Italian

A few reasons to learn Italian (from Manuela, an Italian instructor at BASE):

• Of all the romance languages, Italian is the closest to Latin and it is estimated that 60% of English words derive from Latin. Learning Italian will make any other romance language, including Spanish, French, Portuguese and Romanian, more approachable and easier to learn.
• Italian is for family ! The influence of Italian culture in the Boston area is very strong. Enjoy a fluent conversation with your Italian-born neighbors, cousins and grandparents !
• The Italian language is key to study and research in the fields of history, art, literature, philosophy and archaeology.
• Italian is for food lovers: Impress your date by ordering with confidence at an authentic Italian restaurant!
• Italian is the language of music, particularly of the Opera. Learning Italian is important for singers and classical musicians. Knowing Italian enables you to better appreciate classical music.
• Italian is for business! Italian brands such as Benetton, Barilla, Ferrari, Lavazza, Armani, Gucci, Prada and many more are renowned throughout the world for the exceptional quality of their products. Numerous Italian companies have offices in the US.
• Italian is the most romantic of the romance languages. The majority of students of Italian are fascinated by the simplicity of its sounds, the musicality of the language and the charm of its words.

Course terms

By signing up for a course, you agree with the Course Terms. Italian group courses are on hold until further notice. Please consider private classes.

Course level

If you are not a beginner with Italian, please submit via our contact form a detailed writing sample strutting your stuff so we may provide feedback and as needed arrange for an in-person assessment.

Private classes

If you prefer to take private Italian classes in Boston, Cambridge, or elsewhere, please see the Private Learning page to request a proposal.  

Online classes

Looking for online classes? On the registration form you’ll have the option to select “Either in-person or online” or “Online only”. This schedule is subject to additions and/or cancellations as needed. 

Is your top schedule choice not listed? Do you get a message stating that your choice is not available? Indicate this in the comments box when you register, or contact us to let us know.

Italian Beginners

This level is designed to introduce students to the grammatical structures and vocabulary necessary to express basic topics (e.g. family, daily routines, and leisure time) and navigate basic survival situations (making travel arrangements, ordering meals, and making purchases, etc.).

Language topics and functions are integrated into activities that emphasize all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), with special attention given to conversation skills. Cultural knowledge that will build a deeper understanding of Italy is a crucial component of the course content.

Weekly: Beginners

One 1.5-hour class a week:

Monday   |  7:15 – 8:45 PM
Tuesday  |  5:30 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday   |  1:30 – 3:00 PM
Thursday   |  3:30 – 5:00 PM
Thursday   |  5:30 – 7:00 PM
Friday   |  7:15 – 8:45 PM

Semi-intensive: Beginners

Two 1.5-hour classes a week or one 3-hour class per week:

Monday   |  2:00 -- 5:00 PM
Monday and Wednesday |  7:15 – 8:45 PM
Tuesday and Thursday  |  5:30 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday   |  5:30 – 8:30 PM
Thursday   |  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Friday   |  5:30 – 8:30 PM
Saturday   |  10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Saturday   |  2:00 -- 5:00 PM

Italian High Beginners

Designed for students with some previous study of Italian, this level builds on and rapidly expands control of basic grammatical structures and vocabulary. Students consolidate their ability to navigate basic survival situations and prepare themselves for continued study of the language.

New language functions will be presented in meaningful activities that emphasize all four language skills (speaking, listening, reading, and writing), with special attention given to conversation skills. Cultural knowledge that will build a deeper understanding of Italy is a crucial component of the course content.

Weekly: High Beginners

One 1.5-hour class a week:

Monday   |  5:30 – 7:00 PM
Tuesday  |  7:15 – 8:45 PM
Wednesday   |  3:30 – 5:00 PM
Thursday   |  1:30 – 3:00 PM
Thursday   |  7:15 – 8:45 PM
Friday   |  5:30 – 7:00 PM

Italian Intermediate

Intended for students at the intermediate level, this course will afford the opportunity to expand conversation skills while consolidating knowledge of more challenging grammar points.

The contextual focus of the course is modern Italian culture including history, politics, and literature among other things. Italian films, short stories and essays will enhance this learning experience.

Weekly: Intermediate

One 1.5-hour class a week:

Monday   |  7:15 – 8:45 PM
Tuesday  |  5:30 – 7:00 PM
Wednesday   |  1:30 – 3:00 PM
Thursday   |  3:30 – 5:00 PM
Thursday   |  5:30 – 7:00 PM
Friday   |  7:15 – 8:45 PM

Italian Advanced

This level aims at strengthening and developing the intricate linguistic competence that students must possess in order to decipher and produce various verbal codes.

Special emphasis will be given to oral and written expression through a systematic review of complex linguistic structures. There will be a variety of exercises, readings and discussions of an array of topics.

Weekly: Advanced

One 1.5-hour class a week:

Monday   |  3:30 – 5:00 PM
Tuesday  |  1:30 – 3:00 PM
Wednesday   |  7:15 – 8:45 PM
Thursday   |  5:30 – 7:00 PM

Is your top schedule choice not listed? Do you get a message stating that your choice is not available? Indicate this in the comments box when you register, or contact us to let us know.