10 Best Italian Language Courses, Certifications & Training Programs Online In 2023

Dive into the world of la dolce vita by exploring our meticulously curated list of the 10 best Italian language courses, certifications, and training programs online for 2023, designed for all levels of learners and catering to various individual needs and objectives.

Dylan Ruiz

(Updated May 3, 2023)

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Have you ever wanted to learn Italian but found yourself overwhelmed by the vast array of available courses? Fret not, as we have conducted extensive research to identify the top Italian language courses, certifications, and training programs online. Our findings were based on an in-depth analysis of 34 popular Italian language courses from various providers, with a staggering 614,588 enrolled students who left 11,606 ratings and reviews. Not only did we evaluate these courses based on their ratings, reviews, and enrollments, but also considered learners' feedback, content quality, comprehensiveness, release date, and affordability. Furthermore, we combined these insights with our own expertise to present you with the ultimate list of the best Italian courses available online.

If you're still wondering whether these courses are worth your time and investment, our list caters to a wide range of learner types and objectives. So whether you're a complete beginner looking for a comprehensive introduction, an intermediate-level learner seeking to polish your language skills, or someone in search of quick and engaging learning sessions, rest assured that there is a course tailored to your needs. Get ready to unlock a world of opportunities as you master Italian with the perfect course for your unique learning journey!

Best Italian Language Courses, Certifications & Training Programs

1. 3 Minute Italian - Free taster course | Beginner lessons

Best for rapid daily Italian learning

This beginner-level Italian language course is designed to help you learn to speak Italian through simple, bite-sized lessons that can be completed in just three minutes each. By focusing on everyday real-world situations, the course aims to provide learners with practical Italian skills that can be used in daily life while also making the learning process easy and enjoyable. The lessons begin with some essential words and phrases which allow students to immediately start building their own sentences, gradually expanding their vocabulary and understanding of grammar structures as they progress through the course.

The unique aspect of this course is its emphasis on short, three-minute lessons that can be easily incorporated into anyone's daily routine. This approach enables learners to maintain enthusiasm, develop a consistent learning habit, and memorize the material more effectively compared to longer, less frequent lessons. Whether you are entirely new to the Italian language or have struggled to learn it in the past, this course is specifically designed to help you succeed in your language learning journey while ensuring you have plenty of "Aha!" moments along the way.

User review:

One of the easiest language courses I've ever taken. Italian is my second language, but I haven't spoken it in years. I needed a refresher course with updated terminology, and this, so far, has fit the bill. Kieran Ball has an engaging way of teaching the language simplistically in small increments. I especially like the way he introduced longer, more difficult words at the start, leaving the small common words for later on. Per me, this made the class more interesting. I've signed on for two more courses. [1] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is the best for learners who want to study Italian through concise, three-minute daily lessons, focusing on practical communication skills needed in everyday situations.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 42,086
Rating (4.66)
Duration 1h 7m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Kieran Ball
Price Free

2. Conversational Italian 1: Master Spoken Italian (Beginners)

Best for mastering conversational Italian

Embarking on a journey to master spoken Italian? This course offers a unique approach tailored to beginners who yearn to gain conversational proficiency in the Italian language. Adopting a conversational methodology, the course prioritizes speaking and understanding Italian in practical situations rather than inundating students with complex grammatical rules. The course commences with basic phrases such as greetings and personal introductions, gradually building upon these foundations to enable learners to confidently engage in real-life interactions.

With an emphasis on relevant and useful vocabulary, learners can expect to simulate actual conversations with the instructor throughout the course. By focusing on pertinent topics such as dining at a restaurant, seeking assistance, and discussing hobbies, the course equips students with essential skills to thrive in Italy. So, are you ready to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Italian language and culture? This comprehensive course aims to be your guide in achieving conversational Italian proficiency for your personal and professional endeavors.

User review:

Bardzo dobry kurs pozwalający opanować podstawy języka włoskiego. Przyjemnie się z Niego korzysta na urządzeniach mobilnych, więc można wykorzystywać na naukę czas wolny w podróży. Polecam [2] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for beginners who aim to achieve conversational proficiency in Italian, focusing on speaking and understanding practical situations in real-life interactions.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 39,243
Rating (4.45)
Duration 2h 50m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Dillon March, MA,The Travelling Linguist
Price $15.99

3. Learn basic Italian in 2 hours

Best for learning basic Italian quickly

Embark on a journey to learn the beautiful Italian language with this engaging course designed to teach you basic Italian in just 2 hours. Focused on practical usage and immediate results, this course enables you to confidently carry out basic conversations in various situations, such as meeting new people, dining at a restaurant or cafe, and staying at a hotel in Italy. By learning key phrases and expressions, students will be well-equipped to navigate their way through different social scenarios while making new Italian friends.

