Italian Program

Experiencia fantástica: This is a well-prepared and interactive program with experienced teachers and effective learning materials! The student-teacher ratio is 3:1. This is an excellent ratio that combines the best of both worlds: on the one hand, students get the teacher's attention and ample speaking opportunities (as in private lessons) and on the other hand, they interact with other students (as in group lessons). John and Marco are the dream team — they're exceptionally effective in their teaching methods and are well-prepared ahead of every class. The class's atmosphere was quite friendly and I felt comfortable asking questions. I highly recommend this program!

Experiencia fantástica: I have been studying with John for over 8 years and have enjoyed every minute of it! When I started with the program, the only word that knew was "ciao". Over the years, both in person and later on Zoom, I've learned a LOT, and it's been fun. John puts a lot of effort into making the classes interesting and engaging - mixing the language component with the different regional cultures. He also has a great team of patient and engaging teachers who assist him, ensuring that the teacher/student ratio allows for maximum benefit. I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning Italian language and culture!

Experiencia fantástica: I really enjoyed this program, but it was a long drive from the cape. I am so excited that we are doing the lessons virtually on “zoom”. I am not a high tech person, but this has been so easy. John still provides a variety of materials and we often break out into small groups with an assistant teacher (who sits at home in Italy!). While I want the virus to go away, I hope our zoom lessons do not! And the price is great! The pandemic is over (yea!), but the zoom lessons continue! This plan is great, you can be anywhere and still take the lesson. The instructors are wonderful, and the lessons are well planned. I recommend this program for all levels!

Experiencia fantástica: I swore I'd never do another on-line course--and then a friend told me about the Italian Program. Now I'm hooked. Weekly lessons are fast-paced and structured. Homework is challenging and useful, while the program's system of small groups and alternating teachers gives students a lot of listening and speaking opportunities. Specific areas or needs are met in the mini-courses, which have been really helpful to me. When other language programs take summer breaks or winter vacations, I continue to progress. My Italian is getting better and better--and I owe it to an on-line course!

Experiencia fantástica: John's online classes are a great way to learn Italian! I joined the classes after doing Rosetta Stone and my conversation and speaking skills grew right away. His focus on small group sizes makes sure I get the attention I need to get better. And John creates a comfortable environment to learn and improve.

Experiencia fantástica: This class has really helped me actually speak Italian. I know so many people who are learning other languages but struggle to get over the fear of actually speaking. John's lessons and class structure really get people talking and listening in Italian. The group sizes and students at similar levels made it much easier for me to feel comfortable trying to express myself and it's helped me so much when surrounded by native speakers. All of the teachers he works with are also top notch - friendly, helpful, and engaging!

Experiencia fantástica: John’s online classes are perfect for me. He has fantastic, native Italian teachers and he plans the classes well. Every 15 or 20 minutes we move to a new activity rotating students and teachers, with usually 3 students to a teacher. John sends out the lesson plan about 5 days beforehand, so we have plenty of time to prepare. I highly recommend this program!

Experiencia fantástica: I have taken these Italian courses for a few years now. They are well organized with homework that focuses on the next area to master - in grammar, vocabulary, comprehension. The classes are small (in my experience with 2-3 classmates plus teacher) so there is ample opportunity to participate and practice speaking skills. The teachers are native Italian speakers and are invariably positive and patient. If we could just have the lessons take place in Rome, they would be perfect!

Experiencia fantástica: I've been taking lessons with the program for over six months and I look forward to class every week. I was initially initimidated by the prospect of taking classes again, but the program is extremely well organized, engaging, and the virtual platform has fostered a really great and supportive community of students and teachers across the world. John, the director, is committed to sending lesson plans out in advance and keeping the teacher/student ratio small, which gives students ample opportunity to prepare and participate. All assistant teachers are native speakers who encourage and give confidence to new students. Highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: I really like the interactive nature of this course and that there is a lot of conversation!

Experiencia fantástica: The team of teachers within this program are amazing! They make the learning environment fun and engaging. I am looking forward to continuing the program and advancing my Italian language skills.

Experiencia fantástica: The italian program with John Jordan is excellent. Because of Covid the program is now online but its perfect cause it gives the opportunity to people from all over to USA or even the world to take it. The teachers are italian and you can take the classes either mornings or nights so you are not restricted to one scheduled. Ive been in the program for a yr and ive learned a lot. John sets mini sessions during the summer if you want to keep practicing. Also, the teachers are very fun so the classes go by quick. I highly recommend these classes.

Experiencia fantástica: Adoro questa classe! I am so happy that I found this program. The program used to be in person only in Boston, but they pivoted to Zoom during the pandemic and now I'm able from Philly! The ratio of student to teacher is perfect, no more than 3 students per instructor and they are native Italian speakers. The cost for a 12 lesson semester is minimal and they also offer short "mini classes" during the summer and winter breaks that keep you engaged in learning.

