Want to speak Italian — fast?  

Fast Track Italian: Beginner 1 takes you from complete beginner to the end of our level 3 in just 8 Saturday mornings. You will cover the same content as three of our Italian evening courses, but in a single focused programme designed for learners who want to make rapid, meaningful progress without a weekday commitment. 

Each three-hour Saturday session combines structured coursebook work with real communicative practice — conversations, cultural exploration, and activities that help you use Italian from day one, not just study it. By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself, navigate everyday situations in Italian, and hold your own in basic conversations about the people and places in your life.

Course Format

Why choose this course?

• Study with a trusted and internationally recognised language school in the heart of London 

• Learn in an immersive, face-to-face environment with a qualified, experienced teacher 

• Cover Italian Levels 1, 2, and 3 in just 8 Saturday mornings 

• Benefit from practical activities, role-plays, and cultural moments every week 

• Use Italian from day one — real communication, not just textbook exercises 

• Make rapid progress without any weekday commitment 

This course is for complete beginners who are serious about making rapid progress — people who want to reach A1 quickly, efficiently, and enjoyably, without spending a year on evening classes to get there. 

It is a good fit for: 

• Adults who are completely new to Italian and want to get started properly 

• People who want to cover three levels of Italian in a single focused programme 

• Learners who want real communicative practice — not just grammar exercises — from the very first session 

• Anyone planning to travel, work, or study in a Italian-speaking country and wanting to build a solid foundation fast 

This course may be especially useful if you want to: 

• Build a genuine A1(beginner) foundation in Italian systematically and quickly 

• Develop confidence in speaking, listening, and pronunciation from day one 

• Experience Italian culture as part of the learning — not just an afterthought 

• Set yourself up to progress to A2 and beyond without losing momentum 

How does this compare to our Italian evening courses? 

Both formats cover exactly the same content and lead to the same learning outcomes. Fast Track Italian: Beginner 1 covers three levels — the equivalent of three separate evening courses — in eight Saturday morning sessions of three hours each.  

This course may not be the right choice if you prefer a slower, more gradual pace. In that case, our other Italian courses may be a better fit. 

The content below gives you an overview of the grammar, vocabulary, and cultural themes covered in this course. It is a rough guide only — your teacher will select the most relevant material from the coursebook and may adapt the pace and order of topics to suit the group. Please note that this course does not cover every page of the coursebook. 

What you will be able to do 

• Greet people, say goodbye, and respond naturally in everyday situations 

• Introduce yourself and others, and share personal information with confidence 

• Ask about and give details such as your age, nationality, job, phone number, and address 

• Order food and drinks at a bar or restaurant, and express your preferences 

• Make a phone reservation at a restaurant 

• Describe a house using basic vocabulary 

• Talk about hotel services, book a room, write a review, and make a complaint 

• Describe a city, name places of interest, and ask for and give directions clearly 

Grammar covered 

Levels 1 & 2 — Core foundations 

• Formal and informal language 

• Subject pronouns (singular and plural) 

• Regular –are, –ere, and –ire verbs in the present tense 

• Irregular verbs: essere, avere, fare, volere, potere, andare, venire 

• Singular and plural nouns, adjectives, and articles (definite and indefinite) 

• Negation and the prepositions di, in, a 

• Anche / invece 

Level 3 — Building on the basics 

• Molto as adjective vs. adverb 

• The verb dovere in the present tense 

• Noun–adjective agreement 

• Preposizioni articolate (articulated prepositions) 

• C’è / ci sono (there is / there are) 

Vocabulary and culture 

• Parts of the day, greetings, and personal information 

• Countries, nationalities, and classroom objects 

• Jobs and workplaces 

• Food, drinks, meals, and money 

• Bars and restaurants in Italy 

• Describing a house and home 

• Months of the year and hotel-related language 

• Famous Italian cities, monuments, and types of accommodation 

Do I need any previous knowledge of Italian? 

No. This course is designed for complete beginners with no previous experience of Italian. 

Do I need to buy a coursebook? 

Yes. The course uses a coursebook, which you will need from your second lesson onwards. The book is available to purchase on our website. There is nothing to organise before you start. 

How is this different from the Italian Level 1, 2, and 3 courses? 

This course covers the same content as Italian Levels 1, 2, and 3 combined and leads to the same outcomes — in eight Saturday morning sessions rather than three separate evening courses. If you want to progress quickly and prefer a Saturday format, Fast Track is the right choice. If you prefer a more gradual pace, our other courses may suit you better. 

What does A1 mean? 

A1 is the first level on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR), the internationally recognised scale used to describe language ability. It runs from A1 (complete beginner) through to C2 (mastery), and is used by language schools, employers, and universities around the world. 

At A1, you are working at beginner level. By the end of the full A1 programme — which this course is part of — you will be able to introduce yourself, exchange basic personal information, understand simple questions and instructions, and use familiar everyday expressions in straightforward situations. It is the foundation on which everything else is built, and completing it puts you in a strong position to progress to A2 (elementary) and beyond. 

Will the course cover every page of the coursebook? 

No. The course covers selected content rather than every page. Your teacher will prioritise the most important communicative and grammatical content, and the programme may be adapted to suit the pace and needs of the group. 

Why does the teacher speak in Italian throughout? 

Speaking in the target language from the start is one of the most effective ways to develop your comprehension and listening skills. Your teacher will always make sure you understand — through gesture, visual support, and careful use of language — so you will never feel lost.  

What kind of activities will we do in class? 

Each session combines coursebook work with practical communicative activities — role-plays, speaking tasks, cultural moments, and pair or group work. The aim is for you to use Italian every week, not just learn about it. 

Will I be speaking in class? 

Yes. Speaking and real communication are at the heart of every session. You will practise from the very first lesson, in a supportive and encouraging environment where making mistakes is part of the process. 

What will I be able to do by the end of the course? 

You will be able to introduce yourself and others, exchange personal information, describe places and people, ask for and give directions, and hold basic everyday conversations — all in Italian. 

What happens after this course? 

After completing this course, you can continue to Fast Track French: Beginner 2, which covers Levels 4, 5, and 6 at the same pace.  

Alternatively, if you prefer a more gradual approach, you can move to our Italian Level 4 evening course. 

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)