Summer School

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Aug 30th – SEPT 6th 2026

Italian Summer School in Puglia

Discover Noci, a hidden corner of Puglia perfect for a total linguistic and cultural immersion. Advance your Italian in small native-led classes (max 6), then bring your skills to life through curated language and cultural adventures.

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I just got back from a terrific week long Italian language course in the Puglia region of southern Italy. The course was led by 3 native Italians who are fluent in English and have many years of teaching experience amongst them. The course was offered for either 1 or 2 weeks, with 3 hours of classroom instruction in the morning and cultural activities every evening. Each class had a low student to teacher ratio (my class was 3 students per teacher), giving plenty of personal attention. I am an American and I would classify myself as an intermediate level (B1) Italian student. My personal goal is to be able to speak Italian at a conversational level. During the course I really appreciated that there was lots of opportunity for conversation both during class as well as during the breaks and in the evening events and other times during the day. I find that there's a trade-off between speaking perfectly, including grammar and vocabulary, versus just getting out there and speaking even if you're making mistakes. I prefer to put myself out there and make mistakes. One of my favorite activities was going on an "information scavenger hunt" where small groups of students were told to go to various shops and ask for information. My team would introduce ourselves as Italian students and everyone we spoke to was very friendly and willing to talk to us. And none of them switched to English!! My wife, who is not an Italian student, came with me. During the class time she used a rental car to visit shops and sites in the region, and then joined for the evening events. I understand that this course will be offered in the future, and I would absolutely love to go back!!

Jim S. USA

I find it difficult to write a short review, that captures everything, to describe my experience at Don’t Forghetti’s Summer School. As someone who is extremely shy and in turn, my Italian suffers because of my shyness, this was an amazing opportunity for me and a turning point in my learning. I feel lucky to have been part of this experience. First off, the classes in general. They were amazingly planned and run. An amazing opportunity to revise and learn new vocab, but also the ability to be able to work collaboratively with other students of the same level. We were able to practice our speaking but also help support each other through the learning process. It was also a great opportunity to make a great bond with likeminded Italian students! Secondly, the activities and the location. Noci is a beautiful place where, if not for Don’t Forgehtti, I may not have ever visited. It felt truly authentic to be in an Italian town where barely anyone spoke English and the way of living was different. The activities were also truly amazing! Planned perfectly and all such amazing ideas that I couldn’t believe I got to experience such as wine tastings, horse riding etc. Finally, the teachers! Tonia, Eleonora and Maria Luigia are some of the best out there! They worked amazingly with us and were so patient and enthusiastic about our learning process. They took great care with every student to make sure their experience was the best it could be. It was very clear, in every step, that they had put so much love and effort into this and I could feel how much they valued teaching us. Overall an amazing experience that I would love to have again, and would recommend to anyone learning Italian!!!

Faith F. United Kingom

I had the most amazing week in Puglia with the Don't Forghetti team. It was clear how much care had been taken towards every tiny detail, and the teachers made sure the course would be fun and inclusive for everyone, whether you are a complete beginner or have been learning for longer. There was a perfect combination of classes, organised activities, and plenty of time-off to spend independently however you want, and I really noticed my confidence in speaking Italian improving with each day there. Grazie a tutti, e non vedo l'ora per la prossima volta!

Maxim D. United Kingdom

Lezioni di altissimo livello, con grande attenzione agli studenti. Attività coinvolgenti, divertenti e piene di sorprese. Insegnanti appassionati e studenti amanti della lingua con i quali abbiamo condiviso momenti splendidi e nuove amicizie nate. Impossibile chiedere di meglio. Grazie mille Team Don't Forghetti!

Marion V. Nederlands

Don’t Forghetti was a truly wonderful experience from start to finish. It offered the perfect blend of Italian learning and cultural immersion in the rich history and cuisine of Puglia. Ele, Maria, and Tonia were outstanding facilitators and I found it inspiring to learn Italian with such excellent teachers and amongst other like minded and friendly individuals who were committed to improving their Italian. I would recommend Don’t Forghetti to anyone looking to explore Italy on a deeper, more meaningful level with a fun and supportive group of people.

