Finding Italian classes in South Portland that are both effective and affordable can be tricky. Classes are typically in groups, meaning you have limited opportunities to speak. On top of this, you’ll often find certain students dominate the conversation, or ask the teacher endless questions!
LanguaTalk offers a more convenient and effective alternative: 1-on-1 online Italian classes with experienced native tutors. You won’t find these tutors available for face-to-face Italian lessons in South Portland. LanguaTalk finds the best tutors from around the world. They offer conversational Italian classes at cheaper rates because they don’t have to travel to you and they often live in countries with a lower cost of living.
Probably you’re thinking: but are online classes really as effective as face-to-face? You can book a no obligation 30-minute trial session (for free with most tutors) and see for yourself. Classes take place via video call, allowing you to communicate with your tutor and share learning materials, as if you were in the same room. And you can book classes for whenever it suits you.
Below, you can filter to tutors who have availability that fits with your South Portland time zone. Then watch videos, check reviews, and book a trial session.
If you have questions, you can click the 'Help' button in the bottom right. There, you’ll find answers to every question imaginable, and the option of contacting our support team.
Eleonora F
Eleonora F
Hi, I am Eleonora and I am from Italy (near Venice).
With me, you can improve your conversational Italian. I have more than 6 years of experience tutoring students with different levels of Italian. Some of them were beginners when they started and they managed to reach a good level of Italian after a few months. I also helped more experienced students with their university exams or thesis. So, even if my classes here focus more on spoken Italian when there is a need, we can improve your written and academic Italian.
My classes are personalized according to your needs, level of language, individual interests, and goals. During the classes, you will improve and learn new vocabulary and grammar. The classes are always different and we will use material such as songs, online videos, news, and literature text to help facilitate the conversation and your learning. It would be nice to have a cultural exchange so you can get to learn more about Italian Culture, its History, and its traditions. My students are of different nationalities and backgrounds giving me the chance to keep on learning myself. Personally, I speak fluently French and a bit of German, while I am currently learning Swedish.
I look forward to meeting you!
Ciao,
Ele
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Sara D
Sara D
Ciao!
I'm Sara and I'm an Italian teacher with more than 8 years experience teaching this wonderful language!
I began teaching when I was studying my Bachelor's degree (che bei tempi!) ... I started almost as a joke but I realized soon that I actually liked this profession and, after so many years, I still feel the same!
Throughout the years I had the opportunity to work with a variety of students and each of them taught me a lot: every teaching experience is unique and this is why I love it.
That being said, maybe you would like to know something more about how I work.
I usually offer a free trial lesson, where I like to get to know my students better and understand their needs, goals and interests.
This helps me not only to build a tailor made learning path, which is shared and discussed with the student, but also to select the material and the topics that best suit each person.
If I had to choose my strongest point, I would definitely say that it is the kind of relationship I establish with my students: open and informal to make learning easier and to fully enjoy the experience.
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Valeria P
Valeria P
Would you like to learn Italian from scratch or to become more fluent? I can help you reach your goal! I offer different resources, a friendly and professional atmosphere as well as constant support so you will have the chance to speak a lot from day one. I will integrate culture and traditions into my lessons to keep you motivated. I will provide you with all the necessary abilities to become independent in your language exploration. Give yourself the chance to achieve your dream, book a lesson!
My name is Valeria and I am a professional Italian Teacher. I hold a CEDILS certificate to teach Italian to foreigners, a Ph.D in Asian Studies and I have 10 years of teaching experience at Chinese Universities as well as one to one tutoring in the UK. I have specialised in teaching to Chinese speakers who wish to study in Italy, to European professionals who work for Italian companies, and to retirees passionate about culture and travels.
I adapt my lesson according to your interests and needs. In every lesson you will find something interesting and stimulating. I teach general, academic and business Italian. I can also help you prepare for language exams. My communicative approach allows the students to speak without inhibitions. I use authentic materials which reflect different aspects of everyday life. I usually start with a written text, a video, or an audio recording, then I focus on vocabulary and grammatical analysis. Finally, with a role play you will be asked to “act” in a simulated situation according to the topic just studied. You will receive feedback and support after each lesson.
