Pack your bags — and your Italian! Italian: Language for Travel is a practical course that helps you speak with confidence on holiday or work trips. In two consecutive Saturdays at IH London, you’ll practice the phrases that matter through role-plays, guided conversations and real travel scenarios. 

You’ll leave with a “survival Italian” toolkit: high-frequency vocabulary, clearer pronunciation, and easy strategies to keep talking even when you can’t remember the exact word. 

Why study Italian at IH London? 

Italian is perfect for travel and culture — and you can start speaking it from the very beginning. At International House London, expert teachers and interactive lessons help you develop real communication skills fast. 

What’s included in your course? 

• Lesson summaries, notes and learning resources  

• Additional self-study materials  

• Ongoing support from experienced teachers  

• Access to exclusive IH London student workshops and events 

This course is ideal for learners who want practical Italian for travel, including: 

• students who have studied very little Italian but want to use it more confidently 

• beginners who want a focused, “holiday Italian” boost 

• learners who can understand basic Italian but hesitate when speaking 

• anyone travelling to Italy who wants useful language for real situations 

If you’re unsure about your level, we can help you choose the best option. 

By the end of this course, you will be able to: 

Communicate confidently in common travel situations 

You’ll practice Italian for real-life travel scenarios, such as: 

• greetings, introductions and polite social language 

• checking in/out at hotels and handling common requests 

• ordering in cafés/restaurants (dietary needs, problems, paying) 

• asking for and understanding directions and transport information 

• shopping and making simple enquiries (prices, sizes, tickets, times) 

• dealing with unexpected situations (lost items, delays, health/pharmacy basics) 

Speak more clearly and naturally 

You’ll also build speaking confidence through: 

• key survival phrases and high-frequency vocabulary 

• strategies to keep going when you don’t know the exact word (rephrasing, clarification, “buying time”) 

• pronunciation support for clearer, more intelligible Italian 

• mini role-plays and speaking tasks to help you respond quickly and naturally 

Explore Italian-speaking cultures 

Alongside the language, you’ll build cultural confidence through: 

• polite requests and everyday etiquette 

• typical service interactions and communication style 

• practical tips for Italian-speaking destinations 

Course materials: All course materials are shared via SharePoint. You will receive the access link in your welcome email, which is sent 24 hours before the course starts. 

Do I need previous knowledge of Italian? 
Some basic Italian is helpful, but the course is designed to support learners who want practical travel language and lots of guided speaking practice. 

When is the course and how long is each class? 
The course runs on two consecutive Saturdays, 10:00–13:00, at IH London. 

Is this course face-to-face or online? 
This is a face-to-face course taught at our school in London. 

What level is the course? 
This course is best for beginners and near-beginners who want practical Italian for travel. If you’re unsure, we can advise you on the best option. 

Will there be lots of speaking practice? 
Yes. The course is highly practical and includes guided speaking tasks, role-plays and realistic travel scenarios to help you build confidence quickly. 

What should I bring to class? 
Just a notebook and something to write with. Your teacher will provide materials, and digital resources are shared via SharePoint. 

Where will the class take place? 
Classes take place at IH London – 16 Stukeley Street, London WC2B 5LQ. You’ll receive full details in your welcome email. 

What if I miss a Saturday? 
Because this is a short course, it’s best to attend both sessions. If you miss a class, we’ll share key materials via SharePoint, but we can’t replicate the in-class speaking practice. 

Can I continue studying after this course? 
Yes ! Your teacher can recommend the best next step, such as a general Italian course or a level-based programme at IH London. 

How will I receive the course materials? 
All course materials are shared via SharePoint, with access provided in your welcome email 24 hours before the course starts.  

Is there a coursebook? 
No fixed coursebook is required — your teacher will provide targeted materials and resources for the course. 

Italian Level 1 (A0) is a complete beginner course for students who have never studied the language before. If you already have some basic knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you.

Our classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with qualified, experienced teachers.

Classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication. Lessons are primarily taught in Italian and include interactive activities like group work and role-plays to boost confidence and fluency. Our courses help you use Italian in everyday situations, while building core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.

What’s included in your course?

– Lesson summaries, notes & resources
– Italian study tips
– Additional study resources
– Support from experienced teachers
– Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students

By the end of your course, you should be able to:

– Greet people, say goodbye, and respond appropriately in everyday situations
– Introduce yourself and others clearly and confidently
– Ask and answer questions about where you and others are from
– Provide personal details during a hotel check-in
– Ask for and give information such as age, nationality, job, phone number, email, and address
– Spell and recognize basic words like names, countries, and email addresses
– Understand and use numbers when talking about phone numbers, ages, prices, and room numbers

Materials

Required Coursebook:

DIECI A1 – Euridice Orlandino & Ciro Massimo Naddeo
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212

Italian Level 1 (A0) is a complete beginner course for students who have never studied the language before. If you already have some basic knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you.

Our classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with qualified, experienced teachers.

Classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication. Lessons are primarily taught in Italian and include interactive activities like group work and role-plays to boost confidence and fluency. Our courses help you use Italian in everyday situations, while building core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.

What’s included in your course?

