Not sure in which class to register?
We offer a professional Italian language proficiency evaluation for a $35 charge. The amount will be deducted from tuition when you enroll in our classes.
1. REGISTER ONLINE and PAY $35.
2. Download, print and complete THIS PLACEMENT TEST.*
3. Email a copy of the completed test to: sabrina@theitalianculturalcenter.org
Sabrina Infante, Director of the Italian Language Program.
You will be contacted within 72 hours to schedule an informal conversation via Zoom to further assess your oral skills. We will then discuss the results, and determine which class best fits your language needs and personal goals.
*The test is for new ICC students with some knowledge of Italian who are registering for our classes for the first time. Students registering for Beginner 1 do not need to take this test.
Give the Gift of Italian Culture!
Italian Cultural Center Gift Certificates
We are happy to offer gift certificates for membership and classes at the ICC.
Giving a membership or language class as a present to your close friends and family is a unique and wonderful way to spread the joy of the Italian experience and to introduce them to a vibrant community of Italian native speakers, Italophiles and millennia of Italian art, literature, culture and daily life. It truly is a gift that keeps on giving.
Certificate options:
-> $50 = Individual Membership
-> $80 = Family Membership
-> $120 = Membership + 1 Private Lesson
-> $280 = One YOUTH term language class at any level (ages 3-17)
-> $350 = One ADULT term language class at any level (ages 18 and older).
Membership is required to enroll in language classes.
A perfect gift at any time of the year, and for any occasion, to say "Benvenuto" to the singular experience of all things Italian.
Grazie mille!
Contribute to the Vibrant Arts and Cultural Scene of the Twin Cities
Step into the spotlight and help us bring the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul to life! From February 27 to March 2, 2025, at The Main Cinema, we’ll celebrate the artistry and passion of Italian storytelling through contemporary masterpieces alongside timeless classics.
Event Details
When: February 27 - March 2, 2025
Where: The Main Cinema, Minneapolis (with easy parking access!)
All films are in Italian with English subtitles, offering an authentic and accessible experience.
Enjoy LIVE Q&A sessions with filmmakers and creatives, providing unique insights into their craft and the stories behind the films.
Whether you're an organization or an individual, your contribution enriches the Twin Cities cultural landscape while allowing you to be part of a prestigious and meaningful cultural event. Benefits of Sponsorship Include:
How to Become a Sponsor: Explore the Sponsorship Package (View package HERE). Presented in Partnership
The Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul is proudly presented by the Italian Cultural Center in partnership with MSP Film Society and The Main Cinema.
Join us in celebrating Italian cinema and making a lasting impact on the arts community.
Grazie ai nostri sponsor e sostenitori!
........................................
Produttore d’Élite
Produttore Esecutivo
Luigi Bernardi
Produttore
Assistente di Produzione
Albert & Susan Colianni
Astrid Garino & Massimo Costalonga
Joe Tamburino
Regista
Brian Balleria & Joan Bechtold
Vito Bongiorno
Ron Curran
Tom Fabbro
Vittorio Raimondi
Nancy and Gary Schaefer
Jennine Speier
Aiuto Regista
Catherine Allan
Ann Burns
Denise and Giacomo D’Aurora
Corby and Ginny Kistler
Letizia Longhi
Tony & Giada Nucera
Luisa & Ryan O'Gara
Anna Olivero & Craig Agney
Penelope Scialla
Sandra Tighe
Kathy Moe & Jonathan Watson
Dave & Barb Yarusso
Laurie Zenner
Individual Movie Sponsors
Arthur Goldstein, for Il tempo che ci vuole
John & Sheila Moroney, for Il tempo che ci vuole
The goal of the course is for students to be able to talk about memories and past habits, ask/give advice, compare people and objects, and make formal requests. Each class will provide information and discussion on cultural aspects of Italian life.
Prerequisite: Beginner Level 5 (or permission from the Director)
Cost: $350
If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before, PLEASE SIGN UP TO TAKE OUR PLACEMENT TEST HERE. An instructor will assess your level.
