Introduction to Italian Culture

Discover the exciting reality of Italy and its regions. Italy may be famous for the Colosseum, Renaissance and spaghetti, but there is much more to understanding the variety of its local identities and the charm of everyday life in Italy. Fancy a deep-fried pizza in Naples, an immaculate view of the Alps in the North, or just sipping a glass of wine at your local trattoria? From Carnival and prosecco to talking with your hands and enjoying the good life, learn how to get the most from every moment in this great colorful country.

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Is this course for me?

This course will teach you how to embrace Spanish culture. The lessons you learn will help you grow on a personal, professional, academic, and civic level.

If any of these statements ring true for you, then we highly recommend you enroll.

I intend to move to Spain to live, work, or volunteer
I plan to study in Spain as an exchange student
I love all things Spain, from flamenco and tapas to Don Quixote, Picasso and LaLiga!
Someone I know is from Spain and I’d like to improve our relations
I’m visiting Spain for a long or short term trip
I’m curious how cultural awareness can help me to understand myself and my own culture, as well as other people and their cultures
I want to be prepared for how gender, sexual orientation, race, or ethnicity are handled in Spain

Is this course for me?

This course will help you to embrace Italian culture, whatever your reason for exploring it. You'll discover insights that will enrich your personal, professional, academic, and everyday experiences.

If you identify with any of the statements below, then this course is the perfect match.

I intend to move to Italy to live, work, or volunteer.
I plan to study in Italy as an exchange or international student.
I’m a fan of Italian cuisine, fashion, art, music, or other aspects of Italian culture.
Someone I know is from Italy, and I’d like to better understand their culture and strengthen our relationship.
I’m visiting Italy for a short or long-term stay and want to feel more prepared.
I’m curious about how cultural awareness can help me better understand myself, my culture, and how to engage with others more effectively.

Introduction to Italian Culture

Learn invaluable insights into Italian etiquette, the unique perspective of the Italian locals, advice on managing culture shock, an overview of different areas that make up the country and how to experience the country like a local.

$249.00 USD

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Click on the course card to enroll and open the door to a more profound and successful travel experience.

Connect with the locals: learn to interact confidently with Italian people and make friendships that will last a lifetime.
Avoid embarrassing faux pas: get a handle on the complex world of etiquette and find out what’s socially acceptable—and what’s not.
Handle culture shock like a pro: prepare to sail through your adjustment period and have more time to enjoy your experience.
See Italy from the inside: get tips and advice from locals and expats who live in Italy on fitting in easily in Italian life.
Make the most of every moment: maximize every opportunity for intercultural exchange.

What you will learn

This course is made up of six easily digestible modules.

Italy at a Glance

Start to build a picture of Italy from the lessons in our first module. You will learn some of the most common conceptions among people in Italy: their work and social life, values, and communication style. Module 1 also covers perspectives of locals and expats on Italian politics, religion, plus some unique facts and no-no’s about Italian culture.

Regions of Italy

By the end of this module, putting Italy on the map - quite literally - will not be a problem. You will learn about Italy’s key cities and larger regions within the country, and you will come to appreciate both Italy’s distinct regional identities. Finally, Module 2 will help you appreciate the differences between life in rural Italy and in metropolitan areas, so that you will be able to make the most out of your experience once you get there.

Italian Customs and Etiquette

Module 3 will introduce you to Italy as a people. It will help you lay out the foundations of what to do, what not to do, and what to keep in mind when in public, grabbing drinks with people, or when out dining in a restaurant. You will learn how to greet others both in a professional setting and among friends, and how to best behave at university, at work and in your everyday life, so you can engage with Italian people confidently and succeed in your studies and at work.

Adjusting to life in Italy

In this module, you'll read about the different ways in which people adapt to a new cultural environment, so that when you arrive in Italy you will be able to smoothly navigate your new start. Module 4 is filled with helpful advice from expats on different possible scenarios along your process of adjustment, and how to thrive through all of them.

Becoming a Local

The information in this module covers the common hobbies and interests of Italian people, what to do and where to go to meet locals and make friends, as well as useful websites for foreigners looking to connect and meet new people traveling and living in the country. It covers Italian most common food and what locals and foreign visitors do for entertainment, as well as providing some advice on dating in Italy.

Understanding Social Dynamics and Cultural Perspectives in Italy

Explore key aspects of life in Italy, including cultural values, social customs, and practical insights to help you navigate daily interactions with confidence. This module provides a blend of historical context and firsthand experiences from locals and expatriates, offering a well-rounded perspective on Italian society. Topics covered include social etiquette, communication styles, and essential tips for adapting to life in Italy, whether you're visiting or planning a longer stay.

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Meet Andrea Colinucci, your Italian course guide

Andrea is originally from Cesena, a city in the region of Emilia-Romagna, Italy, where he spent his childhood and adolescence. After high school he moved to London and trained as an actor and singer. Since then he has been working both in the UK and in Italy, learning to jump from one world to the other ever more fluidly. He has a great love for storytelling and music which in turn has brought him incredible opportunities to meet people from all over the world and from different backgrounds as learning and experiencing different cultures is one of his greatest passions.