Learn Italian

Students often report that they wish they had known more Italian before and during their study abroad experience. Even if your study abroad program doesn’t include Italian in the curriculum, there are many opportunities for you to learn some Italian before or while in Rome. And even just knowing a little will help you navigate the city and immerse yourself more in the culture. Some suggestions where you can brush up on your Italian are:

• UW Course: ITAL 101 Elementary Italian: We highly recommend all students take this course before you come to Rome. First in a sequence of three, with the first one is specifically geared for study abroad students. Methods and objectives are primarily oral-aural. Use of audio material required.
• ItaliaIdea: Close to the UW Rome Center, this school offers lessons in a variety of formats including group and individual lessons.
• Leonardo da Vinci school: Also very close to the UWRC and offering both group and individual lessons.
• Pimsleur: An online course that combines well-established research, most-useful vocabulary and a completely intuitive process to get you speaking right from the first day.
• Babbel: Babbel offers various Italian courses according to your level and interests. Choose and let Babbel guide you through one or many of the following: Grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, advanced courses.
• Duolingo: Duolingo’s bite-sized Italian lessons are fun, easy, and 100% free. Practice online with language courses that are scientifically proven to work.