Use any of these links to order a copy of your textbook prior to the first day of class:
Textbook: (This book will be used for ALL 3 levels of our PRE-Intermediate courses!)
NUOVO ESPRESSO 2 (Book and Interactive e-book) - small bookseller
NUOVO ESPRESSO 2 (Book and Interactive e-book) - Amazon
For additional practice:
NUOVO ESPRESSO 2 Esercizi supplementari
In this class, students will review and reinforce their language skills at the upper-intermediate level while exploring cultural topics related to contemporary Italy.
We will revisit previously studied grammar structures in detail and practice them thoroughly.
If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before, PLEASE REGISTER HERE for our PLACEMENT TEST. An instructor will assess your level. You should ideally be at a B2 level or above to enroll in this course.
Use this link below to order your textbook before the first day of class: Nuovissimo Progetto italiano 2b (combined Student Textbook AND Quaderno degli Esercizi!)
The goal of the course is for students to be able to talk about past events, make predictions and express probability, ask and answer questions about time, weather, locations, and places. Each class will provide information and discussion on cultural aspects of Italian life.
Prerequisite: Beginner Level 2
Use these links and order a copy of your text and workbook prior to the first day of class:
Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO UPDATED EDITION Beginner/Pre-Intermediate (BOOK+E-BOOK)
Workbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO UPDATED EDITION Beginner/Pre-Intermediate (WORKBOOK)
The goal of the course is for students to talk about future events, recall events that have repeated in the past, discuss one's eating habits, and express opinions on use of technology in daily life. Each session will provide information and discussion on cultural aspects of Italian life.
Prerequisite: Beginner Level 3
Please contact the school if you have not taken any other classes at ICC before registering. An instructor will assess your level.
Use these links and order copies of your text and workbook prior to the first day of class:
Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO UPDATED EDITION -BOOK + E-BOOK INTERATTIVO
Chapters 10-12
The E-BOOK contains audios and videos.
Please note: duration of access to E-book 14 months
Workbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO UPDATED EDITION
Prerequisite: Beginner Level 5
Prerequisite: Pre-Intermediate 2
Use any of these links and order a copy of your textbooks prior to the first day of class:
In this course of the "Practice and Consolidation" series, designed for students at least at the B2 level, we will continue to review and reinforce language skills at the Upper Intermediate level while working towards a more Advanced level of accuracy and fluency. Grammar structures previously studied will be addressed in their nuances and practiced more in depth, as we increase our vocabulary to discuss socio-cultural topics relevant in contemporary Italy.
Prerequisite: NEI2B
If you have not taken other classes at the ICC before, PLEASE REGISTER HERE for our PLACEMENT TEST. An instructor will assess your level.
Use this link and order your texts prior to the first day of class:
Nuovissimo Progetto Italiano 3 TEXTBOOK (Libro dello Studente con Audio)
and Nuovissimo Progetto Italiano 3 WORKBOOK (Quaderno degli Esercizi)
Note: These same books will be used for several consecutive semesters.
Students will engage with authentic material focused on different emotions (fear, shock, love, hate, laughter, to name a few) presented in various cultural, historic, literary and sociolinguistic contexts. The goal of the course is for the student to express opinions precisely and thoroughly, use accurate and appropriate vocabulary, and participate in discussions while practicing advanced grammatical structures.
If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before, REGISTER HERE for our PLACEMENT TEST. An instructor will assess your level.
Textbook: Colori d'Italia
The goal of the course is for students to be able to speak more extensively about themselves, their profession, their likes and dislikes. Students will also learn how to handle situations related to ordering at restaurants, shops, ask about prices, clothes, and daily activities. Each class will provide information and discussion on cultural aspects of Italian life.
Prerequisite: Beginner Level 1
If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before, please register here for our Placement Exam so an instructor can assess your level.
