Learn Italian.

Feel at Home.

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Welcome to The Italian Corner!

We’re a small, passionate team led by Elena, dedicated to making Italian feel like home. Here, learning isn’t just about grammar – it’s about culture, connection, and belonging.

❊ Learn with us

Four paths. One purpose: connection through language.

We offer four core services designed to meet you where you are – whether you're a parent, a partner, a professional, or a lifelong learner

  • Let your little ones grow up surrounded by the rhythm and warmth of Italian.
    Our playgroups offer babies and toddlers a playful space to explore the language through songs, stories, and games — while parents connect, share experiences, and nurture a sense of belonging.

    In-person sessions
    Ages 0–4
    From £10

    📍 Location: Herne Hill – Carnegie Library (SE24 0AG)

    ✨ Great for: bilingual families, parents wishing to celebrate Italian roots, and curious minds who want to explore the language through play and connection.

  • Italian Afterschool Clubs

    Give your children the chance to grow up with Italian as a living, playful part of their life.
    Our after-school clubs offer Italian-speaking children a welcoming space to learn, connect, and express themselves through their heritage language.

    In-person sessions
    Small groups by age
    From £120

    📍 Locations:
    Open to all:

    • Herne Hill – Carnegie Library (SE24 0AG)

    • Hanwell – St Joseph’s Primary School (W7 3HU)

    For enrolled students only:

    • St Joseph’s Primary School – Cadogan Street (SW3 2QT)

    • Holy Cross Primary School – Basuto Road (SW6 4BL)

    🗓️ Days and times vary by location

    ✨ Great for: Italian-speaking children, bilingual families, and those wishing to nurture cultural roots while building language skills.

  • Discover the pleasure of learning Italian in small, supportive groups that focus on communication, confidence, and connection.
    Classes are available at every level — from A1 Beginner to C2 Advanced — offering an engaging space to learn, socialise, and grow in fluency.

    In-person, term-based courses
    All levels (A1–C2)
    From £15 per hour

    📍 Locations:

    • Balham – Balham Baptist Church (SW12 9AW) — Tuesdays

    • Elephant & Castle – St. Matthew’s Parish, Meadow Row (SE1 6RG) — Mondays

    ✨ Great for: partners of Italians, culture lovers, curious learners, and anyone wishing to connect through language.

  • Learn Italian your way.
    Our personalised lessons for adults, children, and families offer a flexible space to focus, progress, and enjoy the journey of learning Italian at your own pace.

    In-person or online sessions
    Tailored to your goals
    From £45 per hour

    📍 Locations:
    In the comfort of your home or a place of your choice

    ✨ Great for: busy professionals, advanced learners, and families looking for flexible, personalised language support — including exam preparation (GCSE / A-level / CILS).

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It might be about culture. Or confidence. Or simply not feeling like a stranger at the table. Maybe it’s a dream to visit Italy and truly connect, not just order a coffee. Maybe it’s a passion for the language itself – the sound, the rhythm, the warmth it carries. Maybe it’s a family story, a desire to speak with your partner’s parents, or help your children embrace both sides of who they are. Maybe it's a way to feel more at home, even far from home.

Whatever brought you here, know this: learning Italian isn’t about mastering verbs. It’s about belonging. It’s about laughing at jokes you used to miss. With warmth, flexibility, and a deep belief that language brings people together.

Meet the Teachers

  • Elena Nicolai

    FOUNDER AND ITALIAN TEACHER

    Ciao! I’m Elena, an Italian teacher and expat who believes language learning is, above all, about connection.
    I moved to London about ten years ago and soon made teaching Italian a central part of my life. With a degree in Modern Languages and a Master’s in Applied Linguistics, I’ve taught learners of all ages and backgrounds, building bridges through language and culture.

    My approach is rooted in empathy and curiosity: every lesson is a dialogue, a space to grow together and nurture a sense of belonging.
    I founded The Italian Corner to bring this vision to life: a place where teaching, learning, and community meet.

  • Martina Paradiso

    ITALIAN AND ENGLISH TEACHER

    Hello! My name is Martina, and I’m an Italian teacher from Turin. I hold a CELTA qualification, a degree in Educational Sciences, and a Master’s in Ethnicity, Culture, and Diaspora.

    I have experience teaching both Italian and English, as well as providing homework support and working as a support worker.

    I truly enjoy teaching because I see each lesson as a unique experience, an opportunity not only to teach but also to learn something new from my students every time. My goal is to create a friendly and engaging environment where students feel comfortable exploring the language and culture of Italy.

  • Angelica Cozzi

    ITALIAN TEACHER

    Ciao! I’m Angelica, and I’m currently studying Psychology at the University of Westminster.
    I grew up in Milan and spent part of my childhood in Zurich, where I learned to speak German. After moving to London in 2019, I discovered my passion for teaching languages through my work in after-school clubs.