See Reviews From StudentsTiziano R
Tiziano R
I am a teacher in Lettere Moderne in a high school with a background in linguistics. I'm certified to teach Italian language to foreigners and I've been teaching for 7 years non-stop, experimenting with many methods of teaching. I consider myself a perennial student. I speak English, Spanish and French, I can translate Latin and I love history and philosophy. I use a communicative approach but I deem grammar essential, that's why I prefer to alternate exercises, reading and creative games. In my free time, I write, I watch movies and I practice sport. I also enjoy playing my guitar and playing chess. I'm open to talk about any topics.
Chi ben comincia è a metà dell'opera...
See Reviews From StudentsCristina M
Cristina M
Hi, I'm Cristina from Italy!
I studied Foreign languages and Linguistics and I'm here to help you learn and discover the beauties of the Italian language. My lessons are mainly focused on grammar, vocabulary, conversation and pronunciation. My approach to teaching depends on the level and goals of the student. Not only will we learn grammar and new words but we will also pay attention to the correct pronunciation (I have a standard pronunciation so you can easily learn the standard variety of Italian) : the student will be given some exercises to practise their pronunciation (tongue twisters are great to practise the difficult sounds of a foreign language!). Moreover, we will develop the four language skills ( speaking, writing, listening and reading) through constant and gradual training.
With more advanced students, it can be great to have conversational lessons. Since I'm a very curious person (I'm very passionate about Science, Art and sport) we may talk about any topic you are interested in.
Do not hesitate to book a trial session.
See you soon! (: 🇮🇹
See Reviews From StudentsLiliana G
Liliana G
Ciao!
I am a native Italian teacher specialized in tutoring Italian for beginners, intermediate and advanced learners. I have been working since 2016 for several agencies and for the Foreign & Commonwealth Office in London teaching Italian from scratch. I am also a CILS tutor and exam administrator.
I hold a Bachelor in Linguistics and Italian as a second language and also worked for the publishing of an Italian Collocations Dictionary for Italian learners.
My objective is to keep students challenged but not overwhelmed. I also like to keep lessons engaging, fun and fresh. My students say I am patient and friendly: I do think it is very important to feel safe and supported when learning a new language. So if you want to immerse yourself in the Italian culture and language but find it hard to attend a scheduled group class, or if you want to focus on specific topics or aspects and get faster progress through individual lessons, contact me to get the most suitable 1-to-1 plan for you.
*Please note: I have a Zoom Pro plan. Zoom is in my opinion the best tool for online lessons, and my paid account allows all features, with no time limit on calls. Feel free to select Zoom as your preferred tool when booking: I am the host so you do not have to pay anything to join my meeting.
See Reviews From StudentsFilippo R
Filippo R
About me — My name’s Filippo. I’m a native speaker of Italian and live in Rome. I hold the DITALS I certificate, i.e., the license for the Teaching of Italian as a Foreign Language issued by the University for Foreigners of Siena. I can also speak English and am very fond of British English phonology. I have two degrees, one in philosophy and the other in religious studies, and taught in secondary schools in Rome for 21 years. I mainly speak standard Italian or, as linguists would say, “Tuscan Italian as spoken by Roman citizens”, i.e., the Italian language as historically spoken in Florence, without its peculiar local features.
My lessons (a broad overview) — If you’re already attending an Italian language course or are a self-taught student, I'll be your go-to person for any further explanations and corrections, as complement to your personal journey to learning Italian. I can also provide topic-focused speaking classes on topics of your choice or mutual agreement, as well as offering help for exams preparation for language certificates of all levels (A1 – C2). If, on the contrary, you're looking for more structured classes as part of a broader and comprehensive Italian language course, I'll be very happy to guide you and provide you with all the necessary relevant materials.
