the Italian Language 1:1 program for non traditional learners
Do you love the idea of speaking Italian with ease, without getting bogged down by perfection?
Do you feel like you’re ready to dive into Italian, but instead, it feels like you’re wading through mud? You’ve tried the usual language courses, but instead of feeling inspired, you’re left frustrated and wondering why you even started.
Grammar drills, endless rules… does it feel like the fun has been sucked out of learning? Maybe you’ve even started speaking a little Italian, but when it’s time for a real conversation, you freeze up—worried about making mistakes or not being “perfect.”
Don’t worry, you’re not alone. I used to feel the same way, and so did many of my students. But imagine for a moment what it would feel like if you could…
- Speak Italian confidently in everyday conversations, without worrying about mistakes.
- Connect with locals on your travels and truly understand their culture.
- Express yourself creatively, finding your own voice in Italian, without the pressure of being perfect.
That’s why I created Connection over Perfection, a course designed to help you build meaningful connections through Italian. Here, it’s not about being a grammar perfectionist. Instead, we focus on guiding you along your own creative path, helping you find the words to express yourself and build real connections.
Transform Your Language Learning Experience
Create Your Path to Effortless Italian Together
Connection Over Perfection is far more than a collection of Italian lessons—it’s a comprehensive 6-month program designed for passionate adult learners who want to forge a genuine connection with Italian. Together, we’ll shift away from rigid grammar rules and create a personalized learning path that feels natural, engaging, and genuinely enjoyable.
I love teaching adults because most understand what true responsibility means in language learning. This isn’t about passively waiting for a teacher to fill your head with Italian—it’s about actively participating in your own learning journey. Your unique path will be crafted together based on your interests, ideas, and initiatives.
A Personalized Approach That Works
Take the First Step Toward Transforming Your Italian Learning Journey
Traditional language courses follow a fixed curriculum that often fails to inspire consistent practice. Connection Over Perfection takes a fundamentally different approach:
Previous Students have Thrived through Personalized Projects Like:
What is Inside?
6 Months Program - Connection over Perfection
Investment: €250/month
3 Live Conversations (45 minutes each): Authentic Italian practice where you receive immediate feedback and experience real progress.
1 Weekly Personalized Task: Tailored assignments that build on your conversations and target your specific growth areas.
Private Chat Access: Direct communication with me for additional practice, questions, and feedback between sessions.
Comprehensive Feedback: Detailed guidance on your monthly assignments before starting the next cycle.
Are You Ready to Experience the Joy of Speaking Italian with Confidence?
* I also organise Italian retreats LINK which means I’m not available every week. But not to worry – you will be able to schedule your calls in advance and the total number of our meetings (18 in the whole package) will be honoured even if it means we’re working together for a bit longer than 6 months.
It's Time to Share a Bit of Myself
Hello! I’m Valeria, passionate about teaching Italian through meaningful connection rather than perfect accuracy. This philosophy inspired my “Connection Over Perfection” program.
I wasn’t the “perfect” language student in school. I learned English through conversations, not textbooks—and that’s been enough to connect deeply with people worldwide. I’d rather know multiple languages at a conversational level than master just one. This approach lets me understand different cultures, chat with locals, and join experiences like cooking classes abroad.
Working with adult learners has shown me that traditional methods often feel restrictive. My background in Linguistics provides foundation, but it’s my commitment to authentic communication that defines my teaching. I create a vibrant learning environment where you feel comfortable expressing yourself while exploring Italian language and culture.
Ready to speak Italian with confidence? Join Connection Over Perfection and transform your learning journey.
Questions? Contact me at info.valeriapao@gmail.com. Let’s make this happen together!
Mari
Courtney, London
Karmela, HK
“It’s now been 5 months since I started working with Valeria. From learning new grammar/expressions/rules, as well as reinforcing concepts that I may have experienced in prior materials, the investment has paid off exponentially. I had to return to the US for a few months and the biweekly lessons and conversation prevented the “”brain drain”” I experienced the year prior. Working with Valeria, you truly feel she is on your team and cares about your language growth. Don’t miss this opportunity. Make the investment. You will not regret it.”
Justin, NY
“She personalises the lessons for areas of discussion I am interested in and uses homework thoughtfully to top up any areas that may require a little more time. She is always patient and fun and allows you to learn at your own pace.
She doesn’t just teach the language, but also what it means to be Italian. She uses film, music and even poetry to bridge the language divide and bring Italy to life. I’ll never forget walking around Agrigento in Sicily and seeing a statue of Pirandello, whose works we had read a few lessons before when she found out I was going. Valeria is not only a teacher but a friend. She is one of a kind.”
Leo, London
How It Works:
- Schedule your three monthly meetings at the beginning of each cycle via Calendly
- Bring meaningful topics to our conversations—something you’ve experienced, read, or watched
- If you don’t have a topic in mind, we’ll select one together based on your level
- The fourth week focuses on a creative offline assignment related to your progress
- Receive thorough feedback before beginning the next month
Flexibility Notes:
- Reschedule up to 24 hours in advance by email
- Skip and reschedule once per month for emergencies or holidays
- During my Italian retreats, your package will be extended to ensure you receive all 18 total sessions, even if our work extends beyond 6 months
Frequently Asked Questions:
By the end of our 6 months together, you’ll be able to:
- Hold engaging conversations without overthinking grammar
- Feel confident and relaxed speaking with native Italians
- Enjoy a personalized learning experience aligned with your interests
- Express thoughts and experiences in vibrant, authentic Italian
- Understand Italian culture through meaningful interactions
Life happens! You can reschedule lessons up to 24 hours in advance, and skip one week per month for emergencies or holidays. If sessions are missed due to my retreat schedule, your package will be extended accordingly.
Book a free 20-minute Discovery Call on Calendly where we’ll discuss your goals and determine if this program aligns with your needs. Upon deciding to move forward, you’ll receive a welcome email with payment instructions and scheduling details.
Yes! I organize Italian language retreats in Sicily for immersive, authentic experiences. These retreats provide an opportunity to practice in real-world settings while experiencing Italian culture firsthand. Learn more about 2025 Language Retreats →
Yes! I organize Italian language retreats in Sicily for immersive, authentic experiences. These retreats provide an opportunity to practice in real-world settings while experiencing Italian culture firsthand. Learn more about 2025 Language Retreats →
You Want to Start, and Now?
Sign up for the Connection Over Perfection program today and take the first step toward transforming your Italian learning journey.
Discover a world of meaningful Italian resources
Are you ready to dive into a curated collection of movies, books, and podcasts that will not only enhance your Italian language skills but also nurture mindfulness and deep reflection? Imagine having a compilation of intriguing resources at your fingertips as you embark on your language and cultural exploration.
This friendly and informative resource awaits you, ready to guide you through a world of captivating content. Don’t miss out on the chance to explore, reflect, and truly embrace the essence of the Italian language and culture.