The best 5 tips for learning Italian according to students in Italy

An article written in partnership with  Italian for a While

We all know that learning a new language isn’t easy, especially when it’s as rich and nuanced as Italian. The journey from beginner to fluent can be a long one, but it’s also packed with rewarding moments.

When it comes to learning Italian, there’s no better source of advice than students who are actually living the experience in Italy. That’s why we asked current students in language immersion programs to share their best tips. We reached out to a group of students currently studying Italian in Italy through Italianforawhile, and they were more than happy to offer some guidance.

Curious to hear what they had to say?

1. Joshua’s tip: use flashcards and sticky notes

Joshua, who's been studying in Turin for several months, immediately recommended a well-known method: using flashcards and sticky notes to learn new vocabulary. He suggests labeling everything around you (fridge, door, lamp, you name it). By physically interacting with those objects and saying their Italian names out loud, you make a strong connection between the word and the object itself.

We know that this method might seem simple, but it's incredibly effective. Associating new words with real-world objects helps indeed create lasting mental links. The real benefit? You'll start thinking in Italian more naturally, as you're surrounded by it in your daily life. And the more you engage with Italian in your routine, the easier it becomes to recall words when you need them!

When does this technique work better? The early stages of learning, when you’re more focused on building your vocabulary than discovering the intricacies of Italian grammar.

2. Stephanie’s tip: speak Italian as much as possible

A common challenge for many language learners is the fear of making mistakes, especially when speaking with native speakers. The worry of being judged or saying something wrong can be paralyzing. But pushing past this fear is crucial to making real progress.

Stephanie, from the US to Milan, found that once she stopped holding back, her skills improved much faster. At first, speaking Italian felt awkward, but she decided to speak as much as possible, even if it was just a few words at a time. And, over time, she realized that making mistakes was a natural part of the learning process, and those mistakes were actually helping her improve.

Her advice? Don’t wait until you feel totally confident to start speaking. Whether it’s ordering food, chatting with neighbors, or speaking up in class, every conversation is an opportunity to practice. What’s more, Italians are generally very understanding and encouraging, so embrace the awkward moments: they’re part of the journey!

3. Sonia’s tip: use Reverso to practice Italian verb conjugation

Italian verb conjugation can be a real headache, for native speakers and learners alike. With all the different tenses, moods, and the tricky irregular verbs, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, especially in the beginning.

Sonia, who's currently studying in Naples, found a simple tool that really helped: Reverso. While it’s often known for translations, it’s also helpful for mastering verbs. The best part? It doesn’t just give you a list of conjugations: it shows verbs in full sentences, so you can see how they’re used in real-life conversations.

And this context is key. Instead of memorizing dry grammar charts, you start to see how verbs work naturally in everyday speech. Over time, you’ll begin to recognize patterns, and using the right verb forms becomes second nature. Plus, seeing Italian in action helps you get a feel for the rhythm and flow of the language, which makes everything click. It’s a small but powerful shift that takes away the guesswork and makes learning grammar way less intimidating!

4. Noah’s tip: read aloud to improve pronunciation

Noah, who’s now studying in Naples alongside Sonia, believes that reading aloud is a fantastic way to improve both pronunciation and fluency. And we agree with him. You just have to start with simple texts, like children’s books, so that it’s easier for you to follow along with the story.

At first, reading aloud might feel a bit awkward, but it’s one of the most effective ways to improve your speaking skills. By reading out loud, you can hear your mistakes and fix them in real-time. And while it helps with your pronunciation, it also forces you to pay attention to the rhythm and intonation of the language, which is especially important in Italian.

Last but not least, Noah also suggests using a translator or dictionary when you come across unfamiliar words. This will allow you to expand your vocabulary while still actively engaging with the language.

5. Jessica’s tip: ask for feedback whenever you can

Asking for feedback might not seem like a big deal, but it can make all the difference when learning Italian. It’s easy to fall into certain habits (maybe a grammar mistake you don’t notice or a word you keep mispronouncing) and without someone pointing it out, you’ll likely keep doing it.

Jessica, who’s now studying in Milan, made feedback a regular part of her learning routine, and it really helped her catch those little slip-ups early. Instead of waiting until mistakes became second nature, she actively asked teachers, locals, and even fellow students to correct her. And it paid off: her Italian is incredible!

The truth is, most people in Italy are happy to help, especially when they see you’re genuinely trying. And the more you ask, the more confident you get: not just in speaking, but in knowing you’re actually improving. It’s a small habit, but one that can speed up your progress in a big way.

A tip from Italianforawhile: embrace your own learning style!

Just remember that there’s no single “right” way to learn Italian: what works wonders for one person might not click for another. Some people need to move around and label everything in sight. Others like to read out loud, scribble in notebooks, or dive into conversations right away. All of it counts.

The important part is figuring out what actually helps you absorb and retain the language. Try different methods, mix things up, and pay attention to what feels most natural. Once you find your rhythm, learning becomes a lot smoother. And way more enjoyable!

Immersion programs, like the ones we run at Italianforawhile, are a great way to explore all of that in the real world. With the language woven into the little moments of everyday life, you really get to test what works, let go of what doesn’t, and slowly make Italian your own: at your own pace, in your own way.