What My Students Say

I had the pleasure of taking a full year of Italian courses with Altina and she was truly wonderful. Her classes were well structured and thoughtfully paced, and she always made sure we fully understood each new concept. She supplemented lessons with engaging materials that brought the language and culture to life—through music, geography, and everyday conversation. I looked forward to her classes every week and was amazed by how much I progressed.
—Sarah L.
Altina is a great and patient teacher. She makes every lesson interesting and does a great job of incorporating contemporary Italian culture into her lessons. I highly recommend her.
—Andrea H.
I recently completed four Italian courses, 102 through 105, with Altina, and it was fantastic. She is incredibly professional, genuinely enthusiastic, and brings a real passion for teaching that makes every lesson engaging. The course was challenging but always rewarding, and I finished each class feeling motivated and confident in my progress. I highly recommend her to anyone looking to seriously improve their Italian.
—Michael B.
I’ve been trying to learn Italian for decades and Altina Hoti has been my favorite teacher. She is patient, attentive and fun. After decades of trying, she was the first person to make me feel I could learn this language. I like the way we (the students) actively participated in class and she helped us take actions related to our learning. Like most adult learners, I don’t like making a fool of myself in public but we always practiced new skills in a supportive environment that fostered confidence and made me want to return for more. I recommend Ms. Hoti to students of all skill levels.
— Tom L.
Altina is a thoughtful, creative teacher that is able to figure out where you are in your learning journey and help you get where you want to go. I wanted to be ready for the Italian B1 with only 2 months before the test and she helped me be prepared to pass. Without her, I would still be waiting to feel ready, but instead I have a B1 certificate! I’m so happy that I worked with Altina. Grazie mille!
—Liz C.
Altina is truly a one of a kind educator when it comes to language learning. She understands what it takes to learn a language from zero, and is there with you on your entire journey to fluency. From grammar, to vocabulary, to cultural lessons, Altina provides a well-rounded approach to language learning that is truly fun, intimate, and interactive - it gives me something to look forward to every week!
—Alec L.
Altina made the Italian class so much fun! She always made me feel like I was making progress. She’s a fantastic teacher who consistently cheers you on. She truly wants you to learn Italian, and you can tell she loves the language and her work. I highly recommend her—she’s the best!
—Lucia G.

Courses

This course is where your journey begins. We will explore the sounds, everyday expressions, and stories that bring Italian to life. You’ll learn how to greet others, introduce yourself, order food, and navigate daily life — all while uncovering the cultural nuances behind the words. The book we will use is New Italian Espresso Beginner/Pre-Intermediate, available for purchase.
In a small group of no more than four students, you’ll practice real conversations, support one another, and share in the joy of discovery. Step by step, you’ll gain confidence in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, as grammar and vocabulary come alive through real communication and culture.
▶Secure your spot in our group class here.
Alternatively, you can book a free 1-1 session with me to discuss your options.
▶Level & Alignment: This course is designed for beginners and aligns with ACTFL Novice Low–Mid and CEFR A1.1.
▶Duration: 12 weeks, 1.5 hours per week
▶Format: Taught in small groups of up to 4 students 1-1 sessions. For private, 1-1 sessions and/or for a free 15-minute appointment, please see the bookings page. Grazie!
▶Course Type: Online group course (maximum 4 students) or 1-1. Please note that for the course to be viable there must be at least 3 registered students.
Platform: Classes are held live via Zoom.
Here, you’ll build on the foundations you’ve already mastered, diving deeper into everyday expressions, conversations, and cultural stories that make Italian come alive. You’ll practice talking about past and future activities, sharing experiences, and expressing your interests. We’ll continue with New Italian Espresso Beginner/Pre-Intermediate, available for purchase.
You’ll practice conversations, learn to express yourself in some unfamiliar situations, and ask questions in class.

▶Secure your spot in our group class here.
Alternatively, you can book a free 1-1 session with me to discuss your options.
▶Level & Alignment: This course is designed for students at an upper-beginner level and aligns with ACTFL Novice Mid-High and CEFR A1.2.
▶Duration: 12 weeks, 1.5 hours per week
▶Format: Taught in small groups of up to 4 students 1-1 sessions. For private, 1-1 sessions and/or for a free 15-minute appointment, please seeBookings. Grazie!
▶Course Type: Online group course (maximum 4 students) or 1-1. Please note that for the course to be viable there must be at least 3 registered students.
▶Platform: Classes are held live via Zoom.
Vuoi portare il tuo italiano ancora oltre? Evviva! In this intermediate class, you’ll further strengthen your listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. You’ll be introduced to grammar that is slightly more complex and learn to include it in conversation through real-life communication tasks. The book we will use is New Italian Espresso Beginner/Pre-Intermediate, available for purchase.
▶Secure your spot in our group class here.
Alternatively, you can book a free 1-1 session with me to discuss your options.
▶Level & Alignment: This course aligns with ACTFL Intermediate Low-Mid and CEFR B1.1.
▶Duration: 12 weeks, 1.5 hours per week
▶Format: Taught in small groups of up to 4 students 1-1 sessions. For private, 1-1 sessions and/or for a free 15-minute appointment, please see Bookings. Grazie!
▶Course Type: Online group course (maximum 4 students). Please note that for the course to be viable there must be at least 3 registered students.
Platform: Classes are held live via Zoom.