My topic-focused speaking classes (a specific example) — At latest one day before class, I'll send you a list of key words and expressions that will help you prepare for the topic of conversation. We’ll always start our lessons by describing, analyzing and contrasting visual inputs (images and photos) in order to develop your communication skills. We will also look at one or two texts on the topic in order to enrich the specific vocabulary in use and the conversation itself. Infographics, as well as quotes from some personalities who have expressed their view on the topic, are also integral parts of the lessons. During the conversation I'll assess your oral production (pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar) and you'll receive my feedback to help you progress in this area.
See Reviews From StudentsAntonello T
Antonello T
Hello everyone and welcome to my profile.
My name is Antonello and I am a native Italian speaker excited to immerse myself in this new platform.
I have a degree in foreign languages from the University of Bari, a charming city in southern Italy. Languages are a real passion for me - especially Spanish - and I would like to transmit this passion to you with regard to the Italian language and foreign languages as well.
I am a guy who loves meeting new people and new cultures. In fact, in the past, I have worked in the front office, such as in reception - the job I like most.
I love dialectics, grammar and dialogue and I believe that communication should not be a mere exchange of information, but a constant flow of thoughts, ideas and facts between people who are willing to say, but above all to listen.
I like to set up interactive lessons so that the student is an active part of the lesson till he/she becomes the focus of the lesson itself.
I am an energetic person with a constant desire to get involved. That is why I ensure to do my best to discover your personal story and skills.
You can love or hate languages and I love them. What about you? Let's find out together!
See Reviews From StudentsLuca S
Luca S
Hi! thanks for visiting my page! I am a professional English and Italian language teacher with over 7 years' experience teaching students from all around the world. I am very creative and curious, always excited about meeting new students and engage in interesting conversations. I always try to design a lesson around the learner's needs and focus on the areas to improve. I am very passionate about languages but I also love writing fiction, painting and playing the guitar. I am interested in various subjects from art to politics, from cinema to sport and culture.
I believe teaching should be fun, stimulating and inspiring. I plan my lessons in order to offer a variety of creative and exciting activities, a perfect balance of conversation, writing and listening. I also believe that the student should be made comfortable in order to express themselves and gain confidence with their spoken fluency.
My lessons are focused on vocabulary and spoken fluency but we'll practise the four skills: speaking, listening, reading and writing. I apply to the lessons a variety of methods and activities such as role plays, projects, games. At the end of the lesson I always provide feedback and clarification on emerging vocabulary or new expressions.
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Deborah C
Deborah C
Ciao a tutti! I'm Deborah and I'm an Italian tutor. I graduated cum laude in 2021 and I've got 4 years of experience in tutoring. In 2021 I also worked as private tutor in France and Portugal.
!!!! ATTENZIONE: 1hour LESSON LASTS 50 MINS instead of 55.
My philosophy is: learn a language, have fun!
As a professional Italian language teacher, I have had the privilege of working with students from around the globe, ranging from complete beginners to advanced speakers. This rich variey of experiences has enriched my ability to tailor lessons to the individual needs of each student, ensuring that learning Italian is both effective and ENJOYABLE!
I believe each person in unique, so their learning paths shouldn't be the same. During our initial sessions, I take the time to understand your goals, interests, and learning style. Whether you're preparing for a trip to Italy, aiming to pass a proficiency exam, or simply wanting to enjoy Italian language and culture, I create a customized plan to help you succeed.
Interactive and engaging, my lessons incorporate a variety of multimedia resources, including audios, videos, and authentic Italian texts. Grammar and vocabulary are often taught in context. I also emphasize listening and conversational skills, encouraging you to speak and build confidence and fluency.
Learning a new language should be a joyful journey! With patience, encouragement, and a sprinkle of Italian culture, I aim to inspire a love for the language that goes beyond the classroom. Join me, and let's embark on this exciting adventure together!
See Reviews From StudentsWhilst not always the case, Italian classes in South Portland are typically more expensive than online learning options. This is due to the costs associated with using a classroom, as well as travel time and expenses for teachers. Online classes, on the other hand, eliminate these overheads. Additionally, online instructors often live in countries with lower living costs, which can further reduce the price of online classes.
