What people say
I have been taking Italian lessons with Parla Italiano on and off over the last few years. Initially these were face to face in North London but have now moved online which has been a lot easier than I anticipated. The Zoom lessons are much more convenient, no time is now wasted in travelling, it’s just a short walk to my dining room and a quick click of a button to access the session. The class sizes are generally small and Laura and the other teachers are very supportive and encouraging and there is a mixture of conversational, written and reading activities. It is also easy to switch levels, repeat a module or move up if required. An additional bonus is that if you miss a lesson the session is recorded and you can then catch up in your own time.
I would thoroughly recommend taking classes with Laura and her team.
I would thoroughly recommend taking classes with Laura and her team.
Fionnuala Archer
Herefordshire, England
What a lovely way to learn this beautiful language! Laura will take you on this journey step by step and at your own pace with plenty of time for questions and clarification. She makes it fun too, using a variety of teaching methods and will both support and guide you. Once upon a time learning a language was boring, stuffy and felt like a mountain to climb, but this is much nicer! Forza!
Nick Thomson
"My experience with Parla Italiano has been awesome. I love how structured the course is but also how it gives us enough time to re-cap topics to make sure they're fully understood. There's a good balance of theory and grammar but also getting to speak to other learners and practice everything.
My teacher at Parla Italiano is Maria. She is a fantastic teacher; she's clear, patient and fun to learn with. I would definitely recommend this course to people wanting to expand their Italian and become confident with their speaking.
My teacher at Parla Italiano is Maria. She is a fantastic teacher; she's clear, patient and fun to learn with. I would definitely recommend this course to people wanting to expand their Italian and become confident with their speaking.
Sofia Fionda
"Thank you so much for all the lessons, private and group. You’re a brilliant, and fun, teacher and I loved them! A presto e grazie mille!
Nicola Hartley
I wanted to drop you an email and say thank you for the conversation classes.
I found this type of class really helpful for revising grammar that I have already learnt by trying to include it in conversation being able to speak more per week, and it was nice to meet new people and work with Elena again. Please pass my thanks across to her as well for all the sessions.
I found this type of class really helpful for revising grammar that I have already learnt by trying to include it in conversation being able to speak more per week, and it was nice to meet new people and work with Elena again. Please pass my thanks across to her as well for all the sessions.
Gayle E. Walker
UK
I find my lessons with you both very enjoyable and inspirational. You are very patient, well prepared for each lesson with relevant visual and audio materials, your lessons are well structured and are pitched at the right level. Even though I find it very hard to concentrate on learning a new language at the end of a busy working day, I feel I am making a slow progress. Thank you very much and look forward to my next lesson.
Natalia Chumak (beginner student)
I have been working with Laura and her language business, Parla Italiano, for over 3 years. In my dealings with Laura, she has not only shown to be very professional, reliable and approachable but also she understands the business and students’ needs, achieving great levels of satisfaction amongst students. Furthermore Laura is continuously seeking for creative methods/techniques which contribute to the students’ learning skills and consequently the business.
Luca Piccini, Country Manger
Lavazza UK
Laura is a fantastic teacher who has contagious energy, passion and enthusiasm. Her lessons are demanding and always great fun. Conversation is easy – she is bright and intelligent and always interesting to talk to. You learn fast. Brava Professoressa!
Rory Conwell, Chairman, BeautySpotter
Laura always makes the lesson interesting by doing different things. She teaches using examples that will come useful in everyday situations. I used to be worried about listening comprehension but with Laura I like doing this activity as I realise that I understand more that I think I do and it gives me satisfaction. Working with Laura I have noticed that my listening abilities have improved.
When speaking if I don’t know a word Laura makes me think in another way, so that without help I have more options to express myself.
When speaking if I don’t know a word Laura makes me think in another way, so that without help I have more options to express myself.
Hannah Roberts
Laura inspires with her infectious enthusiasm. I always finish a lesson feeling upbeat about my progress having often started feeling dim. Her emphasis on understanding and being understood is not at the expense of developing a grasp of the technicalities. I very highly recommend Laura's approach and style.
Dr Gregory Battle (beginner student)
I have been studying Italian with Laura for about a year. She is an extremely effective teacher. Her approach was consistent from the beginning and prompted me to speak Italian as much as I could. Over time with her support I found that my vocabulary has expanded and I am more comfortable speaking the language. She is enthusiastic, well prepared and makes sure the lessons are fun.
