What is an Italianista?
An Italianista is someone who loves Italy and all things Italian. Ciao Italianista keeps your passion alive through virtual travel, Italian recipes, language tips, and more. Become an Italianista today! Subscribe to the Ciao Italianista newsletter.
Ciao, I’m Justine!
My story begins a long time ago when I first stepped onto Italian soil in the summer of 1984. Just after graduating from high school, I went on a whirlwind tour of Europe: London, Paris, Rome….Sorrento. Meandering the hill town streets of Sorrento, I immediately fell in love with the Italian language, Italy, and all things Italian.
And I have never looked back. From that moment on, I became an Italianista.
I became determined to become fluent in Italian. I started learning Italian in college, went to Bologna for my junior year abroad, and earned a BA and MA in Italian from the University of WI-Madison. I started a Ph.D. program at the University of CA-Berkeley with a four-year fellowship. Later I became a teacher and earned a single subject credential in Italian. I taught in an Italian immersion school in San Francisco for five years.
My mission
Studying Italian gives you purpose. It makes you an Italianista. That is why I have started this blog. Together I want to keep our passion for Italian and Italy alive. Let’s start a dialogue together where we talk about All things Italian.
My vision
In this blog, I want to bring you Italian food recipes, take you on virtual trips to Italy, and speak Italian with you.
Tell me your story
There are many routes to becoming an Italianista. For some, like me, it is that first trip to Italy, and you are hooked. Others fell in love with an Italian like Claire in the movie Letters to Juliet. What made you an Italianista? Write me a message and let me know.
