ItalianPod101 review – A thorough and honest examination
Do you want to learn Italian but are always on the go? If this is your case, you should check out this platform. In this ItalianPod101 review, we get into details about this podcast-style course. We like it because it allows you to fit lessons into your busy day using your mobile phone, tablet, iPad, laptop, or desktop PC.
Our Roman soldier buddy is making a bird sight inspection of the surroundings. Just as we do when learning a new language. We explore the language’s culture and search for tools to make language learning easy.
Innovative Languages is the company behind ItalianPod101. They also have courses for 33 other languages. The platform has an intuitive interface making it very easy to use. The lessons are of high quality. And we judge they are a good match for beginners.
We recommend this platform to anybody at a beginner or intermediate level. However, for advanced users, we would not be advocating it.
Have you already made up your mind to join ItalianPod101? Click here.
Would you like to learn more before joining? Please continue reading. We try to be as thorough and honest as possible.
After planning on top of the mountain, our roman soldier friend starts his journey. We need to take action when we want to learn a language. No progress will take place if we don’t hit the road!
Italianpod101 review
Italianpod101 offers you to test their course for free for a period of 7-days. So, you could take advantage of this and see if you like their format.
The process of signing up is very straightforward. There are not many input fields to fill in. And registration would typically take less than one minute.
Signing up is mandatory. When you sign up, you indicate your Italian language level. You also have to add an email address. Afterward, an email will arrive in your inbox. You need to confirm it, and that is it! You are good to go.
An alternative for signing up is doing it through your Facebook account.
How does ItalianPod101 approach the language?
They believe in exposure to the language in its natural contexts. In the contexts in which natives speak the language. Therefore, along the course, you will listen to everyday life expressions. The type of phrases you would hear in Italy.
The roman soldier doesn’t know that hidden in between the bushes awaits the tiger. You can’t start your language journey without expecting struggles and difficulties.
The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) agrees with this method.
Most lessons start with a simple dialogue. In it, natives speak. This conversation introduces a language skill. The next step is a walk-through of the cultural background in the dialog. After that, you will go over the vocabulary. And finally, you will also have phrases, morphology, and syntax explained.
Run, run! This tiger is hungry! Have you ever been in a scenario where you don’t remember the words in your target language to escape an embarrassing situation? Our minds race faster than the roman soldier buddy trying to find the word or phrase.
The ItalianPod101 course has a minimal focus on grammar instruction.
A quick walk through the header menu in ItalianPod101
Once you sign in, you will find this header menu. Let us walk you through it to get you started as soon as possible.
The Dashboard tab:
On this tab, the platform suggests the lessons you should take. Recommendations take into account your current level.
The platform puts these lessons together in what they call “pathways.” Accordingly, it adds more pathways to your dashboard as you progress through the lessons.
These learning pathways are a recent implementation. Before, ItalianPod101 had a problem with messy, unstructured lessons.
They now have grouped lessons by levels, topics, or areas of interest. Thus, this has improved their presentation by providing an organized and linear learning route.
So let us give you a couple of examples to show you what we mean.
They have a pathway called “Level 1 Italian.” It contains 78 lessons equating to 14 hours and 52 minutes. This module also includes 61 assessments.
The podcast-style course you find in Italianpod101 is brilliant because it enables you to practice on the go. More practice translates into higher chances of recalling what we are learning.
They also have another pathway called “Survival Phrases.” It contains 60 lessons equating to 6 hours and 48 minutes.
Italianpod101 dedicates sections to survival phrases. Good thing that our roman soldier friend remembered an emergency weapon hidden in the woods.
And so on. You now have an idea of what these pathways are. And by doing so, you will navigate the platform with ease.
The Lessons tab:
Here you will find the lesson library, newest lessons, and favorites.
This tab allows you to choose your pathways. You can check and highlight the route you want to follow. There are lots of options when it comes to paths.
So, this tab does the opposite of the previous one. Here you get to choose the route you want.
You may be one of those that don’t feel comfortable with self-directed learning. If this is the case, you should follow the pathways on your dashboard (the previous tab we checked).
But on the other hand, you may feel limited with imposed structure. In that case, finding the lessons you like on the lessons tab (this tab we’re reviewing now) is definitely for you.
The Vocabulary tab:
Here you can find many free resources applicable to your study plan. Here we will only mention a few. There is an Italian Dictionary and a section on Italian keyphrases. You will also see the word of the day and a list of the 100 most commonly used words, among others. Additionally, there is a flashcard tool.
In the Main Features segment that you find further on, they are detailed.
My teacher tab:
Here they will assign you a private teacher. The teacher sits down with you and personalizes your learning curriculum. Your goals for learning the language, current level, and study needs are part of the personalization.
This feature pertains exclusively to the Premium Plus plan. We recognize not all students want or need it. Further on in this article, the three membership types ItalianPod101 offers are described.
Main features available in ItalianPod101
As we have mentioned above, lessons are arranged together and form pathways. Since ItalianPod101 follows a podcast-style delivery, these lessons are usually in audio format. Because of their importance in the course, the spotlight is on them.
Audio lessons:
These audio lessons usually feature a native speaker and a non-native speaker. With a few exceptions, these audio lessons are concise. Most of them last 10 to 12 minutes.
Structure of the audio lessons
Diving into the structure of the audio lessons, we find out that most follow this pattern:
Italian dialogue at ordinary speed
The same conversation in Italian but slowed down
Dialogue with English translations
Vocabulary breakdown of the words used in the previous dialogue
Grammar discussion
Cultural pointers
Commendation
These audio lessons are 100% downloadable. In theory, this means that you have the option of downloading all the course content. That is, even without having to renew your subscription. With ItalianPod101, you own what you buy.
Other online courses are limited to only online use. But here, you can download all the files and go through lessons without the Internet.
We must mention an important point to keep in mind when learning Italian. You should make a distinction between formal and informal speech. Italian people, in given contexts, tend to be more formal than people in English. These audio lessons will aid you with this. They offer dialogues for both formal and informal speeches.
The last section of the lesson is the transcript which details everything you heard in the audio. The parts in English and Italian are in the transcript. You even have the option to download the transcript as a PDF document.
So you can download the audio files. And you can download the transcript too.
You can add words you would like to review further to the Flashcard Deck or Word Bank. You can also choose Slideshow (where you can hear the words again) or Take Quiz to test your knowledge.
A tactic we found commendable was anchoring the lessons in various situational topics. They selected authentic situations that you would encounter in Italy. Old textbooks used to just present grammar points. So, this move makes learning more intuitive. For example, the lessons would take place: at a restaurant, on the bus, asking for medical help, and so on. Immersing yourself in the scene they paint is part of learning.
Criticism
This platform is far from perfect. So we will also share the things we do not like.
Throughout the audio lessons, conversational banter in English takes place.
Another criticism is that the lessons sound very scripted.
We all have different things that make us click or turn us off. You have the last word on these!
Additional words concerning the audio lessons
Some of you may not like to listen to the English-speaking parts. There is good news. There is an option to go straight into the meat of the Italian vocabulary and dialogues.
A section of comments is available at the end of the lesson. Here you can share your opinions and discuss any aspect of your learning process.
We advise you to take a look at the online lesson player. It will be your study buddy as you learn Italian. The online player enables you to listen to the complete track, just the Italian audio, or even go over the whole lesson again. This review track is helpful when you want to practice. You can exercise your pronunciation or your listening skills.
Summarized opinion about the audio lessons
Imagine they gave us the task of summarizing our opinion about the audio lessons in three words. Logical, clear, and extensive are the words we would choose.
Video lessons:
ItalianPod101 also features short video lessons. In them, you practice answering questions and listening to explanations. With video, you can see how the speaker is using their mouth to mimic the sounds they make.
However, most video lessons are low quality. We refer to video slideshows with an audio track. Some would even consider these audio lessons. It seems to be an initial attempt to start venturing into video.
But, there is a series in their video collection by the Italian host Ilaria. Check them out! They are good. These are available in the Beginner and Intermediate categories only. In these videos, Ilaria is in front of the camera. And you can see how she pronounces each Italian word. She has a pleasant personality and about 50 video lessons.
Flashcards:
Once you have a premium membership, flashcards appear on your toolbox.
First of all, it continues where your lessons left you. In other words, the flashcards show you the same vocabulary you have been hearing in the main course. When words are fresh in your brain, and before you forget them, you get exposed to them again through flashcards.
