Courses open to USI Alumni and to students of other Swiss universities
Who are we
The Laboratory of Modern Languages is USI's language centre. We offer pre-semester and semester-time language courses during the Autumn and Spring semesters. In general, all language courses are open to USI Alumni and students from other Swiss universities for a fee and subject to availability. For further information, please refer to the information below.
Laboratory of Modern Languages
Laboratory of Modern Languages lecturers
Registration
For registration, please use the forms at the bottom of this page.
Course offerings
- Italian language courses, both pre-semester and semester-time, all levels. Information and course descriptions: Italian language courses; Frequently Asked Questions
- French language courses, both pre-semester and semester-time, with the exception of level B2.2 courses. Information and course descriptions: French language courses; Frequently Asked Questions
- German language courses, both pre-semester and semester-time, with the exception of level B2.2 courses. Information and course descriptions: German language courses; Frequently Asked Questions
- English language courses, both pre-semester and semester-time, with the exception of level B2.2 courses. Information and course descriptions: English language courses; Frequently Asked Questions
- Courses in preparation for official certifications: Preparing for B2 DELF, Preparing for C1 Goethe-Zertifikat and Preparing for IELTS.
- Ancient language courses offered by the Faculty of Theology in Lugano. For information and registration: [email protected]
Workload
At levels A, B and C, practical semester-long courses are offered, each lasting 56 hours (28 hours of in-person classes and 28 hours of independent study or 56 hours in-person) and for some levels also pre-semester intensive courses of 60 hours and aimed at the balanced development of the four language skills. To progress to the next level, the completion of at least two courses per level is required. By way of example, to achieve level B1 it is necessary to attend courses B1.1 and B1.2, for a total of 112 hours (56 hours in-person and 56 hours of independent study), in addition to at least the same number of hours of practice. Only upon completion of this pathway is it possible to access courses at the next level, namely B2.1. The overall duration of each level corresponds to approximately one academic year. Attendance is compulsory in order to ensure adequate development of all four language skills.
Fees
- Pre-semester intensive general courses (60 hours): 800 CHF
- Semester-time general courses (28+28 hours): 500 CHF
- Semester-time general courses (56 hours). 800 CHF
- Pre-semester courses in preparation for official certifications (60 hours): 1'500 CHF
- Semester-time courses in preparation for official certifications (28+28 hours): 850 CHF
Payment Methods
The invoice will be sent by mail to the address provided during the registration (only after the course level has been confirmed, following the successful completion of the entrance test).
The invoice is due within twenty days from the date of issuance. The total amount must be paid via bank or postal transfer. For further information, please contact: [email protected]
Registration
