Learn Italian in Italy by Living the Language
An Italian Language Immersion Experience in Rural Romagna
What if learning Italian meant more than sitting in a classroom? What if it was a fully embodied experience of living life in the Italian way?
With Esperienza's Living the Language program, you'll learn Italian by using the language as part of everyday life in the villages of rural Romagna. You'll study with talented local teachers, practice Italian with residents, explore the region through food, art and culture, and discover what it feels like to become part of a small Italian community—even if only for two weeks.
Living the Language goes beyond a typical classroom-based teaching program. Instead, we offer an enriching Italian language immersion that will help you learn to speak Italian experientially, as you grow deeply connected to the vibrant Italian culture and slow down to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the region.
Our programs are different because we are not merely a travel organization focused on Italy or an Italian language school. Rather, we are a nonprofit organization which views the language as a doorway to connecting with the culture. This means slowing down, paying attention and reconnecting—with ourselves, with one another and with the places we visit, and recovering the heart-to-heart connection between travelers and hosts.
Living The Language: at a glance
14 days / 13 nights
Small-group Italian language immersion
Three villages in rural Romagna
Interactive, situation-based language instruction
Most classes and activities conducted in Italian
Open to all proficiency levels; best suited to students with at least one year of Italian study
Opportunities to practice with local residents, artists, chefs, musicians and other members of the community
2027 programs in Verucchio, Pennabilli and Santa Sofia
“The Esperienza Italian Immersion program was one of the most enjoyable group trips I have ever taken. The Italian instruction and immersion was innovative, effective and fun, and the combination of visits to other towns, food and other activities was on target. I highly recommend this group trip!!!
”
Why Learn Italian in a Small Italian Village?
The best way to become more comfortable speaking a language is to use it every day. That's why Living the Language takes place in small communities — where Italian isn't something you encounter only during class— instead, it can become part of your day.
With Esperienza, using the language is integrated into your daily activities. You'll order food, talk with local residents, visit shops and studios, participate in village activities, enjoy aperitivo, explore nearby towns and share meals, all while putting your Italian skills into practice.
Rather than memorizing vocabulary and grammar in isolation, you'll learn how to use Italian in real situations. You'll hear it, speak it, make mistakes, try again and gradually become more confident.
Our relationships with the communities where we teach make this possible. Your local hosts and teachers, supported by other native Italians, share their language, culture and communities with you. You're not simply visiting a picturesque Italian village; you're invited to participate in its everyday life.
What Makes Esperienza's Italian Immersion Different?
More than just a language course, Living the Language uses task-based and situation-based learning designed specifically for adults. The goal is to help you move from understanding Italian to actually using it.
Language For Living
In class, you'll practice the kinds of Italian you'll use while traveling and living in Italy. Role-playing, high-frequency vocabulary and practical phrases turn passive knowledge into communication.
While grammar and vocabulary remain important, they're taught in the context of real communication and experience rather than as an end in themselves.
Put Your ITalian into Practice
You'll interact with Italians through aperitivo, cooking experiences, cultural events, visits to nearby towns and everyday encounters. Because these are small communities rather than tourist centers, conversations can feel more natural and spontaneous.
Participate—Don't Just Observe
Living the Language works best when you are willing to participate. You'll be encouraged to speak even when you're not sure you have the perfect words. Making mistakes, trying again and discovering that you can communicate more than you expected are all part of the learning process, and how confidence grows.
“This was an experience unlike any other and lived up to its name, Esperienza.”
From the Classroom to the Piazza
Your mornings combine interactive Italian instruction with activities tailored to the group's proficiency levels. Our teachers bring expertise in a variety of fields including theater, ancient languages, poetry, music and cinema, using these disciplines to make learning Italian engaging and memorable. Most classes and activities are conducted in Italian.
In the afternoons, you'll explore the region and put your developing skills into practice. Experiences may include:
Exploring local cuisine and culinary traditions
Cooking with local experts
Meeting chefs, farmers, artists and musicians
Visiting historic villages and cultural sites
Spending time with local residents
Attending village concerts and community activities
Exploring the art, history and natural beauty of Romagna
Enjoying meals and aperitivo with Italians
Visiting nearby historic towns and sites
Choose Your Italian Immersion Experience
Living the Language now takes place in three villages in rural Romagna, each offering a different level of immersion.
Verucchio — A Welcoming Place to Begin
Verucchio offers the most accessible version of the program and is well suited to all learning levels. Classroom sessions are approximately 3½ hours, with some English used during certain city tours and museum visits.
Best for: learners who want a strong immersion experience with a little more support.
Pennabilli — Build Confidence & Go Deeper
Pennabilli provides a bridge between Verucchio and Santa Sofia. Classroom sessions are approximately 3½ hours, and there is minimal English during activities and visits.
Best for: students ready to rely more heavily on their Italian and increase their confidence.
Santa Sofia — Greater Independence & Immersion
Santa Sofia is designed for more advanced learners who are ready for greater independence. Classroom sessions are approximately 90 minutes, with more meals on your own and additional free time for independent exploration and language practice.