Course participants can expect to dive into interactive sessions, listening to slow pronunciation by a native speaker and practicing their own pronunciation skills. Complementing the course sessions, students will have access to useful learning aids such as sheets for easier memorization of vocabulary, as well as cultural information and other curiosities. Additionally, the course offers access to a free YouTube channel with supplementary material, enhancing the learning experience and providing opportunities for further progress in mastering the Italian language. Don't miss this opportunity to finally achieve your goal of learning basic Italian in a fun, effective, and efficient manner.

User review:

I wanted to learn Italian but I never could because I have not time. This time I have found a great solution. A few times, I'm able to reproduce the main sentences in Italian. In the course, there are all the explanations in English and real Italian pronunciation. You can also repeat and check if yo u are telling the correct pronunciation. Absolutely perfect! [3] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for individuals who want to quickly learn basic Italian language skills and confidently carry out conversations in various situations such as meeting new people, dining at a restaurant, and staying at a hotel in Italy.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 33,138
Rating (4.42)
Duration 1h 56m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Laura Gariboldi
Price $14.99

4. Learn Italian Language: Complete Italian Course - Beginners

Best for comprehensive Italian language introduction

Perfect for beginners, the Italian language course offers a comprehensive introduction to various aspects of the Italian language, including the alphabet, vocabulary, speaking skills, pronunciation, writing, grammar rules and patterns, verbs, tenses, and communication skills. The course utilizes an interactive board and immersion teaching methods to accelerate learning speed and improve comprehension of spoken Italian. Each lesson is presented by a native Italian speaker, and downloadable .pdf files and practice exercises are included to enhance the learning experience.

By taking this course, students will have access to 8 hours of content presented in Full HD, subtitles in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Romanian, an easy way to understand beginners' grammar, listening and speaking practice, and numerous exercises and quizzes to test and improve their knowledge. With full lifetime access and an engaging teaching style, this Italian course will ensure learners develop a strong foundation in the Italian language, preparing them for more advanced learning and real-life situations.

User review:

I found this course paced very well and, even though I had completed other beginner courses, those other courses seemed to move so slowly that the material not only failed to be challenging but seemed a waste of time. The amount of grammar and vocabulary learned seemed paltry in those other courses, when compared to the amount of time spent. In my previous experiences, forced repetition was built in, whereas, in this course, you, the student, can repeat, as needed, and if not needed, the material moves along at a steady pace. Plus, these materials seem designed to help you acquire a working, conversational, and practical knowledge: what one would need to know to go through an average day of living, shopping, and interacting, in an Italian city. I thought this course was great value for what I learned and reviewed so successfully. I rate this an A+. [4] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those seeking a comprehensive introduction to the Italian language, covering aspects such as the alphabet, vocabulary, speaking skills, pronunciation, writing, grammar rules and patterns, verbs, tenses, and communication skills. Students will gain a strong foundation in the Italian language, preparing them for more advanced learning and real-life situations.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 31,380
Rating (4.57)
Duration 7h 53m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) AbcEdu Online
Price $14.99

5. Learn Italian Language: Italian Course For Intermediate

Best for accelerating intermediate Italian

In this comprehensive Italian intermediate course (B1, B2), the teacher covers various aspects of the Italian language, such as speaking, pronunciation, writing, grammar rules and patterns, including Italian verbs and tenses, vocabulary, conversation and communication skills. The course is designed to accelerate learning and comprehension of the spoken Italian language, making use of an interactive board to visually aid in the process. The course also includes numerous exercises, practice tests, and quizzes, alongside downloadable PDF support materials to further enhance the learning experience.

This Italian course is unique in providing full HD video lessons presented on an interactive board, with each lesson taught in the native language, ensuring the best possible learning environment for students. Additionally, this course offers downloadable .pdf files for each lesson, and eventually video captions in English, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Romanian. The course covers everyday situations in the Italian language, alongside listening and speaking practice, making it an effective and enjoyable way to improve one's intermediate Italian language skills. With complete lifetime access and a 30-day satisfaction or money-back guarantee, this course is ideal for anyone looking to advance their Italian language abilities.

