High-quality language courses and sociocultural gatherings
Istituto Italiano Scuola (IIS) in San Francisco, founded in 1998, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting Italian language and culture in Northern California and beyond through special events, workshops, and Italian language courses.
Unlike many other language schools, IIS emphasizes its role in building a community, providing a comprehensive experience that goes beyond mere grammar to foster a deep understanding of Italian culture.
The institute offers nearly 70 courses per term for all levels, from beginners to advanced, covering grammar, conversation, literature, Italian for travelers, and citizenship test preparation, available both online and in person. IIS also aims to build a community of individuals connected to Italy, extending these opportunities to everyone, not just San Francisco residents.
Unlike many other language schools, IIS emphasizes its role in building a community, providing a comprehensive experience that goes beyond mere grammar to foster a deep understanding of Italian culture.
The institute offers nearly 70 courses per term for all levels, from beginners to advanced, covering grammar, conversation, literature, Italian for travelers, and citizenship test preparation, available both online and in person. IIS also aims to build a community of individuals connected to Italy, extending these opportunities to everyone, not just San Francisco residents.
Quality of teaching
All courses are given by professional instructors that are native Italian speakers and hold a degree from Italian universities. Students will learn Italian from mother speakers, specialized in teaching to foreigners.
Community and partners
IIS aims at creating a community of members passionate about Italy, who gets together to learn Italian and enjoy experiences Italian related. There is also a wide range of partners, locally and nationally, who offer exclusive discounts to the members of IIS community.
Stimulating and engaging offer, online and in person
IIS promotes the Italian language and culture with a broad range of courses, from beginner to proficiency, along with special events and workshops. Several classes and events are held in our school in North Beach, in the heart of the Italian community of San Francisco.
Let our students speak for us!
Instructors
Native Italian speakers
Our instructors are all native Italian speakers and hold degrees from Italian universities. They are qualified and passionate educators focused on helping students, applying real-world experience, and focusing on each student’s success.
The goal is to expose students not only to the Italian language but to an entire culture and its complexities and nuances.
The goal is to expose students not only to the Italian language but to an entire culture and its complexities and nuances.
Alessia Pesciaioli
Alice Rocchi
Antonella Mattia
Antonia Mosca
Barbara Gautero
Dario Landmann
Elena Olivari
Estella Fucelli
Francesca Ribaudo
Gianna Di Dio Russo
Jimmy Hypi
Luigi Imperatore
Mattia Milone
Romana Ricci
Valentina Ottaiano
Valerio Mirarchi
Alessia Pesciaioli
Instructor
Born in: Terni, Umbria
Professional history: Raised in Rome. Obtained her degree in Economics at La Sapienza di Roma.
In 1996 her passion for adventures and American culture brought her to San Francisco. Her background is in economics, but her passion has always been to teach. After working for a few years in a start-up during the dot-com boom she decided to do what she loves the most.
She decided to turn her hobby into her career and started teaching full-time at the Italian Institute of Culture in London and continued to do so in San Francisco.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 17 years
Interests and hobbies: Her passions are learning new languages, travel and fashion.
A book to read: "Il nome della Rosa”, Umberto Eco
Film not to be missed: “La vita e’ bella”, Roberto Benigni
Favorite quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”, Oscar Wilde
Professional history: Raised in Rome. Obtained her degree in Economics at La Sapienza di Roma.
In 1996 her passion for adventures and American culture brought her to San Francisco. Her background is in economics, but her passion has always been to teach. After working for a few years in a start-up during the dot-com boom she decided to do what she loves the most.
She decided to turn her hobby into her career and started teaching full-time at the Italian Institute of Culture in London and continued to do so in San Francisco.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 17 years
Interests and hobbies: Her passions are learning new languages, travel and fashion.
A book to read: "Il nome della Rosa”, Umberto Eco
Film not to be missed: “La vita e’ bella”, Roberto Benigni
Favorite quote: “Be yourself, everyone else is taken”, Oscar Wilde
Alice Rocchi
Instructor
Born in: Genova, Liguria
Professional history: She graduated in Foreign Languages Communication in 2011 at Genoa University and she attended a course of specialization in teaching Italian Language to Foreigners. Recently, she also obtained an important and mandatory qualification for teaching English and Spanish in Italian Public Schools.
She loves teaching Italian because she loves Italy, its language and its culture and she likes sharing her knowledges with others. She has different experiences of teaching in different contexts and with different target students. So, her keyword is flexibility.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 3 years
Interests and hobbies: sports, hiking and travelling but also reading a book sitting on the coach or by the sea. She’s Italian, but she doesn’t like soccer and wine and prefers American coffee.
A book to read: “Venuto al mondo”, Margaret Mazzantini
Film not to be missed: “Il sorpasso”, Dino Risi
Favorite quote: “Great teachers have high expectations for their students, but even higher expectations for themselves”, Todd Whitaker.
Professional history: She graduated in Foreign Languages Communication in 2011 at Genoa University and she attended a course of specialization in teaching Italian Language to Foreigners. Recently, she also obtained an important and mandatory qualification for teaching English and Spanish in Italian Public Schools.
She loves teaching Italian because she loves Italy, its language and its culture and she likes sharing her knowledges with others. She has different experiences of teaching in different contexts and with different target students. So, her keyword is flexibility.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 3 years
Interests and hobbies: sports, hiking and travelling but also reading a book sitting on the coach or by the sea. She’s Italian, but she doesn’t like soccer and wine and prefers American coffee.
