You’ve Studied Italian. So Why Can’t You Speak It?
Learning Italian can feel like one of the biggest hurdles when you're planning a move to Italy.
You can study for months or even years, understand quite a bit, and still find yourself stuck when someone asks you an unexpected question in Italian. In this episode, Samantha sits down with Clara and Martina, co-founders of My Italian Room, to talk about what learning Italian really looks like, especially as an adult.
They discuss why mistakes are such an important part of learning, how small wins can build confidence, and why speaking shouldn't be something you leave until you feel "good enough." They also get practical about what you can accomplish with 15 or 20 minutes a day, active versus passive learning, apps like Duolingo, grammar, and how long it really takes to learn a language.
If you've been putting off speaking Italian because you're waiting to feel ready, this conversation is a reminder that making mistakes isn't a sign that you're failing. It's part of the process.
Guests:
Clara and Martina are the co-founders of My Italian Room, an online Italian school helping learners move beyond studying Italian to speaking it with confidence. Through practical, conversation-focused programmes, they've built a global community where learners combine structured learning, authentic Italian, and regular opportunities to speak.
Resources:
As part of A New Life in Italy, Martina and Clara lead monthly live Italian lessons created specifically for members. These relaxed, practical sessions focus on the language you'll actually use in everyday life in Italy, from useful phrases and cultural context to building confidence when speaking with locals. Lessons are also recorded, so you can revisit them whenever you need.
Learn more about A New Life in Italy.
Follow My Italian Room on Instagram
Smart Move Italy offers guidance on visas, Italian citizenship, residency, and building a life in Italy. Learn more and start planning your move to Italy today.
Want to keep the conversation going? Join Vivace, a place for people who are curious about life, open to change, and haven't decided that the most interesting part of their story has already happened.
Ciao for now!
Mentioned in this episode:
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A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/
Listen Vivace
A life well lived is never finished. There is always another version of yourself waiting to emerge. Vivace exists for women who believe the most beautiful part of life is not what has already happened, but what comes next. https://vivacenetwork.com/
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If you're thinking about moving to Italy full-time, part-time, or for a lifetime, come and see me over at Smart Move Italy.
