Upon completion of the training programme, participants will have acquired advanced knowledge and skills in the teaching of Italian as a non-native language, with particular reference to the teaching of Italian as L2/FL in migration, school, academic and professional contexts. In particular, they will be able to:
- analyse the linguistic, educational, and sociocultural needs of different learners and design Italian L2/FL programmes consistent with teaching contexts and learning objectives
- plan courses, syllabi, learning units, and teaching activities, selecting methodologies, techniques, and tools appropriate to learners’ profiles and course objectives
- select, adapt, and produce teaching materials and resources for the instruction of Italian, including in digital and blended environments, according to learners’ language proficiency levels and specific needs
- reflect on the Italian language at its various levels of analysis—phonetic-phonological, grammatical, lexical, textual, pragmatic, and sociolinguistic—for educational purposes
- design teaching interventions aimed at developing Italian language skills, with particular attention to Italian for study, Italian for professional purposes, and Italian for general and specific purposes
- make informed use of tools and technologies for both face-to-face and online teaching
- develop, analyse, and assess evaluation tests and assessment tools for language competence, in line with instructional objectives and the main theoretical and methodological frameworks in the field
- recognise the intercultural dimension of language teaching and act with sensitivity to cultural differences, socio-pragmatic norms, possible communication barriers, and overcoming stereotypes
- observe, manage, and evaluate teaching and learning processes consciously, developing the ability to critically reflect on their own and others’ teaching practices
- work independently in classroom management and collaborate in the design and organisation of training programmes in complex contexts
The Master's programme provides knowledge and develops highly specialised skills in the field of teaching Italian as a non-native language (L2/LS), training teachers capable of working in diverse educational settings characterised by a range of linguistic needs. In particular, the programme prepares professionals who are able to design, implement and assess teaching interventions for:
- teaching Italian as a second language (L2) to non-Italian-speaking adults residing in Italy
- teaching Italian as a second language (L2) in schools to pupils and students from non-Italian-speaking (or limited proficiency) families
- teaching Italian as a second/foreign language (L2/LS) for general or specific purposes (academic or professional), both in Italy and abroad
The qualification obtained enables graduates to work with and contribute to educational institutions, organisations, associations, and public or private agencies active in the areas of reception, language training, and the promotion of Italian language and culture worldwide.
Furthermore, the Master's is a recognised qualification that can be used in teacher and educator ranking systems for Italian schools and institutes of all levels.
The University Educational Credits (CFU), equivalent to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) credits, are recognised and transferable within universities both in Italy and abroad.
To enroll in the master's program, candidates must hold a second-cycle degree, a single-cycle degree, a specialist degree, or a pre-reform degree in the specific fields indicated in the call for applications, or a second-cycle degree in any discipline together with a first-level university Master's degree in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language, or a Diploma from a School of Specialization in Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language, or equivalent qualifications obtained abroad.
Scientific Director
Borbala Samu
curriculum vitae
Executive Committee
Prof. Borbala Samu, Associate Professor in Modern Language Teaching
Prof. Stefania Scaglione, Associate Professor in Glottology and Linguistics
Dr. Nicoletta Santeusanio – Language Teaching Fellow
6th Edition Academic Year 2026-2027
Application deadline
29 September 2026, 1:00 pm
Period of implementation
2 November 2026 – 26 May 2027
Cost
€2,800.00
Blended learning mode:
- a distance learning phase lasting approximately six months (2 November 2026 – 30 April 2027), delivered via the EduNext online platform
- an in-person internship period lasting approximately three weeks (3 – 21 May 2027), hosted at the University for Foreigners of Perugia or at partner institutions
- a final week dedicated to exams (24 – 28 May 2027), which may be held either in person or online.
Language of instruction: Italian
Recognized ECTS credits: 60
Participants: minimum 20 - maximum 50
Tuition fee: €2,800.00 payable in three installments
Recognition of the Master's for A023 teaching certification
By Decree no. 130 of 6 July 2023, “Amendments to the Decree of the Minister of Education, University and Research of 23 February 2016, no. 92,” the Ministry of Education and Merit has included the Second Level Master’s in L2 Teaching in the list of qualifications valid for access to teaching positions in subject area A023.
The Master's programme consists of a total of 1,500 hours (60 ECTS credits) and is structured as an integrated educational pathway combining online coursework, laboratory activities, in-person internship, and a final examination. The programme includes:
11 online didactic modules
The modules are delivered remotely via the EduNext platform and combine asynchronous activities (video lectures and study materials) with synchronous interactive teaching sessions with instructors. The content covers the main theoretical and methodological areas of teaching Italian as a second or foreign language (L2/LS): language acquisition, linguistic typology, intercultural pragmatics, Council of Europe tools for language teaching, course design, technologies for language learning, assessment of language proficiency, and instruction of contemporary Italian language structures.
3 interactive workshops tailored to the chosen specialization track
The workshops represent the practical component of the programme and are dedicated to the design of teaching activities and materials for specific instructional settings. Participants, guided by expert tutors, will work on the development of teaching units, activities, and materials intended for various learner profiles (adult migrants, international students in Italian schools, learners of Italian for general or specific purposes) through collaborative work and online e-tivities.
On-site Internship (225 hours – 9 ECTS)
The internship is carried out at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia or other institutions and represents a fundamental opportunity to integrate theoretical training with practical teaching experience. The activities involved include:
- classroom observation
- syllabus planning and preparation of teaching materials
- giving lessons (with video recordings)
- peer and tutor discussions
- critical analysis of teaching practices
You may request the recognition of academic credits and the resulting partial or full exemption from the internship based on prior teaching experience or training already completed. For details on how to apply and the required documentation, please refer to the official call for applications.
For the purpose of credit recognition, the following equivalency criteria apply:
1 ECTS corresponds to:
- 150 hours of teaching Italian as a second or foreign language (L2/FL) at public or private institutions
- 450 hours of teaching Italian language and literature in schools of any level with multicultural classes
- 450 hours of teaching another foreign language (such as English, Chinese, etc.) at public or private institutions
- at least 6 months working as an assistant in Italian language departments or courses abroad
Previous relevant educational activities are also eligible for recognition, proportional to their duration. In particular:
- an internship completed as part of the first-level Master’s degree in “Teaching Italian as a Non-native Language” at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia entitles you to the recognition of 3 ECTS
- internships completed as part of similar Master's programmes at other universities may be recognised by the Selection Committee on a proportional basis according to the duration of the activities undertaken
- internships carried out as part of a second-cycle degree programme may be recognised using the same criteria
The recognition of credits results in a progressive exemption from the internship requirement:
- with at least 3 ECTS recognised, exemption from the first week of the internship is granted
- with at least 6 ECTS recognised, exemption from the first two weeks of the internship is granted
- with 9 ECTS recognised, you are fully exempt from the internship
The final assessment consists of presenting a multimedia project work or a podcast on a topic relevant to the chosen specialization, as well as designing and presenting a lesson on teaching Italian as a second or foreign language within the same specialization.