User review:

A really nice course. I had seen most of the material before and it was great review, perfect for my level. The authors must have a good sense of humour, as some of the multiple choice options are frankly hilarious, and the stock photography generally goes well with the quizzes. The presentation is pretty concise, but worked fine for me - some things are better left unsaid, and what *has* been offered in explaining suggests to me that Anca speaks at least another language quite well and knows what to mention when to help language acquisition in others. I must say that at least initially, I found the all-caps style on the whiteboard a bit difficult to read. I work a lot with text, and there are studies that show that reading speed and comprehension is improved by using mixed case letters. Having said that and to finish this review, it would be great to have follow-up courses covering periodo ipotetico and congiuntivo. I imagine that at least periodo ipotetico would work really well in dialog style... Thanks to everyone involved for producing the course! [5] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for intermediate learners looking to accelerate their comprehension of spoken Italian language while covering speaking, pronunciation, writing, and grammar rules. With interactive and engaging materials, students can effectively improve their conversation and communication skills.

Course overview:
Level Intermediate
Students 12,201
Rating (4.8)
Duration 5h 40m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) AbcEdu Online
Price $15.99

6. 3 Minute Italian - Course 1 | Language lessons for beginners

Best for quick Italian learning sessions

Discover the exciting world of the Italian language in a unique and engaging format designed for beginners. The approach taken in this course ensures that you learn Italian in small, manageable chunks, allowing you to create sentences confidently in just a few minutes. Created by an experienced language teacher, this method has helped over 130,000 people across more than 200 countries to successfully integrate foreign languages into their daily lives. By focusing on practical and effective lessons that incorporate real-world situations, you'll be well-prepared to converse comfortably and confidently with native Italian speakers.

Each lesson in this course is designed to last approximately three minutes, ensuring you remain enthusiastic and motivated throughout your learning journey. This structure offers multiple benefits, including improved memory retention, consistency in your study habits, and a more enjoyable learning experience overall. The concise lessons also make it easier to find time to study, even with the busiest schedules. If you're ready to unlock the door to a new culture and communicate effortlessly in one of the world's most beautiful languages, this course is the perfect starting point.

User review:

This course was amazingly fun and easy to grasp. The instructor is very good at what he does, he makes it easy to grasp grammar concepts and remember vocabulary easily without the need for self revision as the way he has structured the course he helps you revise and re-solidify everything as you go. What my original intention in taking this course was to take a break from the stressful overworking habits i have put myself through as of late and it did just that and more, i never expected i would want to gain fluency in Italian i was only expecting just learn a few odds and ends and not pursue the language any further, but that is not the case now this was a lot fun so i am going to definitely keep going. Thank you so much Kieran for making such a great course Grazie !!! [6] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those who want to learn Italian in short, manageable chunks that build confidence in forming sentences and conversing with native speakers. The unique, engaging format ensures efficiency and enjoyment in learning, making it suitable for even the busiest schedules.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 10,104
Rating (4.62)
Duration 4h 31m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Kieran Ball
Price $15.99

7. Learn Italian for Beginners and Travelers - Enjoy Your Trip!

Best for practical Italian travel skills

This beginner-friendly Italian language course focuses on providing the essential knowledge and linguistic tools needed to make the most out of a trip to Italy. The course content is structured around common scenarios faced by travelers, ensuring that the language skills gained are practical and relevant. Video-based instruction, accompanied by audio and on-screen transcripts, creates an engaging and efficient learning experience for students.

Beyond the accessible video lessons, the course also offers downloadable materials in PDF format. These bonus resources can be used to further supplement the learning process or as a helpful "cheat sheet" reference during your travels. From learning the basics of the Italian language to navigating lodging and dining experiences, this course ensures a smooth and enjoyable trip to Italy for beginners and seasoned travelers alike.

User review:

As someone who wants to know some Italian for a trip, this first lesson told me a lot of useful information, not a lot of things I would not use in a short vacation, and in a very clear manner when I would use it. Am looking forward to the rest of the lessons. [7] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for beginners looking to acquire essential language skills and practical knowledge needed to make the most out of their trip to Italy, focusing on common scenarios faced by travelers.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 9,579
Rating (4.29)
Duration 3h 43m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Larry Aiello
Price $19.99

8. Italian Language around the world

Best for exploring global Italian impact

Dive into the rich history and evolution of the Italian language with this comprehensive course, which delves into the multitude of ways that the Italian language has disseminated around the world. Italian is often associated with the country's finest cultural exports, such as songs, cinema, theatre, opera, food, and design. This course's careful examination of Italian as a language of communication and culture will help you develop a profound understanding of its roots and global impact over time.

