Advice on finding language tuition for expats in Italy

Learning Italian as an expat is a must for expatriates and long-term students.

Whilst tourists visiting Italy can manage with only a smattering of Italian, expats and students will need far more in order to take advantage of everything this stunning land has to offer. The first thing to remember is that Italy is a land of local dialects and styles of speaking, so tailoring your tuition to your location is essential. Regular studying is the way forward, with expats advised to ignore the temptations of apps promising fast results and DIY courses which don’t cover the fundamentals of this musical tongue.

Online courses, provided they’re properly structured, can be the answer for busy expats with the time and dedication to study regularly, as most use modules and assignments which help students keep a track of their progress. On the other hand, language schools offer human interaction given by well-qualified and experienced tutors aware of how to help students learn effectively. For financially-challenged expats, the best way to get free lessons is to ask the local university if any student would like to earn an extra buck.

Whichever way is chosen, talented teachers will always allow you to talk freely in Italian, correcting you when you go off script. Expats who’ve chosen formal classes should always attempt to only speak Italian during class time, thus getting real-time practice whilst studying the essentials. Choosing the right tutor is important, with interaction far more important than relying on book learning.
Homework is also important, but needs constructive feedback to make it worthwhile. Selecting a custom course relevant to the reason you’re in Italy can be of use for expats arriving to take on a new job, and students will find learning-related themes more helpful. Perhaps the best advice ever is the simplest – don’t be scared of making mistakes!