Learning on Vacation

The Italian Language
If one of your reasons for going to Rome is to learn Italian, why not attend an Italian language school while you're there? Courses are designed for a variety of people who need to learn the language for different objectives. You may choose to take a simple week-long introductory course or you might choose the far more extensive courses that last for months.

The teachers are usually native speakers to decrease the chance of you picking up any incorrect pronunciations that non-native speakers typically have.

Don't think you'll spend your entire vacation in a classroom. The curriculum is designed to get you out and about with the locals so you can practice your language skills. The school might arrange guided tours, trips to museums and concerts or arrange a dinner party.

Italian Cooking
Admit it. You enjoy making your pasta from scratch, don't you? See how a real Italian chef does it by enrolling in a cooking class. If your stay in Rome is short, take a one day class. Part of your day will be spent learning in the kitchen and the remainder of the day exploring one of the nearby farms or wineries.

If you have a much longer stay, take a week long class. Learn to make homemade bread, sauces and main dishes from cooks who are continuing a tradition handed down through their families for generations.

Some of the cooking schools offer accommodations, eliminating the need to arrange transportation each day to and from a hotel.

Classes are typically kept small so the instructor can offer individualized attention. And the class schedule is complimented by outdoor lessons on choosing fresh herbs and other ingredients.

If you have special dietary needs, ask if this can be taken into consideration for your particular instruction. Please note that asking an Italian cook to show you how to prepare meals with reduced salt might be okay but expect confused looks if you ask him to help you cook without butter or cheese. It's not uncommon, though, for basic vegetarian cooking classes to be offered.