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

Discover Italy as it is lived oggi — today. This engaging course brings together curious adults to explore contemporary Italian language, culture, and everyday life. With three levels — Beginner, Intermediate, and Advanced — everyone can learn at their own pace.

We will learn Italian through the lens of cultural connection and personal relevance. Grammar and vocabulary will be applied to real-life conversations shaped by students’ interests—lifestyle, events, and the many ways Italy continues to captivate our hearts today. Students will engage with authentic materials and connect Italian to what matters most to them. From practical phrases to cultural insights, each class offers tools to communicate, connect, and understand Italy in a deeper way.

No stress, tranquilli! Just real learning in good company. Our classes are flexible and welcoming: join when you can, participate as you are, and enjoy the journey. Whether you study between sessions or simply show up, you will always be able to learn, contribute, and enjoy the experience. Our members come from diverse backgrounds and professional fields, united by curiosity and a love for Italy. Join us for real learning and real connection, right here in our community!

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 Tuesdays. Pizza party optional on nineth Tuesday.

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 Level 1 (4:30-6pm): For students who have no or minimal grasp of the Italian language—we’ll cover up to chapter 10.
• Intermediate Level 2 (6-7:30pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 1—we’ll cover chapters 11-20 but mainly focus on conversation.
• Advanced Level 3 (7:30-9pm): For students who have mastered all grammar and vocabulary of Level 2—we’ll cover from chapter 21 to the end of the book but mainly focus on conversation.

BOOK: “Italian grammar in practice” by Susanna Nocchi (2022, Alma Edizioni, English edition)--includes an interactive e-book which allows you to access all contents, audio files, and exercises with self-correction online.

PARKING: Abundant free parking on site.

INSTRUCTOR: Chiara Logli is originally from Bologna (Italy) and holds a Ph.D. in international/cross-cultural education from the University of Hawaii and East-West Center. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor and Institutional Assessment Specialist for the Honolulu Community College. In the past, she worked for the University of California Berkeley's International House, University of California Santa Barbara's Multicultural Center, Arts Council for Monterey County, and USAID in Indonesia. She also received the Peace Fellowship from Rotary International in Thailand and collaborated with UNICEF, UNDP, as well as International Baccalaureate Schools. She started teaching Italian language when she was 23 years old and never stopped, including for the Dante Alighieri Society in Santa Cruz and the Italian Cultural Institute of San Francisco. In her free time, she dances hula with Hālau Kaulakahi, loves the ocean, and enjoys traveling by boat around small islands or by foot on high mountains.

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.