Elba, approx. 10 km from the Italian mainland, is one of the greenest and most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean. It is the third largest in Italy (after Sicily and Sardinia) with an area of 224 sq km. The pure air, mild climate and plentiful water account for Elba's rich vegetation.
The scenery changes constantly: 150 km of coastline, with wide sandy beaches, steep seaside cliff, romantic bays, and crystal clear water inviting all kinds of aquatic sports - sailing, windsurfing, swimming, and diving. In the mountainous interior, Monte Capanne (1019 meters above sea level), the highest point in Elba, offers you an ideal place for walking or hiking. It can be reached either on foot or by cable car.
Elba is not only famous for its beauty but also for the hospitality of its inhabitants, for its fine wines, and for its excellent cooking, especially fish and seafood. In addition to a great number of recreational activities, Elba offers many sites of cultural interest.
Napoleon's stay (1814-15) has left many traces and represents a highlight of Elba's interesting history. APT on Elba is situated in Porto Azzurro, a small picturesque harbour town  on the east side of the island.

Porto Azzurro, named after its azure-colored harbor, is Elba’s most charming seaside town. Its main square is surrounded on three sides by shops, restaurants, cafés and gelaterias. The medieval Spanish fortress dominates the skyline. A visit to the nearby sanctuary Madonna di Monserrato takes you on an inviting walk through a scenic valley, ideal for hiking excursions. In the vicinity of Porto Azzurro you will find a number of small, quiet, sandy beaches and beautiful rocky cliffs.

THE APT INSTITUTE: A NEW WAY TO APPROACH INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATION & GLOBAL EDUCATION
The APT is an international institute offering a variety of study programs for students of all ages, different fields as well as professionals in different sectors. In particular the APT "Italian Culture and Language" section is famous for the high quality teaching of Italian language and culture. We are a young, well-trained team of teachers. Therefore we are known not only for our modern, innovative techniques but also for the friendly, lively atmosphere of our classes. All the teachers are trained for the teaching of Italian as a foreign language. All are native speakers of Italian and university graduates. The teaching materials are carefully selected for our conversational method.
The grammatical structures are presented for their communicative frequency and are immediately put into practice. Our first aim is oral communication in the use of grammar whose rules can only be mastered by continuous practice. Every student will get a certificate of participation.

The institute opened in 1982 and began offering summer courses on Elba in 1984. The school is situated in a picturesque and quiet location just outside (500 meters) the center of Porto Azzurro, and the "Barbarossa" beach. The school building itself is an Italian Villa, set in a beautiful garden. Students may also choose to live at the Villa.  Each apartment has living/dining room with annexed kitchenette, double bed, bathroom/shower. The Villa has a swimming pool and a tennis court. Each apartment has living/dining room with annexed kitchenette, double bed, bathroom/shower. In the park there is a swimming-pool and a tennis court. Students can study effectively in the spacious garden surrounding the Villa, while enjoying the relaxed atmosphere and scenery. In addition to conducting classes at the Villa, teachers and students engage in free-time activities such as film screenings, discussion groups, music hours, social get togethers and, typical of Italian summer nights, the "Tavolata", dinner parties with barbeques and excellent local wines.

GOALS

            The main goals of the Institute are:

            ~ to develop and maintain the highest quality academic programs

            ~ to provide students with the opportunity to participate in a truly international    experience

            ~ to heighten students’ awareness of cultural differences and of the value of every culture focusing on global interdependence in the context of today's world.

            ~ to make students feel more at ease when facing new situations.

            ~ to promote the idea that there is more than one method of studying, of solving problems, or of carrying out a task and that even though these methods might be unfamiliar, they may nevertheless bring excellent results.

            ~ to develop the students' self-esteem and sense of responsibility.

            ~ to promote cross-cultural exchange.

            ~ to favour students’ participation in the life of the city through meetings, discussions, conferences, concerts, guided tours, field trips etc.

            ~ to maintain a commitment to the tradition of education as a value in itself and as a foundation for both life and work.

CONNECTIONS
By air: There is an airport in Marina di Campo (La Pila) with domestic and international tourist flights.
From May until October there are several flights per day from the international airport of  Milan (I), Munich (D), Berlin (D), Zurich (CH), Bern (CH),Altenrhein/St. Gallen (CH).
Transfer costs 2010: from Elba’s airport Euro 75,00 (price one-way per person).

By train:
From Florence, there is the convenient train "Freccia dell'Elba" that drops you directly off at the Piombino Marittima (Piombino Marittima is the port town, and is closer than Piombino, which lies a few km inland). Less direct trains will take you to Piombino, or the Campiglia Marittima railway station, on the main Genoa-Rome line. From either of these stations you can switch tains for Piombino Porto. From Piombino Marittima there are ferryboat services to Porto Azzurro or Portoferraio.
(Transfer costs 2010: from Portoferraio to Porto Azzurro Euro 75,00 (price one-way per person).

By car: Take the ferry from Piombino Marittima to Porto Azzurro or Portoferraio (14
Km from Porto Azzurro). Upon request we will book reservations on the ferry for you.

DEADLINES FOR SUMMER SESSIONS ON ELBA

Please submit your application for any or all of the summer sessions BY APRIL 15, 2010.
*Late application are accepted according to availability

Donations to our non-profit organization

Thank you very much for your kind donation which will be be used to improve our program. If you want to establish an endowment for scholarships given on your name, or if you want to sponsor our movie production or any other activity please contact us and let us know.

The De Rada Italian Institute is a 501 C3 non profit organization and therefore your donation is tax deductable. For your tax deduction, please contact your tax consulter.