Italian Language Classes FAQ
Are your classes open to everyone?
Yes. Our program is a non-credit program open to the entire community.
Do you accept K-12 students?
Yes. There is no age limit and everyone is welcome. However, the vast majority of our students are adults. We have had families and high schoolers preparing for college as students.
What is your class schedule?
The class schedule follows the same format as a college or university level class (three quarters of language instruction from fall to spring).
When do classes meet?
Classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm.
Where are the classes located?
Face-to-face classes meet on the Seattle University campus in the Administration Building while online classes meet virtually through the Zoom video-conferencing platform.
Are you affiliated with Seattle University?
No. The Italian Language Program is a self-sustaining autonomous program independent of Seattle University. Our classrooms are booked by the SU Conference and Event Services (CES) as an external organization.
Is it possible to get college credits by attending your classes?
No. Our program is a non-credit program.
Do you use any learning management system (LMS) in your courses?
Yes. We use Canvas by Instructure, the leading learning management system used worldwide by the most prestigious institutions.
Does your class schedule vary from quarter to quarter?
Occasionally different schedules are offered to accommodate staffing and enrollment needs. Be sure to check the Class Schedule for current offerings.
Is it possible to enter the program at any time of the school year?
Yes. While the subject matter of each of the three quarters of the academic year builds on the previous quarter, it is possible to enter the program at any quarter depending on one’s previous experience and knowledge of the language. If you don’t have any knowledge of Italian, please enter the program in the fall.
Who I need to contact for questions, advice and/or placement?
Contact the director, Giuseppe Tassone:
- by email at tassone@danteseattle.org;
- by phone at (206) 289-0419; or
- by mail to D.A.S. ITALIAN LANGUAGE PROGRAM, P.O. Box 9494, Seattle WA 98109
Is the tuition the same for all levels?
No, pricing for our classes varies by level. Our pricing variation is based on both historical enrollment levels and on encouraging classes that benefit from smaller group participation and more one-on-one engagement. The intent is to maximize the benefits and value for each level.
How does your pricing structure compare with other programs?
As a non-profit, DAS is able to provide excellent value to its students. On a per-hour of instruction, instructor qualifications, and student-to-teacher ratios, DAS prices are hard to beat anywhere in the Puget Sound areas for in-person instruction, which DAS considers crucial to competency in the language.
Do you have a registration deadline?
Yes. The Registration Deadline for each quarter is found on our website’s classes page. Registering by the deadline helps ensure that a class will meet enrollment requirements in order to be held as scheduled.
How do I register for classes?
Payment can be made either by online payment using PayPal or by mail with a check made payable to DAS Italian Language Program. Further information is available here.
Do you offer refunds and who do I need to contact for a refund?
Yes. Tuition fee is 100% refundable anytime prior to the beginning of the quarter and by the day after the fourth lesson. Contact the Language Program Director for a refund. Please let us know in your request the reason for your withdrawal from our program.
Is it possible to get a partial refund after attending or missing the first four lessons?
Unfortunately no. Our price structure doesn’t allow us to offer partial refunds or extend the refund policy.
Is a class ever scheduled and then canceled?
Classes are seldom cancelled once scheduled, but they do require minimum enrollment levels to ensure a viable class size for a lively learning environment and to meet financial constraints. We encourage students to register early and by the posted deadlines, as many classes fill quickly or may cancel when not enough students enroll. If a class is cancelled you will receive a 100% refund.
What should I do if I missed the registration deadline?
If you have missed the deadline send an email to the Language Program Director to be added in a class if it is not at capacity.
What alternatives are available if a class is not offered or is cancelled?
In the event that a class you registered for cannot be held, the Program Director will work with you to find the most appropriate alternative or refund your payment if a suitable fit is not available.
Does the program offer a proficiency certification exam?
Yes. The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington is one of the few institutes in North America authorized to offer PLIDA (Progetto Lingua Italiana Dante Alighieri – Dante Alighieri Italian Language Project) certification. The PLIDA certificates attest proficiency in Italian as a foreign language on a 6-level scale according to the parameters established by the Common European Framework for Languages. Learn more about the PLIDA Certification Program.
What is the inclement weather policy when you meet face-to-face?
Because classes are held on the Seattle University campus, we follow the lead of Seattle University. The Seattle University policy is available on its website.
Are you affiliated with the Società Dante Alighieri in Rome?
Yes. The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington is one of the over 480 chapters located throughout the world. Each chapter operates independently of the others. The Dante Alighieri Society of Washington is also one of the 315 Plida Examination Centers. The Società Dante Alighieri is the leading institution in Italy and abroad in the teaching and promotion of the Italian language. The name Dante Alighieri stands as for use stand as a seal of quality.