Besides the actual flashcards, you also get to hear the words pronounced again. They also give you examples. They show you how each word fits into different contexts besides the one heard in your lesson.
The flashcard tool uses spaced repetition theory. In other words, it considers our tendency to forget recently learned words. It then organizes reviews taking this tendency into account. Since we have a forgetting curve, they schedule revisits just before we forget them. Do you find this topic exciting? If you want to read a whole article on this, click here.
The Flashcard interface is dull. It is free of glitches, and it does its work. But it could be a bit more aesthetically pleasing.
You have the primary word bank when using Flashcards. It has 2,000 words with pronunciation and example sentences for all entries. Reaching proficiency in 2,000 words means being fluent in a language (well, at least in most cases). Once you reach that milestone, you “graduate.” It means you can get your vocabulary from native material. Imagine reading books, newspapers, or anything on the Internet!
Mobile application:
Do you remember we asked you when we opened this post, “Do you want to learn Italian but are always on the go?” Well, the answer to that is its mobile application.
You can take advantage of all we have shared with you about this platform anytime you want. You can use it while you commute, do chores, or do any activity away from your computer.
The principal benefit ItalianPod101 has is that they focus on portability. The platform has done a great job with the mobile app. It delivers a genuine mobile experience. The app is well-designed and easy to use.
We explained you could download the lessons and transcripts on your PC or laptop. Well, you can also download files via the app.
You can download this app for free. Available for Android, iPhone, iPad, and Kindle Fire.
We must also mention that ItalianPod101 comes with a supplemental free flashcard app. Its name is “Word Power.” This app is only devoted to giving you flashcards. But it is clunky. So, avoid it.
PDF lesson notes:
These notes are thorough. You can see the platform put a lot of work into them. Please take advantage of these notes. A good thing to do is print them and keep them for reference even after your subscription ends.
Cultural Insights:
Some courses pass by this crucial point. Platforms with a whole array of languages tend to neglect the cultural aspects of each language.
Innovative Languages is the company behind ItalianPod101. It also produces and maintains courses in 33 other languages. But they do not follow what other similar companies do. Hence, Innovative Languages pay special attention to cultural insights. And they even include them in every lesson of ItalianPod101. That is helpful because language and culture go hand in hand.
ItalianPod101 Cons
Although this platform ticks several boxes, it’s far from perfect. Some areas need a lot of improvement, and others need to have a different approach. Thus, here is our list of things we dislike about ItalianPod101.
1. They have attempted to organize all their lessons through what they call “pathways.” But they still need a lot of refinement in this area. Classes deal with the same topic but do not necessarily have uniformity concerning difficulty level.
2. They include quizzes along the course, but not enough. There could still be more quizzes available for those that like to test their learning.
3. Since the main focus of this course is podcasts, any extra content would be a bonus. But some of these bonuses need a lot of development. For example, they should redo most of their video lessons. And also upgrade their Word Power app.
4. They give a lot of explanations in English (even at higher levels). We understand it could help up to a certain beginner level. However, intermediate and advanced students would gain from a model that favors immersion.
5. Even when you’re already a member, get prepared for aggressive email marketing.
ItalianPod101 Pros
Without a doubt, this platform is outstanding. Here are some of the features that make it worth giving it a try.
1. Easy to get started. You only fill in a few fields in the registration process.
2. The platform is intuitive for brand-new users. You’ll find your way around the lessons without effort.
3. The site is well-designed. There are not any glitches or bugs.
4. After you test drive it and decide to buy one of their memberships, they have good deals. Even for the basic tier, it provides 850+ lessons (between audio and video). Thus, it is a serious value for your money.
5. The structure encourages you. It automatically displays your progress when you complete each module.
6. You can use it across all your devices: it works on the web, tablets, and mobile phones. You can even use it on your Kindle Fire.
7. Audio lessons are top-notch.
8. Flashcards are in sync with your progress on your lessons. Consequently, this helps solidify vocabulary recently learned.
9. It dives into cultural insights in each lesson.
10. PDF lesson notes have a lot of work put into them. You can use them for reference even years after you cancel your membership.
11. You can download all the lessons, their transcript, PDF lesson notes, etc. You own what you pay.
12. ItalianPod101 is continually updated. You’ll frequently see new audio and video lessons. They come with a tag that says “New,” so you don’t miss them.
Is ItalianPod101 free?
First of all, you can sign up for a 7-day free trial. This test drive is an opportunity for you to decide. Then you can consider the different packages they offer.
What a relief when our roman friend grabs the spear hidden in the woods. We also smile when we remember the Italian phrase we have been trying to recall.
How much does ItalianPod101 cost?
There are three plans: Basic, Premium, and Premium Plus. Each of these plans differs in price. Check what each membership includes and how much they cost. If you click a link on this post and subscribe to a membership, we receive a small commission at no added cost on your part.
Features included in the Basic package ($8 per month or $4 per month with a 2-year subscription):
Access to all their lessons.
In-Depth Lesson Notes.
One hundred Core Words and Phrases.
Access the Basic package through all your devices using the app (iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets).
Features of the Premium package ($25 per month or $10 per month with a 2-year subscription):
The Premium package includes all the features mentioned for the Basic package. It also adds the ones indicated here.
Line-by-Line Audio Dialogue.
Access the Premium package through all your devices using the app.
Flashcards sync with your lessons, and a spaced repetition system is in place.
You have the option of recording yourself to compare it with the native speaker.
Custom word lists.
Season vocabulary.
Word bank.
Grammar bank.
Audio dictionary.
Vocabulary slideshow.
Two thousand Core Words and Phrases.
HD Video.
Features of the Premium Plus package ($47 per month or $22.88 per month with a 2-year plan):
The Premium Plus package includes all the features mentioned for the Premium package. Plus, it adds the ones stated here.
The main benefit of this package is it gives you access to a teacher. Personalizing your learning curriculum according to your goals, level, and study needs can be helpful for some.
Access to the Premium Plus package through all your devices using the app.
It’s important to mention their 60-day 100% money-back guarantee policy. If you are unsatisfied with the package you buy, you can claim your guarantee.
Wrapping up
I hope this post has helped you get a clear and balanced overview of what is inside Italianpod101.
We conclude that ItalianPod101 is outstanding. It needs improvement in several areas. But based on how much their subscriptions cost, it delivers well.
We strongly recommend not to buy any plan until you first try the 7-day free trial. It enables you to access all the content without giving payment information.
Wow, you have made it to the end of this review. After reading this post, taking action by opening a free account would be the next step. Click here to check ItalianPod101 for yourself.
You have done well to introduce a novel way of learning Italian with comic characters. Thank you for taking the time to put this together. From your review it sounds like there need to be quite a few improvements made to rate this as a top notch program. I guess their packages are affordable, but the fact that they need to upgrade their platform seems to indicate a slight lack of commitment to bring the best quality to the customer.
Personally, I prefer the other free pckages that you mention on anotherblog. Will be checking those out!
Hi, thank you very much for reading this review and expressing your comment. It’s much appreciated. All the best learning Italian.
Hello Jonathan,
Very nice review! I can see you have taken a lot of time investigating to put this article together. Thank you for compiling in one place all I needed. It has helped me cut down on the time I spend finding if Italianpod101 works or not.
I have looked at other platforms for learning Italian. But when I came across Italianpod101, I found it offered a nice flow of lessons that let you chose your path of interest and is less expensive than many of the others. Your post has given me a really nice bird sight view of the course.
Btw, I also enjoyed going around your site. Cool cartoons!
Thanks,
Chad
Being able to customize your own learning based on your interests is cool! And yes, Italianpod101 is really affordable.
Thanks for your honest review. It’s rather difficult to find people that share the good and the bad in a balanced way. Based on what I read here, I think ItalianPod101 needs some adjustments. But it’s good to know the flaws beforehand. There are still several things I like. I’ll take advantage of the 7-day free trial offer.
Hi, thank you for reading our review. Enjoy your 7-day free trial learning Italian.
Yes, we are always needing to find ways to do more in less time. This is a great place to start for a beginner. I always take advantage of the free trial. It is worth it, but you may as well just sign up if this is something you are interested in. Love this site. I never even imagined learning Italian (maybe Spanish or French), but this is the way to go!! I am excited as a nurse we come in contact with lots of patient population. While we have a language interpreter it doesn’t hurt to be able to know some of it and be able to recognize simple words.
