How to choose the right Italian course: intensive, evening, or online?
Choosing an Italian course may sound easy… until you actually have to decide.
Should you take an intensive course in Italy, an evening course that fits your work schedule,
or an online course you can attend from anywhere?
The truth is: there is no “best course” for everyone. There is only the course that is best for you,
depending on your goals, lifestyle, and learning habits.
Table of contents
Step 1: Why do you want to learn Italian?
Before comparing schedules and formats, focus on the most important question:
why are you learning Italian?
Your motivation determines everything: the pace you can sustain, the type of course that suits your lifestyle,
and even the kind of learning method that will keep you engaged.
- Do you need Italian for work?
- For university or official certifications?
- To live in Italy and manage everyday situations?
- For travel, culture, or personal interest?
- Do you want to speak fluently, or also improve writing?
Perspective shift:
You don’t learn Italian “so that one day you can speak.”
You speak (from day one) to learn Italian faster.
Related reading:
Imparare la lingua italiana
Intensive, evening, or online: the real differences
Here’s the simplest way to frame it:
Intensive means speed and immersion,
Evening means a sustainable routine,
Online means flexibility and continuity.
But beyond the schedule, the key difference is how you experience the language.
Some formats push you to practice every day, while others allow more time for consolidation.
Choosing the right course means understanding what you need right now:
rapid progress, long-term stability, or the ability to study from anywhere.
Comparison table: pros and cons
Below is a clear overview of the three main options, so you can immediately see what each course format offers.
| Course type | Best for | Main advantages | Main disadvantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intensive (in-person) | Short stays in Italy, clear goals | Full immersion, fast improvement, lots of speaking practice | Requires time and focus; can feel intense for some students |
| Evening (in-person) | Workers, students, long-term residents | Steady routine, less stress, good consolidation over time | Progress is slower; consistency is essential |
| Online (live) | Living abroad; flexible schedule needed | Study anywhere, structured lessons, continuity over months | Less cultural immersion; requires discipline and motivation |
Explore options:
Online courses
·
Member schools
Three student profiles (quick micro-cases)
Still unsure? Here are three common student profiles that can help you understand what course type fits best.
Claire (35) — “I need Italian for work in one month”
Claire has a job opportunity in Milan and needs rapid progress.
She wants to feel confident in meetings and daily interactions as soon as possible.
Best choice: an intensive course to practice every day and improve quickly.
Diego (22) — “I want steady progress while studying in Italy”
Diego attends university during the day and wants to integrate socially.
He prefers a course that is compatible with his schedule and allows him to learn without pressure.
Best choice: an evening course with a sustainable pace.
Yuki (28) — “I live abroad and want to reach B1 before moving”
Yuki works full-time and wants to relocate to Italy in the future.
She needs flexibility and prefers a structured program that guarantees continuity.
Best choice: a live online course with native teachers.
Ask an ASILS school for advice
Not sure which format is right for you?
The best decision is often to speak with a professional language school before enrolling.
ASILS schools can recommend the most suitable course based on your current level,
your learning goals, your schedule and your preferred learning style.
A serious school will also help you understand what to expect, how fast you can progress,
and what study plan will work best for your situation.
Not sure which Italian course is best for you?
Contact an ASILS member school and get personalized advice based on your goals and level.