Carl S. United States

Huge thanks to the team at Don’t Forgetti! You did an awesome job – we’re heading home with memories of a truly great time. Big shoutout to the teachers too – they’re super skilled, and the lessons were really fun and engaging.Thanks a ton! 😊🙏

John T. United States

The trip to Noci- Puglia was an incredible and well-planned experience. The classes and outings were designed to keep us engaged with the language and I feel like my comprehension has improved significantly. I thank the teachers for helping us around the city and for encouraging us to get out of our comfort zone with some of the class activities. Special thanks to the Orecchiette nonna for being such a great sport during pasta making night! Hope we can do this again!!!

Vitor R. Brazil

Daily Italian classes

With qualified, professional teachers

Social activities

Language and culture based

Cooking classes

Led by local experts

Cultural adventures

Fully immersive experiences

our ITALIAN immersion

Summer School 2025:
A glimpse of our last edition

Discover the 2026 program

see what awaits you

Summer School 2025: snapshots

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Monopoli
Classes
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Our Teachers

Meet the teachers

Eleonora De Angeli

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Maria Luigia Gentile

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Tonia Del Prete

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The 2026 program: Aug 30th - Sept 6th

Italian language classes every morning

Monday -Friday 10 am to 1 pm

AFTERNOON/ NIGHT ACTIVITIES:

Do you want more info?

We can answer all your questions over zoom
Book a call with us

Accommodation options

SANTA ROSA RELAIS
A charming 4 star hotel in the heart of the old town
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IL PUNTO VERDE
A family run little villa just outisde the town centre

Prices

Course + Private Hotel Room

In the accommodation option of your choice
€2000
€ 1800 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ( 200 OFF)
  • 7 nights in hotel with breakfast
  • 15 hours of classes in small groups with professional, native speakers
  • Coffee and snacks during classes
  • Welcome pack and learning material
  • All afternoon/evening activities
  • Transportation to/from all activities
  • 7 meals with the whole crew
Sign Up
N.B.: Airport transfer is available at an additional cost

Course + Double Shared Room

In the accommodation option of your choice
€1800
€ 1600 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ( 200 OFF)
  • 7 nights in hotel with breakfast
  • 15 hours of classases in small groups with professional, native speakers
  • Coffee and snacks during classes
  • Welcome pack and learning material
  • All afternoon/evening activities
  • Transportation to/from all activities
  • 7 meals with the whole crew
Sign Up
N.B.: Airport transfer is available at an additional cost

Companion Option

For those not attending classes
€850
€ 750 EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT ( 100 OFF)
  • Accomodation in shared room (with the student you are accompanying) with breakfast
  • Welcome pack
  • Welcome aperitivo + goodbye breakfast
  • 3 meals with the whole crew
  • 3 activities of your choice
  • Transportation to/from activities
  • The chance to add activites and meals
Sign Up
N.B.: Airport transfer is available at an additional cost

Offer ending Feb 28th

Sign up

STILL UNSURE ABOUT YOUR LEVEL?

Take a quick test and we'll slot you into the appropriate class
Take our level test

2026 Summer School FAQ

Our Summer School is designed for anyone looking to improve their Italian while experiencing the authentic lifestyle of Puglia. Whether you are an absolute beginner or an advanced learner, we’ve got you covered: groups are carefully formed by level to ensure you feel right at home.

In the morning, from 10 am to 1 pm Monday to Friday, you will take part in Italian language classes in small groups led by professional native teachers.

In the afternoon/evening, you will join local and cultural activities, and you will have some free time to explore the surroundings.

No. You can join the organized activities or enjoy your free time however you prefer.

From Bari Airport (BRI)

We offer a private transfer service from and to the airport at an additional cost.

Other options include:

  • Taxi: direct ride from the airport to Noci (about 1 h).

  • Car rental / drive yourself: drive from Bari Airport to Noci (about 1 h).

  • Bus + local connections: take buses from Bari Airport toward Altamura/Santeramo and then connect to buses to Noci (longer journey, multiple legs).

From Brindisi Airport (BDS)

We offer a private transfer service from and to the airport at an additional cost. 