Hi,
it’s great that you want to learn Italian. Take advantage of ItalianPod101’s free trial. All the best.
Thank you for bringing this to my attention, I am interested in learning a language and glad I came across this article. I like the idea we are able to test it out for 7 days and the signup is user friendly. Being certified by the CEFR is a big plus in my book. I’ll give it a try.
Hi Tracey,
Yes, check it out. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask them here.
I remember about 15 years ago I bought an old audiobook to learn Italian. My first language is French, so some sound were easy for me to pick up. The problem was that my Spanish was not well stabilized yet, I will say. So I started to confuse Spanish and Italian words. That’s why I stopped learning Italian. But now I’m interested in picking it up again.
Yes, I know by first hand experience that Spanish and Italian are very close.
Good you’re giving Italian a second chance.
Hey Jonathan. Very interesting article. To be fair, I’m just starting learning Italian and posts like this are extremely useful. I was reading a bit before about ItalianPod101 and opinion were quite mixed. But looking on your detailed review, it seems as a good starting point for a beginner. I want to test trial and see if it suits me.
Hi, I am glad this review gave you some insight that encouraged you to try their free trial.
First thing, I love the cartoons for this! it seems like fun to learn a new language with those cartoons! I do wonder if you are thinking of helping others learn not just Italian speaking but maybe Spanish. I am going to be learning more of that than this one you mentioned.
Thanks again for the review. It’s great to learn what you like about this.
Hola, my first language is Spanish. Thank you for telling me you would appreciate tips for learning Spanish. I may start a project in that direction. Keep well!
Hi there, great article. I was just exploring a trip to Italy the other day. I think that learning some Italian before I go. I think this program will work great based on your review. The price seems reasonable but I really like the fact that it’s a mobile platform. This will make it easy to learn on the go. I love your pictures BTW. Thank you
Yes, give it a try.
Thank you!
Very informative article and very honest too. I applaud you on the way you mentioned the video portion of the website that needs work so at least an individual considering this program knows this up front.
You have laid out the program in an easy to understand format, nicely written.
I, like the others, love the roman soldier cartoon. Nice touch!
Thank you for your good words about this article.
I believe that clearly saying the good and the bad about every program I review is the way I can help my readers.
Honestly, I’m not a “learn languages easy” type of person. But I’m pretty sure that constantly listening to good lessons can empower you to learn. Despite my previous experiences with languages, this course seems to be what I need to get my foot in the door with Italian. I’ll give it a try. Thank you!
I am glad this post encouraged you to give languages (and specifically Italian) a second chance.
Great review article you have here and thank you for sharing such an information article. The step by step sign up process is easy to follow. And considering that their main lessons features audio and video makes it easier to follow and keep up the learning speed. Am curious. In cases where you have concerns about different aspects of topics that are being learnt, like do they have a provision for asking questions or not?
Yes, you can ask questions and you receive 1-on-1 access to a teacher that personalizes the learning program and also gives you ongoing professional assessment with the Premium+ membership.
Oh what a wonderful platform. There are indeed so many good platforms out there that many of us may find useful but we’re not aware they even exist.
This goes for me and ItalianPod101. I had no idea that it was possible to learn Italian while we commute. The fact that they have a 7 days free trial is so wonderful. Most of the time we don’t sign up to a lot of good things because often signing up isn’t easy. What I like about this is that getting stated seems to be quiet straightforward.
I like the fact that you even walked us through the header menu on ItalianPod101. Great job. The audio lessons, the video lessons, the flashcards, the pdf lessons… I’m excited! And even after the 7 days free trial, it’s affordable.
Thank you for opening my eyes to this.
You’re most welcome. I’m happy you found ItalianPod101 useful. It’s great to test drive products for free before we have to make any decision.
I took Italian in high school (which was over 20 years ago) and it would be nice to brush up on the language. I was interested in it because I have Italian roots and my nona spoke it a little bit. She’s passed now so I can’t learn from her anymore but a program like this could help. Using the characters is a cute idea. I might give the free trial a try! Thanks for such a detailed review!
Hi Nicole,
It’s nice to hear you have Italian roots. I encourage you to brush up on the language. All the best.
Thank you for your review on Italianpod 101. I have to say that learning Italian is another goal of mine but I just do not have the time to learn or study at all. I am stuck with work and this crazy global pandemic. Anyways, enough rant. I love the fact that they offer the 7 day free course, that will be a chance for me to decide if this course is for me or not. I love that the audios lessons are downloadable, so that I can listen to it over and over. I will certainly check this course out.
Hi, yes, time is a valuable commodity. Audios lessons can help us when we feel we don’t have time.
I wish you the best. Thanks for stopping by and for your comment.
Learning languages is hard. And outside of going to a country where the language you want to learn is spoken as their native tongue it is difficult to know how best to learn them.
I met a 15-year-old Albanian guy who learned Italian, Spanish and English just by working in a hotel and trying to speak to the guests. And in the same hotel I met an American girl who spoke Spanish, German and Italian and was learning Greek, (we were in Greece). Her technique was to write a few new words or phrase down each day and try to master them. I always wanted to learn a second language but neither of these approaches has worked for me.
So when reading your review it is reassuring to know Italian Pod 101’s approach could be what I really need.
We all learn languages differently. I encourage you to give Italian Pod 101’s free trial a try.
Nice job on introducing this way of learning to people and highlighting both the good and the bad about the program. I myself have never really been interested in learning another language but I might just try this free trial that they are offering just to see how it really is. Do you know of other language app that might be the same or better? My wife always wanted to learn Japanese?
To learn Japanese she could check out Duolingo (that’s a free app) and also test drive JapanesePod101 for free for 7 days.
I like the way that this course is laid out, and especially the fact that they have choices of pathways that you can choose from. This is especially handy if you need to learn some emergency Italian, and only need to know certain words and phrases.
I also love the fun way that Italian is introduced and the short lessons, which makes it great for learning on the go.
The flashcards are another really nice added bonus.
Yes, having choices of pathways is especially useful if you need to learn some emergency Italian. Not all courses allow you to craft your program.
Hey there,
Thanks for sharing this article. Being able to travel to a country and easily blend in and associate with the natives is what I have always wanted when I take a plane on vacations. But it requires learning their language and that takes time. But taking advantage on these platforms that teach you on the go is just what I need to do!
I’m glad you like to travel and also learn the language of the places where you go! The travelling experience is way more fulfilling!
Being able to connect easily with people in a foreign land is one of the challenges most people face when traveling on vacation. They need to learn the native language of the land they are visiting, so they can communicate in simple terms and exchange words easily. I’ve always had this fear whenever I decided to travel. So, I carefully select where to go when it’s time to visit another country. Good to know that this platform could help me a lot! Thanks.
Joyce
Hi, Joyce. You’re not the only one that gets frightened when confronted with a foreign language. Yeah, ItalianPod101 would be helpful!
Wow! Thanks for such a great breakdown of this language course program.
I love learning new languages. I currently speak French and English. And after reading this article, I believe Italian will be a good third one.
There are two things I like the most about Italianpod 101 program as outlined in this review. The first one is the cultural insight. I strongly believe that the best and easiest way for someone to learn a language is by learning about the people and culture that speak that language. Once you’re familiar with those two, the language will simply just flow as a bonus. It’s more like learning your boyfriend or girlfriend’s language LOL!
The second thing that I like is that every lesson, be it audio or PDF, can be downloaded. Thus, there is no need to always rely on having internet. This is great because we do not always have access to internet (and sometimes we have but it’s not a fast connection).
Once again, thanks for this detailed review!
Hi, I’m glad you found it useful!
I have always wanted to go to Paris. But I don’t speak a word of French. And here is your website informing me of this app that teaches French. I love the “My teacher tab” feature that assigns you your personal teacher. It’s a great way to get some one on one time and extra study practice. That’s just what I need.
It’s good to hear you would like to learn French. Frenchpod101 will help you a lot.
Hello,
You’ve got a helpful article here. The Italianpod101 is great for those of us that are constantly traveling. I was very impressed while reading through the features it offers. And I like that we don’t have to risk anything because we can test drive their course for free for 7 days.
Hi, yes, it’s great for travelers. Give the free trial a try!
This looks like a great product for learning Italian. Does this platform do other languages too? I have thought about learning another language but didn’t know there was this. Have you personally used it? or do you know someone who has used it? Approximately how long will it take to learn this language? Nice review.