    I’ve been running German and Italian sessions for the past few years, and teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my life. I love creating a fun, supportive space where children can explore new languages and cultures with confidence.

  • Francesca, mum of a 13 years old student.

    Elena is a truly exceptional Italian teacher. What makes her so special is how she tailors each lesson around something that genuinely interests the child - whether it’s a story, a hobby, or a little curiosity they’ve shared. This approach makes every session feel personal and meaningful. My daughter always comes out smiling, more confident and more connected to the Italian language. We feel so lucky to have crossed paths with her!

  • Gaz, busy professional

    I've learned so much already as a beginner and would recommend this to anyone who wants to learn Italian, the course structure is great and I feel that I will be on my way sooner than expected to learning a new language

  • Genoveffa, mum of a 6 years old boy.

    Elena is the best Italian teacher! My son started with her when he was 4 yrs old, and still going now at 7! He will continue for the foreseeable future, we think.

    She is engaging, teaches through play and understands the child’s personality, thus tweaking the style of the lesson. And mostly she NEVER loses her patience with cheeky boys like mine.

  • Keith, former professor.

    Elena has been my Italian teacher for two years and I enjoy lessons with her hugely. She has a warm and friendly manner and is very responsive to my level and learning style. Elena brings energy and humour and, as an experienced teacher, understands how to guide and support my learning. As a result, I look forward to lessons with Elena and feel encouraged by them. This gives me confidence to practice my Italian and motivation to keep studying.

  • Iaia, mum and partner of students

    Elena spent a few years working with my husband to ensure he took his Italian to the next level. He passed his B1 exam.

    Elena is always patient and has a superb ability to explain the intricacies of the language.

    We’ve signed up our boys (6 and to her lessons.

    If you are thinking about learning Italian - contact her

At The Italian Corner, we don’t just teach.
We listen. We welcome. We celebrate your story, wherever you’re starting from. Because learning isn’t just about getting it right. It’s about feeling at home.

Our story

The Italian Corner was founded by Elena, a passionate language teacher and expat who understands what it means to live between two cultures. With a degree in Modern Languages, a Master’s in Applied Linguistics from a leading UK university, and over a decade of teaching experience in London, she has helped hundreds of learners connect more deeply with the Italian language and culture .

After years of working in schools and private settings, Elena wanted something warmer, more human. So she founded The Italian Corner — a welcoming space where learning is personal, cultural, and full of heart.

Today, she teaches alongside a small team of kind, curious, like-minded professionals she has personally trained and selected. Together, they design tailor-made lessons, organise cultural activities, and run clubs and courses across the city.

We’re not a big language school. We’re a close-knit community. And we love what we do.

Contact us ▸

At The Italian Corner, we work with:

  • Families juggling multiple languages at home

  • Adults who want to do more than just “learn vocab”

  • Curious minds who enjoy slowing down and going deeper

    You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to start.

    We’ll help you take it from there — one real conversation at a time.

Is this for you? Probably.

Let’s talk about you (in Italian... or English).

Let’s talk about you (in Italian... or English).

Still unsure which course fits best? Book a free 30-minute call now, and we will be happy to get you in touch with one of our teacher. No strings attached, just a useful conversation to give you clarity about the next possible steps.

Book Now

❊ FAQs

Any more questions?
We’ve got answers!

  • Classes are kept small – usually between 6 and 10 learners – so everyone has space to practise, ask questions and feel supported. It’s big enough to be lively, but small enough to stay personal.

  • Before you join, we’ll guide you through a quick level check – either a short chat or a simple placement activity. This helps us understand your confidence, vocabulary, and goals, so we can recommend the right class for you.

  • Children can usually join from Year 1 (around age 5–6). At that stage they’re ready to take part in games, stories, and simple activities in Italian. For younger kids, we recommend short one-to-one sessions or playful family-based learning.

  • Not at all. We work with children, adults, families, and professionals. From after-school clubs to evening group classes, private lessons, and exam prep — our programmes are designed for learners of all ages.

Our events

Have you ever “read” a work of art in Italian?
Every detail tells a story, every symbol opens a door to new worlds.

In this special session, myth meets language. Together we’ll uncover how the ancient tales of gods, heroes, and love still echo through the centuries — exploring how these timeless stories have shaped Italian art and culture.

Led by an expert Italian guide, this experience combines discovery and creativity: a cultural journey followed by a hands-on language workshop where you’ll expand your Italian vocabulary and expressions through the themes of myth and love.

Duration: 2.15 hours
Price: £40
Language: Italian

20th November 2025

The National Gallery