Other options include:

  • Taxi or private transfer: direct ride from Brindisi Airport to Noci (about 1 h +).

  • Car rental / drive yourself: drive from Brindisi Airport to Noci.

  • Train + local bus: travel to a nearby train station (e.g., Brindisi or Bari) then take public transport toward Noci (this requires changes and takes longer).

 

After filling out our Registration Form, we will send you an email with your invoice and all the instructions to complete the payment. 

Eleonora

Ciao! I’m Eleonora, I’m from the coast of Tuscany and I am so proud to be a co-founder and teacher at Don’t Forghetti.

EDUCATION:

I hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Translation and Conference Interpreting from the University Scuola Superiore per Mediatori Linguistici di Pisa, as well as a Master’s Degree in Conference Interpreting and Translation from the University of Strasbourg. In both programs, my language combination was Italian, English, and German.

In 2017, I began formal training in teaching, attending several specialized courses and engaging in continuous professional development and workshops over the next five years. Additionally, I have earned two Teaching Knowledge certificates from Cambridge University.

WORK EXPERIENCE:

I began my career as a freelance translator and interpreter while still pursuing my degree, a job I continue to this day. Shortly after, I became a Project Manager for international trade shows in Milan, where training interns sparked my interest in teaching. This led me to start my education as a language teacher and move to Germany, where I taught for five years and became a certified language examiner. As I love international environments – I have worked with people from over 50 countries – I moved to Spain in 2022 and then to New York City in 2023 to teach at language schools. Later that year, I transitioned to full-time freelance teaching.

Now back in Italy, I am also a Lecturer in Translation at the University Scuola Superiore per Mediatori Linguistici di Pisa.

Maria

Ciao! I’m Maria Luigia, and I come  from the province of Bari, in beautiful, sunny Puglia. I am a proud co-founder and teacher at Don’t Forghetti.

Education: In a past life, I was a passionate slavist: I earned an Honours Degree in Slavonic Studies at the University of Sheffield in the UK and a Master’s Degree from the University of Oxford.

Later, however, I developed a passion for teaching Italian and pursued the DITALS certification in Italian language instruction at the University for Foreigners of Siena.

And because one can never learn enough, I’m currently enrolled in a Master’s program in Innovative Language Teaching at the University of International Studies in Rome.

Work Experience: I started teaching somewhat for fun or out of curiosity during my university years, until it became my full-time job. My first teaching role was in Siberia for a summer internship. After graduating, I returned to Russia, where I worked for three years at a center for Italian language and culture in St. Petersburg.

The COVID pandemic forced me to reinvent myself as an online tutor but it also gave me the opportunity to specialise in digital and interactive teaching.

At the beginning of 2023, I packed my suitcase once again and flew to New York to teach at a school in Manhattan, where I met my colleagues and friends Tonia and Eleonora — and the rest is history! :)

Tonia

Ciao! I’m Tonia from Napoli and I am thrilled to be co-founder and teacher of Don’t forghetti.

Education: I graduated from the University of Naples “L’Orientale” with a bachelor’s degree in linguistic and cultural mediation and a master’s degree in Italian language and culture for foreigners, which I completed with honours. In 2022, a few months after graduating, I obtained the CEDILS certification (certification of teaching Italian to speakers of other languages) and completed the courses to become an examiner for CILS and CELI, both certificates of Italian language competence for second or foreign language learners. I later completed a second-level postgraduate course (Master) in teaching Italian as a second language (L2) at the University of Naples “L’Orientale”, graduating with honours.

Work experiences: I started teaching Italian as a foreign or second language in 2019, while I was completing my master’s degree. Since then, I have taught online for an Italian school based in Moscow and for a language school based in Belgium. Thanks to my education and professional experience, in 2022 I obtained a sponsorship to teach Italian in New York, where I lived and worked until 2023. This is where I met Maria Luigia and Eleonora, and where Don’t Forghetti was born. Since the end of 2023, I have been working as a freelance online teacher while continuing to develop Don’t Forghetti as a co-founder. I also worked for six months in Slovakia, further enriching my international teaching experience.