Not all VIVACE sub-projects take the form of direct learner-tutor contact.  The Slovenian Institute of Adult Education (SIAE), the Slovenian partner in VIVACE, has a very substantial body of experience in the organisation and operation of Study Circles across a range of specialist areas.  In a Study Circle learning situation the learning is largely learner-led with a trained mentor acting as facilitator.  In the VIVACE context the Study Circle approach has proved itself suitable for use with certain target groups, in particular those experiencing social disadvantage or mental illness.

The approach to language learning adopted in Study Circles is very similar to that adopted in other VIVACE sub-projects but there are some differences in other areas.  Because the learning is organised and led by the participants, in principle there is in-built sustainability of the language learning and scope for greater progression in the target language.  However, it has also been argued that learner motivation is more difficult to sustain and that, as there is no requirement for the mentor to be a language teacher, learners do not benefit from the methodological expertise of the professional language tutor. 

While recognising the validity of these arguments, the VIVACE view is that the training of Study Circle mentors to facilitate VIVACE sub-projects in Slovenia has been extremely beneficial.  In particular, it has been possible to reach a larger number of learners than might otherwise have been the case, and in the most successful instances individual study circles have developed into long-lasting opportunities for language learning.  Depending on the circumstances, the Study Circle approach has much to recommend it as a way of delivering the aims and objectives of VIVACE.