Hi,
yes, this platform teaches other languages too. You could check them at Innovative Language.
Yes, I have used it. And I know you’ll start to see results quickly if you commit.
Thank you for this thorough and honest review of Italianpod101. This has been a useful article for me. I am someone who is very interested in learning languages. So I really found a lot of value from what you write here. Especially since it’s a platform that can be used on the go!
Hi Misael,
Thank you for stopping by. We encourage you to try the free trial.
I have been looking for a way to learn Italian. I like the availability to test drive before buying. Now is the perfect time to learn another language, so when travel opens up again we are ready to go. The cartoon characters make your site fun. Love the total immersion features: Audio, Video, Flash Cards, Mobile, and cultural insights. And the price is very affordable.
Hi, I am you took note of the immersion features. I encourage you to test drive the program for free for 7 days.
Thank you for sharing your feedback on ItalianPod101. I’m learning Spanish rather than Italian, so have now started checking out SpanishPod101. I have heard of this language app but hadn’t ever investigated further – which I will do now 🙂
Your feedback on the app is really helpful, especially the part about being able to download all of the content. I commute to work by tube (subway) so often there isn’t any signal. Being able to download it and listen to it offline is perfect for me. I also love that they seem to have lots of content so you can learn in different ways as best suits your learning style. I’m excited to explore more of this. Thanks!
Hola, I also speak Spanish and I encourage you to pursue this goal. Yeah, being able to download is a huge bonus.
I had not come across ItalianPod101 before. Reading your post, there are several things I liked. One is that they use real life situations to present a lesson. I have done an Italian beginners course but found that the audio lessons were presented by an English speaking person, so it didn’t sound authentic compared with a native speaker. I then signed up for a live class and found there was so much English being used by the other students, that I didn’t learn as much as I was hoping for.
My Italian is now at an intermediate level, so I will try the seven day trial to see if this is a course that will suit my needs. It does seem to be an affordable program.
Yes, I also like that they use real-life situations to present lessons. Yeah, you have nothing to lose with the 7-day trial.
This sounds like a very interesting concept concerning the way that this program is used. I like the different options you are given concerning either audio, video, app, or others. I also like the fact that you have different options to choose from if you feel as if what you were put on is too much. It kind of allows you to go at your own pace. Also, the fact that you have a teacher that can help you out is a great feature. I can see this being good to use for anyone that wants to begin learning a language and does not know where to start.
Hey Justin,
thank you very much for sharing your impression about italianpod101. I agree it’s a good place to start for anyone that wants to begin learning a language.
I have been trying to learn other languages for some time. From Urdu to French and it’s still a pending task. However, coming across ItalianPod101 has encouraged me. The fact that Innovative Languages has courses for 33 other languages makes me want to give it a try!
Being able to test the waters with the 7-day free trial before you commit is great!
Hey Farah, yeah I agree. There is nothing to lose with the 7-day free trial.
The World’s Best Grammar Checker
Currently, I can speak two different languages and am willing to expand.
I would love to learn another language. So, I’m studying Spanish but Italian has also been thought.
It can be busy at times therefore this software would be a great option to fit in my schedule. Thanks for bringing this to my attention!
Hi, I’m glad you’re already bilingual. These courses will help you a lot, whatever language you choose.
Hi! Thank you for introducing Italianpod101. It sounds like a great program to use to learn Italian. I always encourage my kids to learn a new and foreign language. Honestly, Italian has not crossed my mind but with an opportunity of a 7-day free trial at Italianpod101, it’s worth checking and exploring.
Hi Bogadi, I’m glad you’re considering the 7-day free trial. Italianpod101 will help your children with the language.
This is a very comprehensive overview of this Italian course. It’s cool that you can try it for 7 days for free before having to decide. I particularly like the fact that you can get 1-on-1 contact with a teacher so that you have help if you get stuck on something.
Hi, yeah being able to test drive for free makes it easier to make the decision. I hope you continue enjoying your language-learning journey.
What a great way of learning Italian especially that you can learn from any device. Thank you for sharing this very helpful and informative post. When I need to learn Italian one day, I will definitely be using this ItalianPod101 platform because it is so easy to use and anywhere I go.
Hi Jason,
yeah, I believe ItalianPod101’s biggest benefit is that they focus on portability.
Thanks for sharing this article with us! It’s always nice to have a lot of resources when you are wishing to learn another language. I know your site focusing on learning the Italian language but I am glad that Innovative Languages offers more courses through their platform. The pricing also seems reasonable and the pros seem to out way to cons so I will be giving this service a go in the future.
Hi Rachel. It’s nice to hear you would like to try Innovative Languages’ podcast-style approach. Happy learning!
I have actually tried ItaianPod101 before and I had a great experience. It really helped when I was living in Germany and driving to Italy alot on weekend trips. I was able to do some basic communication with the Italians, especially since they hate speaking English lol. Thank you for this review
Your comment about Italians hating to speak English made me smile. It’s nice that you have already tried
ItaianPod101 and have had good results. Thanks for sharing your experience with us.
I like the cartoon soldier. Kinda cool, running away from the tiger until he finds a weapon. But then the tiger goes away. It reminds me of fearing a foreign language until I get a grip on the language and then the fear goes away. 🙂
I think this is worth a try. Especially because of the 7-day free trial. Thank you for your detailed review.
That’s a nice analogy between the tiger and our fears. Thanks for sharing it!
Yes, giving ItalianPod101 is a no-brainer. Enjoy the course!
You really did an honest and thorough review of ItalianPod101.
The very platform, how to navigate it, what is included on the basic, premium, and premium plus packages are well explained. You also gave a good idea of how each lesson on the package can be viewed or taken for study.
You are very honest in presenting the commendations, critics, pros, and cons.
But in my personal view as once a document provider and technical contributor for food manufacturing systems, the price of each package should remain the same if the improvements being expected are provided. I’d accept the addition of another package with a higher price but not a change in the price of current packages. I’d like to set apart a budget having the guarantee that the price won’t change for me.
Hi Rose.
Yes, I agree with you concerning the price of their packages.
They have a long time maintaining the same price. However, if you would like to secure the current price, they have 2-year plans in which you even get a huge discount.
I did an Italian beginners course but found that the audio lessons were presented by an English-speaking person. And he didn’t sound authentic compared with a native speaker. I see that there is a lot of conversational banter in English in this course too. Are the hosts native Italian speakers? I wouldn’t like to repeat the story of my previous course.
Good point! Yes, I openly tell you beforehand that a lot of conversational banter in English takes place on ItalianPod101. And I don’t agree with that. I believe that in the higher levels, this should not happen. But you still get an authentic Italian course because the hosts are native Italian speakers. You could check it out by yourself with the 7-day free trial.
Thanks for stopping by and for your question.
I’m slow when it comes to learning languages. So, if I can learn on my mobile, that would increase my exposure to the language and thus, should reduce the time I tarry to get a good grip of the language.
I also like that I could be assigned a private teacher who can personalize my learning curriculum. Although it is optional, I think I may need this further on.
Hey! I really encourage you to give this mobile-friendly platform a try.
Concerning a private tutor, I also recommend you check out italki!
Thank you for stopping by and all the best learning Italian!
Along with Duolingo, I have used this platform in the past. It took me a while to get used to how it works but it was indeed really helpful. The modules that they teach you are easy to follow along. And you can get back on track easily whenever you spend some time away. I have tried a lot of websites and apps, but so far this is one of my favorites.
I’m glad you’ve had a good experience using Italianpod101. Yes, it takes a few days getting used to the program but once you do, it quickly finds a place into your daily life.
Never heard of this, but I do like that they intertwine language and culture. Culture is a huge part of language, as you said. I personally have some doubts about these apps. They always seem somehow lacking, never able to really provide what you actually fully need in order to be fluent in any language.
Hi Christina. Yes you’re right. The inclusion of culture in this language app is a very good point. Many of the big language teaching companies out there (Rosetta Stone, Duolingo) don’t include this.
I also agree with you in that each app has weaknesses. And they are more like aids and not one-stop solutions. But I think the right thing to do is to take advantage of Italianpod101’s 7-day free trial. Based on your own experience you can determine if it’s a good program for you.
Thank you very much for stopping by and for your comment.
