Do You Really Need an Italian Language School in Italy?

Tiffany
Jul 8
3 min read

Thinking of studying Italian in Italy? It's a dream for many... beautiful views, immersive culture, daily espressos. But there's one major question you need to ask first:

Are you trying to learn Italian… or just trying to stay in Italy?

Because not all Italian language schools are created for the same purpose.

Frustrated student learning Italian in Italy postcard image — Beautiful views, long hours, little progress. This is the reality for many in-person language schools.

Italian Language Schools in Italy: What They Offer

If you search "Italian classes in Italy" or "Italian courses Italy," you’ll find hundreds of schools offering:

Group or private language lessons
Cultural activities
Visa sponsorships (aka a pathway to stay in the country)
Assistance with finding housing

Some are excellent. But others are structured more for long-term enrollment than fast-track results.

The Visa Strategy: A Hidden Industry

Many "language schools in Italy" operate as part of a known system:

They help foreign students obtain student visas by enrolling in long-term courses.
They profit more the longer you stay.
They structure lessons to extend your time there.

Italian language school offering visa support for student enrollment — Visa support is helpful—if you're planning a student visa. But for most learners abroad, it's just an upsell you don’t need.

This isn’t necessarily a bad thing—if your main goal is to legally remain in Italy.

But if your goal is to pass a CILS B1 cittadinanza, A2 integrazione, or other Italian language exam efficiently? It could be a waste of time and money.

“These schools make more money the longer they keep you in class. Great if your goal is to stay in Italy. Not so great if your goal is to pass an exam and move on.”

Red Flags to Watch For

Before enrolling in any Italian language school, look out for:

Promises of visa assistance without details on course content
No guarantee of how quickly you can advance through levels
Monthly fees with no clear timeline for achieving your goals
Emphasis on housing, tourism, or cultural immersion over outcomes
Programs offering 20 hours per week of lessons — the bare minimum required for a student visa

Language school accommodation services highlighted on a course page — Accommodation “assistance” often means more time, more money—and less progress with Italian.

When a Language School Does Make Sense

You might benefit from a local Italian course in Italy if:

You’re applying for a student visa
You prefer in-person, immersive learning
You have lots of time and want a slow, cultural experience

When It Doesn’t Make Sense

On the flip side, you probably don’t need a traditional school in Italy if:

You live abroad and are applying for Italian citizenship by marriage
You need to pass the A2 Integrazione exam for your long term residency permit
You’re preparing for the Italian driver’s license exam
You want to avoid travel, expensive tuition, and wasted time

The Smarter Alternative: Goal-Based Online Preparation

If your mission is to pass a CILS B1 Cittadinanza, B1 Standard, A2 Integrazione, or Patente B (Italian Driver's License), you don’t need to move to Italy or enroll in a pricey school.

You need:

Structured lessons focused on the actual exam
Clear strategies to get a passing score
Efficient, flexible studying from anywhere

Why Ready Set Italia Exists

We don’t sell you a student visa. We don’t keep you in class longer than needed.

We help you pass your exam and move forward with your life.

Whether you're applying for Italian citizenship, applying for long-term residency, or getting your patente B, Ready Set Italia gives you exactly what you need—and nothing you don’t.

Online CILS B1 cittadinanza prep
A2 integrazione exam prep
Italian driver’s license theory prep (patente B)

Final Thoughts

"Italian language schools in Italy" are great for some people. But they aren't for everyone.

Do you just want to pass your exam and move on? There’s a better way.

Ready Set Italia gives you no-fluff, high-impact preparation for the official exams required for Italian citizenship and residency. Study online, at your pace, and skip the expensive visa mill.