ITALIAN CLASSES WITH JUSTINE
Private Online Italian Classes for Adults
Master real conversational Italian using the world-class Nuovo Espresso curriculum — guided by an active Acalanes Adult Education instructor.
Your Teacher
I’m Justine — Italian teacher at Acalanes Adult Education, lifelong Italianista, and the person behind Ciao Italianista. I majored in Italian, completed a master’s degree, and started a PhD at UC Berkeley before deciding that academia wasn’t the life I wanted. What never left me was the language itself.
Today I teach Italian to adult learners, travel to Italy every year, research my family roots in the Bergamo region, and share everything I learn here on Ciao Italianista. When I teach, I bring all of that — the grammar, yes, but also the culture, the nuance, and the genuine love for this language that has shaped my life.
The Offer: Online Italian Classes
Private 1-on-1
Completely customized to your pace, your goals, and your level. We work through the Nuovo Espresso curriculum together, with full attention on you — your pronunciation, your grammar gaps, your questions.
$100 / 60-minute session
Private Group
Form your own group with friends or family and the price per person drops — while keeping the curriculum strictly tailored to your group’s goals:
2 people: $60 / per person3 people: $45 / per person
4 people: $40 / per person
👥 Have a travel partner, spouse, or friend who wants to learn with you? Bring them along — you get built-in conversation practice, and everyone pays less.
The Curriculum: Why We Use Nuovo Espresso
Unlike courses that rely on random vocabulary sheets or gamified apps, my private lessons follow the Nuovo Espresso curriculum — a world-renowned, CEFR-aligned series (Levels A1 through B2) used by top language schools worldwide.
- The Gold Standard: The exact CEFR-aligned program used by top language schools worldwide to take students from absolute beginners to confident speakers.
- Real-World Focus: Every chapter drops you into modern, authentic Italian culture, everyday idioms, and real situational conversations — not textbook Italian that no one actually uses.
- The Catch (And Why You Need a Guide): Nuovo Espresso is an immersive textbook written entirely in Italian. There are no English instructions. Trying to navigate it alone can feel overwhelming — but in our private sessions, I act as your personal translator, cultural guide, and grammar coach. Together, we unlock it step by step, turning an intimidating book into your ultimate roadmap to conversational confidence.
Who This Is Perfect For
- Italy Trip Planners: You’re visiting Italy and want to walk in speaking real Italian — not just ordering coffee and asking for directions, but actually connecting with people.
- Newly Minted Citizens: You’ve secured your Italian passport; now build a deep, authentic connection to your heritage by speaking the language of your ancestors.
- Expats & Property Buyers: Preparing for relocation or a real estate purchase? Learn structured, practical Italian that goes far beyond tourist phrases.
- App Dropouts: You’ve tried Duolingo, Babbel, or even Lingopie (see my honest review here). You’re ready for real-world, interactive conversation with a live teacher.
- Ancestry Researchers: You’re tracing your Italian roots and want to read records, write to comuni, or finally understand the language your family carried. (Sound familiar?)
Ready to Start?
Book a free 30-minute intro call. We’ll talk about your goals, your Italian background (if any), and whether we’re a good fit — no pressure, no obligation.
Prefer to reach out first? Use the contact form and I’ll follow up by email.
Prefer to wait until group classes form?
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need any Italian experience to start?
Not at all. Before our first session I’ll send you the Nuovo Espresso placement assessment so we know exactly where to begin — whether that’s absolute beginner or picking up where you left off.
How do online lessons work?
We’ll meet via video call at a time that works for you, working through the Nuovo Espresso materials together (the online edition includes audio and video, so it works beautifully for remote lessons). All you need is a quiet space and a willingness to make some mistakes — that’s how you learn.
Do I need to buy the textbook?
Yes — you’ll need access to the Nuovo Espresso series (available via ALMA Edizioni or on Amazon). We’ll discuss which level is right for you after your placement assessment.
Can I bring my own group?
Absolutely — that’s exactly what the private group option is for. Just make sure everyone is at roughly the same level, or let’s chat about how to structure it. The more people you bring, the lower the per-person cost.
How does payment work?
Sessions are prepaid on a monthly basis. At the start of each month we agree on the number of sessions, and payment is collected in advance. We’ll discuss the details on your free intro call.
Do I have to commit to a package or a set number of sessions?
No long-term commitment required. Your first session is a standalone — a chance to experience the teaching style and the Nuovo Espresso curriculum before deciding anything. After that, sessions are booked and prepaid on a flexible monthly basis, so you control the pace.