While some teachers on LanguaTalk may offer in-person conversational classes in their local area, the majority specialize in online teaching. This approach is more convenient for them, allowing flexibility and the comfort of working from home. Most teachers are not based in South Portland and are spread across the globe, so if you're looking for a class with LanguaTalk, you should anticipate an online learning experience.
Many students initially have reservations about participating in online Italian classes, thinking the experience will be vastly different from in-person classes. However, they often discover that online classes can be just as engaging and effective. In an online Italian class, you’ll interact with your teacher and classmates as if you were all in the same room. The teacher may share resources (like articles or videos) and will collaborate with you in real-time using tools like Google Docs or Dropbox Paper, ensuring an interactive learning environment. The biggest benefit is convenience: there is no need to travel, and you can book lessons for when it suits you.
If you prefer in-person learning over online classes, LanguaTalk might not be the best fit for your needs. For local classes, you can search through community boards or local service listing websites. However, we encourage you to explore the convenience and effectiveness of online classes. You can start with a free trial session to experience the benefits first-hand, such as access to a broader range of experienced teachers and potentially lower costs.
The advantage of taking lessons online is that you can learn at any time and from any location. When you select a tutor, check their calendar to ensure that they have available slots that fit your schedule. Some tutor may have limited availability due to high demand from other students.
If you're new to LanguaTalk, we'll provide you with a credit for a free trial lesson. Many, but not all, tutor offer these for free. If they do not, the price will be reduced to 30 percent of their full lesson price, so you can still try a session at a minimal cost.
Trial lessons are 30 minutes long. They allow you to evaluate whether the tutor is a good fit for you and experience learning online. The tutor will assess your level and try to understand your needs and interests so they can customize any lessons you decide to take. You will be encouraged to speak in Italian as much as possible, but you can also speak in English if needed.
If, after your trial lesson, you don't feel that the tutor is right for you, you can schedule a trial lesson with another tutor for 30 percent of their full lesson price.
Lessons are conducted one-on-one, allowing you to receive personalized attention from your tutor. lessons are conducted via video call, and you can use any device with a stable internet connection and a webcam to join the lesson.
Your tutor will create a customized lesson plan based on your goals, learning style, and current level. During the lesson, you will have the opportunity to speak, listen, and interact with your tutor in real-time. Your tutor may also provide you with additional materials, such as audio recordings or written exercises, to help you practice and consolidate your learning.
Most students take 55-minute lessons. However, some tutor also offer the option of 30-minute lessons. If this is available, it will be noted on their profile (below their pricing and above the 'Buy Lessons' button).
In general, we recommend 55-minute lessons for most students. You may want to consider 30-minute lessons only if you have an intermediate level and only want conversation practice, or if the lesson is for a child.
On LanguaTalk, you can find highly qualified tutors who offer personalized 1-on-1 Italian lessons based on your goals and learning style. Here's how it works:
1 - Search for a tutor who meets your needs by reviewing videos, ratings, prices, and availability.
2 - Schedule a trial lesson. Many tutors offer a 30-minute trial for free, while others offer a discounted price.
3 - Take your personalized lessons with your chosen tutor via video call. Or, you can try a different tutor if you prefer.
You don't need to enter any payment information to book a free trial session. Please only book a trial if you are interested in taking lessons. Prices vary by tutor, and you can use filters to find a tutor who fits your budget. You can pay for each lesson individually or purchase multiple lessons at a discounted rate (view a tutor's profile to see their pricing options).
We're confident you'll enjoy learning with LanguaTalk. We are trusted by students around the world because of our transparency. We ask students to rate each lesson, and we display these ratings on the tutor's profile.
99.8% of lesson ratings are 5 stars. This is because, unlike other platforms, we only accept the top 10% of tutor applications.
To see our full list of frequently asked questions or get assistance from our friendly team, click the 'Help' button in the bottom-right. You can also watch videos of students sharing their experiences with LanguaTalk below.