Explore top online Italian courses

Want to learn Italian online? edX's flexible Italian courses prepare you to travel confidently, explore Italian culture, and unlock career opportunities.

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Two women read and discuss an Italian language book on an outdoor terrace.

Italy is one of the most visited countries in the world, with a rich cultural history and beautiful landscape. Tens of millions of people speak Italian.

Whether you're planning a trip to Italy, considering new career opportunities, or you're looking for cultural enrichment, learning Italian online can help you explore Italy's language and culture.

Why learn Italian?

Italian is a romantic and versatile language spoken widely across Italy, parts of Switzerland, and certain areas of Brazil.

Learning Italian can:

Enrich your cultural understanding
Be useful when you travel in Italian-speaking countries
Potentially open doors to new careers

Proficiency in Italian may prove useful in areas like international business, localization, and tourism management. Programs typically focus on grammar, conversation, and cultural insights and can last from a few weeks to a few years.

Browse online Italian Certificates

Find new interests and advance your career opportunities

Stand out in your field

Use the knowledge and skills you have gained to drive impact at work and grow your career.

Learn at your own pace

On your computer, tablet or phone, online courses make learning flexible to fit your busy life.

Earn a valuable credential

Showcase your key skills and valuable knowledge.

Certificates

Compare Italian learning paths on edX

The right Italian program for you depends on your goals and availability. Below, find some of the most common pathways for learning Italian on edX, designed by globally recognized universities and institutions, such as Stanford, Wellesley College, and Oxford:

Individual courses

Courses cover essentials like vocabulary, grammar, and conversational skills, making them ideal for beginners or casual learners. These programs often include interactive activities, pronunciation practice, and cultural insights to help students build a solid Italian foundation. On edX, you can audit these Italian classes for free, and upgrade for a fee to earn a certificate.

Professional certificates

Professional certificates are a series of courses available at beginner, intermediate, or advanced levels. They can demonstrate high levels of Italian fluency and may provide a competitive edge in fields like translation, tourism, and international business. When you complete your Professional Certificate program on edX, you'll earn a certificate from the institution that validates your proficiency for employers and can serve as a stepping stone to advanced studies or specialized roles.

Turn your Italian skills into career opportunities

Learning another language, such as Italian, can open up opportunities in many industries around the globe. Below are a few positions that knowing Italian may help you qualify for, with required education, job outlook, and salary data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):

Interpreter or translator

Interpreters and translators translate written content or spoken language from Italian to other languages. They may work for businesses, educational institutions, publishers, governments, or individuals.

Required education: Bachelor's degree in foreign language, communications, or a related field
Median annual salary (May 2024): $59,440
Projected job outlook (2024-34): +2%

Postsecondary foreign language teacher

Postsecondary Italian instructors teach Italian literature and language courses at college-level institutions.

Required education: PhD or other doctorate
Median annual salary (May 2024): $83,980
Projected job outlook (2024-34): +7%

Tour and travel guide

Tour and travel guides lead individuals or groups on excursions to places of interest, such as historical sites, museums, and scenic views.

Required education: High school diploma; additional training or certification may help
Median annual salary (May 2024): $36,660
Projected job outlook (2024-34): +8%

Start your Italian learning journey with edX

Ready to explore the fascinating world of the Italian language and culture? Check out edX's online courses and get started today.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I learn Italian by myself?

You can learn Italian by yourself by enrolling in an online course or certificate program. Online programs provide structure and support as you learn a new language, and you'll also benefit from cultural materials and insights from fluent speakers.

How long does it take to learn Italian on your own?

An introductory course can help you learn basic Italian phrases on your own in a matter of weeks. Italian courses offer structure and tested approaches to language learning. Fluency typically requires years of study.

Is Italian or Spanish easier?

As romance languages, both Italian and Spanish are considered among the easiest languages for English speakers to learn. Most Americans have more prior experience with Spanish, but Italian has easier pronunciation and grammar for some. Whether you decide to learn Spanish or Italian, both are great options.

What is the hardest thing about learning Italian?

The hardest thing about learning Italian is typically mastering verb conjugations and learning exceptions to grammar rules. Some may also struggle with Italian pronunciation when speaking or listening. Online Italian courses can make it easier to master Italian.

Last updated June 26, 2025