– Lesson summaries, notes & resources
– Italian study tips
– Additional study resources
– Support from experienced teachers
– Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students

By the end of your course, you should be able to:

– Greet people, say goodbye, and respond appropriately in everyday situations
– Introduce yourself and others clearly and confidently
– Ask and answer questions about where you and others are from
– Provide personal details during a hotel check-in
– Ask for and give information such as age, nationality, job, phone number, email, and address
– Spell and recognize basic words like names, countries, and email addresses
– Understand and use numbers when talking about phone numbers, ages, prices, and room numbers

Materials

Required Coursebook:

DIECI A1 – Euridice Orlandino & Ciro Massimo Naddeo
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212

Italian Level 1 (A0) is a complete beginner course for students who have never studied the language before. If you already have some basic knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you.

Our classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with qualified, experienced teachers.

Classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication. Lessons are primarily taught in Italian and include interactive activities like group work and role-plays to boost confidence and fluency. Our courses help you use Italian in everyday situations, while building core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.

What’s included in your course?

– Lesson summaries, notes & resources
– Italian study tips
– Additional study resources
– Support from experienced teachers
– Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students

By the end of your course, you should be able to:

– Greet people, say goodbye, and respond appropriately in everyday situations
– Introduce yourself and others clearly and confidently
– Ask and answer questions about where you and others are from
– Provide personal details during a hotel check-in
– Ask for and give information such as age, nationality, job, phone number, email, and address
– Spell and recognize basic words like names, countries, and email addresses
– Understand and use numbers when talking about phone numbers, ages, prices, and room numbers

Materials

Required Coursebook:

DIECI A1 – Euridice Orlandino & Ciro Massimo Naddeo
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212

Italian Level 1 (A0) is a complete beginner course for students who have never studied the language before. If you already have some basic knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you.

Our classes take place at our school in Covent Garden with qualified, experienced teachers.

Classes at IH London are dynamic and interactive as the emphasis is on spoken communication. Lessons are primarily taught in Italian and include interactive activities like group work and role-plays to boost confidence and fluency. Our courses help you use Italian in everyday situations, while building core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing.

After Level 1, continue your learning with Level 2 and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.

What’s included in your course?

– Lesson summaries, notes & resources
– Italian study tips
– Additional study resources
– Support from experienced teachers
– Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students

By the end of your course, you should be able to:

– Greet people, say goodbye, and respond appropriately in everyday situations
– Introduce yourself and others clearly and confidently
– Ask and answer questions about where you and others are from
– Provide personal details during a hotel check-in
– Ask for and give information such as age, nationality, job, phone number, email, and address
– Spell and recognize basic words like names, countries, and email addresses
– Understand and use numbers when talking about phone numbers, ages, prices, and room numbers

Materials

Required Coursebook:

DIECI A1 – Euridice Orlandino & Ciro Massimo Naddeo
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212

Our Fast Track Italian Level 1 and 2 (A1) course is designed for complete beginners who are looking to accelerate their language learning. Classes take place twice a week at our school in Covent Garden. Led by qualified, experienced teachers, our lessons are dynamic, engaging, and focused on spoken communication. Classes are taught primarily in Italian and include a variety of interactive activities such as group discussions, role-plays, and practical exercises to build fluency and confidence.

Is this course for you?

This course is ideal for complete beginners who are ready to commit to a more intensive learning experience. If you’re looking to make faster progress and can attend classes twice a week, this course is a great fit. However, if you prefer a slower pace or have a busier schedule, we also offer evening, afternoon and weekend courses that take place once a week—perfect for learners seeking a less intense option. If you already have some basic knowledge of Italian, we recommend taking our placement test or contacting the Foreign Language Department, as a more suitable course may be available for you. After this course, continue your learning with Level 3 and 4 (A1) and beyond. Progression is based on your class participation and self-study—there are no formal tests. To help you better understand our level system, check our level chart.

Course Dates:
Monday and Wednesdays: 12th January 2026 – 25th February 2026 (Break 16th and 18th February 2026)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 10th March 2026 – 30th April (Easter Break – 31st March – 9th April 2026)
Monday and Wednesdays: 11th May 2026 – 24th June 2026 (Spring Break 25th and 27th May 2026)
Tuesday and Thursdays: 7th July – 13th August 2026
Monday and Wednesdays: 31st August – 7th October 2026
Tuesday and Thursdays: 13th October – 26th November 2026 (Autumn Break – 27th and 29th October 2026)

What’s Included in your course?

• Lesson summaries, notes & resources
• Italian study tips
• Additional study resources
• Support from experienced teachers
• Exclusive workshops and events to IH London students

By the end of your course, you should be able to:

• greet people, say goodbye, and respond appropriately in everyday situations
• introduce yourself and others clearly and confidently
• ask and answer questions about where you and others are from
• give personal details and understand questions during a hotel check-in
• ask for and give information such as your age, nationality, job, phone number, email, and address
• spell and recognise basic words such as names, countries, cities, and email addresses
• say and understand numbers when talking about phone numbers, ages, prices, and room numbers
• order food and drinks at a restaurant or bar
• express your food and drink preferences
• make a phone reservation at a restaurant
• describe a house using basic vocabulary and structures

Materials

Required Coursebook:
DIECI A1 – C. Massimo Naddeo & E. Orlandino
Publisher – ALMA Edizioni
ISBN 9788861826212

For this course we will use units 0 to 4 in the coursebook. Please note we might not cover all activities during the course. You can buy your coursebook via our website with a link shared with you on your welcome email.

Why not try out a sample beginners Italian lesson before signing up to a full course? These one-off sessions are aimed at students who have never studied the Italian language before.

Sample Lesson Plan

• Greeting people
• Introducing yourself and someone else
• Asking and giving personal details (name, nationalities, profession, age, phone number, date of birth)