Our Instructor
Federica Priola MA
Federica Priola, MA
I hail from Turin in northern Italy, but I've made Rome my home, where each stone whispers a tale spanning two millennia, every street is a stage, and every bite of carbonara is a journey... provided you navigate the chaos of the metropolis!
Armed with a degree in linguistics, I specialize in teaching Italian to foreigners, sharing my language and culture with eager learners worldwide. I also have a degree in screenwriting and dramaturgy: I write short-stories and screenplays for TV, and I have a great passion for cinema, which fuels my Italian lessons. I call myself a “dream eater”: when I'm not teaching, I'm immersed in writing, and when I'm not writing, I'm traveling. From childhood, I've traversed Europe extensively, sampled a taste of the United States, and now set my sights on exploring Argentina, where my familial roots lie. Yet, my ultimate dream? Japan!
My Journey
Magical thermal baths
Dining with the Moon
On a recent getaway, my boyfriend and I visited the Saturnia Thermal Baths in the Tuscan Maremma. I adore thermal baths, but I've only ever visited man-made spas, while Saturnia boasts natural hot springs, born from a source of sulfurous water that cascades into small natural pools amidst the lush green hills of Tuscany, creating a breathtaking view.
On our first day, we explored Saturnia village, a rustic gem with narrow cobbled streets leading to a Roman-era gate, revealing a captivating countryside panorama. We stayed at a hilltop farmhouse, overlooking the entire Maremma: the sunset was simply stunning! The dinner was a culinary delight, featuring Tuscan specialties like wild boar stew and pasta - I'll dream of it for many nights to come!
Few travel tips from Frederica
-
Create a Personalized Travel Playlist
Music can set the perfect mood for your adventure. Curate a playlist with songs that remind you of your destination or inspire wanderlust. Don’t forget to include local music for a more immersive experience!
-
Try the Local Street Food
Skip the fancy restaurants and dive into the local street food scene. It’s often cheaper and more authentic. Plus, it’s a great way to meet locals and experience the culture firsthand.
-
Capture Moments, Not Just Photos
While photos are great for memories, try journaling or sketching your experiences. It’s a fun way to capture your thoughts and feelings about the places you visit and makes for a wonderful keepsake.
Student Spotlights
Real stories from our students
“Sojung is a fantastic teacher. She is so encouraging and always finds ways to tie my interests back to our lessons which helps me retain the information better.“