Please use these links to order a copy of both the text and workbook prior to the first day of class:
Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO (Beginner/Pre-Intermediate) UPDATED ED. TEXTBOOK + E-BOOK
Workbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO (Beginner/Pre-Intermediate) UPDATED ED. WORKBOOK
Note: The E-book includes Audio and Videos and interactive exercises used throughout the course. Online Access is good for 14 months, but as long as you are enrolled with ICC you will continue to have free access! The same textbook will be used for our entire series Beginner 1-5.
If interested, English Grammar for students of Italian is a great reference for differences in English and Italian grammar structures.
Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO UPDATED EDITION (BOOK+E-BOOK)
Prerequisite: Pre-Intermediate 1
The goal of this course is for the student to be able to communicate about events of the past, working on when and how to use the different past tenses, and to express feelings, emotions. Each class will provide information and discussion on cultural aspects of Italian life.
Prerequisite: Intermediate Level 1
If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before registering, REGISTER HERE for our PLACEMENT TEST. An instructor will assess your level.
Use these links and order a copy of your text prior to the first day of class:
NUOVO ESPRESSO 3 (BOOK + INTERACTIVE E-BOOK)
The E-Book contains all audios and videos. Duration of access to E-book: 14 months.
Note: the textbook includes homework exercises (with keys).
In this course, students will learn to introduce themselves, greet others politely and informally, get to know others by asking and sharing information about their place of origin, occupation and free time, as well as how to order in a cafe and a restaurant. Each class will provide information and discussion on cultural aspects of Italian life.
Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO Beginner/Pre-Intermediate UPDATED EDITION -BOOK + E-BOOK INTERATTIVO
Workbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO Beginner/Pre-Intermediate WORKBOOK UPDATED EDITION
The goal of the course is for students to be able to describe personalities, accept and refuse invitations, discuss and compare Italian social habits, understand and give recommendations and instructions. Each session will provide information and discussion on cultural aspects of Italian life.
Prerequisite: Beginner Level 4
If you have not taken any other classes at ICC before, PLEASE SIGN UP HERE FOR OUR PLACEMENT TEST. An instructor will assess your level.
Textbook: NEW ITALIAN ESPRESSO UPDATED EDITION -(BOOK + E-BOOK INTERATTIVO)
Chapters 13-15
Prerequisite: Bridge Class #1
If you have not taken any other classes at ICC, REGISTER HERE for our PLACEMENT TEST . An instructor will assess your level. You must be a B1 or above to enroll in this course.
Use this link and order a copy of your textbook prior to the first day of class:
NUOVO ESPRESSO 4 + EBOOK INTERACTIVE - it includes textbook+workbook, plus access to e-book (license duration for e-book: 14 months)
Note: The E-book includes online access to Audio and Videos and interactive exercises used throughout the course. The same textbook will be used for our entire series Beginner 1-5.
I am delighted to invite you to Torino, my hometown, a true hidden gem off the beaten path, in the northwestern region of Piemonte, Italy.
Torino has been described as Italy’s most elegant city, with its Baroque and Art Deco architecture, featuring a fascinating historic center with grand squares, cobbled streets, and art nouveau cafes. For centuries, Torino was the seat of the royal Savoy family and from 1861 to 1865 it was the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy.
A vibrant and elegant city, seat of a prestigious University founded in 1404, Torino has a unique legacy that blends dedication for creativity and innovation, a strong literary and visual art tradition and a passion for good food and wine, as shown by the innumerable bars, restaurants and bookstores present throughout the city.
Torino offers a unique blend of history, art, culture and fantastic culinary and wine experiences. With its proximity to UNESCO World heritage sites of Langhe and Monferrato — that we will visit — along with the lesser known but equally spectacular area of Vercellese, Torino is a fantastic destination for a memorable vacation.
I am looking forward to accompanying you on this trip and show you everything I know of this city and region that I love and still call home.
Astrid Garino, MD
President, The Italian Cultural Center of Minneapolis/St.Paul
.......................................
