 90% refund of the amount paid. Simply send us the letter of rejection from the Embassy.
I am an adult (“senior” or over 50), will I fit in well in class?
Absolutely. Many people choose Centro Machiavelli precisely because of its welcoming and stimulating environment. We create classes based on language level and always pay close attention to the age of the participants.
If you are looking for something specific, we offer the “50 Plus” course: you will study the language in mixed-age classes and participate in a cultural program with three guided tours per week organized exclusively for small groups of over 50s.
What kind of accommodation do you offer?
We want you to feel at home. You can choose a room in a shared apartment with other students, or live with a host family (with kitchen use or half board). We will try to fulfill your requests based on availability at the time. Your room will be available from the Sunday before the course starts until the Sunday after it ends. Details and prices of accommodation offered by the school.
Can I have a room with a private bathroom?
Yes, we know that privacy is important. You can request a single room with a private bathroom for an additional fee of €40 per week. Availability is limited, so we recommend that you sign up well in advance.
I have food allergies or am vegetarian/vegan.
No problem. The families who host our students are used to dealing with different needs. Please indicate this clearly in the “Notes” section of the registration form: it is essential for matching you with the right family.
I’m allergic to animals. Is that a problem?
Absolutely not, but you must tell us immediately. Many Italian families have pets, so please indicate your allergy on the registration form. We will select accommodation for you (with a family or with students) that is guaranteed to be pet-free.
I would like to bring my dog or cat. Is this possible?
It is possible, but we need to check availability well in advance. Please note that it is easier to find pet-friendly solutions in independent apartments than in family homes. Contact us before booking so we can look at the options together.
Can I host my partner or a friend who does not attend the school?
Priority for accommodation is always given to students. However, during the low season or if you choose an independent apartment, it is possible to host accompanying persons.
How does payment for accommodation work?
You will pay for your accommodation directly to the owner upon arrival in Florence.
I am a complete beginner. When can I start?
If you have never studied Italian before, we have specific start dates (you can find them on the course calendar) to ensure you are placed in a class with other beginners where you can learn the basics together. If you already have some knowledge of the language, you can start any Monday.
How do you understand my level of Italian?
Before you arrive, we will send you an online grammar test. On your first day of school, you will also take an entrance test to assess your conversation skills. Don’t worry, it’s not an exam! It just helps our teachers understand your abilities and place you in the perfect class for you.
If you are a complete beginner, there is no test: you will go straight into the introductory class.
What happens if I feel that the class is too easy or too difficult?
Your learning is our priority. If, after the first few lessons, you feel that you are in the wrong level, talk to your teacher and the administrative office immediately. We will evaluate the situation together and, if necessary, move you to a more suitable class right away.
What are the class times?
Classes can be held in the morning or afternoon. Group courses are in the morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., while individual lessons start at 1:15 p.m.
I want to attend the Art and Craft courses, but I don’t speak Italian very well.
The “Firenze nell’Arte” courses are mainly practical, and the teachers have extensive experience with international students. Specifically, the craft courses can be held in either Italian or English.
La scuola rilascia un certificato?
Alla fine del percorso riceverai un attestato di frequenza che certifica il tuo livello di competenza raggiunto (secondo il QCER) e le ore che hai frequentato. Non è un certificato ufficiale, ma un attestato del tuo impegno.
Do you prepare me for certification exams or for university?
Yes, we offer individual afternoon courses for:
- Official CILS, CELI, and PLIDA certification exams. For the CILS exam, please ask the administrative office how to register.
- Admission tests for Italian universities (Architecture, Medicine, Design).
Please remember to specify this when registering.
Do you accept Erasmus+ programs?
Of course. We welcome staff from all levels of education and training with Erasmus+ Staff mobility. Ask us for our OID Code so you can proceed with your registration.
How do I confirm my registration and how do I pay?
To confirm your place, you need to pay a deposit of 30% of the course fee + €2 for the stamp duty.
You can pay by bank transfer or online with PayPal/credit card. The balance of the course fee must be paid by the second day of class.
What happens if I have to cancel my trip?
If you have to cancel for reasons other than your study visa being refused, the deposit refund works as follows:
- Up to 30 days before departure: we will refund 80% of the deposit.
- Between 29 and 15 days before departure: we will refund 50% of the deposit.
- Less than 14 days: no refund of the deposit.
See the general terms and conditions.
How does arrival and departure work?
Two or three weeks after registration, you will receive the contact details and address of your accommodation. Check-in is scheduled for Sunday between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.
If you know you will be arriving early, please let us know; we will try to get you into your accommodation or store your luggage. If you arrive late for any reason, please notify the owner immediately!
Accommodation must be vacated (check-out) by 10:00 a.m.
My flight is midweek. Is this a problem for accommodation and/or the course?
We understand that flight schedules do not always coincide with Sundays. Here is how we handle these cases:
Accommodation: The reservation is Sunday -> Sunday. If you plan to arrive earlier or leave later, in terms of days, contact us immediately: if there is space in the accommodation we have assigned you, you will pay for the extra nights with a supplement, otherwise we will recommend temporary accommodation nearby.
Course: The course always starts on Monday. If, for example, you arrive on Tuesday or Wednesday, we will immediately place you in a class, but please note that missed hours cannot be made up or refunded.
Can you pick me up at the airport or train station?
Yes. Upon request, we can arrange a private transfer: a member of our staff will pick you up at Florence Airport or the train station and take you straight to your accommodation. There is an extra charge for this service.