Finding Italian classes in Chicago 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 Chicago. 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 Chicago 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.
Ilaria Z
Ilaria Z
I am Ilaria, and I am a native Italian teacher. I have been teaching Italian for several years now, and I love my job.
I am a full-time Italian teacher, and I am building my entire career around the Italian language. I am also a blogger and a podcaster.
In the past, I have attended German and Spanish courses. But I am still a language student, in fact, I keep taking English classes, so I know how difficult and frustrating can be to learn a foreign language for my students.
My teaching method is focused on the students. During the first lesson, I ask them why they want to learn Italian and the goals they want to achieve. I am a supportive person, and I will constantly be there to guide you during the challenge of learning a foreign language!
With beginners, we will start learning grammar, but I will try to let them speak from the first lesson, helping them to create their first sentences.
Once the level advances, the part of the conversation will become gradually longer, but obviously, we will keep adding grammar information.
With students with a higher level, I will be more flexible and, the work to do will be decided together. Some of them prefer to have an informal lesson, based on conversation. Others prefer to have a more structured class, with readings and exercises.
See Reviews From StudentsMartina B
Martina B
Hi! My name is Martina, I’m Italian and I live in Rome.
I’m graduated in Foreign Languages and I have a Master’s degree in Audiovisual Translation.
I can speak English and Spanish at a good level and I also speak a little bit of French.
As you can see from my background, I’m a big fan of languages, so I fully understand how difficult it is to learn a new language. But I’m here to help you!
In Rome I teach Italian as a foreign language to young adults coming from all over Europe, from complete beginners to intermediate and advanced levels. So, my classes depend a lot on the level of the student.
At beginner level I focus mainly on the basic aspects of communication, using readings, songs and videos,with more emphasis on grammar.
At advanced levels the classes are more informal, based on conversations regarding different topics that we can choose together.
Therefore, my aim  is to listen to each student's needs and tailor the class according to their interests.
I enjoy travelling, watching TV series, and especially cooking and eating desserts.
If you want to know the best TiramisĂą recipe, book a trial lesson with me!
But please: “Acqua in bocca!” Hope to see you soon.
See Reviews From StudentsSelene S
Selene S
Hello all,
My name is Selene and I teach Italian to adults at all levels. My aim is to deliver lessons that are not boring, useful to what you want to achieve and adaptable to your learning style. I have experience teaching students from all over the world, from beginners to more advanced students. I create my lessons with the help of books, images, authentic material, my personal experiences and a bit of sense of humour.
Italian is a language full of history and culture. I believe it is almost impossible to learn Italian without learning its culture and traditions. Cultural activities, recipes and travel tips are my signature lessons. I am qualified to prepare for CILS exams and B1 citizenship exams. I can guide you to the process of getting the Italian proficiency qualification you need.
I developed my methods during the years and I'm able to create a friendly environment in which the students can learn without any pressure. My students have been with me for a long time :).
If this sounds like the way you want to learn, please do not hesitate to contact me !
See Reviews From StudentsGiuliana S
Giuliana S
CIAO a tutti! Hello everybody! I'm Giuliana, Â a qualified Italian teacher with more than 15 years experience.
I’m a native Italian from sunny southern Italy and I hold a Degree in Foreign Languages and Literatures and Ditals II Level (Certificate of advanced skills in Teaching Italian to Foreigners). I am also a CILS Certification examinerÂ
I have students of all ages and I travel very often to prepare them for Italian language proficiency certifications (Cils, Celi, Roma 3) for exams and B1 Certificate for Italian Citizenship. Â
I taught in Turkey (Istanbul), in Perù (Lima) and in Togo (Lomè) to children, university students and adult people who love Italian language and culture.
My lessons are specifically based on your needs and goals  and designed to enable you to COMMUNICATE in situations which you are likely to encounter in Italy. They are stimulating and interactive and organized in a relaxed environment in which learning feels like a natural process.
I chose to teach online because I love to share my knowledge and culture with people from all around the world. I love my students and I always provide constant SUPPORT and assistance. If we work together, you will speak in a fluent  way and you will feel confident in your communication with others.
I wait for you!
A presto,
Giuliana
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See Reviews From StudentsPietro E
Pietro E
With over a decade of experience, I've had the pleasure of teaching Italian to passionate learners from all around the world. From Tokyo to Moscow, to my time at the prestigious "Istituto Venezia" in enchanting Venice, I've refined my expertise in delivering exceptional Italian classes for both beginners and advanced learners.
