My Specialization: Teaching Italian to English-Speaking Learners
My main area of specialization is teaching Italian to English-speaking learners. Since 2003, I have gained extensive experience working with adult students, particularly from the United States and the United Kingdom, both in person and through live online lessons.
Over the years, I have developed a deep understanding of the specific challenges that English-speaking learners may encounter when learning Italian—not only during the initial stages, but also as they progress towards more advanced levels. I am particularly attentive to the ways in which the structures and habits of English can influence the way Italian is learned and used.
Pronunciation is another important aspect of my work. I help English-speaking students identify and overcome the pronunciation difficulties that are particularly common when speaking Italian, helping them develop accuracy, confidence, and naturalness in spoken Italian.
More Than Just Language
For me, learning a language is deeply connected to emotions, identity, and human relationships. That is why I believe that a successful learning experience is built not only on grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation, but also on trust and mutual respect.
I consider it essential to establish a genuine relationship with my students—one in which they feel comfortable, understood, and confident enough to express themselves, make mistakes, ask questions, and gradually find their own voice in Italian.
For me, teaching a language means connecting with the person behind the learner and creating a space where language can become a meaningful and enjoyable part of their experience.
My Teaching Experience
I have taught Italian as a Second and Foreign Language since 2003 in a wide range of contexts, including intensive Italian courses, individual lessons, CELI and CILS exam preparation courses, business Italian courses, and live online courses.
I have extensive experience working with adults of different backgrounds and levels of proficiency, and I have taught both in person and online through live video lessons.
My Approach
My teaching approach combines different methods and techniques in order to respond to the individual needs of each student. I often draw on the communicative approach and task-based learning, with the aim of helping students use Italian actively and meaningfully.
I want my students to be able to communicate in Italian as soon as possible: asking and answering questions, making requests, describing and narrating, comparing, discussing, explaining, debating, and expressing their ideas and opinions.
My approach is learner-centred. I believe that students learn more effectively when they are actively involved in the learning process and have some control over what and how they learn.
I use a wide range of teaching materials and also enjoy creating my own, adapting them to the specific objectives, interests, and needs of each student. I always aim to create a relaxed and supportive atmosphere in which students feel comfortable, motivated, and confident enough to learn and make progress.
My Story
I live in a town near Rome, the city that I love for its special atmosphere and its unique soul. I lived in another fantastic city, London, for five years and it was an incredibly enriching experience that I will never forget.
I graduated from Sapienza University of Rome with degrees in Italian Language and Literature, and I hold the DITALS Certification in Teaching Italian as a Second and Foreign Language from the University of Siena.
My academic background, combined with more than two decades of teaching experience, has allowed me to develop a solid understanding of both the Italian language and the challenges involved in learning it as a foreign or second language.
I’m passionate about my work because I love my native language and I also love the fact that people find Italian and Italy so interesting and beautiful. I think learning a foreign language is an exciting and challenging way to travel across a culture while enjoying yourself along the way.
CELI and CILS exam preparation
I have successfully prepared many students for these exams.
CILS, Certificazione di Italiano come Lingua Straniera (Certification of Italian as a Foreign Language) and CELI, Certificato di Conoscenza della Lingua Italiana (Certificate of Knowledge of the Italian Language) are internationally recognized qualifications of the Italian language from the University for foreigners of Siena and Perugia. These certifications are divided into 6 different and progressive levels from A1 to C2, according to the CEFR. All of the examinations cover the most important elements in language acquisition: speaking, reading, writing, listening and analysis of structures of communication.
Testimonials
- “Silvia is a highly effective, talented, and dedicated language teacher who adapts her methods and approaches to the needs of her students. She brings the best out in those she tutors, by offering a calm and focused learning environment and making use of a variety of topical, real-world, and tailored learning resources” Gino D’Oca, London
- “I have studied languages in grade school, High School, college, and in adult learning centers, and I can safely say Silvia Maggio is the most exceptional language instructor I have ever had. Beyond that, she is certainly one of the best teachers overall that I have had. Not only have I learned a great deal, but I really enjoy working with Silvia. For several years now I have regularly studied with Silvia, and in that time my written and spoken Italian has improved dramatically. My comprehension of Italian language (both written and oral) has taken a big leap, and I can directly attribute that to Silvia’s approach. In particular, her emphasis on dialogue, and her encouragement has been a huge benefit to me. Before working with Silvia, I struggled to keep up and I spoke very robotically, basically attempting to translate english directly into Italian, and failing to get the sound of certain tenses. Silvia showed me how to hear the music of the language, and to get those musical sounds into my ear. Being a musician, this was a really helpful tip. She regularly points out useful tips that make are eye openers for me and continually get me closer to where I want to be.Since working with Silvia, I am now able to travel to Italy and get by in 100% Italian. I’m able to speak with locals and further immerse myself in Italian culture, and I’m very grateful to Silvia for that. It’s a pleasure getting the opportunity to speak with her, to learn from her, and to have benefited from her approach”. Travis, US
- “She prepared me to face everyday speaking situations as well as to write and read in Italian with proficiency. Her customized lessons are always stimulating, effective and enjoyable. I am grateful to have benefited from her expertise and charitable character.” Shawn, New Mexico
- “I enjoyed lessons with Silvia. In addition to exercises, the questions she asked and the assistance she gives me conjugating verbs as I speak, helps me learn to speak more naturally. Thank you!!” Cathy, US
- “I’ve had seven tutoring sessions with Silvia so far and it’s been great! She has a stellar track record in teaching Italian, and is very professional, knowledgeable, and patient. I would highly recommend her for anyone interested in learning Italian”. Di, New Jersey
- “Silvia spoke very clearly, at a nice pace and vocabulary level for me at approximately A2 level. We discussed the differences between a few Italian words with similar meanings and I found her very helpful.” Barry, Sidney
- “Grazie mille, Silvia! Mi hai aiutato tantissimo con la mia preparazione! 🙂 “ Eseniya, Vladimir, Russian Federation
- “Good fun but challenging as always”. Jo, UK
- “Her methods are thorough and very easy to follow! She is very patient.” Michelle, from New Mexico
- “Silvia has been one of the best Italian teacher I’ve had. She taught me not only the grammatical importance of the language but the heart and soul of its “lingua”. É stato vero piacere essere lo suo studente.” Leonardo, Honduras
- “Even if I do not speak italien, everything was in the target language! full immersion 🙂 Grazie Silvia!”. Clare, Bruxelles
- “Silvia’s explanations of grammar and vocabulary are easy to understand and show her experience with teaching”. Dana, Boston
- “Ce l’ho fatta! Grazie a te.” Brian, San Diego, Ca