DATES: October 4 to October 18, 2025
Our package includes:
For a detailed description of the program click HERE
RATES
$5,450
Registration fee: $500 (non refundable)
First half of the balance due by March 15, 2025
Balance due by June 15, 2025
.....................................................
A detailed presentation of the program will be offered in person on
Sunday , January 26, 2025, from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
at the Italian Cultural Center
To register to the free presentation click HERE
Join us for a 60-minute in-person lesson designed for 1st - 3rd grade Elementary School children with little or no exposure to Italian. Students will build their confidence in speaking and listening by focusing on vocabulary and oral communication skills through interactive songs, dances, stories, games, and imaginative play. They will also explore simple reading and writing in Italian. The lessons will emphasize contemporary Italian culture, traditional holidays, and geography.
After each lesson, families will receive a summary of the topics and activities covered, suggestions, and links for optional exercises to practice at home during the week.
This 60-minute in-person lesson is designed for Upper Elementary and Middle School students with previous exposure to Italian.
The focus will be on building vocabulary, enhancing oral communication skills, reading, writing, pronunciation, spelling, as well as cultural competency.
Students will have a structured and progressive learning experience by engaging in dynamic activities while following a more challenging but still age-appropriate workbook. Activities conducted entirely in Italian. We also emphasize contemporary Italian culture, traditional holidays, and geography.
After each lesson, families will receive an email summary of the topics and activities covered in class. We will also provide suggestions and links for exercises to review and practice at home during the week.
Explore our engaging 60-minute in-person lessons, designed for early elementary school children (1st-3rd graders) who want to immerse themselves in the Italian language or who have Italian-speaking backgrounds at home.
These sessions aim to boost students' confidence in speaking and listening comprehension while introducing them to fundamental reading and writing skills in Italian. Activities are diverse and include interactive elements such as singing, dancing, acting, role-playing, and educational games.
Following each lesson, families will receive a comprehensive email summary detailing the topics and activities covered during class. Additionally, we provide tailored suggestions for supplementary materials to facilitate continued practice and reinforcement of learning throughout the week.
NO CLASS on: February 15 (Presidents' Day Wkend), March 29 and April 5 (Spring Break), and April 19 (Pasqua/Easter).
Join us for a 60-minute in-person lesson designed for preschool kids and kindergarteners ready to be immersed in an Italian-speaking environment.
These lessons will focus on vocabulary building and oral communication skills through interactive songs, stories, games, and imaginative play. We will also emphasize contemporary Italian culture, traditional holidays, and geography.
After each lesson, families will receive an email summary of the topics and activities covered in class. This email will include links to the music, online games, or videos used in class, giving families the option to reinforce the material at home throughout the week.
NO CLASS on February 15 (Presidents' Day Wkend), March 29 and April 5 (Spring Break), and April 19 (Pasqua/Easter).
Explore our engaging 60-minute, in-person, full-immersion lesson for Middle and High School students with little or no previous exposure to Italian.
Students will build their speaking and listening comprehension confidence, improve their reading and writing skills in Italian, and explore grammatical concepts while expanding their cultural competency.
Students will have a structured and progressive learning experience by engaging in dynamic activities while following an age-appropriate materials. After each lesson, families will receive an email summary of the topics and activities covered in class, along with optional material to practice the material during the week.
This highly engaging, 60-minute in-person, full-immersion lesson is for students age 12-17 with exposure to Italian or the opportunity to hear Italian at home.
Students will build their speaking and listening comprehension confidence, improve their reading and writing skills in Italian, and explore new vocabulary and grammar while expanding their cultural competency.
Students will engaging in dynamic conversations that will help them prepare for the Advanced Placement exam or PLIDA certification, as well as oral interviews for summer jobs in Italy or requiring use of Italian.