Best for: experienced Italian learners seeking a deeper level of immersion.
Want the full journey?
The three programs can be combined to create a progressive six-week Italian immersion experience. Begin with more structured support, continue building confidence, and ultimately move toward greater independence as you progress from one village to the next.
And there's another benefit: return to the same villages in future years and you may find yourself being recognized by the people you've met. There's nothing quite like walking into an Italian village and hearing someone greet you by name.
Who Is Living the Language For?
Living the Language is designed for adults who want to do more than visit Italy—they want to experience Italian life firsthand by learning the language.
The program accommodates all levels of Italian proficiency, but it is particularly well suited to travelers who have already begun their Italian language learning journey, with at least a year or more of study.
You may be a good fit if you:
Want to improve your spoken Italian
Understand more Italian than you feel comfortable speaking
Want opportunities to use Italian in real-life situations
Enjoy food, art, history, music and culture
Prefer small towns and authentic local experiences to crowded tourist destinations
Are willing to speak Italian even when it isn't perfect
Want a meaningful connection with the people and places you visit
If your goal is simply to see the sights of Italy, there are many excellent tours that can do that.
However, if your goal is to experience what it feels like to live in Italy while learning Italian, Living the Language offers something different, and may be just right for you.
“The program exceeded our expectations! It was a language program + food tour + scenic hilltop villages tour all rolled up into one. Everything was carefully planned with such attention to detail... We could repeat this trip annually! ”
What Is Included?
The 14-day, 13-night program includes:
Accommodation in 4-star hotels and carefully selected locally owned inns
Transportation to and from Bologna and for scheduled excursions
Scheduled language classes, activities and tours
Local expert guides
Breakfast and other meals specified in the itinerary
Assistance and information before and throughout your trip
Customized recommendations for extending your Italian adventure before or after the program
Current 2027 programs:
Verucchio: September 1–14, 2027
Pennabilli: September 14–27, 2027
Santa Sofia: September 27–October 10, 2027 (coming soon)
For current availability, pricing and detailed program information, request an itinerary and we'll help you determine which experience is the best fit.
“Staying in a small village was integral to the experience: serenity, history, and
beauty of Verucchio.”
More Than a Language Course
Living the Language is designed to make Italian something you experience, not simply something you study. Over time, the language you've been studying begins to feel less like something you're learning and more like something you can actually use. And that all comes down to relationships.
That's the heart of Esperienza: creating meaningful connections between travelers, hosts, language and place.
About Esperienza
Esperienza was created in 2017 as a nonprofit organization with a mission to celebrate and preserve Italian culture by bringing people together in the heart of Italy.
We believe that authentic encounters with another culture can change the way we see a place—and ourselves. Our approach to travel is rooted in meaningful connections between travelers and local communities, while supporting the people, traditions and cultural organizations that make these places special.
Ready to Experience Italy Through the Italian Language?
Tell us a little about your Italian experience, your preferred travel dates and what you're looking for. We'll help you determine which Living the Language program—or combination of programs—is right for you and provide a detailed itinerary. No obligation. Just start the conversation.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does Esperienza's Italian language immersion program work?
Esperienza's Living the Language program combines interactive Italian language instruction with real-world opportunities to use Italian in rural villages in Romagna. Students learn in the classroom and then practice through meals, cultural activities, conversations with local residents, cooking experiences and exploration of nearby towns.
What level of Italian do I need?
The program accommodates all proficiency levels, but is particularly well suited to students who have already studied Italian for approximately one year or more. Verucchio offers the most accessible experience, while Santa Sofia provides a deeper immersion for more advanced learners.Is this an Italian language course or a tour?
Is this an Italian language course or a tour?
It is both, but it is designed as an immersion experience rather than a traditional language course. Students combine classroom instruction with opportunities to use Italian while participating in everyday village life, cultural activities, meals and excursions.
What makes Living the Language different from a traditional Italian language school?
Esperienza combines task-based language instruction with direct interaction in small Italian communities. Rather than spending the entire experience in a classroom or tourist environment, students use Italian while interacting with local residents and experiencing food, culture, art and everyday life.
Can I combine the different locations?
Yes. The three locations are designed to provide a progressive immersion experience. Verucchio offers more support, Pennabilli provides a bridge toward greater independence, and Santa Sofia offers deeper immersion for more experienced learners. Together they can form a six-week learning journey.
Why Is rural Romagna a good destination for Language Learning?
Romagna is a lesser-known region of Italy with welcoming communities and fewer tourists. Combined with the slower pace of life in smaller towns, this creates ample opportunities to use Italian in everyday settings.
Will I be fluent after two weeks?
Fluency takes time, especially if you’re just starting out. No matter where you are in your Italian language journey, we will help you move forward.
How does Esperienza support local communities?
As a nonprofit organization, Esperienza's impact extends beyond tourism to celebrating and preserving Italian culture and the people who keep it alive. Our work includes supporting local cultural organizations, planting trees and fostering lasting connections between travelers and the communities they visit.
Want to Improve Your Italian Skills before or after your trip?
Esperienza also offers online Italian language immersion programs to help you continue your language journey from home.