I know some languages are harder to learn than others. I was wondering if Italian was any harder or easier than other languages? Really enjoyed the thorough breakdown of the course you presented. I also love they assign a teacher to you. This is so important in learning pronunciation and a great way to keep you on track. The price doesn’t break the bank either. Thanks!
Italian is fairly close to English, so it could be considered an easy language to learn for English speakers. There are easier (closer languages such as German or Norwegian) and harder (with less things in common, such as Hebrew or Arabic).
It’s important to note that a teacher is only assigned to you with the Premium Plus membership.
I studied Italian in high school and college. I lived near the Italian border for a while. At that time I spoke Italian fluently.
But then I moved. Right now I haven’t used Italian for over 15 years. So I have lost a lot of vocabulary.
I came across the ItalianPod101 YouTube channel and it was fun. So I decided to research about the platform.
The ItalianPod101 cost is pretty affordable. And since they have this free trial, I may as well give it a try.
Thank you for sharing how you learned Italian in your childhood. That’s the best way to learn a language. I believe that you could recover all your vocabulary in a matter of months if you get daily exposure to the language. Yeah, try the ItalianPod101 free trial! You’ll like it!
One of the features that I like the most is the ItalianPod101 app. We’re always on the go these days, so having access to these Italian podcast lessons via an app is awesome.
I personally like to learn from video and audio lessons. And they have included both. And Flashcards could also do a trick. Overall, it seems like the creators of ItalianPod101 have thought about everything.
Yeah, the ItalianPod101 app is a very handy tool. It’s difficult for us to devote a full hour daily to learn a language. But having an app like this, we can get exposed to Italian while we’re doing other activities in our daily life.
Hi,
I’ve been using Duolingo for years. And although it’s great to expand our vocabulary, it’s not that amazing for our conversational skills.
I was interested in finding Italian podcast lessons. And the ItalianPod101 app seems to be great. Considering that the price is not too bad and they offer a 7-day free trial, I think I might give this a go!
Their podcast style is a good way to listen to Italian. And listening is key to develop conversational skills.
I learned Italian a long time ago but I haven’t practiced in years. I think I have an intermediate level. Italianpod101 sounds like a good course. I also like that it focuses more on dialogue instead of grammar. I would prefer explanations to be in the language you’re learning, a full immersion, but I understand that it’s sometimes better to explain things in English on beginners levels. The flashcards are also a good and useful feature. Prices are great too, all three levels are affordable and seem to offer a lot of value.
Thank you very much for stopping by. Podcasts to learn Italian are great for those who have never had experience with the language. But for you, they’ll just be awesome. A couple of episodes and you’ll be saying “buongiorno” and “grazie mille” to everybody!
All the best!
Thank you for an honest and broad presentation of this platform. It indeed is affordable!
I love learning languages. And the Romance language group is my favorite. As a child, I learned Italian at school. However, the learning program was not intensive, so I just learned the basics. Now I would like to perfect what I learned and the ItalianPod101 platform seems great for me.
Keep writing useful post like this!
Greetings,
Danijela
I’m glad you’re encouraged to brush up your Italian skills. You’ll be speaking Italian in no time.
Hello Jonathan, this is awesome a new way of learning Italian pod 101, you said it is easy to learn and fun I know it need to be fun that helps with learning, and a free trial very good, about a year ago I would have been interesting, but now my plate is full I work a job and I am building a website and it takes all of my time plus there are others thing as well, I wish I had the time, I am having eye surgery too.
Thank you so much,
Thank you
A new way of learning Italian. I listen to a lot of podcasts. So this podcast-style course sounds interesting. Since it has this free trial, it’s easy to check out for ourselves. However, I’m just seeing what’s available, but presently I won’t join. I have so many things going on. But I’ll keep this in the back of my mind.
Hi Dorothy, that’s perfectly fine. It’s a pleasure to have you. And I’m glad you found the idea of an Italian podcast course useful. I hope you can soon be able to give it a try! All the best.
Hi There,
Thank you for the great review. It is very clear and comprehensive. Outlining the pros and cons is really useful. I always wanted to learn another language. ItalianPod101 seems like a very user friendly way to do it. It also seems affordable. In addition, I like that it has the 60-day 100% money-back guarantee policy.
Hi!
Yes, ItalianPod101 is user-friendly. And its 60-day 100% money-back guarantee is a good policy.
Thank you very much for visiting us and stopping by to leave your impressions.
Hi Henry, pleased to meet you. I’ve just read your article on the ItalianPod101 review. I found it very helpful because I always wanted to learn languages, especially Italian, Spanish and French. I am glad I came across this post today because I think ItalianPod101 is what I need right now. I am hoping that I will get the best out of it. Thanks for sharing this post with us.
You’re welcome. I hope you get the best out of it.
ItalianPod101 is a good website with some room for improvement, IMO. Thank you for the clear and balanced outlook of what we’ll find inside the platform.
I wish they take advantage of the potential there is in video. It would be an awesome course if all their podcasts had good videos. Thanks for highlighting Ilaria’s videos. I’ll check them out during the trial.
Yes, I agree with you concerning videos. I hope they develop the section dedicated to videos in the near future. Thumbs up for Ilaria’s videos on Italianpod101.
This is an awesome review. I currently use Duolingo for learning Spanish. By the time I finish, I still don’t think I’ll be *quite* at intermediate level. But Duolingo is very convenient. And it sounds like this podcast-style course too. So, maybe Spanishpod101 will be my next step. Even though the pathways options are less structured as you mention, I think at first I’d use the program with these pathways before diving into the other content. Thanks for the detailed review.
I am glad you’ve been using Duolingo. And as you have stated, Duolingo is good to get you started but it won’t take you to an intermediate level. You would like to check out this post, and read what Duolingo’s SEO had to say about what to expect from their platform. At this stage you’re in, I’d encourage to combine Duolingo with other platforms. The Innovative language courses would be a good option.
ItalianPod101 sounds like an interesting tool for learning a new language! I have always wanted to learn a new language. But being in a rural state, there aren’t a lot of in-person options (outside of Spanish classes).
Something like this would be a great alternative to regular in-person classes. Does the access to a teacher include video chats with an instructor, or just that they will tailor the course-work to your needs?
Yes, Italianpod101 would be an effective and much cheaper alternative to in-person courses. But concerning video chats with an instructor, I would not recommend Italianpod101. Please try Italki instead
After diving a bit deeper into Italianpod101 I conclude that speaking the language as much as possible will help you learn. So I like that this program includes a lot of dialogues or at least starts a lesson with a dialogue. I also love that you download lessons and do not need to be online to take them. Audio lessons definitely help to develop listening comprehension, and they can help prepare you for when you’re going to put your knowledge to practice, talk to Italians who are known to speak fast – in general – right?
Thank you for sharing your impressions about this platform. They are valuable.
Hey, there! This post has thoroughly covered what I wanted to learn about Italianpod101. Thank you, specially for the pros and cons. And it really surprised me that I can download the courses and keep them even after the 7-day trial is over. I think I will join on the free plan and do just that. Cool!
Hey Frank, I am glad this post helped you make up your mind to give Italianpod101’s free trial a go. All the best!
It seems that Italianpod101 offers an affordable and easy way to learn Italian. They even have a free trial (which is a big plus point). I get to have a sneak peek of the lessons and decide later on whether this is what I am looking for.
Thanks for the heads up about the formal and informal language structure part. I learnt Japanese and I notice they have similar structure too.
Hi Grace,
Thank you for your comment. As you have said, being able to test drive this program for free makes it a must for anybody wanting to learn Italian. You can decide later on if you want to continue based on your own experience using the platform.
You have given us all the information we needed before joining. We had read two brief reviews before yours and had several questions. However, you covered it all. Thank you very much for helping us make up our minds.
Thank you for your comment. I am glad you found this review helpful.
Wow! I love the part where it offers real Italian dialogue. The fact that it speeds up the dialogue and slows it down is really a great feature because learning a new language can sound like just noise at first. But the ability to slow down the words will make a huge difference in being able to comprehend the language.
Thanks for sharing what you have found useful about the ItalianPod101. I agree with you that being able to slow down what we hear in Italian can help a lot, specially at the beginning of our learning journey.
Seems like an affordable option to learn Italian. Thank you for your detailed review. There are so many options for learning languages these days that it is difficult to know where to start between Rosetta Stone, Babbel or Duolingo to name a few. I have never tried learning Italian but I do know some Spanish and French. Would Italian be an easy transition in my case?
