Studying medicine in English does not mean practicing medicine in English.
When you enter the hospital wards, your patients will speak Italian — and being able to understand them, reassure them, and communicate with empathy is an essential part of becoming a doctor.

For this reason, the Harvey Medicine and Surgery Programme offers a structured and progressive Italian language pathway, designed specifically to prepare you for clinical environments and patient interaction.

Before the beginning of your studies, you can complete a self-assessment questionnaire to evaluate your current level of Italian.

This step helps you to:

• understand your starting point,
• identify your learning needs early,
• receive appropriate guidance for the following steps.

No prior Italian knowledge is required — this is a diagnostic and supportive tool.

Start

There are many free tools that you can use to start learning Italian well before enrolling: 

• Free Apps: Duolingo, Busuu, Memrise, Drops, HelloTalk, Tandem.
• Websites for Italian learning: BBC Languages – Italian, ItalianPod101, OpenLearn – Italian, LearnItalian.com, Clozemaster, Conjuguemos Italian, Tandem Partners / Language Exchange Forums, Language Exchange.
• Audio & Video (Free Resources): YouTube Channels, Podcasts (Coffee Break Italian, News in Slow Italian (free episodes available), ItalianPod101 Podcast)
• Additional Tools: WordReference, Reverso Context, Forvo.

Students holding a qualification obtained outside of Italy (EU students and non-EU students residing in Italy or abroad) are required to include in their study plan the Italian language course  “Italian Language for Foreign Students 1” (4 ECTS) in the 1st year, and the activity “Clinical Problem Solving” (4 ECTS) in the 6th year, unless they can demonstrate adequate proficiency in Italian by submitting one of the following documents: 

1. a lower or upper secondary school diploma, or a bachelor’s degree obtained in the Italian language from Italian institutions;
2. a diploma issued by an Italian school abroad;
3. an Italian language certification of at least B1 level, recognized as valid by the competent University offices. 

Any additional requests for exemption from the Italian language course shall be assessed by the Degree Programme and submitted for approval to the relevant Department Board. 

Students who submit one of the above documents and are therefore exempt from the Italian language course must include in their study plan the activities “Students Presentation of Scientific Papers” (4 ECTS) and “Risoluzione di casi clinici” in the 6th year, as students holding a qualification obtained in Italy. 

Italian Language for Foreign Students (Corso di Lingua Italiana per Studenti Stranieri)

Taught by a native speaker teacher.

This course focuses on:

• basic grammar and vocabulary,
• everyday communication,
• introduction to healthcare-related language,
• confidence in listening and speaking.

The goal is to help you feel comfortable using Italian in daily life, preparing the ground for future clinical communication.

Further to this course, that is specifically designed for foreign students, you will have access to an elective course. 

How to approach an Italian patient 1 (Approccio al paziente italiano 1)

25 hours of guided interaction with Italian patients, taught by a clinician. If you choose to attend this course, you need to add it to your first year’s study plan as an elective course.

From language to clinical communication

Starting from the second year, your Italian learning becomes increasingly medicine-oriented.

Second Year (A.Y. 2025–2026)

Seminars and thematic insights (8 h) held by a native Italian teacher, focused on:

1. Admission/triage.
2. Medical examination.
3. Drugs and therapy.
4. In the hospital: tests, admission, discharge.

You will also have access to an elective specifically designed for foreign students:

How to approach an Italian Patient 2  (Approccio al Paziente Italiano 2)         
8 hours of guided interaction with Italian patients, taught by a clinician. If you choose to attend this course, you need to add it to your second year’s study plan as an elective course.

Language Level and Certification

Italian Level: B1

• Achievement of a B1 level in Italian is required.
• Your level will be continuously verified during the pathway to assure that you reach the third year with the confidence needed to approach the patient in the ward.

Certification

• Students are not expected to obtain a recognized Italian language certification at B1 level, but they are strongly invited to do so.

Support from the University Language Centre

To support your learning, beyond the above resources offered by the Faculty of Medicine, you may attend courses offered by the University Language Centre. UniPV students pay a reduced fee.

These further courses are particularly recommended if you wish to:

• strengthen your speaking and listening skills,
• improve fluency even more before entering the wards,
• gain confidence in real-life communication.

Why This Matters

Speaking Italian in the hospital is not just about language — it’s about:

• understanding your patients,
• building trust and empathy,
• ensuring safe and effective care,
• fully participating in the Italian healthcare system.

This pathway is designed to support you step by step, so that when you enter the ward, language is not a barrier, but a tool.