Ideal for younger students who are in between studying and starting their careers.
Not ideal for students on a budget.
The good
- Located a maximum of 15 minutes walking distance from some of the main landmarks in Rome.
- Modern facilities within a historic building.
- Advanced social programme
The bad
- One of the most expensive schools in Rome.
- Very large class capacity in comparison to other schools.
Date of my inspection visit at EF International Language Centre Rome: June 07, 2024
My overall take
EF International Language Centre (EF Rome) is less than five minutes away from multiple bus and tram links around the city. Several Italian restaurants and cafes popular with tourists and students, such as restaurants in Campo de’ Fiori, are also within a short walking distance.
One of the standout features of EF Rome is its comprehensive approach to learning and living abroad. Daily activities are not just an add-on but integrated into the entire curriculum. Whether exploring ancient ruins or practising conversational Italian in a local cafe, every activity consistently links back to what is taught in class, genuinely making the language come alive.
EF pride themselves with their student support team. They handle everything from the moment your plane lands in Rome to your return, ensuring a seamless experience from start to finish. I believe it is the level of service that sets them apart—many students who have studied at other language schools comment on the difference. This is probably because the staff are genuinely very friendly. They invited me to get involved in all the activities and put myself in the shoes of a student at EF and I enjoyed every moment.
The student residences right on campus are also a major USP, as I did not come across any other school in Rome with this accommodation option.
Overall, EF Rome exceeded my expectations. They are more than just a language school; if you’re looking for an immersive and enriching language learning experience, a student who is not just interested in learning the Italian language methodologically because EF focuses a lot on the importance of learning the language outside of the classroom and not just inside, EF is truly unmatched.
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EF International Language Centre Rome at a glance
| Rating of former students | (insufficient independent ratings online at time of publishing) |
| Class size | Lingo Traveller rating: Very Large Max. 17 students in Standard Italian course |
| Diversity of nationalities | Lingo Traveller rating: Good diversity No nationality more than 10% Top nationality: Mexican |
| Learning intensity | 5 hours of homework per week |
| Number of students | 230 adults in July 120 adults in January |
| Minimum student age | 16 years |
| Accreditations | Eaquals |
| Course range | General Italian Course, General Course + Accommodation, Intensive Course, Intensive Course + Accommodation, Summer Course, Summer Course + Accommodation, 50+ Course , 50+ Course + Accommodation, CILS Exam Preparation, CILS Exam Preparation + Accommodation |
| Accommodation types | Homestay, Students Residences, Hotels |
| Price | |
| Standard Group course 26 lessons/week: 40 min/lesson | 1 week: €650 3 weeks: €1950 |
| Additional fees | Inscription fee: €150 Course material fee: €55 |
| Price level – Standard Group course (based on 3 weeks incl. all fees) | €41.40 per 60 minute tuition |
My tour of the school & video review
Student voices
Unfiltered comments from random students I met at the school and asked about their experience.
“The main thing I like is the location; this school is close to everything!“
Taraj
20 years from Colombia
“The classes are really enjoyable. There are a lot of activities in the programme. We can go to different cities like Napoli and Firenze, places that I would not have gone alone.“
Alejandro
18 years from Guatemala
Questions to school director
Excerpts below from my conversation with Flavia Di Gangi, Accommodation Manager of EF International Language Centre Rome.
Me: “What sets your school apart from others in the city?“
School: “We provide the highest services ever. Our residences are all well connected to the school. They are also campuses that can be great communities with other Italians, for example, the Italians in the universities, the locals.“
Me: “Is there a particular type of student for whom your school is especially suitable?
School: “The best student is interested in learning about culture, art, languages, and cuisine. So, a student can appreciate learning the language here because, of course, the language can also be learned at home.“
School inspection report
Classrooms
All the classrooms are modern, bright and well furnished. There are projectors or interactive whiteboards in every classroom, access to the EF campus learning app, and in some lessons where students are completing a project digitally Chromebooks are also provided.
Facilities
Great and modern facilities, there is a large lobby seating area, a small student lounge with PS5 console and games, board games, vending machines and a grand library/seating area.
Surrounding area
The school is in the heart of Rome, about a 5-minute walk to the closest buses and trams servicing the entire city. The prominent landmarks all within a 15-minute walking distance include the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Campo de’ Fiori, Piazza Venezia, Teatro Valle, Largo di Torre Argentina, the Trevi Fountain, and the Roman Forum.
Social activities
There is a mix of cultural visits, open-air museum tours, and cooking workshops. I even had the privilege of participating in one of the pasta-making workshops, which is the perfect place for students to bond and get to know each other over a fun activity.
Residence
EF has many accommodation options, most within a 20-minute walk of the school. I visited the on-site residence at the back of the main building. Unfortunately, this residence is not served by a lift. However, the apartments are spacious and shared between 2-6 students. They are cleaned, and the linen is laundered frequently. Although in a historic building, they are still relatively modern and spacious.
I also personally stayed at one of their popular hotel partners in Trastevere, a fantastic hotel 20 minutes by public transport to the school, far surpassing their 3-star rating. They had a great breakfast spread with friendly staff and clean and comfortable rooms; I would happily stay there again.
Trusted student ratings of EF International Language Centre Rome on the web
| Total | (insufficient independent ratings online at time of publishing) |
|---|
Ratings as of June 28, 2024
Why no Google or Facebook ratings? Schools may have requested Facebook, Google or Trustpilot reviews only from those students that previously gave positive after-course evaluations. I only trust ratings from independent booking platforms/agencies, that allow exclusively clients who booked via their platform to rate the schools. I have checked the sites above and they have no disproportional number of positive vs negative reviews.
Location of EF International Language Centre Rome
Largo del Teatro Valle, 6, 00186 Roma, Italy
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