Hi Jamie,
Thank you for stopping by. I would suggest Italianpod101 if you have a busy lifestyle and would like to learn Italian on the go. It uses a podcast format that is ideal when commuting.
Knowing Spanish and French certainly makes things easy for you when learning Italian. You’ll be speaking the language in no time!
You have done a thorough job explaining this platform! I had never even heard about Italianpod101 before. But the way you explained everything helped me a lot. I will have no trouble navigating the system! The prices were shocking to me because they were a lot cheaper than I expected. Does this platform offer other languages? Or just Italian?
Hi,
Yes, the general platform is called Innovative Language and it offers, besides Italian (Italianpod101), courses on 33 other languages. These are: Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Cantonese, Thai, Arabic, Portuguese, Persian, Polish, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Filipino, Hindi, Turkish, Dutch, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Hungarian, Greek, Hebrew, Bulgarian, Swahili, Czech, Danish, Afrikaans, Romanian, and Urdu.
I have always wanted to learn Spanish. Do they offer Spanish? Because that would be great.
Up until now, I haven’t committed to learning a new language. However, your article has motivated me to give this tool a try. And since it has a free trial, it’s a no-brainer. Thank you for this.
Hi Daniel. Yes, this platform also has a Spanish course. You should check it out.
I am glad you have decided to learn a new language. All the best!
A podcast-style course would be a great way to learn the language! I’ve always been interested in learning other languages and communicating with a larger cohort. But it’s always been difficult for me to maintain my attention with the traditional formats of language learning platforms. Learning that an option as this exists is a breath of fresh air! I’m excited to be trying this out, and the 7-day free trial is a plus!
Hey Sam!
Having the freedom to explore while learning a language is a game-changer for some of us. As you mentioned, this was not something language learning platforms took into account. But Italianpod101 does. So it’s nice to have this approach among our options.
Sounds great! I am not looking to learn Italian. But I am wondering if they have a similar version to learn German. I do understand some German and have relatives in Germany. So, I would love to brush up and get more fluent with it. I would love to carry on a conversation.
I am looking forward to hearing back. Thanks!
Yes, there is! You can head over to GermanPod101.
German and English are long-lost linguistic siblings. And if you already know the basics, it will not be difficult to become fluent. I wish you the best.
The hard part is to fit the lessons into our schedule. But to go through the course while commuting is an advantage. I could use my mobile phone or iPad.
And the fact that they offer us to test their course for free for a period of 7-days is sure evidence that this is not just another scam to extort money from people.
I agree with you that having a course we can take wherever we go is an advantage. And we don’t lose anything by signing up and testing for the trial period. I wish you all the best in learning Italian.
Being in Europe, I often travel to Italy. I love the language.
Unfortunately, I know only a few phrases… It is enough to ask for a menu or wine, but I always wanted to learn more, so I would be able to speak with locals.
Books didn’t work for me. So, I started doing some research and found out about the ItalianPod101.
From what I have read, it seems like a great product. I gonna try the 7-day free trial.
I love that the platform exposes students to the language of native Italian speakers. That’s the best approach, in my opinion.
Those drawbacks you have mentioned do not bother me. The great thing is that I can use it on my cell phone.
I am glad you found Italianpod101 helpful. And the free trial is available to have a first-hand experience with the platform. Exposure to native Italian speakers is a key aspect of Italianpod101.
I want to learn Italian. When I was a kid, I took Spanish lessons. It did not help much. I always felt confused in class and after 6 years I barely understood any Spanish. Today, with the internet there are more options. And ItalianPod101 looks like it might be a great fit for me. I just hope the story does not repeat.
ItalianPod101 is a good course to get started. I wish you the best learning Italian. And I can’t guarantee anything but I am sure that with enthusiasm and discipline you’ll master the language. I wish you all the best!
ItalianPod 101 seems it could help me learn Italian in a short time. And the features would make learning fun.
I like the 7-day free trial.
Some of the other languages that descend from Latin are still closely linked to Italian. So, that would be a bonus for learning other languages as well.
Hey, Jerry.
Yes, Italianpod101 has several features that make your learning experience easier and more fun.
Learning Italian would also facilitate understanding Spanish, Portuguese, French, and Romanian.
Check the free trial. You have nothing to lose.
Hi there! I have heard of this course before. But your post gave me additional insight. Thank you!
You are right. These programs are not flawless. But I still think it could be helpful.
My first language is Spanish. Thus, I think it will be easier for me than for an English-speaking-only person.
Definitely, you have an advantage over many. Speaking Spanish would give you more than half the battle won. The program is not perfect. But it sure is helpful.
Hey, thanks for this very informative post!
I love learning new languages. Currently, I’m studying Spanish. However, Italian is also on the list. I have had a look at basic Italian vocabulary, and it seems similar to Spanish. The Italianpod101 course does seem like a good start. I like that it allows you to check it out for a week and then decide.
Thanks again!
Yes, Italian and Spanish have a lot in common. You will have an advantage over any average person that only speaks English.
Yes, the free trial at Italianpod101 is great. Check it out for a week.
Thank you for the complete review. I wanted to give the 7-day trial a shot. So, I decided to research a bit more about this platform. Your post has encouraged me to try it. So far, I have only been using Duolingo. But I feel I have reached the ceiling Duolingo sets on its users.
Yes, there is only so much you can learn with Duolingo. And giving Italianpod101 a try is the right thing to do. Keep going! You seem motivated!
Hi Jonathan,
Thank you for the review. I had not come across Italianpod101. But based on what I read from your post, I see it’s a good course.
I also liked the cartoons. Are they part of Italianpod101?
I’m considering joining the free trial. I have nothing to lose.
Vasile
Hi, Vasile. The cartoons are not part of the course. However, Italianpod101, as you noted, is good. And the free trial makes it easy to check it out.
Hello! I liked your review, and the cartoon characters were entertaining. I had been reading about other courses, but recently Italianpod101 caught my attention. I didn’t know they had a free trial. In this case, it’s a no-brainer. I will check them out and see if it works for me. Thank you!
I am glad this review made you decide to test drive Italianpod101 for free. Please share your impressions about it too!
Learning a foreign language can be challenging. But I have always found that learning it with audio is one of the best ways.
I have been learning Italian for a while now. I often feel that I need more exposure to the language and culture spoken by native Italians.
Your post is the first time I came across the Italianpod101 platform. I like that there is a free 7-day period. However, I feel the platform’s style may not be for everybody. And anticipating a lot of conversational banter in English discourages me. Notwithstanding, I will check out their trial and see if it fits my needs.
Hello, Ms. Cowley.
Thanks for pointing out your concerns. They are legit. I agree that not everybody may like their style, so the free trial helps make educated decisions. I wish you all the best in your language learning process.
Hi there,
There are several things I liked about Italianpod101. I am on my phone all the time. So, being phone-friendly is an advantage. The subscriptions are reasonably priced. And most importantly, all the course is available for download.
I will start by giving the free trial a try. Thanks for the review.
You’re welcome. I hope it meets your needs. The good thing is that you can try it risk-free. Happy learning!
Learning Italian is a great goal. However, finding time to study can be difficult.
Thank you for your review on Italianpod101. I always wanted to learn a different language, but till things settle in life, I think it would be too hectic for me, unfortunately. Yet, I like Italianpod101 and will bookmark their site. 🙁
I am glad you found Italianpod101 helpful. And I hope you can soon overcome the present difficulties and plunge into Italian.
Thank you for this review over ItalianPod101. I can attest to how good this platform is. I have a girlfriend from the Philippines who speaks Tagalog. I am from the USA, and I only know English. However, it was Innovative languages FilipinoPod101 that helped me and is still helping me to learn her language. I want to communicate with her family when I visit the Philippines. Highly recommend any language from Innovative languages.
Hi, Jessie.
Thanks for sharing your experience with Innovative languages. I wish you the best in your trip to the Philippines.
Great review! After reading your post, I want to give it a run myself now. I am glad you can test the platform for free for 7-days. We do not all learn the same. So there will be platforms and styles that stick with us and others that do not.
Thank you for your words about this review. Yes, give Italianpod101 a try!
There’s a lot to like about this program, I think! One of the “tipping factors” making me interested in trying this language course out for myself is that you can process the lessons in “slow down mode.” When learning a language, listening to a native speaking at full speed is HARD! While learning, hearing words and sentences very slowly helps. Speed comes with time!
