Studying Italian in summer — why it’s a great idea
Children and teenagers can’t wait for summer because it means holidays and above all, no more school. After months of books and lessons, finally whole days free to play and enjoy themselves. Studying in summer felt like a punishment, something absurd and impossible. But for adults? Learning something new as an adult is a privilege and can be a genuine pleasure — something to do in your free time, for yourself. A summer free to read, to learn the guitar, to play chess, or to study Italian. Why not?
Some of the people who study Italian online with me regularly take a break in summer — usually because they go on holiday with their families, sometimes to Italy itself. Others choose summer specifically to start a course or to step things up.
Like Jaap, who lives in the Netherlands. During the year we meet once a week, but when summer arrives we double up — two lessons a week in July and August. One session focused on pure conversation, the other on refining grammar and vocabulary. His work is less intense during that period, and Jaap is very happy to use that time for Italian.
Or like Karolina, a student I worked with a few years ago. After finishing her undergraduate degree in Poland, she had enrolled at the University of Torino to complete her studies. During the summer before she left, she did an Italian course with me so she could arrive feeling confident. A concrete goal, yes — but also the pleasure of getting to Italy and feeling at home there.
Happiness and pleasure — the key words for studying Italian in summer
The difference between the school experience and the stories of Jaap and Karolina is exactly this: choice. Adults who study Italian in their free time do it for pleasure and passion. Studying is a choice, not an obligation — so why not do it in summer too, when your head is freer from work commitments?
And studying Italian in summer doesn’t mean sitting at a desk with a textbook while the sun shines outside. Quite the opposite — with an online Italian tutor you can organise one or two lessons a week, and all you need is a tablet or smartphone, even from a beach house. Between lessons, practising Italian is perfectly possible from under a sunshade: a podcast episode on a walk, an article to read in the shade, a few sentences to write on your phone between swims.
Studying Italian in summer is absolutely possible. It doesn’t have to be stressful — in fact, it can be one more beautiful thing to do for yourself, to add meaning and joy to your free time. While waiting for your next trip to Italy, perhaps.
Interested in an Italian course this summer? I offer both beginner courses and conversation and refinement courses for intermediate and advanced learners. Book a free introductory call — and if you like my approach, we can spend a little Italian summer together.