Ottavia Steffano

Ciao! I’m a Milan-born native speaker, and my lessons are 1:1, relaxed and built entirely around you. I also lived in Canada for a couple years and have moved to London recently.

Format: We start with a friendly chat about your goals and interests, so I can understand what you want from Italian. From there, every session is tailored to you, and I’m always happy to change the lesson plan as we go. There’s no homework, just active participation, so you make the most of our time together.

Content: Whether you’re a complete beginner or already speak Italian at home and want to sharpen it, we’ll work on the Italian you actually need: everyday conversation, grammar you’ve always found confusing, natural expressions and pronunciation that sounds authentic. I’ll also share a bit of Italian culture along the way, from Milan’s cafés to the way Italians really talk.

Dynamics: Expect interactive, fun sessions rather than lectures. We’ll use conversation, games and real-life situations, like ordering a coffee or chatting with a new friend. Mistakes are part of learning, so there’s no pressure here, only encouragement. I’ll recap regularly and celebrate your progress, so you can see how far you’ve come.

Experience: I grew up bilingual and graduated with an IB diploma, so I know how to move between languages and explain things clearly. I’ve delivered 50+ personalised lessons to students aged 11 to 60, adapting my pace and methods to each learner’s style.

Your first lesson is a chat, with no pressure. Let’s get started: andiamo!