Experiencia fantástica: Great classes, great instructions. I've studied with the Italian Program since the pandemic began. I look forward to these classes every week. I've learned a ton. John and the other instructors are always informative and fun. Grazie mille per le belle lezioni!

Experiencia fantástica: I have been taking lessons with this program for over 6 months. It’s very well run. Taken over Zoom, lesson plans are sent out in advance. Materials are easily accessible online. The director works hard to make sure you find a class - small group, 1 teacher, larger group, with assistant teachers. All assistant teachers are fantastic native speakers who encourage and give confidence to new students. Highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: The classes are informative, fast paced and fun, the students are dedicated and enthusiastic, the instructors (many of whom are native speakers) are incredibly helpful. If you are interested in learning Italian, this is the place. I can't recommend it enough.

Experiencia fantástica: I have been trying to learn Italian on my own for several years without success. I am so pleased to have found the Italian Program which has advanced my Italian language ability. At first I was concerned about taking a Zoom course but it has worked out perfectly. A real plus is that I have been able to benefit from teachers who "zoom in" directly from Italy. The class is a great blend of conversation, reading, and grammar exercises. We complete homework in advance of each class which helps prepare for the weekly meetup. I am looking forward to continuing my studies and I highly recommend this program.

Experiencia fantástica: I have been taking courses here for over a year and love them. The zoom format they offer is the best I've taken for online courses, in that they stick to their promise of 3 students per teacher. So, if there are 6 students in class, there will be 2 instructors. They keep the class fun & moving in that they switch up the groups so you get different instructors and other students to interact with. It helps keep you engaged and the content fresh. There is plenty of time to speak, listen, practice and learn. The instructors are all amazing and are all over the world. Some are native English speakers and most native Italian speakers which is really helpful for context usage, grammar and differentiating what is 'textbook' Italian vs colloquialism. The content is always relevant, accessible and the owner of the company provides fabulous communication to the students. It truly feels like a family.

Experiencia fantástica: I just finished up my first semester with Italian Program. Their method works amazingly well for online classes via zoom. There is 1 instructor for 3 students. We rotate instructors and students throughout the different activities. So you get to listen and talk to different people. The class is 75+ minutes long of non-stop Italian! And the homework helps a lot too. It is all designed for our success as students. I encourage everyone to attend an orientation class. And go through the process. It's a lot of information when you first register, but again, it's all for the success of the student. Once classes start, it will all make sense. For example, you won't get a table of day and times that classes take place until they have finalized the registration process, and have "tested" all new students. That way they can better assess who fits better with who: I am a "pre-intermediate" so in a traditional school, I might have fallen in a group that was too easy or too strong because classes for that level take place at x time on x day with no flexibility. But with their more personalized approach, I was in a group that was just right for me. So just trust the process, it's worth it! Taking these classes has not only improved my Italian but also revived the passion I have for this beautiful language! I can't wait for the new semester to start!

Experiencia fantástica: Very happy to have discovered these classes which are currently being conducted on zoom. Love the format, the quick pace and the fact that we have small group breakout rooms with native Italian speaking teachers. I find the classes motivating and I feel they are helping me progress with the language. I also enjoy conversing with other Italian learners.This summer's "extra" classes were very enjoyable (many thanks to Virginia!) I plan to continue the group courses.

Experiencia negativa: Never emailed me so I can join the class after the zoom call. Seemed that the owner did not like me much or something. Pero non lo stresserò

Experiencia fantástica: Since September 2010 I have been attending Italian lessons off and on with John. When COVID hit, he contacted me to let me know that he was continuing to teach on line, and asked if I was interested in starting up again. I was thrilled that he thought enough to let me know. His classes are thoughtfully planned using a variety of interesting materials. The teacher assistants are great, and he goes well beyond what is expected. For example, this winter I got to witness a video call with a judge in Italy who was advocating for the children of organized crime families. In the past I have attended in the North End: Italian movies, art exhibitions, wine tasting and Italian dinners. John is excellent with all levels of students.

Experiencia fantástica: Ciao tutti, questa programma e fantastico. John e un eccellente insegnante. I love this program, the lessons are varied covering grammer, reading, conversation and games. The ratio students to teachers are great, we go into breakout rooms for even more specialized attention. This class is never boring, always fun, and we are learning a new language. Thanks John!!

Experiencia fantástica: This is a fantastic program for beginners and ongoing learners of Italian language alike. John Jordan, fluent and enthusiastic, brings the best materials, native speakers, and learning tools to the classroom and more recently to zoom format. There is not a more efficient way to learn - each lesson is fast moving and flies by with a combination of reading, grammar skills, speaking - all in a relaxed, judgment free and collegial environment. I look forward to this hour every week!!!. I know that my Italian has improved by the 'cross training' that John brings to every class. Technically skilled in computer learning, and able to bring fantastic assistant teachers to us from Italy, I could not ask for more.