Jason Maratos (beginner student)
I have been taking Italian lessons with Parla Italiano on and off over the last few years. Initially these were face to face in North London but have now moved online which has been a lot easier than I anticipated. The Zoom lessons are much more convenient, no time is now wasted in travelling, it’s just a short walk to my dining room and a quick click of a button to access the session. The class sizes are generally small and Laura and the other teachers are very supportive and encouraging and there is a mixture of conversational, written and reading activities. It is also easy to switch levels, repeat a module or move up if required. An additional bonus is that if you miss a lesson the session is recorded and you can then catch up in your own time. I would thoroughly recommend taking classes with Laura and her team.
Fionnuala Archer, Herefordshire, England
Herefordshire, England
What a lovely way to learn this beautiful language! Laura will take you on this journey step by step and at your own pace with plenty of time for questions and clarification. She makes it fun too, using a variety of teaching methods and will both support and guide you. Once upon a time learning a language was boring, stuffy and felt like a mountain to climb, but this is much nicer! Forza!
Nick Thomson
My experience with Parla Italiano has been awesome. I love how structured the course is but also how it gives us enough time to re-cap topics to make sure they're fully understood. There's a good balance of theory and grammar but also getting to speak to other learners and practice everything.
My teacher at Parla Italiano is Maria. She is a fantastic teacher; she's clear, patient and fun to learn with. I would definitely recommend this course to people wanting to expand their Italian and become confident with their speaking.
My teacher at Parla Italiano is Maria. She is a fantastic teacher; she's clear, patient and fun to learn with. I would definitely recommend this course to people wanting to expand their Italian and become confident with their speaking.
Sofia Fionda
London, England
Thank you so much for all the lessons, private and group. You’re a brilliant, and fun, teacher and I loved them! A presto e grazie mille!
Nicola Hartley
London, England
I wanted to drop you an email and say thank you for the conversation classes.
I found this type of class really helpful for revising grammar that I have already learnt by trying to include it in conversation being able to speak more per week, and it was nice to meet new people and work with Elena again. Please pass my thanks across to her as well for all the sessions.
I found this type of class really helpful for revising grammar that I have already learnt by trying to include it in conversation being able to speak more per week, and it was nice to meet new people and work with Elena again. Please pass my thanks across to her as well for all the sessions.
Gayle E. Walker
UK
I started as a complete beginner with Laura only knowing words such as ciao, pasta, bolognese, vino and arrivederci! I must say after several modules I have become a lot more proficient at the language and really enjoy learning. Laura’s classes are very well structured and most importantly are fun. She is incredibly patient and good humoured; her enthusiasm is infectious. Each term we are introduced to something new but also spend some of the time revising, which is always necessary. The greatest thrill for me was going on holidays to Italy in 2019 and being able to converse with some of the locals; I am hopeful that this year or next year I shall travel to Italy to practise again.
Anne Lynch
London, England
I have been studying with Parla Italiano for the past 3 years, moving from complete beginner through intermediate and beyond, and the courses have always been high quality- expert teachers, comprehensive lessons and useful resources - as well as being lots of fun ! I would recommend to anyone wanting to learn Italian.
Nick Jones
Thank you for your excellent teaching and materials as always.
I have learned lots and lots more to learn!
I have learned lots and lots more to learn!
Molly Greenyer
North London, England
I really enjoyed the course and am keen to continue, I thought the content is great and our teacher is fantastic.
Luke Cleverley
Cardiff, Wales
I'm enjoying the lessons. I am learning a lot and I like the speaking / listening exercises - it's a good test under pressure. The teaching is excellent, and the small class size means we can use the 'breakout rooms' for 1 on 1 speaking. Excellent!
Michael Pinder
England
This Italian course has really helped me gain confidence in Italian! What I really like is the mix of grammar, new vocabulary and cultural topics, with fun activities to get us practicing what we've learnt. My teacher at Parla Italiano is Daniela. Daniela's teaching is great as she makes us feel comfortable to speak and ask questions in Italian, encouraging us to give things a go, and I really like the mix of speaking, listening, and reading skills that we develop.
