Join our membership so you can attend our language courses! All Italy lovers are welcome!

“Con l’Italiano creo: Crea, impara, divertiti!”: “With Italian, I create: Make, learn, have fun!” Express yourself through your favorite creative activities. Whether it’s writing, drawing, cooking, knitting, ceramics, room renovations, or any other hands-on project, you’ll build your vocabulary, master phrases, and understand grammar in a dynamic and enjoyable way.

COURSE STRUCTURE: At home, you’ll study the textbook, complete exercises, and create a personalized vocabulary list, along with a few talking points to support your project. In class, we’ll review selected exercises and primarily focus on conversational practice as you discuss your project with your classmates.

REGISTRATION: Required. Max 12 students, classes often sell out, and walk-ins cannot be accommodated. All students must be members, no guests are allowed, not even for Dual members.

DATES: Eight Thursdays. Pizza party optional at the end of the course.

LEVELS: Sign up for the class that you think fits you best. On the first day of class, you can try other levels and change class if you wish. In addition to your level, you can also audit other levels throughout the whole course (listening only, no talking):

• Beginner students (4:30-6pm): This level covers chapters 1-10. You’ll learn Italian in a fun and interactive way through creative activities that allow you to explore the language hands-on. Whether you’re writing short stories, creating recipes, or even making artwork, you’ll practice speaking, understanding, and enjoying Italian. In this course, learning Italian isn’t just about grammar and vocabulary—it’s about bringing your ideas to life and having fun in the process!
• Intermediate and advanced students (6-7:30pm): This level covers from chapter 11 and beyond. Take your Italian skills to the next level by combining creativity with language learning. As you work on creative projects—such as writing, cooking, or crafting—you’ll expand your vocabulary, refine your grammar, and practice speaking Italian in real-world contexts. This course is designed to help you express your ideas confidently in Italian, all while enjoying a dynamic and creative learning environment.

BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” with interactive ebook by Susanna Nocchi (2022, English edition). You can find it at Alma Edizioni, Libreria Pino, and other websites. The paper copy includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online.

PARKING: First Unitarian Church of Honolulu, 2500 Pali Highway, Honolulu. Abundant free parking on site.

INSTRUCTOR: Originally from Naples, Italy, Iolanda Marinelli, affectionately known as "Iole," holds an M.A. in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of Naples "L'Orientale," as well as a Teaching Certification in English Secondary Education from the Italian Department of Education. She also holds a K-12 Substitute Teacher Certification from the state of Hawai'i. In 2006, Iole made Hawai'i her home and has taught Italian at various schools, including Saint Anthony School, Waimanalo Elementary School, and Kailua Elementary School’s After-School Malama Program enrichment classes. Iole has also served three terms as the Italian Representative on the Board of Directors of the Hawai'i Association of Language Teachers (HALT). With over a decade of experience teaching Italian to students of all ages, Iole brings a unique blend of passion, expertise, and creativity to her classes. Drawing from her experience working with children, she infuses her lessons with fun and engaging activities that make learning Italian both enjoyable and effective.

NOTE:  The Friends of Italy Society of Hawaii is not responsible for any liability, cost, and damages which could arise from the programs; and does not provide any refunds, except if it cannot deliver the program, for instance in the case of insufficient enrollment.

QUESTIONS: Please contact info@friendsofitalyhawaii.org.