FAQ

Language Courses

Is it possible for Italians to take English courses at Johns Hopkins?
The Association organizes language courses for non-native speakers of English on the premises of the Bologna Center of the Johns Hopkins University. Participants in Association courses are usually Italians or people of other nationalities who are living or studying in Bologna. Our courses are especially designed to help Italians learn to speak and understand English.

The Bologna Center is a campus of Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies. Each year more than 150 students from the USA and other countries around the world enroll at the center to do post-graduate work in International Relations. For more information about the full-time Masters' program at the SAIS Bologna Center, see Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies Bologna Center.

I want to take a language course but don't know my level.
Please come to the Association office for a free level test and brief interview with a member of our staff. We are open from Monday through Friday from 4:00 to 7:00 PM and by appointment. For further information please contact:

Does the Association offer conversation courses?
That depends on your level. The Association's LINK-U.S. program is divided into 7 levels. The principal elements of conversation - listening and speaking - are at the heart of every LINK-U.S. course. Our teachers never waste class time with boring grammar exercises. Giving students the tools they need to communicate in English is the goal at every level.

The Association offers CONVERSATION courses for people who have already completed the LINK-U.S. program and for other people who have reached a very high level of fluency in English (for example people who have lived in an English-speaking country for a long time). In CONVERSATION courses teachers present participants with interesting topics that stimulate conversation and help lead to vocabulary expansion and overall consolidation.

When are courses held?
The Association is a guest of the Bologna Center of the Johns Hopkins University, and during the academic year our courses are usually organized in the evenings and on Saturday mornings. In the summer we offer courses throughout the day.

How many students are in each class?
The minimum number for a group lesson is 4 students. The maximum is 10.

What happens if I miss a lesson?
All participants in Association language classes are entitled to two free sessions of our Tutoring Service. Participants may sign up for individual half-hour lessons to cover material missed because of absence or to get extra help with particularly difficult grammar points. After a student has used his or her two free sessions it is still possible to reserve Tutoring sessions at a low fee.

Where can I buy textbooks?
Course books are available at a 10% discount from la libreria Goliardica - Via Belmeloro 5/A and at Feltrinelli International - Via Zamboni 7/B.

Will I receive a certificate at the end of the course?
Passing students receive with a Certificato di Frequenza stating level attained and the number of hours in the course and two individual Progress Reports (Midterm and Final Evaluation). Students finishing 3rd Year and up are encouraged to take the TOEIC examination for internationally recognized certification. Students finishing 4th and 5th year are also encouraged to take the University of Michigan's ECCE exam while students finishing 6th Year are encouraged to take the ECPE exam. All of these exams are offered by the Association.

Cultural Events

Are the cultural events organized by the Association held in English?
The Association's cultural events are usually held in Italian or in English with Italian translation.

Do you have to be a member to come to the Association's cultural events?
The cultural events organized by the Association are always open to the public unless otherwise indicated.

I have a great idea for a cultural event, is the Association interested in talking about my proposal?
Yes, we are! Send an email to Lisa Gelhaus culturalevents@jhubc.it or call 051/262825.

Membership

How can I become a member of the Association?
For information about membership please contact Lisa Gelhaus at: