FAQs

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You can easily move to and from the town from Mesagne, by travelling by train or by bus. There are rail and bus links from Mesagne to the main local towns of Bari, Lecce, Brindisi and Taranto. The two important airports are in Brindisi and in Bari. The nearest airport to the town of Mesagne is Brindisi Airport daily served by frequent flights to and from Rome and Milan. The nearest rail link is in Mesagne. Some interesting and tourist places, such as Alberobello and the coast side, are not well connected. Then you need to rent a car or ask to l’ Acanto School to provide you with further help and information. Your Italian  teacher will be very happy to help you and plan together a personalized tour-guide. That will be the perfect approach to discover a new place and chat in Italian.

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It is possible to pay for your course by bank transfer in advance, or in cash at the school on your first day. As a small business, we are not able to accept payment by credit card.

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“I stayed in a private apartment and opted to join the family for lunch every day. The family was very kind and patient with beginners like me so we managed to communicate very well, which felt like a real achievement.” Moira UK

The school provides students with free advice to help them find the right accommodation. Students can choose between a private, self-catering apartment, or on a bed and breakfast basis. Prices vary according to availability.

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“It’s so friendly, you feel like you’re a member of an Italian family! The staff at l’Acanto were really kind and my teacher was excellent.” Sandrino, Netherland

“My week at l’Acanto improved my Italian conversational skills, but what I will remember most is the hospitality of the friendly Italians I met.” Pam Australia

“The tuition is excellent, the food and accommodation are great, there’s plenty to do and see, the classes are very small and the most important thing is that the Director cares about you. She goes out of her way to make sure everything is right for you.” Terry, Australia

We are a family-run business. The owner of l´Acanto School, Michela, is also one of two passionate and highly qualified Italian teachers. Michela’s family takes care of her guests, who are invited to share family meals together. This means Italian conversation doesn’t stop after the morning lessons, but continues over lunch and dinner with family and friends.That is an authentic experience of the Italian lifestyle on the spot, learning and improving your Italian language by speaking the language with the locals and absorbing their culture and history.

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“Lessons carried on into the busy market place amongs the fresh seafood, the cheeses, and the tree-ripened fruits. They continued amongs the century-old olive trees, the cactus pears and the fig trees and they moved onto the warm sandy beaches with crystal clear waters.” Mary, Canada

Studying at l’Acanto is about so much more than classroom learning.

What is the best suggestion to get the best from Italian course in Italy with l´Acanto School?

Exactly the way how our guests love to spend their free time: sitting in a cafe, drinking an espresso or aperitivo, shopping at the weekly open market, and eating out at the excellent local restaurants.

What do the Students usually request during their Italian course?

A half-day excursions led by the teacher, to introduce them to local life. These trips include: tours of local olive groves and vineyards, where you can taste and enjoy the local wine or olive oil; bike rides in the beautiful Apulian countryside; and visits to nearby towns, to discover their history, art, and architecture.

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“We could not have made a better choice. What we wanted was the best possible opportunity to improve our Italian inside school and out, in a town that was undemanding, not tourist-jaded and with access to traditional Pugliese sights, wine and cuisine. And that’s exactly what we got.“ Michael and Margaret Australia

“Mesagne is a beautiful town, with friendly people and steeped in history. The old part of Mesagne is like stepping onto the film set of Cinema Paradiso (and if you haven’t see that movie I urge you to do so, then book your flight) and as you begin your classes at l’Acanto you will ask yourself why didn’t I do this a long time ago.” Caroline C. UK

Mesagne is a small town, with 30,000 inhabitants. It’s a great base for an Italian study holiday, as the ‘mesagnese´ people don’t speak much English, but they are warm and welcoming. The town offers students the chance to absorb the rhythm of daily life in Southern Italy and find their own piece of la dolce vita! 

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“The lessons were carefully planned to meet my requirements and the teacher went out of her way to find interesting, stimulating and varied materials covering all four language skills.” Gerald UK

“L’Acanto’s approach to teaching is to involve her students in everyday Italian life and living, which is why she not only taught us her language but also how to enjoy ‘la dolce vita’.” Janis B. UK

Lessons are planned daily, according to the language level, needs and interests of every student. We use the communicative approach to teaching, in line with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages. Italian conversation topics focus on the culture and history of Italy, particularly of Southern Italy. With a small number of students in each class, as teachers we are able to adapt the style and content of their lessons to respond to particular language challenges students may experience.

In our Italian language courses for adults, we love to focus on improving students’ communicative ability in Italian, rather than preparing them for any official Italian language exam.

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“The School has a personal feel from the beginning, with the daily half-hour get together before formal lessons. We would have coffee and discuss any topics the students were interested in. I received a great deal of personal attention due to the small class size.” Steve USA

L´Acanto is located in a historic building in the old centre of Mesagne. The building has been carefully restored and its bright rooms and air-conditioning create a comfortable learning environment, even in the heat of the Summer.

As a small Italian language school, l’Acanto provides a friendly and welcoming atmosphere. We offer one to one tuition and tuition in small groups (of two to five students).

One of the best part of our Italian language courses?

The morning and welcoming coffee. Each morning begins with a chat over a good Italian coffee between teachers and students all together. This provides an opportunity for students to practise their Italian in an informal way, to feel totally immersed in the culture, and to be updated on lesson plans and local events.

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“L’Acanto is not only about learning Italian, but also about learning about the culture of Southern Italy and the warmth of its citizens.” Annett, UK

Our students are adult learners who love the Italian language and are curious about our way of life. They come mostly from the USA, Australia and Europe. Very many of our students come back to visit us time and again; some even decide to buy a house in Puglia! Learning Italian on holiday by getting totally involved in the local life of the town and by finding new friends.