Which dialect does Italianpod101 seem to focus on, or is it more “generic Italian” that will work no matter where I travel in the country?
Yes, the slow-down mode is helpful!
Concerning Italianpod101, it teaches standard Italian (you can use it all around Italy). However, concerning “Italian dialects,” click here to read more about them and why they should not be considered dialects.
The approach of this platform sounds good. My only regret is the video series only has 50 lessons. I hope they expand on that. Many of us learn better by watching video content. But, other than that, Italianpod101 ticks all my boxes. Thank you very much for this thorough review.
I agree with you. I also hope the video series gets some love soon.
The use of quizzes, flashcards, cultural insights, and audio lessons are the pros that I have seen in Italianpod101. Because of these points I just mentioned, I am going to give this platform a try. I hope it works out for me. It may be a free trial, but we still have to devote time to getting familiar with the course. And I do not have much time.
I understand your argument concerning time. Thankfully, the layout at Italianpod101 is easy to understand. So, you will get set up in no time! All the best.
I love the art style you’re going with here.
I’ve been using Duolingo to learn Spanish these past couple of months. And I’ve been thinking of adding a second language to my lessons.
Your article may have inspired me to make that second language Italian! I may even use this Italianpod101 to supplement my learning with Duolingo.
Thank you for your comment about the art style. And I am glad that this article inspired you to learn Italian!
I still remember when learning a new language required one to enroll and show up in person in a classroom. Thus, it explains why I never got to speak the languages I wanted to learn (Italian was one of them).
And then came online classes where anyone can take up any course or lesson while sitting comfortably at home or in the office during break time. But I still did not have the luxury of time to learn a new language.
ItalianPod101 could be the answer. My long-time desire to make Italian my third language may finally flourish. I can learn while “on the go” or wherever I am and at my most convenient time.
And can I sign up through my Facebook account? Good to hear that I can.
So far, I like the format of their lessons and the features as well. I prefer to learn at my own pace and on my own time, but others might need a teacher to monitor their progress.
I am also glad that all the lessons are downloadable. I usually revisit lessons after a few months. I will try out for 7-days and see how things go.
Thank you for a detailed review of ItalianPod101.
I am glad you found this review detailed enough and that it encouraged you to enroll in the 7-day free trial. Nowadays, learning a language is much easier than it used to be.
Your website is delightful and full of creativity. Your web design is full of life.
Language is a great communication tool. It connects people at so many levels. I would love to learn several languages because I have many friends worldwide. You have no idea!
My grandsons are both American-born and multicultural. Kylo reached his 8th month today (yeah, Happy New Month). He is an avid learner and responds to stimuli like a 2-year-old boy. Aren’t babies little sponges?
Maximillian is speaking and comprehending a lot. He started preschool (he is 3).
I can not go back in time to have the brain my grandchildren have. But I know that methods such as space repetition can help us, grandparents, with vocabulary. I used flashcards throughout grad school and wouldn’t be caught without them now. What a powerful tool! So I am glad Italianpod101 includes spaced repetition.
I will give Italianpod101 a try! It’s stupendous that we can test it for free. Thank you!
Hi! I am glad to hear about your grandchildren and your friends worldwide. I see how learning a new language would help you. All the best in this new journey!
I like how your site makes reading reviews fun! Thank you!
However, Italianpod101 may not be for me. I am a visual learner, and audio alone will not make me click with the course. I hope they someday expand their video library.
What I like about your site is what Italianpod101 lacks, visuals!
Thank you for your compliment about my site. And I understand how video makes language learning engaging. You could subscribe to my newsletter to get notified about Video updates on Italianpod101!
I appreciate you did not hide that the video section of Italianpod101 needs work. As the person commenting above, I am also a visual learner. Thus, I will give this platform a pass. Audio alone will not be enough for me.
Your post helped me make a well-informed decision. Thank you very much!
I am glad to read this post enabled you to make a well-informed decision. All the best!
I love this review of ItalianPod101. The cartoons they have used as a theme are engaging. It feels as if even grade schoolers who want to learn can benefit from this platform due to its entertaining design.
Thank you for the thorough description of the platform. Due to the free trial, it’s a no-brainer to give it a try!
I am glad you liked the review and decided to test-drive the course. Yeah, it’s a no-brainer!
I like the idea of pathways. If I can choose the pathway, I may enjoy the learning process more. I wish more courses took this approach.
I also like that we can access Italianpod101 from the mobile app, desktop, laptop, etc. It is convenient for anyone wanting to learn a second language.
Yeah, being able to choose a pathway may lead to more engagement. And access to the course through several devices helps you to practice more.
This is so cool! I had never heard of this language-learning platform. I’ve always wanted to learn Italian, but like so many things, it ended up on the back burner. Italianpod101 sounds like a tool I’d be interested in utilizing. I also liked the cartoon for this review. It made for a compelling read. Thanks!
I am glad your found Italianpod101 through our site! And it’s nice to hear that about the cartoons too! Thank you!
I have always wanted to learn other languages because I believed it would help me understand life in new ways. It would make it more fascinating too. I took French in High School for three years and got 50%. In my 20’s and 30’s, I visited Mexico and worked on my Spanish with even poorer results.
In 2000, I went to China and stayed for 12 years. I married a non-English-speaking Chinese lady and worked on Mandarin seriously for three years with nothing but frustration.
Your Italian site got me so excited I signed up for a road test of the Mandarin Language (ChineseClass101) to see if an 80-years-old like me can learn. If I can impress my wife, I spread the good news about Innovative Languages.
I also found your website captivating. I found excellent blogs in English on learning Italian.
Hello, Sir. I am glad this review about the Italian Innovative Language course has encouraged you to check their Chinese course. I wish you all the best in learning Mandarin. I hope you get to a high level with the language!
I’m debating whether to learn Spanish or Italian – I did Spanish at school, and I could pick this back up quickly. But I’m leaning more towards Italian as I prefer to travel to Italy. Do you know how Italian compares to Spanish concerning ease of learning? Also, is ItalianPod101 available for UK subscribers? If so, I assume the pricing is still in dollars.
I am pleased to have found your review. Thank you, or should I say: Grazie? LOL
Spanish and Italian descend from Latin. Thus, they are siblings and have a lot of similarities. For an English speaker, Spanish and Italian should have the same difficulty.
And ItalianPod101 is available for the UK!
I am glad you liked this review. Thanks for stopping by and leaving your questions.
Your website is beautiful, and I love the Italian language! We have a good combination here.
Italian sounds so beautiful. I want to learn Italian before next summer because I plan to visit the country. Talking with locals is such a rewarding experience.
I learned that Italian evolved from Latin after the Roman empire declined. Rome is an ancient city with traditions dating back to the Roman Republic. As a result, these traditions continued into the culture. And remain today in the unique words and expressions peculiar to the Italian language.
Italianpod101 seems to have an approach worth trying. And I like that it gives a lot of cultural insight! I want to continue learning about this exquisite romance language.
Yes, Italianpod101 will help you dive into the culture behind the language. I wish you all the best in your free trial!
Thank you for this review. I wish this had been around when I was studying Italian at university.
I like that they teach phrases used in Italy. I have found very few courses do this. It would have saved me some embarrassment when I studied in Rome!
I get daily word-of-the-day emails from PersianPod101 – I guess ItalianPod101 does the same. I have found these helpful.
Yes, ItalianPod101 also sends word-of-the-day emails! Sign up to start receiving them.
I haven’t used ItalianPod101 to learn Italian. I’ve used Babbel and am satisfied with the results. However, I heard good comments about Italianpod101 and decided to research it. I am not impressed with what I have read, but I’ll still give it a try. It’s good to have the free trial!
Thank you very much for your honest comment. I hope you enjoy the free trial!
Hey there! Thank you very much for your informative review of the language learning platform ItalianPod101.
You have provided a lot of good feedback. And I must share that the pros and cons section helped me. In summary, joining the free 7-day trial is sound advice. Thanks for such a thorough review.
I am glad you found this review helpful. Yes, join the free 7-day trial to check out for yourself.
Learning Italian has always been an enigma with my busy schedule. I have always been able to pick up words due to Roman script, including greetings like Pronto, but nothing beyond that.
Italianpod101 comes in handy in the way that we can learn on the go.