Emiliana Sarra
Belgium
I really enjoy my Italian lessons with Laura, she makes classes fun. I also like having fellow students, rather than just studying solo. I have been using Duolingo, which is great for practice, but you can’t ask ‘it’ any questions and it doesn’t explain grammar! Laura explains topics well and is available to answer questions (and is very smiley 😊).
Cathy Matthews
I have just completed my second course with Laura, having started as a complete beginner. I have really enjoyed both courses and feel like I have learnt so much already. Laura is a great teacher, who is always so positive and supportive. She makes learning fun! I also really like the fact that the classes are held by Zoom so slot into my day really easily - I love that I can learn Italian in my lunch break.
Themoulla Nicola
I've completed two courses in Italian with Laura and I can't wait to start the next one. The Zoom classes work well and Laura ensures all the elements are there for effective learning in each lesson. So, for example in any hour-long session there'll be listening practice, conversation practice and a few fun games added in there too. Learning with colleagues over Zoom is nice; it's social and I feel I gain confidence from everyone's input.
Laura keeps the lessons fun and engaging and the lessons always feel focused and well-planned.
I'm holidaying in Italy in autumn and this course has been great in introducing me to the language.
Grazie Laura! "
Laura keeps the lessons fun and engaging and the lessons always feel focused and well-planned.
I'm holidaying in Italy in autumn and this course has been great in introducing me to the language.
Grazie Laura! "
Patrick Wiltshire
I have taken many Italian courses including with private tutors. This first course has not only held my interest, but it's also made me look forward to part two! My confidence in reading and speaking Italian has increased greatly and I've even been able to use it at work.
Laura's teaching methods and ability to put the class at ease is invaluable. She has clearly spent a lot of time on lesson planning and preparation, making them interesting and literally fly by. Her experience stands her in good stead and because she keeps class sizes to a minimum, it is easy to build a friendly rapport with the peer group. I am genuinely looking forward to increasing my Italian knowledge.
Laura's teaching methods and ability to put the class at ease is invaluable. She has clearly spent a lot of time on lesson planning and preparation, making them interesting and literally fly by. Her experience stands her in good stead and because she keeps class sizes to a minimum, it is easy to build a friendly rapport with the peer group. I am genuinely looking forward to increasing my Italian knowledge.
Rashna Bhadha-Ryan
Southgate N14
We've thoroughly enjoyed our Italian classes so far, and feel that we've learnt a huge amount in a short space of time. Laura is a wonderful teacher - patient and encouraging, she is able to communicate new learning clearly and effectively. The lessons are always engaging and well-paced, with a good balance of new input and revision that's delivered via a range of different media. A varied mix of audio recordings, news articles and discussion exercises helps students develop a broad range of skills, and ensures that lessons never get boring. Grammar points are explained clearly and succinctly, with well-chosen examples. Above all, the classes are great fun, and we've often found we've grasped new concepts without even realising! Overall we're highly impressed with the course, and are delighted to have signed up for the follow-on elementary classes.
Zoe Boyd-Clack and Simon Jones
The course and teaching methods are excellent. Each session is well structured with elements of both revision and new material. Teaching methods vary widely and generally incorporate fun exercises, listening and language practice.
The atmosphere is encouraging and light with plenty of practical examples in both grammar and conversation.
Laura is patient and positive.
I can't think of anything negative about the whole experience.
The atmosphere is encouraging and light with plenty of practical examples in both grammar and conversation.
Laura is patient and positive.
I can't think of anything negative about the whole experience.
Jackie Bishop
Palmers Green N13
The course has been really enjoyable. As an adult learner I was unsure of what to expect and what format a lesson would take (It’s a long time since I was at school!) the variety of topics covered and the way they have been presented has been a pleasant surprise. Working in a small group and with different partners within that setting has allowed me to learn from others and to gain confidence in both speaking and expressing opinions. Quizzes, games, drawing and listening ensure I am interacting with peers and the teacher for the duration of the lesson which always seems to fly by. Homework is set each lesson, which encourages me not only to do that but to try and do further reading at home. As a teacher Laura is very encouraging and very engaging. She is able to inspire confidence to have a go at speaking and she is always positive and reassuring in all her comments. She makes each lesson not only informative but also fun which makes me want to continue to learn.
