The information provided here is intended for adults interested in learning European languages, specifically Italian.
The primary focus is to identify your purposes for learning the selected language. These might include:
- travel,
- work-related purposes,
- leisure and enjoyment,
- full linguistic mastery.
After spending more than thirty years learning various languages such as English, Italian, and Portuguese, I propose a ten-step plan based on my successes and failures. My goal is to show you the right path to achieving success in this field.
What is the proficiency level we aim to achieve?
What are the four skills we must develop?
What kind of education are we seeking: formal, non-formal, or informal?
Identifying the differences between Mother Tongue, FL (foreign language), and SL (second language)
Organizations specialized in teaching the Italian language
Aspects to consider when selecting an institute or teacher
Finding informal methods that fit our preferences
Learning methods to improve our cognitive skills
Exams and Assessments
How to improve your proficiency level?
What is the proficiency level we aspire to reach?
| Level | Definition |
| A1 | Beginner |
| A2 | Elementary |
| B1 | Intermediate |
| B2 | Upper Intermediate |
| C1 | Advanced |
| C2 | Proficient |
To evaluate our proficiency in languages like English or Italian, we refer to the six-level classification established by the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR)—Quadro Comune Europeo di Riferimento (QCER) in Italian. We will focus on Italian here. This structured system assesses speaking and comprehension skills. Other similar standards include ACTFL, CLB, and ILR, which serve the same purpose.
The CEFR is constantly evolving; today, it has defined new sub-levels: A2+, B1+, B2+, and pre-A1. This table helps us understand our current standing and what actions are needed to progress. While some institutes offer free online placement tests, they serve only as a starting point.
I suggest taking formal level exams offered by universities and recognized institutes. Although there is a fee, they provide official certification that may be required in the future.
What are the four skills we must develop?
The CEFR defines competency descriptors for the following skills:
- Listening
- Speaking
- Reading and comprehension
- Writing
Before you begin studying, it is important to decide if you want broad mastery of all competencies or if you prefer to focus on specific ones.
What kind of education are we seeking: formal, non-formal, or informal?
Formal education
The education mentioned encompasses processes, resources, and specific institutions that are part of the traditional educational system, such as colleges and schools. In Argentina, the Cristoforo Colombo institution stands out, but there are also other alternative.
Contrasts between Formal, Non-formal, and Informal Education
| Educational structure | Formal | Non formal | Informal |
| Programs | Structured program. Well‑defined educational system. | Structured program. Well-defined educational system. | We decide the program. |
| Location | Universities, schools. | Specialized institutes. | Anywhere we choose. |
| Environment | Official academic. | Outside the school system. | Outside academic settings. |
| Class modality | In-person, virtual, hybrid. | In-person, virtual, hybrid. | No classes. |
| Duration | Lessons are time‑bound to specific objectives. | Lessons are time‑bound to specific objectives. | Lessons unlimited to personal goals. |
Informal education is a topic worth analyzing deeply. There are no restrictions, and with dedication, one can progress beyond traditional levels. For example, I spent fifteen days in Rome exploring sites and museums for four hours a day with an archaeologist. The goal was not just language, but cultural immersion. The following fifteen days, I focused on architectural beauty guided by an architect. Informality, when taken seriously, can be more enriching than formal education.
Educators
There are different types of education professionals: some are fully trained, others have a certain level of training, and there are also those who are amateurs and have only received a bit of preparation through short courses or workshops. This is common in many institutes, which start by looking for teachers with a university degree, but upon finding none, they reduce their requirements by accepting university students in their first years or competent individuals. It is important for students to request the background of their institutes and teachers before starting to study with them, whether in a formal academic environment or through private lessons.
Students
It is worth mentioning that although institutes perform placement tests to have a group capable of understanding new concepts, a uniform group is rarely achieved. In reality, the same thing happens in formal school education or the university environment. I mention this because it is a common complaint where those with the greatest interest in learning fall behind the others. In my experience, I have learned that if you have the will to learn, you can do it even if the teacher, the content, and the classmates are not ideal. Of course, if the teacher is excellent, the learning process becomes more beneficial. However, if the circumstances are unfavorable, it will take longer to reach that goal, and more setbacks will arise in the process.
Identifying the differences between Mother Tongue, FL (foreign language), and SL (second language)
It is essential to understand the meaning of these acronyms within the context of linguistic studies, as both educational materials and instructors may vary their approach depending on where the language is being learned.
- First language: Corresponds to our mother tongue (native language). If a child grows up with more than one language, they will be bilingual—an ideal situation.
- FL (Foreign Language): This is defined as a language learned outside of its native environment; for example, an Argentine learning Italian in Argentina.
- SL (Second Language): This refers to a language learned within the community where it is spoken, such as when an Argentine travels to Italy during their studies and experiences full linguistic immersion.
If you wish to learn Italian, you will most likely begin studying it as a Foreign Language (FL) in your own country and later focus on perfecting it as a Second Language (SL). In fact, this website offers detailed information on how to achieve this mastery in the Cultural Travel section.
Those interested in deepening their study of SL can access the portal Italiano LinguaDue.
Organizations specialized in teaching the italian language
I offer a brief list of institutes where you can study Italian. Please note that it does not include all existing centers, and there may be market changes not reflected here.
Aspects to consider when selecting an institute or teacher
It is important to remember that an institute is simply a brand offering educational services. While there are renowned institutes with rigorous academic standards, they ultimately operate in a market where supply and demand play a crucial role. If the demand for Italian courses does not grow, the quality of teaching could be affected.
In educational centers that teach Italian, I have observed a disadvantage in high teacher turnover. Furthermore, I notice many teachers available for basic levels (A1 through B2) but very few for advanced levels (C1 and C2). Another critical aspect is that many instructors lack official certification or a degree in Italian language teaching from a recognized university.
