Ciao! My name is Ahin, and I want to share my story with you – my journey to mastering Italian; a story of chasing dreams and discovering a life I never knew I wanted, all in the heart of Italy.
Like many of you, my journey began with a deep passion for Italian culture. I studied Italian in Korea, diligently working through textbooks and grammar exercises, but I knew that wasn’t enough. I longed for the real experience.
Stepping off the plane in Florence was like entering a movie scene. The air buzzed with Italian, the smell of coffee and fresh pastries filled the streets, and everywhere I looked, there was art, history, and a vibrant life unfolding. I came to Italy with a working holiday visa, and while in Italian I could barely say “Ciao, come stai?” (Hi, how are you?) I was eager to dive in!
My first year was a whirlwind. Working in a restaurant, greeting and assisting visitors, it was a true immersion experience. I’ll never forget my first day; a tourist asked me a question, and I froze, completely blank. But she was so patient and spoke slowly, and we ended up having a nice chat. That’s when I realized how much I could learn from real conversations. It was challenging, but incredibly rewarding. I learned Italian not from textbooks, but from interactions, from the warmth and patience of the people I met every day.
During this time, I also began teaching Korean. It was amazing to share my culture and connect with locals. Even though I wasn’t formally studying Italian in a classroom, I was learning it constantly through these interactions.
The turning in my journey to mastering Italian: the language school
After my working holiday year, I knew I needed to take my language skills further. So, I enrolled in a language school in Siena. The experience was transformative. Studying Italian in the heart of Tuscany, surrounded by its beauty, made all the difference. Even the daily commute between Florence and Siena gave me an authentic slice of life!
While my working experience itself was great, I still struggled to form perfect sentences. I could follow conversations, but whenever I wanted to express myself with more complex phrases, I often found myself at a loss for words. Once I started studying grammar and vocabulary systematically at the language school, I finally felt like I could say, ‘I can speak Italian!’.
The language’s lessons were well-structured, and the teachers didn’t just focus on the text book-they helped us speak naturally in real-life situations. They encouraged us to embrace mistakes and through various activities, we had plenty of opportunities to practice what we learned.
The language school also introduced me to people from all over the world! For the first time, I was surrounded by such a diverse group of friends, which allowed me to learn not only Italian but also about different cultures. After class, we would grab coffee together and chat, and on weekends, we would explore small towns, making our experience in Italy even richer. The school also organized short after-class trips and weekend excursions, which made our time there even more enjoyable.
Of course, it wasn’t always easy. At first, I found it overwhelming to form long sentences, and writing in Italian was especially challenging. However, thanks to the engaging teaching methods and the support of my classmates, I was able to improve a little each day. My teachers and friends were incredibly understanding and always encouraged me, which helped me gain more confidence over time.
I also learned an important lesson: I didn’t need to speak perfectly. What mattered most was trying, even if I made mistakes. Once I let go of the pressure to be flawless, I realized how much I was actually improving.
Now, I’m continuing my Italian journey as an exchange student at the University of Bologna. Each experience has built upon the last, and now I feel truly at home in Italy.
If you’re dreaming of studying in Italy, I urge you: go for it! I know it can feel daunting, I was worried about being alone in a new country, making friends, and getting lost. But almost immediately, the people I met at work and in my classes were so welcoming. And if I’d had Go! Go! Italia’s resources back then, I wouldn’t have felt so overwhelmed with the logistics of moving to Italy.
Why studying in a language school is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss in your journey to mastering Italian
- Real-World Language Immersion: Forget memorizing phrases. In Italy, you’ll learn by doing. You’ll hear Italian as it’s spoken every day, not just what you learn in class.
- Cultural Enrichment: Italy is a living museum. You will experience history, art, food, and lifestyle all around you. Every corner has a story, every meal is a celebration, and every interaction is a lesson.
- Personal Growth: Living abroad will challenge you, but it will also empower you. You’ll become more independent and confident. I know I did!
- Unforgettable Experiences: From exploring ancient ruins to savoring regional cuisine to making lifelong friends, your Italian adventure will be unforgettable.
Studying in Italy is an investment in yourself, and if you need any help with the technical part of applying to a language school in Italy, Go! Go! Italia makes the process easier. We help with everything from applications to visas to finding accommodation, so you can focus on your studies and your experiences.
If you’re even slightly curious, contact us! Don’t let this opportunity pass you by! Imagine yourself sipping cappuccino in a Florentine café or exploring the ancient streets of Bologna. L’Italia ti aspetta! (Italy awaits you!)
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