What’s the best way to learn Italian? Our 6 tips

Learning a new language is always an exciting adventure. And when it comes to Italian, it's a journey filled also with rich culture, delicious food, and beautiful landscapes. 

Now, whether you're a student on a gap year or an adult looking to immerse yourself in a new language, you might be wondering: how do I learn Italian? What’s the best way out there? Well, first things first; I have to tell you that there is not one single best way to learn Italian, it all depends on you and your goals. There are, on the other hand, numerous ways to learn Italian effectively. And in this guide, we'll explore all the best ways to learn Italian!

1. Language courses in Italy

Might seem obvious, but one of the best ways to learn Italian is by enrolling in a language course. Directly in Italy. Immersing yourself in the environment where the language is spoken natively will indeed accelerate your learning journey and give you, at the same time, a practical context to practice.

What are the benefits of language courses in Italy?

• Full immersion: during your time in Italy, you’ll be surrounded by native speakers every day. This will surely help you pick up nuances and improve your pronunciation. Everyday interactions, from simply ordering a coffee to navigating public transport, are all going to become the perfect opportunities to practice.
• Cultural experience: you’ll not only limit yourself to classroom learning, but you’ll also get to live the Italian way of life. This means participating in local festivals, cooking classes, and historical tours, all conducted in Italian. I can assure you that it will make learning more enjoyable and relevant!
• Professional instruction: language courses in Italy are taught by experienced teachers who use effective, structured methods that have proved valid during years of teaching Italian to foreigners. They will provide you with a curriculum that perfectly balances grammar, vocabulary, speaking, listening, and writing skills.

2. Online courses and apps

For those who can't make it to Italy, online courses and language learning apps are excellent alternatives. These platforms offer a flexible, convenient, and often cost-effective way to learn Italian from anywhere in the world and, with the right approach, online courses and apps can provide a comprehensive learning experience that correctly covers basic vocabulary, grammar, and conversation skills.

What are the benefits of online learning?

• Flexibility: since you’re learning online or through an app you can learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. This makes it ideal for those with busy lifestyles or other commitments. But you should be committed to learning everyday, even when tired, or you’ll lose all your progress! 
• Access to resources: many online platforms provide extensive libraries of exercises, quizzes, and cultural notes to complete the lessons. If you ever choose to follow along an online course, make sure to check them out.
• Interactive elements: newer features like voice recognition together with live tutoring and community forums can enhance your learning experience, adding a touch of interaction to your daily study.

3. Private tutors

Hiring a private tutor can provide both a personalized instruction and flexibility, with options available both locally and online. For this reason, it may be the perfect option for people looking for some human touch despite being unable to enroll in language courses in Italy.

Finding the perfect tutor is, however, not as simple as you could expect. When considering the teacher to hire, there’s a lot to consider: you should be comfortable talking to them, they should be close enough to meet up (if you prefer to learn in-person), they should teach in a proper way and be able to adapt their teaching to you personally. Only after you’ve carefully considered what you need can you check out language schools to find out if they offer private tutoring services or turn to websites that connect you with tutors from around the world while also allowing you to check their reviews.

4. Language exchange programs

Language exchange programs are a fantastic way to learn Italian while teaching your native language to someone else. What’s more, this mutual learning experience is not only beneficial but often comes at no cost, making it an attractive option for many learners. 

Partaking in a language exchange will also provide a rich cultural exchange, as you gain insights into Italian traditions, cuisine, holidays, and everyday life from your partner. And regular practice with a native speaker will significantly improve your conversational skills and confidence!

How to find language exchange partners?

• Meetup groups: try looking for language exchange groups in your area. These groups often meet regularly in casual settings like cafes or parks, providing a relaxed environment for practice and face-to-face interaction, which is ideal for practicing conversation and making new friends who share your interest in language learning.
• Online communities: there are many online platforms that help you connect with language partners globally. Thanks to these websites you can practice via video calls, text messages, or voice notes, making it easy to fit language exchange into your schedule!

5. Media consumption

Consuming Italian media can significantly enhance your learning experience by providing a rich, immersive environment for language practice. You could try watching Italian movies with subtitles, starting with English subtitles to grasp the story and context and then switching to Italian subtitles to associate spoken words with their written forms. Or you could listen to Italian music by following along with the lyrics and trying to understand their meanings. And if you’re more of a bookworm, reading Italian books and newspapers might be for you. Beginning with children's books allows you to start with simpler language and gradually progress to more complex texts, helping you build a solid foundation.

Engaging with these various forms of media will not only enhance your language skills but also help you immerse in Italian culture, making your learning experience more comprehensive and enjoyable!

Our favorite media for Italian learners

• Movies: La vita è bella, Il postino, Nuovo Cinema Paradiso, La grande bellezza, Perfetti sconosciuti, Notte prima degli esami, Benvenuti al sud
• Music: Laura Pausini, Eros Ramazzotti, Andrea Bocelli, Giorgia, Vasco Rossi, Elisa, Cesare Cremonini, Tiziano Ferro, Francesco De Gregori
• Books: "Il nome della rosa" by Umberto Eco, "Io non ho paura" by Niccolò Ammaniti, "L'amica geniale" (The Neapolitan Novels) by Elena Ferrante
• Podcasts: News in Slow Italian, Coffee Break Italian, ItalianPod101.com, 30 Minute Italian, Italiano Automatico
• Newspapers: Corriere della Sera, La Repubblica, Il Sole 24 Ore, La Stampa

6. Gap Year in Italy

Last but not least, our favorite option: a gap year in Italy (or a gap semester and even less if you don’t have time!). Taking a gap year in the country is indeed one of the best ways to learn Italian as it presents an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself fully in the Italian language while exploring the country's culture and natural beauty. 

Essentially, you'll be subjected to Italian speaking people, Italian music, Italian newspapers, Italian movies and (possibly) even Italian lessons - everything we've said so far!

What are the advantages of taking a gap year in Italy?

• Extended immersion: living in Italy for an extended period ensures you are consistently exposed to the language in everyday contexts. This continuous exposure will be crucial for building fluency and confidence in speaking, listening, and understanding Italian.
• Flexibility: a gap year in Italy allows you to tailor your experience according to your interests and goals. Whether you choose to work, volunteer, study, or simply travel around the country, this flexibility enables you to engage deeply with Italian culture and society.
• Cultural understanding: spending a significant amount of time in Italy allows you to explore various regions, each with its own unique dialects, traditions, and historical landmarks. You'll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in regional cuisines, participate in local festivals, and learn about the diverse histories and customs that contribute to Italy's cultural richness. This firsthand experience will not only enhance your language skills but also provide invaluable insights into the cultural context in which Italian is spoken!

So, what’s the best way to learn Italian? 

The truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The best way to learn Italian varies depending on your personal preferences, goals, and lifestyle. Whether you opt for immersive language courses in Italy, embark on a gap year to fully immerse yourself in the culture, or leverage online resources and apps, what matters most is consistency and immersion in the language.

It’s true, choosing to study in Italy provides unparalleled opportunities for language practice in authentic settings, surrounded by native speakers and cultural experiences. But it’s also true that online resources and language exchange programs offer flexibility and accessibility, enabling you to practice Italian from anywhere in the world. And by embracing the language and connecting with Italian culture through these methods, you'll not only improve your language skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for Italy's rich heritage. 

So, we can say that there's no definitive "best" way to learn Italian; rather, it's about finding what works best for you and aligns with your learning style and objectives. And, ultimately, the key to mastering Italian lies in consistent practice and immersion. Whether you're attending classes in Italy, conversing with language exchange partners, or using language apps, actively engaging with the language is essential.