Learn Italian in your hometown
Are you interested in learning the Italian language in your own hometown? There are several options you can explore to find the perfect Italian classes for you! First, you should consider whether you would enjoy the interaction that occurs between students in group classes, or if you would prefer the personalized attention of a private instructor.
1. Group Classes at Community Colleges: One way to learn Italian in your hometown is to find a community college that offers Italian classes in your area. The internet can be an invaluable resource and with a few mouse clicks you can identify exactly where Italian courses are available. For example, if you live in the US, you can go to http://www.community-college.org, where you will find a complete directory of all community colleges across the country. Many of them offer classes at night or even online! Just choose the university or universities near you and check out their curriculum.
2. Group classes at a private school or institution: Another approach would be to find an independent language school where you can take group classes. Do you have a Berlitz near you? How about an Inlingua Center? A great way to find the best schools in your area is to talk to people in the Italian community where you live! Many Italian communities even have websites that link to valuable resources. For example, you can find information about the Italian community in Washington, DC at [http://www.italcultusa.org]in New York at http://www.italcultny.org, in Chicago at [http://www.iicch.org], in Los Angeles at http://www.iicusa.org or in San Francisco at http://www.sfiic.org. You can find an Italian community near you by simply going to http://www.google.com and typing in “Italian community in (your hometown)”.
3. Private classes: Not convinced that university or group classes are for you? Although group classes are more interactive and dynamic, you get less attention from the teacher. So what about taking private lessons? There are many ways to find a good instructor. For example, you can post a free “looking for Italian instructor” ad on Craigslist – http://www.craigslist.org – if you live in an area served by the site. Or, you can place an ad for free in a local newspaper or magazine.
Italians pride themselves on teaching their native language to non-native speakers, so just by reaching out and asking questions, you’re sure to find lots of great advice and helpful people. Good fun!