Jackie Farrell
Palmers Green N13
I have been working with Laura and her language business, Parla Italiano, for over 3 years. In my dealings with Laura, she has not only shown to be very professional, reliable and approachable but also she understands the business and students’ needs, achieving great levels of satisfaction amongst students. Furthermore Laura is continuously seeking for creative methods/techniques which contribute to the students’ learning skills and consequently the business.
Luca Piccini
Country Manger, Lavazza UK
Laura is a fantastic teacher who has contagious energy, passion and enthusiasm. Her lessons are demanding and always great fun. Conversation is easy – she is bright and intelligent and always interesting to talk to. You learn fast. Brava Professoressa!
Rory Conwell
Chairman, BeautySpotter
I took classes with Laura for almost a year. She is an excellent teacher, very passionate and enthusiastic about the Italian language. She always brings fun into the lessons, making it very enjoyable. She motivates all her students through her energetic personality, and inspire them to improve their vocabulary, and to use the language outside of class as well. I very highly recommend Laura's approach to all.
Emile Laubscher
Chairman, BeautySpotter
Laura always makes the lesson interesting by doing different things. She teaches using examples that will come useful in everyday situations. I used to be worried about listening comprehension but with Laura I like doing this activity as I realise that I understand more that I think I do and it gives me satisfaction. Working with Laura I have noticed that my listening abilities have improved.
When speaking if I don’t know a word Laura makes me think in another way, so that without help I have more options to express myself.
When speaking if I don’t know a word Laura makes me think in another way, so that without help I have more options to express myself.
Hannah Roberts
Laura inspires with her infectious enthusiasm. I always finish a lesson feeling upbeat about my progress having often started feeling dim. Her emphasis on understanding and being understood is not at the expense of developing a grasp of the technicalities. I very highly recommend Laura's approach and style.
Dr Gregory Battle
The main problem with most private teaching lessons is the tedium they can create and the fact that they are usually exam-oriented. Yet, Laura manages to avoid all the barriers that can hinder the learning process. Having had quite long experience learning foreign languages, I can say that Laura has managed to transmit a new language to me better than anybody else in the past. After a relatively small period of continuous lessons with her, I feel already confident for my learning abilities in Italian (something that never occurred so rapidly with other languages in the past). The use of innovative techniques in conjunction with the emphasis in speaking solely in Italian reinforces the ability to learn faster and effectively. Furthermore, the pleasant environment that she creates with the aid of games, interesting/funny subjects and pictures enhances the whole lesson. It is extremely rare to await for the next lesson. Nevertheless with Laura I can assure you that you will anticipate it....and most of all the goal of learning Italian competently will be met...
Nicolas Sakiotis
I have been studying Italian with Laura for about a year. She is an extremely effective teacher. Her approach was consistent from the beginning and prompted me to speak Italian as much as I could. Over time with her support I found that my vocabulary has expanded and I am more comfortable speaking the language. She is enthusiastic, well prepared and makes sure the lessons are fun.
Jason Maratos
Laura is a great teacher. The lesson are both fun and structured and my confidence speaking the language has increased a lot on account of her enthusiasm and support. Although the lessons are structured, she ensures that we don't just do exercise after exercise where it could become dull and instead she always have fun games and other ways to assist the learning process. Also important about Laura is that she does push you to break out of your comfort zone so I advance. The hour and half speeds by and I always look forward to my lessons.
Megan Schuster
Laura is an understanding, helpful, and very cheerful teacher! She manages to adapt herself to the student's individual needs and learning abilities. She is always prepared for the lesson and emphasizes the importance of variety during the teaching hour by alternating between reading, listening, conversation, and even intriguing and creative games! My lessons with her have been captivating, and I have never before had such positive and enthusiastic teacher! I have had quite a big experience with language teachers, and I would highly recommend Laura as the best one so far! The lesson is NEVER boring and I cannot wait to return to London to continue!
Milena Pappas
I started taking lessons from Laura after completing a one month immersion course for beginners in Italian. I work and travel with my work and I find it difficult to attend regular, scheduled lessons. Laura is very flexible with the timing of lessons which is great! I am NOT a natural linguist but we have recently purchased a property in Sicily so I wanted to be able to expand on what I already knew. Laura is both a patient and very encouraging teacher and despite finding progress hard, she has given me the confidence to 'have a go' when I am in Sicily and of course I am slowly improving. I really enjoy my lessons!
Ann Gordon