Edward Hendriks
Since the pandemic, online courses have taken off. The Italian language is also increasingly being studied via online lessons. Others still prefer personal language lessons. Of course, there are pros and cons to both methods. If you are in doubt, it is good to read on.
Learning a new language in the classroom
There is nothing like learning a language with a group of enthusiasts. I myself took a 3-week course in Naples years ago, with a class full of beginners from countries all over the world: America, Japan, Venezuela, England, Germany, the Netherlands… That immediately creates a bond. There is a lot of interaction with fellow students and teachers and you gain a lot of experience in speaking, listening and receiving feedback in a short time.
Together with your fellow students, you will learn the language at an even pace and you will make gradual progress during your stay. Because you are expected to be present every day, it is also a nice stick behind the door for when you need some extra motivation. Taking a course in Italy itself also ensures that you are completely 'embedded' in the Italian language, also outside of the lessons and the school building.
Or you choose online lessons
But of course there are also disadvantages to this form of language learning. Not everyone can afford to take 3 or 4 weeks off and go on a trip, not to mention the costs. If you stay home and look for a language school nearby, you often only have lessons once a week, which makes learning the language a long road.
Are you going to look for a intensive course in Italy, you will learn a lot and quickly in a short time, but you will have to continue to work on it after your trip, if you do not want your knowledge to fade away again.
There are also people who feel uncomfortable in larger groups. If you are a bit more introverted or have social anxiety, an online language course, from the comfort of your own home, is quite a nice idea. Also, it is not always easy to find a physical language class that fits your schedule. Can you find something near you? Do you have the possibility to take classes during the day or do you have to do it in the evening?
The most obvious advantage of learning (or maintaining) Italian online is the convenience and flexibility. You follow asynchronous lessons, in your own time and at your own pace, without it getting in the way of your other activities. Especially if you live further away from a suitable language school or if you find it difficult to plan this, this is a good option. And yes, of course the cost aspect also plays a role. Following an online course is much cheaper than physical lessons that will bring you to the same level.
Discipline
On the other hand, it is sometimes too easy to sign up for a cheap online language course and then never participate. Online learning usually requires more discipline than being physically present, because there is probably no one to check attendance or even know what someone looks like. That is why at This is Italian, the Italian courses of This is Italy, we have a friendly online community, where we can share experiences and keep each other sharp under the guidance of a teacher.
Ultimately, the choice between learning Italian live or online remains a very personal one. How important are flexibility, convenience, and price to you? The bottom line is that you choose something that you can stick with for a longer period of time. You should try both methods to see what works best for you. Perhaps a hybrid learning method is the best of both worlds: an online course combined with the occasional week in Italy? Doesn’t that sound appealing?
Tip: Are you still unsure about your knowledge of Italian? Then take the free language test.
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