Hai già una buona conoscenza dell’italiano e vuoi affinare la tua fluidità? Fantastico! In this upper intermediate class, you will participate in engaging conversations in both familiar and unfamiliar situation. You’ll learn to express ongoing actions, as well as give instructions, orders, and recommendations. You will strengthen your speaking skills, discussing topics that go beyond the “qui e ora,” expressing yourself with nuance and confidence, sharing opinions, experiences, and ideas in a variety of contexts. The book we will use is New Italian Espresso Beginner/Pre-Intermediate, available for purchase.

▶Secure your spot in our group class here.
Alternatively, you can book a free 1-1 session with me to discuss your options.
▶Level & Alignment: This course is designed for beginners and aligns with ACTFL Intermediate Mid-High and CEFR B1.2.
▶Duration: 12 weeks, 1.5 hours per week
▶Format: Taught 1-1 or in small groups of up to 4 students. For private, 1-1 sessions and/or for a free 15-minute appointment, please see Bookings. Grazie!
▶Course Type: Online group course (maximum 4 students). Please note that for the course to be viable there must be at least 3 registered students.
▶Platform: Classes are held live via Zoom.
Questo corso è per chi vuole portare il proprio italiano al livello successivo! Parleremo di tutto — film, libri, attualità, cultura e curiosità italiane — per scoprire come la lingua vive davvero nella quotidianità. Imparerai a usare l’italiano in modo più naturale e sicuro, arricchendo il vocabolario e affinando la grammatica senza troppa teoria, ma con tante conversazioni vere!
In a small group of no more than four students, you’ll engage in lively discussions, creative writing, and real-world listening practice. Together, we’ll polish your Italian so you can communicate with nuance and ease — whether in professional, academic, or social settings. The book we will use is New Italian Espresso Upper Intermediate/ Advanced, available for purchase.
▶Secure your spot in our group class here
Alternatively, you can book a free 1-1 session with me to discuss your options.
▶Level & Alignment: This course is designed for advanced learners and aligns with ACTFL Advanced Low–Mid and CEFR C1.

▶Duration: 12 weeks, 1.5 hours per week
▶Format: Taught 1-1 or in small groups of up to 4 students. For private, 1-1 sessions and/or for a free 15-minute appointment, please seeBookingsGrazie!
▶Course Type: Online group course (maximum 4 students). Please note that for the course to be viable there must be at least 3 registered students.
Platform: Classes are held live via Zoom.
Are you looking to improve your Italian and confidently navigate the process of obtaining Italian citizenship? Good news: all of my students have passed the CILS B1c with flying colors—a 100% success rate!—and I would love to help you succeed, too.
This CILS preparation course will equip you with the tools and confidence to succeed on exam day. Through targeted practice in listening, reading, writing, and speaking, you’ll become familiar with the exam format and learn effective strategies for each section. The book we will use is Percorso Cils Cittadinanza-B1
▶Secure your spot in my Friday CILS B1 c Course
Alternatively, you can book a free 1-1 session with me to discuss your options.
▶Duration: 12 weeks, 1.5 hours per week
▶Format: Taught 1-1 or in small groups of up to 4 students. For private, 1-1 sessions and/or for a free 15-minute appointment, please see Bookings. Grazie!
▶Course Type: Online group course (maximum 4 students). Please note that for the course to be viable there must be at least 3 registered students.
▶Platform: Classes are held live via Zoom

About me ☕︎

Ciao! I’m Altina Hoti, an educator with over a decade of experience teaching Italian language, culture, and film at the University of Texas at Austin. I moved to Austin, Texas, over ten years ago from Siena, Italy. I completed my Ph.D. in Italian Cultural Studies at the University of Texas at Austin and taught Italian language, culture, and film. My teaching experience spans a wide range of learners: from university students to mid-career professionals and retirees pursuing Italian for personal enrichment. I’ve taught in the classroom, online, and as part of UT Austin’s study abroad program in Rome, Italy. One of the many reasons why I love teaching is that it has allowed me to form some truly meaningful connections over the past 15 years, which I’ll forever treasure.

I currently live in Germany with my husband and our cat, Machia (short for Machiavelli) who has followed us on every adventure across countries and continents. I’ve been learning German (or doing my best anyway) for a while now. Trust me when I say, I get it: becoming fluent in a new language is SUCH a humbling and rewarding reminder. The liminal space between teaching and learning a foreign language keeps me deeply empathetic towards my students and fully aware that each stumble is a stepping stone in our learning journeys.

Fluent Era grew out of my belief that acquiring a language should be joyful, inspiring, and deeply personal. Whether you’re preparing for life in Italy, reconnecting with your roots, or simply exploring something new, I’d be thrilled to help you make Italian part of your story.

Welcome to Your Fluent Era! Let’s begin. Cominciamo!

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