The teacher is the central figure in this process. Although institutes compete for the best talent, they do not always succeed. It is the student’s responsibility to research their instructors and verify their academic background. These two factors are vital, even more so than the institution itself. Before starting a new language, talk to people who have already studied it for advice and recommendations, just as you would before traveling to an unknown destination.
Methods, materials, lessons, and progress tracking
It is fundamental to familiarize yourself with the teacher’s approach, the resources used (researching whether the materials are modern or obsolete), the flow of the classes, and, of course, continuously evaluating your own progress. While the teacher’s role is indispensable, our own attitude should never be underestimated.
Finding informal methods that fit our preferences
This is an enjoyable topic because we have total control over it, influenced by our own choices. If learning languages is your hobby, there is a wide variety of resources available through today’s technology. You can access magazines, videos, podcasts, classes, IA, and newsletters—all from the comfort of your home and with flexible hours.
Reading is my preferred method for several reasons: it expands the mind, teaches new vocabulary, and allows us to observe how native speakers write. While I appreciate the experience of a physical book, we must value the advantages of technology. For example, when reading an e-book, we can use a dictionary with a single click, highlight concepts, and make notes that can later be printed. Consuming audiovisual content like series and films also adds significant value.
To achieve our goal—since the focus here is learning Italian—it is useful to turn to audiobooks, songs, radio programs, or television. For those at an advanced level, I recommend reading newspapers, listening to news programs, and solving crosswords. Most of these activities are completely free of charge.
Learning methods to improve our cognitive skills
A. Focus: It is crucial to concentrate on the present moment when attending a class or studying, preventing the mind from wandering. It is important not to let ourselves be distracted by anything; for example, it is recommended to keep our mobile phones away. Let’s try to minimize all possible interruptions.
B. Organization: The material we have to study is usually abundant. It is fundamental to be organized, especially in two areas: digital material and printed material. It is suggested to create a folder named “Italian” to organize subfolders by topic, and within these subfolders, sort files by date. A practical way to write dates is using the English format: year (2 digits), month (2 digits), day (2 digits). Our memory of an event focuses more on the year it occurred than on the specific month or day it happened. It is recommended to have a folder for each topic related to printed material, organized by date and subtopic.
C. Important vs Urgent: It is important that we focus on planning, learning, reflection, and researching specific topics by consulting various sources. The urgent thing would be to conclude the study of a topic as if it were a simple formality. Without undermining the urgent, our focus should be on the important.
D. Staying current: The phrase “do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today” is very wise. As we explore our language, we will constantly discover new learning that we must review daily to properly assimilate it. Let’s always fulfill the times established in our planning.
E. Importance of processes: “Viaggiare è molto più bello che arrivare” (Traveling is much more beautiful than arriving). What should move us is not passing an exam or worrying about obtaining a certificate, but valuing each action performed, such as reading, turning in exercises, and receiving feedback.
F. Taking notes during classes: It is convenient to always take notes, even if what is heard is easy to understand, since writing reinforces the retention of information in memory, which will facilitate future review. We must get used to taking notes, as we currently receive a large amount of new information constantly, and although we trust our good memory, it is inevitable that as the days go by, what we have stored in it will be forgotten.
G. Summaries of study materials: No human being is capable of acquiring new knowledge and concepts just by reading; therefore, it is recommended to create visual summaries such as synoptic charts or conceptual maps to help in the understanding of videos, audios, and any type of reading material.
H. Continuous improvement of the learning process: The feedback we receive from our language teacher will indicate in which areas we must improve to learn better. In the learning period in which we find ourselves, it is important to take advantage of every occasion to express ourselves, not for the purpose of standing out, but to confirm if we have correctly understood what we were supposed to understand. It is fundamental to have an organized daily list of the day’s pending tasks. In the case of wanting to learn Italian, a suitable title for these pending tasks would be “cose da fare”.
Exams
In adults, this topic generates much controversy. One frequently hears the phrase “I’ve already taken enough exams in my life, I don’t want to stress myself anymore.” Exams are useful because they help us identify everything we do not know. According to Peter Drucker, it is impossible to improve something that has not been measured previously. Just as I need to weigh myself on a scale to know my weight, I must take exams to know my current situation in language learning.
If we have decided to study in an institute that offers non-formal education, I would recommend taking two types of tests:
- The typical ones offered by institutes. In my case, just to mention a few, I took exams at both the Italian Cultural Institute and the Dante Alighieri Association.
- International exams are more demanding, but they are fundamental to evaluate our position in relation to our levels. Believing in the importance of taking exams, I chose to take the B1 and C2 exams for the CILS certificate. It is advisable that the instructor selected for the instruction has passed the same exam that we are going to take. The teacher who prepared me for the exam lived in Florence and offered her classes via Skype. Despite her excellent preparation, it would have been more useful if she had also taken the exam. Despite having passed the test, I would have felt more secure if she had given me her advice. It is similar to learning to drive with someone who has never obtained a driver’s license.
Institutions for international Italian language testing
As already mentioned, there are institutions that issue an international exam certificate to determine the CEFR level for languages. I mention some of the most recognized:
- The Università per stranieri di Siena grants the CILS (certificazione di italiano come lingua straniera).
- The Università per stranieri di Perugia grants the CELI (certificati di lingua italiana).
- The renowned international institution Dante Alighieri grants the PLIDA (progetto lingua italiana Dante Alighieri).
How to improve your proficiency level?
To achieve fluency in the language we are learning, it is necessary to practice constantly. Today, it is easy to converse with native speakers for free through platforms like Conversation Exchange, which can provide excellent results.
Besides knowing the benefits of learning a language, it is crucial to keep in mind that undertaking this challenge will lead us down an enriching path, and we must keep it alive through constant commitment.