Italy is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, and its main language is Italian. The country’s rich history, vibrant culture, and world-renowned cuisine draw countless visitors each year. However, your travel experience could be greatly enhanced if you could communicate in Italian.
While some people learn Italian using phrasebooks during their interactions with locals, you can learn the language much faster by following a comprehensive online course like ItalianPod101. Developed by Innovative Language, ItalianPod101 is one of the better Italian courses we’ve encountered. Continue reading for our complete review.
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ItalianPod101 Review Summary
ItalianPod101 is a flexible language learning platform for learning Italian on the go. You can access this learning resource using your mobile phone, tablet, iPad, or web for convenience.
The platform offers plenty of resources, which you can rely on to build your pronunciation and vocabulary. If your main focus is learning the basics of grammar, then you might want to check out supplemental resources to help you.
Fortunately, ItalianPod101 is easy to use and has a decent user interface. There is plenty of content and lessons to keep you busy for a very long time. The major issue that we noted about this platform is that the structure of its modules could be improved.
Overall, this is a useful learning resource for both intermediate and beginner Italian learners. Advanced learners, however, may not find this online tool as useful.
Signing up for ItalianPod101
Once you register for ItalianPod101, you are automatically enrolled into a 7-day free trial of the Premium plan to test out its features. You can sign up using your Google email or another email account and the process takes less than a minute to complete.
Pros of ItalianPod101
Pro #1: Using the platform is quite easy
When you’re getting started with ItalianPod101, there isn’t much that you’re expected to do. The registration process is fast and seamless, and you don’t have a lot of fields to fill in. Also, the site is relatively intuitive for brand new users.
Pro #2: The site is well-designed
The website has an impressive design. When you complete each module, it will automatically display your progress.
Pro #3: Usable across all devices
This platform works on the web, tablets, and mobile phones.
Pro #4: Covers different areas to sharpen your Italian skills
ItalianPod101 covers reading, listening, and speaking skills. It also has an interactive voice recorder, and even teaches aspects about Italian culture as well.
Pro #5: Has plenty of extra features
ItalianPod101 includes plenty of additional features, including: flashcards, word bank, most common words lists, key phrases, and other study tools.
Cons of ItalianPod101
Con #1: The modules could be better organized
Unfortunately, the modules are not well-organized. They could use some improvements.
Con #2: Does not have enough quizzes
As much as the quizzes in this learning platform are useful, there could be more quizzes available for those that like to test their learning.
Con #3: The lessons utilize a lot of English to explain various concepts
Considering that this is a platform to help you learn Italian, it uses a lot of English for teaching (even at the higher levels)
Features of ItalianPod101
ItalianPod101 offers a variety of features for helping students learn Italian in a fun, fast, and engaging way. Some of those features include:
Audio lessons
The main lessons offered within ItalianPod101 are in audio format featuring native and non-native speakers. Normally, they are short and concise, and are structured to teach relevant vocabulary or grammar. It’s also possible for you to download the audio lessons so that you can listen to them at a later time.
Video lessons
ItalianPod101 also offers short video lessons that help boost your comprehension skills. These videos are particularly useful because they allow you to observe how the speaker uses their mouth to produce specific sounds, making it easier to mimic them accurately.
Flashcards
With a Premium membership, you have access to a variety of tools, including flashcards. The flashcards contain the vocabulary that you hear in the audio and video lessons, giving you more practice and exposure.
Mobile App
If you prefer to learn while on the go, then you can install the mobile app to study Italian from any location. The mobile phone interface is not only well-designed but also easy to use. You can also download files via the app.
Who would benefit from ItalianPod101?
ItalianPod101 is an excellent online learning platform for someone who is looking to enhance their Italian language skills. However, the platform is best suited for beginner to intermediate students as well as for those who want to learn Italian while on the go.
Who would NOT benefit from ItalianPod101?
There are also individuals who may not benefit from this online tool. These include advanced learners of Italian, those who are uncomfortable learning in an online environment, and individuals who require the constant attention of a tutor to progress in learning Italian.
ItalianPod101 vs Competitors
Besides ItalianPod101, there are other platforms that students can use to learn Italian. Let us have a look at some of them, and see how they compare to ItalianPod101.
ItalianPod101 vs. Pimsleur
Pimsleur is a long-established platform for practicing and improving your spoken Italian. Unlike ItalianPod101, which has audio lessons, video lessons, and flashcards, Pimsleur teaches only via audio lessons. The platform is designed to improve your conversational skills. Their technique uses questions and answers to encourage active recall.
ItalianPod101 vs FluentU
FluentU is also another platform that can help improve your Italian. When you sign up with FluentU you get 14 days free, while ItalianPod101 gives you a 7-day free trial. The idea of FluentU is to learn Italian by watching native videos. It also has other tools such as captions, flashcards, games, and Italian TV shows.
ItalianPod101 Price
You can choose from between three subscription tiers: Basic, Premium, and PremiumPLUS, each offering more features than the tier below it.
Basic Monthly Subscription $4 $2.80/month (using this link)
After you’ve registered for a free account, you can choose to subscribe to the Basic membership, which offers in-depth lessons, complete lesson notes, and 100 core words and phrases. You can also access the app via the website, iPhone, Android, iPad, or tablet.
Premium Monthly Subscription $10 $7/month (using this link)
Alternatively, you can select the Premium membership to gain access to HD videos, line-by-line audio dialogue, 2000 core words and phrases, and Premium access on other devices. The Premium package also includes a recording option, vocabulary slideshow, daily new lessons, custom word lists, audio dictionary, word bank, grammar bank, and spaced repetition flashcards.
PremiumPLUS Monthly Subscription $23 $16/month (using this link)
The ItalianPod101 PremiumPLUS membership offers everything included in the Basic and Premium plans as well as access to a one-on-one teacher, assignments, ongoing professional assessment, and a personalized learning curriculum. It also gives you PremiumPLUS access on all your devices. The curriculum is structured by your teacher based on your study needs, level, and goals.
Moreover, you get a 60-day, 100% money-back guarantee if you are dissatisfied with the package that you purchased.
ItalianPod101 Review: Conclusion
We rate ItalianPod101 a solid 4 out of 5 for effectiveness, value, and fun. This platform effectively combines audio lessons, videos, and flashcards to help you practice and master Italian. Signing up is quick and easy, and you’ll enjoy a 7-day free trial. After the trial, you can choose from three packages: Basic, Premium, and PremiumPLUS, each offering features designed to enhance your Italian language skills.
By using our sign-up link, you’ll receive a 30% discount on your order, and we earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.