Italian Language Classes
Brought to you by the Istituto Italiano Scuola
Fall 2025 Classes are now open for registration!
Please email italianschool@sfiis.org with any questions.
*All classes must have a minimum of 8 students enroll in order to commence
BEGINNER 1 ITALIAN CLASS
Course Duration: 9-Weeks
Wednesdays, October 15 - December 17*
6:30PM - 8:30PM
*No class the last week of November
Instructor: Griseldo
Location: SFIAC
Course Level: Absolute Beginner. This course is designed for individuals with no prior knowledge of the Italian language.
Course Description: Throughout the course, students will acquire foundational skills in Italian pronunciation, basic vocabulary, and essential grammar structures. By the course's conclusion, participants will be able to engage in simple conversations, introduce themselves, and comprehend basic written and spoken Italian. This program serves as an entry point for those looking to initiate their Italian language learning journey.
Price: $310 for SFIAC Members (and their spouses) and $355 for Non-Members
BEGINNER 2 ITALIAN CLASS
Course Duration: 9-Weeks
Tuesdays, October 14 - December 16*
6:30PM - 8:30PM
*No class the last week of November
Instructor: Dario
Location: SFIAC
Course Level: Beginner. Prerequisite - Beginner 1
Course Description: This level is ideal for students who have completed Beginner 1 or have some basic knowledge of Italian. In this course, you will expand your vocabulary and learn to navigate common everyday situations, such as ordering food at a café, asking for directions, and describing your daily routine. You will practice using regular and irregular verbs in the present tense, definite and indefinite articles, and simple sentence structures. By the end of the course, you will be able to introduce yourself more confidently, ask and answer simple questions, and engage in short conversations.
Price: $310 for SFIAC Members (and their spouses) and $355 for Non-Members
Instructor Biographies
Griseldo
Beginner 1 Instructor
Griseldo is originally from Saronno, Lombardy, a charming small city near Milan. He earned both his bachelor’s degree (2014) and master’s degree (2017) in Italian Literature at the State University of Milan. His passion for Italian literature and culture led him to travel extensively, including an academic exchange at the prestigious École Normale Supérieure in Paris.
For the past seven years, he has primarily lived in California, where he just completed his PhD in Italian at Stanford University (2025).
Griseldo’s deep academic expertise in Italian literature, combined with his personal journey across Europe and the United States, gives him a unique perspective on language learning and cultural adaptation—one that he is excited to share with his students.
Dario
Beginner 2 Instructor
Dario is originally from the Campania region and holds a degree in Communications from the University of Salerno. After a few years working at a web communication agency as a web marketing consultant, he moved to San Francisco, driven by his passion for American music and the allure of the "California dream."
In San Francisco, he quickly found a welcoming Italian community, which led to a successful career in the hospitality industry. After nearly 20 years in this field, Dario chose to dedicate his time and energy to his true passion: teaching.
He has been teaching Italian for the past few years, offering students engaging and enjoyable lessons filled with motivation, laughter, and an authentic taste of Italian culture and traditions.