About
Ciao Italy-lovers, students of Italian, and caregivers of bilingual bambini,
Benvenuti! So happy you're here!
What is All Around Italia?
All Around Italia gives you a fun, easy way to make Italy and Italian language part of everyday life .. no matter where you are! Here, you will discover Italy’s unique and fascinating 20 regions while improving your Italian.
Our Learning Italian and Italian for Kids posts share our tried-and-true tips, strategies, and resources for learning the Italian language and/or raising your children to speak Italian while living outside of Italy.
Our Regions Posts share our family’s experience with regional Italian culture, cuisine, and attractions. Each post features Italian vocabulary words and an immersion opportunity, such as a song, recipe, film, or book.
What inspired All Around Italia?
All Around Italia is inspired by my personal journey learning Italian, discovering the regions of Italy, and helping our kids master the Italian language while living in the United States.
As an enthusiastic student of Italian, I have always looked for simple and enjoyable ways to incorporate the language into my life.
When our first daughter was born, we decided to raise her to speak Italian while living in the States. This was a whole new adventure that required finding and inventing different resources and approaches appropriate for all stages of her growth.
From my own experience, I know that it’s difficult and time-consuming to identify which Italian-language-learning options are most interesting and effective. This is why we created All Around Italia – to make the journey easier for others!
Let me guide you with strategies and content, so you can concentrate on actually learning Italian, getting closer to Italy, and having the most fun while doing so!
Who is behind All Around Italia?
My name is Samantha, and I am humbly accompanying you on this journey.
My personal journey All Around Italia started over a decade ago when my plane touched down in Bologna for study abroad.
Before arriving, I thought I knew Italy and knew Italian. After all, I come from an Italian-American family and had studied Italian for a few years.
It took one day – just one! – to realize that I didn’t have any idea about the real Italy and its language!
The first people I met were my Bolognese taxi driver, Tuscan roommate, and professor from Piemonte. They all spoke completely differently! Eating out for the first time, I did not see any of my favorite Italian foods on the menu. Where was I?!
During the two years I lived in Italy, I traveled around the regions and witnessed the fascinating differences. Dialects, cuisine, architecture, the feel of the land.
Through my travels, I came to understand that the country’s identity is, in many ways, still developing. To really know Italia, you need to know the 20 regions.
Upon returning to the States, I found ways to keep exploring Italy. I began to work for an Italian food company. Through teaching Italian classes at night, I shared my love of the language with others.
Most importantly, I did not come back alone! My now-husband, from Piemonte, came too.
Together with our two daughters, we continue to journey All Around Italia. We do take physical trips to Italy but mainly explore from home through language, books, music, movies, recipes, and more.
Now, I am inviting you too! Come enrich your and your family’s understanding of Italia and italiano with us. Let’s go All Around Italia together!