We will use two books, one for in class (no need to purchase it) and one for use at home, available for purchase on Amazon here: Quaderni del PLIDA
We are delighted to invite you to a special presentation of the upcoming 16th edition of the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis / St. Paul. On Thursday, February 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M., Tiziana Cervesato, Festival Director, and Tommaso Cammarano, Artistic Director, will present this year's exceptional lineup. In person free presentation & aperitivo. ....................................................................... Support the festival and learn more about sponsorship opportunities (view package HERE).
We are delighted to invite you to a special presentation of the upcoming 16th edition of the Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis / St. Paul. On Thursday, February 13 from 6:30 to 8:30 P.M., Tiziana Cervesato, Festival Director, and Tommaso Cammarano, Artistic Director, will present this year's exceptional lineup. In person free presentation & aperitivo.
.......................................................................
Support the festival and learn more about sponsorship opportunities (view package HERE).
Presented in Partnership The Italian Film Festival of Minneapolis/St. Paul is proudly presented by the Italian Cultural Center in partnership with MSP Film Society and The Main Cinema. Join us in celebrating Italian cinema and making a lasting impact on the arts community. Grazie ai nostri sponsor e sostenitori! ........................................ Produttore d’Élite
Presented in Partnership
Arthur Goldstein
John & Sheila Moroney
PLIDA Certification Exams 2025
Offered this February!
Registration Deadline with ICC: Friday, January 31, 2025
Certify your Italian language skills, for citizenship, or any other reason.
The ICC is pleased to announce that we will be offering the PLIDA Exams for levels A2 and B1 on: Wednesday, February 19, 2025
Important Details: Exams are administered IN-PERSON ONLY at ICC: 250 Third Avenue N., Suite 625 Minneapolis, MN 55401
The written portions of the exam will take place on Wednesday morning, while the oral interview will be scheduled on either Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday afternoon. Details will be sent to you after registration.
Please Note: A valid membership with the Società Dante Alighieri (SDA) is required to take the exam. You can process your SDA membership using this link.
We are the only PLIDA Certification center in the area, so don’t miss this important opportunity!
For any questions, please contact sabrina@theitalianculturalcenter.org
Immerse your child in the beauty of the Italian language and culture through our interactive story-time sessions and delightful social activities!
The Italian Cultural Center Youth School warmly invites families—parents, grandparents, and toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years—to join us for a series of 10 informal intergenerational gatherings on Saturday mornings at the ICC in the North Loop.
Session Dates: Every Saturday from February 22 - March 22, 9am - 9:50am, and Sunday April 26 - May 17.
This series is FREE for all ICC Family Members.
Space is limited so REGISTER NOW, and don’t miss this wonderful opportunity to spark your child’s curiosity and lay the foundation for multilingualism!
Italian for Parents is a 6-session mini-course designed to help parents incorporate practical Italian conversation into daily family life. You'll learn essential vocabulary and functional phrases to support your child(ren)'s learning and language use outside the classroom.
Each session focuses on communicative competence and aligns with the Youth School lesson themes—such as daily routines, meals, making plans, winter activities, and more—empowering you to encourage your child(ren) to use familiar vocabulary and structures at home.
Session Dates/Times: Two Saturdays per month, 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Space is limited, so REGISTER NOW to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity to enrich your family’s multilingual experience!
Announcing the ICC’s Caffè e Conversazione Series!
Join us to refine your Italian conversational skills in a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere. Sip un caffè, enjoy un tè caldo, and savor un biscottino while engaging in lively discussions.
Open to both MEMBERS and NON-MEMBERS!
Led by a native Italian instructor, each 60-minute session offers the perfect opportunity to meet others, exchange stories, and delve into a variety of topics—all while enhancing your fluency and confidence in speaking Italian.
Immerse yourself in Italian culture, make new friends, and experience the joy of authentic conversations in a friendly community of fellow language enthusiasts.
Ti aspettiamo!
Session Dates/Times: Two Saturdays per month, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
March 8, 22
April 12, 26
May 3, 10
Please Note: Separate registration is required for each date. Cancellations require a minimum of 48 hours’ notice for a refund.