Al Khawarizmi Institute

Italian Courses in Lebanon

Italian tends to be a chosen language rather than a required one — people come to it for study in Italy, for design, architecture, food and fashion work, for family ties, or because they fell for the country and want to stop being a tourist in the conversation. That makes for motivated groups, and we teach it the same way we teach every language here: placement first, speaking early, and a level you can actually use.

Who these courses are for

  • Students applying to Italian universities or design and culinary schools
  • Professionals in design, architecture, fashion or hospitality
  • Anyone with Italian family or citizenship paperwork in progress
  • Adults learning it for travel and personal interest

How the courses run

Every language course here follows the same method, because it is the one that works: a placement exam before you enrol, levels running from complete beginner through to advanced, small groups, and speaking practised from early on rather than saved for the end. Groups run mornings and evenings so school students, university students and working adults can all find a slot.

In person or online

Classes run in person at our main branch in Simkanieh (the Chouf), and as live Zoom groups for students anywhere else in Lebanon or abroad — taught live by a teacher, never recorded, at the same fee as in person. We also have a branch in Aley: ask us which groups are running there. Our Beirut (Mar Elias) and Choueifat branches are paused for now; students from those areas study online or at our other branches.

Fees, levels and timing

  • A free placement test first. It is written, takes 20–30 minutes, and is usually taken at the branch. Complete beginners are welcome.
  • Six levels, A1 to C2. As a reference, a level is about 20 hours of class, then an end-of-level exam; the exact length depends on the course and is confirmed after your placement test. If the test shows you are ready, you can skip a level.
  • Two sessions a week, usually 1–2 hours each, in morning, afternoon or evening groups, plus Saturday classes. New groups open every month, and you keep the same teacher for the whole level.
  • Fees. Group courses start from $150 (USD) — a reference figure; we confirm the fee for your course and level before you enrol. No registration fee. Pay in cash, by Whish or by OMT. Online classes cost the same as in person.
  • A certificate for every level, recognised by the Lebanese Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
  • Prefer one-to-one? Private one-to-one lessons are charged per hour, in blocks of 20 hours.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know which Italian level to join?

You take a placement exam first. We assess what you can actually produce, not just what you recognise, and put you in the group that matches it — so you are neither lost nor bored.

Can I learn Italian if I already speak French?

It usually helps considerably — the structures and a large share of the vocabulary overlap. We take that into account at placement so you are not held at a beginner pace for material you can already half-follow.

Can I take Italian classes online?

Yes. The course runs as live Zoom classes with a teacher — never recorded — in online groups of their own, at the same fee as in person. Students join from across Lebanon and from abroad.

How long is a course and what does it cost?

As a reference, group courses start from $150 and a level is about 20 hours of class, usually in two sessions a week. Both vary with the course and your level, so we confirm the exact length and fee after your free placement test. Message us on WhatsApp and we will send the next group dates and fees the same day.

Related courses

Book your placement exam

Tell us why you need Italian and by when — a course, a job, a move, or simply being able to hold the conversation. Call 00961 71 27 67 13 or message us on WhatsApp and we will assess your level and send you the next group dates and fees.