Experiencia fantástica: John Jordan's classes are always fun because of his creative lesson planning and, with additional native-Italian teachers participating online, we students have ample opportunity to use Italian throughout each class. He plans for a nice balance of grammar, speaking, listening, vocabulary and some writing. There's never a dull moment, and all the activities are proficiency-appropriate.

Experiencia fantástica: I’m new to the program as of 2020 because the Zoom format finally allowed me to fit it in to my schedule (no commuting after work into the city required!). It’s a great program. John does a great job keeping the lessons a real mix of activities. Get ready to communicate and have fun with making mistakes (and therefore learning!) He has a great mix of students, friendly and fun. The native Italian teachers who work alongside him are excellent — so you get the best of both worlds really. You get more than you pay for so give it a try!

Experiencia fantástica: Best program to learn Italian in the Boston area. The lessons are well thought out. The instructors create a fun learning environment to improve conversational skills and grammar skills. I highly recommend your consider this if you want to learn the language from native speakers

Experiencia fantástica: John Jordan has done a fabulous job of taking his courses online during the pandemic! I love how each session starts with a guided topical conversation, where we each share an experience and then answer questions from the rest of the class. That "loosens us up" for the grammar, readings that other exercises that make up the remainder of the lesson. Having small break out groups for the grammar and readings both ensures that we each a good share of the class time, plus benefit from the one-on-one attention from the assistants, all native Italians this session. Bonus is getting to know our classmates and conversing with them in Italian. This class provides you with the grammar and vocabulary you'll need when visiting Italy and conversing with Italians.

Experiencia fantástica: There are teachers and there are teachers and then there is John Jordan and his Italian assistants who join us virtually from Italy. John and his assistants are "ottimi insegnanti"(excellent teachers) who bring their great knowledge and enthusiasm to every lesson. John plans very well. There is never a dull moment. We have fun while we learn. Thanks to John's advanced computer skills, the transition to virtual lessons was effortless. I grew up speaking dialect Italian but wanted to learn the "real thing" (plus Italian culture, current events, etc). I met John many years ago and learning with him continues to be a great experience. Whether you're just beginning Italian or advanced or anywhere in between, if you're looking for high quality and top value, do yourself a favor and sign up for this program. You will not be disappointed.

Experiencia fantástica: What I love most about these classes is that they have a fun, relaxed atmosphere which enables me to feel comfortable practicing Italian even when stumbling along! Also, there is always a native speaker that joins the class. This additional resource really helps with cultural questions and idiomatic/colloquial language questions. John is organized and great with communicating the weekly lesson plans and also super flexible!

Experiencia fantástica: If you are serious about learning to speak Italian I highly recommend this online program. Teacher & owner, John Jordan, is a delightful person & makes learning the language a fun, immersive experience. The emphasis is on speaking with total class participation. Online classes are structured, fast paced & always include a native Italian assistant. I’ve been taking classes with John off & on for the past 8 years. They are a great value & l’ve met many nice, interesting people of all ages who share a passion for Italy.

Experiencia fantástica: I couldn’t be happier with John’s Zoom Italian! John has done an amazing job adapting and modifying our Italian classes to a virtual format without skipping a beat. Our classes cover not only Italian grammar and language but also Italian art, culture, history and current events, a perfect combination. Native Italian assistants add even more to this phenomenal Italian learning experience.

Experiencia fantástica: Joe and I have taken lessons with John for many years. But his true skills as a teacher have come across when the pandemic hit. Our lessons went on line and John has created stimulating lessons that utilize our conversational skills, grammar, and increase our knowledge of Italian literature. Using the breakout rooms on Zoom we can work in small groups that change throughout the lesson. Having two instructors that includes John and native speaker Sarah we get plenty of individual attention. And what fun to see our other fellow students some of who are old friends and other new ones.

Experiencia fantástica: I have been taking lessons with John for several years. His ZOOM program with the small class size, the assistant teachers, and interesting material is one of the favorite parts of my week. His classes are fun and varied, always well planned, with lots of conversation in the breakout rooms. Highly recommend!

Experiencia fantástica: John's teaching method is very engaging, and comforting, for all levels; beginner to advanced. When Covid-19 struck, and the future of our class looked grim, John really stepped up to take our classes from the classroom to online. I've never had a teacher that truly put his/her students first! The online courses are just as engaging, entertaining, and comforting as the classroom settings. The value is great, and the community it that comes with it is even better!

