Language courses: frequently asked questions

When do the next CIAL courses start?
CIAL organizes various language courses during the academic year. Click on “Language courses” on the left of the screen and then on “Academic Calendar” in the “Download” section of the screen to find out about the start and finish dates, the types of courses offered (extensive classroom-based, extensive blended, intensive classroom-based, intensive blended), the languages and the levels.

What’s the difference between an extensive course, a blended course and an intensive course?
Extensive courses last for two and a half months with two two-hour lessons per week
Blended courses (available only in English) are divided into two kinds:
- extensive courses which last for two and a half months with one two-hour lesson per week (the last two weeks of the course include two lessons a week)
- intensive courses which last a month with three two-hour lessons per week
In addition to classroom-based lessons, blended courses are integrated with an online interactive package of English courses (Macmillan English Campus)
Intensive courses last for about three weeks with five lessons of three “academic” hours per week (or two and a quarter actual classroom hours) from Monday to Friday.

What languages can I study at CIAL?
CIAL offers courses in English, German, French, Spanish, Italian as a Second Language, Portuguese, Chinese and Russian.

How are CIAL courses organised?
CIAL offers different levels of language courses following the European Common Framework of Reference; generally the levels offered go from A1 for beginners to C1 for advanced learners: A1a, A1b, A2, B1, B2a, B2b, C1a, C1b.

What can I do if CIAL courses clash with my regular lessons at University?
If once you have enrolled you realize that your CIAL course and university lesson clash, then go to the CIAL Secretary’s Office where you can transfer to a different course, provided there are places available. Note that you must change course by the third lesson of the course you are enrolled on; after this you will not be allowed to change. 

Does CIAL also offer one-to-one lessons?
No.

Do students have access to online courses?
Yes, CIAL offers students access to online, self-study courses with innovative and interactive software, aimed at all students who cannot attend classroom lessons.
For information about how to get a password and how to use the courses, click on the “Language Courses” link on the left of the screen and then on “Online Language Courses”.

Do I have to pay for CIAL courses?
Different rules apply depending on who you are (a student who has to take the Faculty language examination as part of their degree course, a student enrolling for personal reasons, a member of the university administrative staff, a person from outside the university, a person from an organisation which has an agreement with CIAL). For information about payment for courses click on the “Course Enrolment” link on the left of the screen.

Do I have to pay for the course books?
Yes, students have to pay for their own books. You cannot buy the books at CIAL but must go to the book shops in Trento.

Are graduates of the University eligible for a discount on language courses?
No, students who have graduated from the University of Trento must pay €400 like other people from outside the University.

Is enrolment compulsory?
Yes. Click on “Course Enrolment” on the left of the screen to find out more.

What can I do if I want to enrol on a course but the deadline for enrolment has passed?
You still have a chance to enrol on a course after the enrolment deadline has passed on the days specified in the “Course Enrolment” link on the left of the screen.

Can I take the end-of-course examination without attending the course?
No, you must attend at least 75% of the lessons in order to sit the final course examination.

Does the end-of-course examination correspond to the language examination students have to take for their Faculties?
No, they are separate examinations and students must pass the Faculty language examination in order to earn the credits for their degree.
The aim of the CIAL end-of-course examination is to test the level students have reached at the end of the course and, if they pass the end-of-course examination, to enable them to enrol on another CIAL course at a higher level, within a year of the end of the course.

Where can I check any changes to the course timetable?
All changes are pinned to the notice board on the wall opposite the CIAL Secretary’s Office. For courses held in the Faculties students have to check at the reception desk in the entrance to the Faculty

Are CIAL end-of-course certificates valid at an international or European level?
No, they are only certificates of attendance.

Does CIAL organize language course abroad?
No, but you can find information and leaflets at CIAL about language courses abroad.