My teaching approach revolves around fostering communication and immersing you in real-life situations. We won't simply focus on memorizing words; instead, we'll dive into authentic conversations and help you conquer the question of "what do I say in this situation?"
If you're starting from scratch, fret not! My teaching approach ensures that you won't be thrown into speaking Italian right away. Instead, we'll embark on a journey where you'll gradually build a solid foundation in the language, developing your listening and reading skills.
In my lessons, I prioritize creating a grammar-light environment while emphasizing immersion and conversation. However, I recognize the challenges posed by certain grammatical concepts. Therefore, I'm ready to switch to English whenever needed, offering clear explanations for complex grammar topics.
But that's not all: as a pronunciation coach, I hold the key to helping you shed your mother-tongue accent and embrace the melodic sounds of Italian. By mastering the subtle nuances of Italian intonation and pronunciation, we'll unlock the full potential of your language skills.
Join me on this awesome language-learning adventure! Together, we'll make Italian an integral part of your life, revealing the richness of its culture and the joy of connecting with its people.
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 StudentsMarzia P
Marzia P
Ciao!
My name is Marzia and I am a native Italian language teacher! Are you interested in learning Italian to travel to Italy, to learn more about the Italian culture, or to connect with your Italian roots? Whatever your reason, I’d be happy to help you!
I have been teaching online for more than five years and I am passionate about sharing my love for my language with my students. I teach students of all ages and levels.
Lessons are based on the needs of my students. Some students prefer the traditional grammar approach, while others want to focus on conversation from the very first lesson. Regardless, my approach is communicative to enable my students to comfortably and confidently speak Italian since I believe that the purpose of a language is communication!
I use authentic materials including newspapers, magazines and listening exercises. This helps my students in their language journey since our lessons are more interesting.
If you would like to become more comfortable speaking Italian, I can help you! I know from personal experience that language learning takes perseverance and motivation and am ready to help you stay motivated! Learning while having fun is the key to success!
I would love to meet you and talk about your Italian language goals during a trial lesson!
A presto!
See Reviews From StudentsMichela D
Michela D
My teaching approach relies on practice and immersion in the language, through conversation and consumption of multiple medias (music, movies, books).Â
My main focus is making my students able to communicate and interact as soon as possible, so that they can enjoy their language-learning journey instead of just studying and waiting for a long time before they can actually use what they learned.
During our encounters we will talk, write and practice, intertwining the formal learning of grammar and vocabulary with the more entertaining usage of each skill you will acquire.
No matter the level you begin with, from first basic interactions to formal high-level discussions, we can work together to improve your skills and proficiency.
I am skilled and professional, but also flexible and easy-going.
My interests are mainly of the nerd-ish persuasion, such as fantasy and sci-fi novels, movies and series, boardgames, RPGs and suchlike.Â
I love learning new things and discovering old classics with my friends and my students, and this is mainly why I got my degree in philosophy and studied many different topics on my own.
See Reviews From StudentsTiziano R
Tiziano R
I have a teacher in Lettere Moderne and I'm certified to teach Italian language to foreigners. I've been teaching for 5 years non-stop and I've experimented 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.
Chi ben comincia è a metà dell'opera...
See Reviews From StudentsFrancesco V
Francesco V
Ciao a tutti! Mi chiamo Francesco.
I am an Italian teacher, a learning specialist, and a screenwriter. I was born and raised in the majesty of Rome, and I love teaching Italian and sharing my culture.
Forget the old boring lessons with tons of grammar and no fun; I use e-learning tools and many activities to keep my students engaged. Once I have assessed your level and understood your goals, I will design the right course for you.
I will help you become fluent in Italian and sound like a local. My classes are a perfect blend of grammar, conversation, reading and comprehension, and, last but not least, writing. In addition, I will provide you with everything you need so you don't have to spend extra money on books.
I prepare students to obtain the language certifications Celi, Cils, and Plida.
In addition to my language courses, I also deliver writing classes. I can help you improve your writing skills, and edit your creative works, such as essays, scripts, and novels.
I love traveling, arts, sports, meditation, Tai Chi, and fancy cocktails! Yes, you heard right: fancy cocktails! What about you? What do you like? Let's chat about your interests, and of course, let's talk about Il Bel Paese!
See Reviews From StudentsIf 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.
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 Chicago 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.
Whilst not always the case, Italian classes in Chicago 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.