I just returned from a week's intensive course in Torino and I now properly understand the true value of full immersion learning. I've been studying Italian now for 10 years, but in reality only the last 2 with proper daily effort. Yet ... Leia tudo
I just returned from a week's intensive course in Torino and I now properly understand the true value of full immersion learning. I've been studying Italian now for 10 years, but in reality only the last 2 with proper daily effort. Yet I was still stuck in the intermediate quagmire, with decent B1.2 grammar understanding and pronunciation, but let down totally with my poor listening ability.
For that reason, I was very apprehensive about a 100% Italian course, and also learning with young folks as a mature student. My fears were totally unfounded. My teacher Antonietta spoke loudly and clearly at an even pitch, and facilitated the class with logical/sequential explanations on the blackboard for any points of difficulty.
We spoke barely 10 words of English all week.
Old school style workbook/blackboard teaching, but very effective. It was like a turbocharger on my ear and comprehension. I partook in every extra evening/afternoon activity, which further improved my conversation skills.
One evening dinner with other students I was stunned how was keeping up with Andrea's fast speech after 3 days and for the first time I felt confident to speak with Italian in shops and restaurants.
Torino is not a full-on international tourist town- wall to wall Italian - but is really nice and easy to get around with lots of history to get involved in. The school is also conveniently centrally located.
Stop procrastinating and researching. Just do it. I only wish I had more time for a few more weeks to consolidate everything and I will return for a longer stint if I can manage it.