Homestay vs apartment for learning Italian in Italy: which is better?
Choosing between a homestay and an apartment for learning Italian in Italy isn’t really about bedsheets or kitchen space. It’s about how much real Italian you’ll hear, speak, and live every single day. Your accommodation can either immerse you in the Italian language right away, or quietly keep you in a comfortable bubble where you […]
Here is everything you need to pack for your summer study trip to Italy
If you’re planning a summer trip to Italy to learn Italian, you’re not packing for a typical holiday. You’re getting ready for your morning Italian lessons, lots of walking, warm days, and cool air-conditioned classrooms. You have a routine that includes Italian language courses, with enough free time to do other things, like eating out […]
How to choose the right destination to learn Italian in Italy for adults
When choosing where to learn Italian in Italy for adults, it’s important to look beyond just the beauty of the location. For most older students, it’s about picking a place where the workload feels manageable: you get to Italian lessons without any problems, you have enough energy to focus, and you actually practise in real […]
Everything you need to know before you study Italian in Italy
Studying Italian in Italy can help many adults learn faster, but only if they can still use Italian after they leave class. The best thing about learning “on the ground” isn’t the view outside the classroom. It’s the everyday, small things you do all day: ordering lunch, sorting a SIM card, asking a question at […]
Why Learning Italian in Italy Beats Language Apps | Real-World Learning at IH Catania
In the age of Duolingo, Babbel, and AI-powered apps, it’s easy to believe that you can learn a language entirely online. And while apps are convenient and sometimes fun, they cannot replace the real-world experience of learning a language in person — especially in the country where it is spoken. At Teamlingue – International House […]
What mistakes do foreigners make when learning Italian?
Learning Italian can be a fun adventure, but it’s also full of little traps that can trip you up. Especially when it comes to those tricky details that seem designed to drive you crazy. You’ve got unpredictable genders, prepositions that seem to change their rules whenever they want, and verbs that shift meaning depending on […]
How to learn Italian quickly: practical tips for studying in Sicily
Learning Italian quickly is totally doable, especially if you do it in the right place: Sicily. Living the language every day, chatting with locals, and soaking up the culture is hands down the best way to make fast progress. And it’s not just about attending lessons. It’s about really living the language whenever you can. […]
Studying Italian in Sicily: here’s why this region is the perfect choice
Thinking about learning Italian and looking for an authentic, fun experience? Sicily is the perfect place. Here, you don’t just learn the language, you live it! With fascinating cities, authentic villages, and breathtaking coastlines, studying Italian in Sicily means truly diving into Italian culture. And we’re not just talking about classroom lessons. Every chat at […]
Teaching Italian to foreigners: the importance of being “in stubborn and continuous training”!
Training for teachers of Italian as a second language: staying up to date is the key to truly teaching Being a foreign language teacher isn’t just about explaining grammar rules and correcting exercises. Or at least, it shouldn’t be. Teaching Italian to foreign students is much more than that: it’s about bringing the language to […]
What to do in the evening in Catania
Local spots, culture and atmosphere you’ll love! In Catania, “evening” starts in the late afternoon and stretches well past midnight. The city lights up with aperitifs, street food, live music, exhibitions, evening strolls and buzzing venues full of life. Whatever your vibe is—laid-back, cultural, or high-energy—you’ll always find something to do. In this guide, we’ll […]
What to do on a weekend outside Catania
Catania is the perfect base for exploring eastern and central Sicily. After a week of Italian lessons, why not take advantage of the weekend to discover incredible landscapes, historic towns, and hidden gems just a short drive away? Whether you’re looking for a one-day adventure or a relaxing weekend getaway, this guide covers the must-visit […]
My Sicilian Roots
The roots In Motta Sant’Anastasia, the small village outside Catania where my father was born, a thousand-year-old olive tree lives and grows. Mystery clouds the knowledge of its actual age – who knows? Is it 1,000 years old? 2,000? I have never seen this tree, but it calls to me. I imagine its windswept, sun-worn […]
What to see in Catania: discovering the secrets of the city.
Catania is a city that breathes history, where every street corner tells a story, and every alley hides a piece of its millennia-old past. With its vibrant sounds, scents, and colors, Catania is a place that must be experienced, not just visited. Famous for its extraordinary Baroque architecture, easily admired while strolling through the historic […]
Studying Italian… Sportively! Where to do sports in Catania
Who says you have to sit still all day to learn Italian? If you’re in Catania for a language course, why not combine studying with some physical activity? Catania has a strong sports culture, with local teams like Orizzonte Catania in women’s water polo and Meta Catania in futsal (five-a-side football) proudly representing the city. […]
My Italian language full-immersive learning experience on two wheels!
The start of an Italian adventure I arrived in Catania for my Italian language full-immersive learning experience mid-May, before the weather had got too warm, having ridden my motorbike from Shropshire in the UK, via a ferry to Dieppe, and then Besancon crossing the Italian border to Genoa to catch the ferry to Palermo: this took […]
Traveling with the “belly”: what to drink and eat in Catania that is traditional
Catania, like the rest of Sicily, is a treasure trove of history, culture and flavor. Over the centuries, waves of different rulers have left their mark on the island’s cuisine, creating a blend of sweet and savory that rivals any other region in Italy. The sheer variety of dishes you’ll find here is overwhelming in […]
Essential Italian phrases: your gateway to interactive learning
So, you’ve decided to learn Italian? Ottimo! Whether you’re a total beginner or already have a few words under your belt, mastering essential phrases will make your learning journey smoother and more enjoyable. Italian isn’t just a language. It’s an experience, a rhythm, a melody. From everyday greetings to ordering food, asking for directions, and […]
Decoding Italian grammar: the foundation for fluency
Mastering Italian grammar is one of the biggest steps toward fluency. It may seem like a puzzle at first, but once you understand the basic rules, everything starts falling into place. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this guide will help you navigate Italian grammar, from nouns and articles to […]
