The Rome Index
Learning Italian in Rome
Language schools, immersion courses, and making the most of being there.
Language schools
Rome has dozens of Italian language schools catering to international students — from week-long intensive courses aimed at tourists to semester programmes connected to university credit systems. The Pigneto, Trastevere and historic center areas all have well-regarded schools.
What to look for
Courses certified by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Dante Alighieri Society is the most recognised name), small class sizes (under 10 is ideal), and integration with genuine social activities rather than classroom-only contact hours. Homestay accommodation with an Italian family is available through most schools and accelerates learning considerably.
Making it stick without a school
Even without a course, deliberate practice helps enormously — ordering in Italian everywhere, declining the menu in English, asking directions even when you know the way, reading the news in Italian on your phone over breakfast.
Intensive versus part-time formats
Language schools typically offer both intensive courses and part-time evening courses — matching the format to your actual available time matters more than the school's reputation alone.
Combining lessons with cultural immersion
Several schools build cultural activities directly into their programmes — ask specifically what's included beyond classroom hours.