Experiencia fantástica: I've been a very grateful and satisfied student in John's class for several years now. I was worried when, with the pandemic, we had to switch to zoom classes, but John has done a WONDERFUL job of organizing the sessions, so that the classes are still lots of fun, informative, and if anything, even more convenient than going to the North End classes. He has absolutely terrific assistants, and so each break-out group has the benefit of a knowledgeable instructor. John realizes that all of us are busy and can only spend so much time in preparation, and so he takes us at just the pace that we need. He is always attentive to our needs, sees just what we need next, in sum, is a first-class instructor. I highly recommend the class!

Experiencia fantástica: When the pandemic arrived, I thought that the Italian Program would need to be on pause. John Jordan was able to seamlessly offer his students the same quality and dynamic class virtually. From the onset, the virtual class was well organized, varied and as an added bonus, our native speaker joined us from Italy and shared her experiences. Very nice to be able to continue studying Italian during these uncertain times and stay in touch with our classmates. Grazie, John.

Experiencia fantástica: I had in-person Italian lessons in this program a few years ago and really liked them then. This year the program went online because of COVID-19 and I decided to jump in again, at the advanced level. Even on Zoom the lessons are lively and enjoyable! The teacher always encourages us to talk a lot in Italian—the best way to learn. In each class we discuss topics or situations he provides in advance, talk about a story (of which we read a few pages every week), and do some exercises (often personalized to make them more interesting) to practice vocabulary or grammatical structures. This class is never boring! The teacher is molto simpatico and knows how to motivate his students. His Italian is totally fluent and he also has an assistant from Italy to share the teaching: we are often divided into two sub-groups, as Zoom allows, so each teacher is with one of the groups. Occasionally we work in pairs and the two teachers “circulate.” All materials are provided, online, and the teacher does his best to keep the costs for students as low as possible. I highly recommend this program to anyone interested in learning Italian in a way that is both effective and fun, in an atmosphere that is totally congenial thanks to the enthusiasm and energy of the teachers and of the other students. The program caters to all levels of learners.

Experiencia fantástica: I took Italian lessons from John Jordan in the North End of Boston from 2010 until 2014 when I relocated to Savannah GA. I was delighted to be able to enroll again this spring in his online, Zoom classes. Having attended Zoom meetings that were not done so well, I can say that John’s are very structured so you never wander off and waste time. He has really mastered using the software so his students get maximum advantage through the use of breakout rooms and screen sharing by both the teachers and students. It quickly becomes a fun environment! His classes are packed with diverse activities to help you gain facility with speaking, reading, listening comprehension and writing. The native Italian, assistant teachers John uses during the classes help in smaller, breakout groups so you get a lot of personal attention and encouragement. There is nothing like having the native Italians when it comes to understanding idioms and other, non-literal expressions. The cost is very reasonable especially since these are pretty close to private, one-on-one lessons. I highly recommend enrolling in John’s Italian Program!

Experiencia fantástica: Since the very first moment I met John I knew this would be a great opportunity. The online program has been beyond successful in terms of teaching Italian with quality and enthusiasm. John is a great teacher, as well as Sara, the lessons are well organized, and the students in the group are great. They have been able to make the most out of this situation, creating a great atmosphere to learn Italian with a quality online setting. Schedules are flexible and allow for anybody to find the right course that is a good fit. Really interactive lesson and definitely worth giving it a try! More than "a class" it becomes a fun and desirable part of your life! I would say, if you have any doubts about this program working or not for you, talk to John and I am sure he will do his best to help on everything, as he always does!

Experiencia fantástica: I joined John's Beginner program this past fall. The classes are great! John makes learning Italian fun! I highly recommend John's program to anyone wanting to learn Italian or looking for a great after work activity.

Experiencia fantástica: This is a good and well-taught course at a very reasonable tuition fee. The location is easily reached by bus or subway, on foot, or even harbor ferry. Although I've studied four other languages over the years, I've never encountered a class with such high energy level as John Jordan's Italian Program: He's a good teacher with a real knack for engaging students. Although I'm only in the introductory classes, this earlier experience with other languages permits comparison. The Italian Program's structure engages students each week in vocabulary building, aural comprehension, conversation, writing, imagination in describing what's going on in random photos, and all the many and varied pathways to language acquisition. The text book with its on-line supplements is one of the best I've used: the text takes advantage of modern electronic means of language learning. Each week layers new knowledge by integrating it with prior lessons. The text also offers nice insights into Italian history, culture, and daily life. Try it -- you'll like it!

Experiencia fantástica: John Jordan is a fabulous teacher! His classes are engaging, informative, energetic, and a lot of fun! The lessons are varied and interesting. I took classes with John for three years in the North End in Boston. The lessons are held in the downstairs classroom of Caffe Paradiso, which is a fabulous place to have an Italian class! I highly recommend this class if you want to learn Italian. You will not be disappointed!

Experiencia fantástica: John is a fantastic teacher! Every class is carefully planned to build on the last. He keeps it interesting and engaging and makes you want to come back every week. I highly recommend his course for Italian from beginner to advanced.