Throughout this journey, you will be exposed to the diverse aspects of the Italian language in everyday life and beyond, while gaining a historical perspective of the significance of Italian in global culture. Italian was once the preferred language of Mediterranean and European merchants, bankers, artists, and writers (such as Dante, Petrarca, and Boccaccio), enhancing its cultural value and global reach. The course incorporates various examples and references to different communicative styles, allowing you to test your linguistic competence and better understand the nuances between spoken and written language as well as various forms of communication. Enrich your knowledge of the world of Italian language and culture by immersing yourself in this captivating course.

Best for:

This course is ideal for learners who want to dive into the rich history, evolution, and global impact of the Italian language, exploring its significance in various aspects of culture, such as songs, cinema, theatre, opera, food, and design.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 3,577
Duration 50h 0m
Platform edX
Institution Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II
Price $79 or free without certificate

9. 3 Minute Italian - Course 2 | Language lessons for beginners

Best for structured beginner progression

This course builds upon the foundational Italian skills you developed in the first course of the 3 Minute Italian series, allowing you to communicate in an even wider range of situations. The course progresses with a logical structure and introduces new sentence structures, enabling you to ask questions and understand different forms of verbs in the Italian language. By focusing on a systematic learning approach, you will find it easy to grasp and internalize more complex aspects of the Italian language as you advance through the lessons.

Throughout the course, you'll explore a variety of useful topics, such as telling time, booking taxis, and asking for directions in Italian. Additionally, the course delves into fascinating aspects of linguistics that make Italian distinct from English, offering alternative ways to express similar concepts. With an emphasis on consistent practice and vocabulary expansion, this course equips you with everything you need to become more fluent and comfortable in the Italian language, setting you on the path to mastering this beautiful and engaging language.

User review:

I’m loving the courses from Kieran Ball. The learning process feels very organic and natural. This course makes it easier for me to learn and retain information through repetition throughout helpful phrases. It helps that each lesson is bite-sized; I can spend as much or as little time studying, and it’s especially nice for a quick review if I have a few minutes to spare. The lessons build on top of each and it helps lay a solid foundation for actually remembering what I’ve learned. I’ve done other language learning apps and this is what’s worked best for me so far. It’s been nice to be able to slowly build up vocabulary and know how to use them. TLDR: Highly recommend if language learning apps haven’t been as useful and when it’s on sale. (At least for Italian.) [8] ... Read More

Best for:

This course is ideal for those who want to advance their beginner Italian skills through a systematic learning approach, focusing on a variety of practical topics and consistent practice.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 3,589
Rating (4.78)
Duration 4h 11m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Kieran Ball
Price $19.99

10. 3 Minute Italian - Course 3 | Language lessons for beginners

Best for three-minute daily lessons

This course is designed to build on the foundation established in Courses 1 and 2, expanding your knowledge and skills in the Italian language. The teaching method employed is simple, effective, and accessible to individuals of all ages and backgrounds, including those with learning difficulties. With over ten years of experience in teaching foreign languages and a wide range of students under their belt, the instructor ensures this course caters to the unique learning requirements of all participants.

Structured like a personal language tutor, this course allows you to study at your own pace and whenever you find time. In just three minutes a day, you will develop your language skills and learn the Italian language in a fun, logical, and engaging manner. The curriculum covers a variety of words and sentence structures that are useful in Italian-speaking countries, with ample opportunities for practice and repetition to reinforce learning. Overall, this course promises an enjoyable and rewarding language learning journey for beginners looking to master the Italian language.

User review:

I´ve tried out 2 Italian courses before this one and none of them came even close to the quality of this one. I didn´t learn anything from the two other courses, but after I finished course 2 of 3 minute italian. I went to Rome and spoke italian with the waiters =) Can´t wait to try it out next time I go to Italy and is done with course 4. By the way. I am from Denmark and have never been that good at english, but I have no problems following along. [9] ... Read More

Best for:

This course excels in providing a simple, effective, and accessible method to learn Italian through short, daily lessons. Ideal for those with limited time but a desire to learn the language in a fun, logical, and engaging manner.

