The Italian Academy

My name is Marcella, I am from Turin, and I have been living and working in Ireland for over 10 years. I am happy to say that I have two places in my life that I can call home!

Growing up in Italy and immersed in her culture I developed a true love and passion for Italian literature. I have a First Class Honours Bachelor's Degree in Art and a Post-graduate Degree in Teaching Italian To Non Native Speakers. Teaching Italian and promoting its culture has been my mission for over 15 years.  

Being a native teacher gives great advantages to my students with pronunciation and intonation as I am still very much involved with what is happening in Italy in terms of culture, music, cinema, and art. This puts me in a great position to give my students a deeper and more authentic experience. I collaborate with primary and secondary schools. I teach bilingual children, secondary school students, young adults, professionals, and senior students.

I truly believe that the love and the curiosity for learning are what keep our hearts and brains young and I love teaching students who understand and embrace this dynamic. Sometimes I feel that the real learner is me.

All my classes cater to meet the needs and the interests of my students and before starting a new course I like to lay out "agree a plan of action" to derive the very best results for you. I teach face to face or over Zoom to accommodate busy work or family schedules.  

My passions in life reflect in my way of teaching: music and drama, photography, cinema, and art.  I always love to find new ways to combine other subjects of interest with the learning of the language. For this reason, I would like to share with you my 10 favorite Italian songs playlist, my top 5 Italian movies and some word fun.

Teaching Italian and promoting its culture has been my mission for over 15 years. In 2021, I founded The Italian Academy with a vision to offer more to the Italian learning in Cork.

Ciao! My name is Irene. I was born and raised in Italy, in a region called Le Marche. Now, I live in Genoa, in the north of Italy, near France. But in the past, I also lived in New Zealand, the US, and most recently, the UK. I also did my year abroad at a university in Dublin!

I’ve been teaching Italian as a second language for the past twenty years, on three different continents, to people of all backgrounds and motivations. I love sharing my language and my culture with people who are passionate about Italy!

I especially like how Italy can be so diverse; every region and town can offer a new world of views, flavours, and customs.

I went to university in Trieste, in the north of Italy, and I have a Master’s Degree in translation. I think this is what sets me apart from other teachers: I can give my students a deeper perspective not only on Italian and life in Italy, but I can also show them how a different culture shapes different ways of thinking and how to think and speak like an Italian.

I’ve been collaborating with The Italian Academy since January 2024, and through our online classes, I’ve already met so many new, interesting people. I feel that I am not only teaching Italian but also learning so much about Cork, Ireland, and the rest of the world!

I hope to see you soon in one of our online sessions, so we can explore all things Italian together!

The Italian Academy Community Flourishes in Cork

Our Italian Academy’s community is blossoming, drawing together students of the language who yearn for authentic interaction and practice. These events are a melting pot of individuals with varying degrees of proficiency—from novices to advanced learners—all united by their fervour for Italy and its language. They understand the cognitive benefits of mental agility and appreciate the ease and joy that camaraderie brings to learning.

Monthly, we convene in Cork’s cosy nooks—be it over coffee, brunch, or cinema. It’s a time for exchanging learning strategies and resources, as well as sharing personal aspirations tied to our “Italian dream.” Native Italian speakers grace these gatherings, offering their voices to enrich dialogues and assist in expressing thoughts.

The inception of my Academy was driven by the vision of creating a community bound by a shared passion, a sanctuary of Mediterranean warmth amidst Cork’s charm.

The engagement at our recent events has been heart-warming, fostering conversations, laughter, and friendships.

We eagerly anticipate the arrival of new faces at our Italian Academy events. Whether you’re a beginner or simply curious, you’re welcome to join us. Even if you’re not enrolled in our courses, feel free to reach out and express your interest in our socials.

Stay updated on our upcoming events by following us on Instagram and Facebook.

For those wishing to be part of our WhatsApp Community Group, please contact the Italian Academy.