I listen to podcasts when driving to and from work, which is a considerable time. So, learning a new language while going to work is good news.
Thanks for sharing this review. It is very informative for new language learners like me.
Hi! Yes, portability is one of the best features of Italianpod101. So, there is a free trial to see if it works for you. I wish you all the best!
I married into an Italian family and have always wanted to learn how to speak the language. So ItalianPod101 looks like it might be for me.
I like that they offer formal and informal speeches because there is a definite difference from what I have experienced.
I do appreciate that you’ve well-explained the pros and cons here. The audio files would make it super convenient to practice on the go, which might fit my busy schedule. I might try the 7-day free trial after having read your review. Thanks for sharing these insights on this language tool.
I see you have been in touch with the language in everyday life scenarios. Formal and informal speeches do make a difference.
Yes, the 7-day free trial is great for a first-hand experience with the tool.
I’ll have to look into this program. Based on your review, it appears promising. I have always liked to learn a different language, like Italian. But have never known where to start. I enjoy learning with flashcards. And I like that the flashcards included in Italianpod101 even help with pronunciation.
Italianpod101 is a great place to start. Take advantage of the free trial!
After reading your review, I went and checked out the Innovative Language page and downloaded the app. I want to try it, so I can prepare for the next time I am in the Mediterranean! I see you have given a lot of detailed information about the program. There are a lot of language learning platforms to choose from out there. Sometimes it’s overwhelming to choose the right one. Having a review that is so detailed helps us make up our minds. I like your cartoons – funny (”,)
I am glad you liked this review. Yes, the Innovative Language’s course is a good way to start preparing for your trip to the Mediterranean! I wish you all the best!
I like the idea that I have the 7-day free trial to test it out and see if it is the right choice for me!
Years ago, I started learning Italian. I just gave it two months and got the hang of it. But now I live in Spain. And when I watch an Italian movie, the words sound familiar. However, familiarity also leads to confusion. Words are not what they seem to be (based on my Spanish proficiency). Do you understand what I mean?
Yes, I understand. I also speak Spanish and Italian. And you are describing false cognates. And yeah, you will find more than we would expect between Italian and Spanish.
But, these will trick you just the first few days. After some time, you will realize that knowing Spanish is a huge advantage for learning Italian.
Thank you for this comprehensive information on the ItalinaPod101. It is so detailed that you answered all my questions. So, I will start the free trial, and maybe I will have some more while doing the course.
I have always used Duolingo for Italian lessons. But at a certain point, I stopped because it became too repetitive. I hope that ItalinaPod101 will keep me more interested!
Italianpod101’s pace and variety are better than Duolingo’s. But Duolingo is free, and Italianpod101 is a paid service.
The free trial will speak for itself. I wish you all the best as you learn Italian!
Hi!
I’ve always wanted to learn Italian. So, I will keep an eye on your website. I like your content. And this course seems a good way to get started. The free trial made it easy to make up my mind.
I also like the images you chose. It makes you want to read more.
Thanks for the nice words about my site. I hope to continue helping and encouraging you to learn Italian.
Hey there. I enjoy cartoons very much. And I like that the program uses cartoons to illustrate the language making it easy for learners to understand. I think it’s an innovative way of teaching the language. I will give the platform a try. Thanks for pointing out the 7-day free trial!
Do take advantage of the 7-day free trial! However, I need to clarify that the cartoons pertain to our site, ItalianLg, and not to Italianpod101.
I like the cartoon soldier. He seems unprepared to confront the difficult situation, but thankfully he remembered the spear. It may resemble us rushing through our brain, trying to get out of a situation in a foreign language. When we find the word or phrase, it’s as if we got hold of the spear.
That’s a nice analogy! Thank you!
Thank you for writing this review. I’ve always liked the Italian language but learned more Spanish than Italian (due to circumstances). I would be interested in trying the 7-day free trial. I find it nice to have access to all the content without giving my payment information and to see if it is something worth paying. Especially because I read in your post that there is still room for improvement.
Yes, that is a good stance. Test-drive first and join afterward if you deem the course worthy.
I wanted to start listening to audiobooks in Italian. But I tested a couple, and they were too advanced for me. I am still at a beginner level. So, this option is a great way to get my foot in the door with Italian. I will check the free trial to see if I click with the platform.
Yes, Italianpod will aid you if you enjoy listening to audiobooks.
The approach taken by Italianpod101 is different. I like the many tools offered (especially the adventure type of deciding paths). It’s an interactive way to learn and reminds me of Choose Your Adventure books.
Are there similar sites for other languages? I am interested in the podcast-style approach. Thanks for the review.
Hey. Yes, there are many other languages included under the Innovative Language umbrella. For example, there is Frenchpod101 and Spanishpod101 (and many others).
Thanks for this review of ItalianPod101! Just this morning, I was thinking of creating a language-learning plan, so it must be a sign that I happen to come across your review. Italian isn’t super high on my list of languages to learn, but I like what I saw in this review. Do you know if there is a “JapanesePod101” or “FrenchPod101”? I would give these lessons a go in those two languages.
I like that you liked the podcast style course. Yes, there is “JapanesePod101” and “FrenchPod101” available!
I run a small pasta manufactory, and I always struggled to learn Italian as it is a necessity in my line of business. I guess ItalianPod101 is a superb platform for people like me to learn Italian on the go, especially with the heavy workload I face daily.
The app idea is brilliant as it simplifies the language learning process. I will download it and subscribe.
I wish you all the best with your pasta manufactory. Yes, learning on the go is possible with Italianpod101!
Thank you for introducing the ItalianPod101 platform. I like that it includes flashcards and video lessons. In my experience, they are effective for learning a new language. But what I like most is that the course contains cultural insights into Italy life. I will check out the 7-day free trial. Thanks for the review.
You’re welcome. Cultural insights are helpful, and many courses don’t include them!
It was helpful to learn about the various features and options available on the platform. And I checked every point of the list of pros and cons. Your comparison to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages was also helpful in understanding the approach taken by ItalianPod101 in teaching the language. Overall, it seems like a good option for beginners and intermediate learners looking to fit language learning into their busy schedules.
I’m glad you liked the review. And I agree with you. It fits best beginners and intermediate learners.
I want to learn Italian. But I do not have much time. Thus, I want to find the easiest way to learn Italian. Your Italianpod101 review has helped me make up my mind. And I like that the course focuses on audio. I spend a lot of time driving. So, I will try out the free trial.
Yes, I agree that Italianpod101 should be a good fit for you! Happy Italian learning!
Hey there. Thank you for the review. It was thorough, and at the same time, I got a succinct explanation of the points that interested me.
We are planning to go to France and Italy next summer, and I have been looking for a way to learn at least basic Italian!
Enjoy your time in Italy and France. Yeah, Italianpod101 is the place to brush up on your Italian skills.
Hey, there! What an entertaining read! I never gave much thought to Italian culture, unfortunately.
My ancestors were from Germany and Switzerland. So, I have been reading a bit about their language and culture. But your post has encouraged me to sneak peek into other European languages. Thank you very much!
Hi! I am glad to read you found the Italian language interesting!
I keep telling myself that I need to learn a 2nd language. However, I always get bogged down with day-to-day tasks. This program sounds like it is easy to take in small bites throughout the day or week. The cost is not too high. Most people would be able to afford at least the basic package considering it is the cost of a coffee at Starbucks.
Learning a 2nd language will benefit you in many ways, even beyond learning the actual language.
I think ItalianPod101 sounds like a pretty cool way to learn Italian. The review was honest. And I like that it went into detail about the pros and cons. The different features: audio and video lessons, flashcards, and downloadable files, are all helpful.
ItalianPod101 seems ideal for those of us that study on the go. And if I enjoy the course, I could also learn other languages with their approach.
One thing I didn’t like, though, was that it’s a subscription-based service. And you have to pay monthly. That could get expensive if you’re on a tight budget. Still, I can opt-out when I like.
Overall, I thought the review was helpful and gave a good overview of what ItalianPod101 is all about. Thank you!
I am glad this review has given you a panoramic view of Italianpod101. A well-informed purchase is always good.
I want to learn Italian by listening to conversations natives actually speak in their daily lives than memorizing vocabulary stripped from its proper context.
Even though it sounds like the platform may need some work, it could just be what I have been looking for. I’ll try out the free trial.
I am glad you want to test-drive the platform. I wish you a profitable learning experience.