Course overview:
Level Beginner
Students 2,464
Rating (4.68)
Duration 5h 16m
Platform Udemy
Instructor(s) Kieran Ball
Price $24.99

Compare Italian language Online Courses

Course Rating Cost
3 Minute Italian - Free taster course | Beginner lessons
Best for rapid daily Italian learning
Free
Conversational Italian 1: Master Spoken Italian (Beginners)
Best for mastering conversational Italian
$15.99
Learn basic Italian in 2 hours
Best for learning basic Italian quickly
$14.99
Learn Italian Language: Complete Italian Course - Beginners
Best for comprehensive Italian language introduction
$14.99
Learn Italian Language: Italian Course For Intermediate
Best for accelerating intermediate Italian
$15.99
3 Minute Italian - Course 1 | Language lessons for beginners
Best for quick Italian learning sessions
$15.99
Learn Italian for Beginners and Travelers - Enjoy Your Trip!
Best for practical Italian travel skills
$19.99
Italian Language around the world
Best for exploring global Italian impact
$79 or free without certificate
3 Minute Italian - Course 2 | Language lessons for beginners
Best for structured beginner progression
$19.99
3 Minute Italian - Course 3 | Language lessons for beginners
Best for three-minute daily lessons
$24.99

How to choose best Italian language online course

Choosing the best Italian language course can be a daunting task, especially with the wide variety of available options. To help you in selecting an ideal course, consider the following factors: your current language proficiency (beginner or intermediate), the purpose of learning Italian (travel, work, or personal interest), and your preferred learning style (online or in-person). Here are some key aspects to look out for:

  • Comprehensive learning structure: A well-designed Italian course should cover all aspects of language learning, including grammar, vocabulary, conversation, listening, and reading.
  • Timeframe: Determine if you need a short-term course (2 hours or less) or one that follows a more structured approach with multiple levels for beginners and intermediate learners.
  • Cost: Compare the prices of different courses, and consider any free learning opportunities available.
  • Reviews: Take into account feedback from previous learners, which can be a great source of insight into the quality of the course and its effectiveness in helping you achieve your goals.
  • Certification: If you're pursuing professional or personal goals, opt for a course that offers some form of certification to showcase your achievements.
  • Focus: Select a course that matches your intentions, be it conversational skills, travel-oriented learning, or the role of Italian language around the world.

Conclusion

In conclusion, no matter the reasons for seeking to learn or improve Italian language skills, there is a course out there that caters to each individual's specific needs. Whether one is a complete beginner or looking to improve their intermediate-level skills, the comprehensive list of Italian courses provided offers something for everyone. From mastering spoken Italian to exploring the global presence of the language, these courses are designed to cater to various learning styles and objectives.

Embarking on a journey to learn Italian is not only an exciting and enriching experience, but it comes with practical benefits as well. Acquiring the ability to communicate in Italian for travel purposes, attaining certifications for professional growth, or simply for the joy of learning a new language can open endless doors of opportunities. Seize the day and take the first step towards mastering Italian by choosing the right course that best aligns with one's individual goals and aspirations. Buona Fortuna!

How much does an Italian language course cost?

The cost of an Italian language course varies depending on the platform and course specifics. Some courses are offered for free, while others range from $14.99 to $79. Additionally, certain courses might offer a free option without a certificate.

How long do Italian language courses take?

The duration of Italian language courses depends on the course structure and content. Some courses take as little as 1 to 3 hours to complete, while more comprehensive courses may require 50 hours or more.

What is the best way to choose an Italian language course?

When selecting an Italian language course, consider factors such as your current Italian language proficiency, desired course outcome, learning style, course content, duration, cost, and the platform's reputation. It's essential to choose a course that aligns with your goals and preferences.

  1. Marietta J. Toscano-Chaky (March 31, 2018). "3 Minute Italian - Free taster course | Beginner lessons". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  2. Mateusz Sowa (July 7, 2021). "Conversational Italian 1: Master Spoken Italian (Beginners)". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  3. Tanoy Kumer Halder (January 3, 2021). "Learn basic Italian in 2 hours". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  4. KJ D (March 15, 2019). "Learn Italian Language: Complete Italian Course - Beginners". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  5. Michael M. (March 12, 2019). "Learn Italian Language: Italian Course For Intermediate". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  6. Christopher Frei (July 16, 2017). "3 Minute Italian - Course 1 | Language lessons for beginners". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  7. Evelyn Noah (February 16, 2019). "Learn Italian for Beginners and Travelers - Enjoy Your Trip!". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  8. Tiana Rae Tran (September 11, 2019). "3 Minute Italian - Course 2 | Language lessons for beginners". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023
  9. Adam Dyngvold (June 19, 2020). "3 Minute Italian - Course 3 | Language lessons for beginners". Udemy. Retrieved May 3, 2023