A book to read: “Venuto al mondo”, Margaret Mazzantini
Film not to be missed: “Il sorpasso”, Dino Risi
Favorite quote: “Great teachers have high expectations for their students, but even higher expectations for themselves”, Todd Whitaker.
Antonella Mattia
Instructor
Born in: Potenza, Basilicata
Professional History: She graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in 2004 and has a Master’s in German for Business Communication from the Universita’ Cattolica in Milan. After having worked in Milan at the Italian German Chamber of Commerce, she decided to move to California in 2008. During the same year she started teaching Italian at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, where she worked for 12 years. She recently earned a Master’s in Italian Didactics and Literature for teaching Italian as a Second Language from Universita’ per Stranieri di Siena. She also worked as an Italian Lecturer in 2022 at the University of Southern California, and just moved back to Los Angeles, after having spent one year in Florence, where she worked as an Italian Lecturer for the Study Abroad Program of the Florida State University.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: she loves cooking with her kids, traveling and reading. She also enjoys taking long walks and meeting up with her girlfriends to go visit museums or for an aperitivo, possibly Italian style!
A book to read: “La Malnata”, Beatrice Salvioni
Film not to be missed: “Non ci resta che piangere”, Massimo Troisi, Roberto Benigni
Favorite quote: “The more you learn, the less you fear”, Julian Barnes
Professional History: She graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in 2004 and has a Master’s in German for Business Communication from the Universita’ Cattolica in Milan. After having worked in Milan at the Italian German Chamber of Commerce, she decided to move to California in 2008. During the same year she started teaching Italian at the Italian Cultural Institute in Los Angeles, where she worked for 12 years. She recently earned a Master’s in Italian Didactics and Literature for teaching Italian as a Second Language from Universita’ per Stranieri di Siena. She also worked as an Italian Lecturer in 2022 at the University of Southern California, and just moved back to Los Angeles, after having spent one year in Florence, where she worked as an Italian Lecturer for the Study Abroad Program of the Florida State University.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: she loves cooking with her kids, traveling and reading. She also enjoys taking long walks and meeting up with her girlfriends to go visit museums or for an aperitivo, possibly Italian style!
A book to read: “La Malnata”, Beatrice Salvioni
Film not to be missed: “Non ci resta che piangere”, Massimo Troisi, Roberto Benigni
Favorite quote: “The more you learn, the less you fear”, Julian Barnes
Antonia Mosca
Instructor
Born in: the US but grew up and studied in Napoli
Professional History: She holds a bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Communication and Mass Media at Federico II di Napoli.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: first year
Interests and hobbies: reading, eating, traveling, sci-fi, and comedy enthusiast.
A book to read: "Uno, Nessuno, e Centomila", Luigi Pirandello
Film not to be missed: "The Godfather", Francis Ford Coppola
Favorite quote: "What is essential is invisible to the eye", Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "Les Petit Prince"
Professional History: She holds a bachelor's in Sociology with a minor in Communication and Mass Media at Federico II di Napoli.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: first year
Interests and hobbies: reading, eating, traveling, sci-fi, and comedy enthusiast.
A book to read: "Uno, Nessuno, e Centomila", Luigi Pirandello
Film not to be missed: "The Godfather", Francis Ford Coppola
Favorite quote: "What is essential is invisible to the eye", Antoine de Saint-Exupery, "Les Petit Prince"
Barbara Gautero
Instructor
Born in: Mondovì, Piemonte
Professional history: She graduated with a master's degree in English Language and Literature at the University of Torino. In Italy, she taught English to high school students and worked in her family’s bookstore. She moved to San Francisco in 2004 and immediately started to teach Italian. She loves teaching and sharing her passion for linguistics, literature, cinema, and history.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 15 years
Interests and hobbies: She loves to read, watch movies, and explore the infinite interesting corners of the Bay Area.
A book to read: “Una Questione Privata”, Beppe Fenoglio
Film not to be missed: “Amarcord”, Federico Fellini
Favorite quote: "If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story", Orson Welles
Professional history: She graduated with a master's degree in English Language and Literature at the University of Torino. In Italy, she taught English to high school students and worked in her family’s bookstore. She moved to San Francisco in 2004 and immediately started to teach Italian. She loves teaching and sharing her passion for linguistics, literature, cinema, and history.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 15 years
Interests and hobbies: She loves to read, watch movies, and explore the infinite interesting corners of the Bay Area.
A book to read: “Una Questione Privata”, Beppe Fenoglio
Film not to be missed: “Amarcord”, Federico Fellini
Favorite quote: "If you want a happy ending, that depends, of course, on where you stop your story", Orson Welles
Dario Landmann
Instructor
Born in: Napoli, Campania
Professional history: He holds a degree in Communications at Salerno University. After few years working in a web communication agency as a web marketing consultant, he moved to San Francisco. His passion for American music and the idea of a “California dream” was the catalyst behind this choice. He quickly found a community of Italians in San Francisco which led to a successful carrier in the restaurant's hospitality business. After almost 20 years in this field, he’s now pursuing his passion for teaching.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: first year
Interests and hobbies: playing guitar, the Giants, skiing and more
A book to read: “Gomorra”, Roberto Saviano
Film not to be missed: “C’era una volta in America”, Sergio Leone
Favorite Quote: “gli esami non finiscono mai” (Life’s tests never end)
Professional history: He holds a degree in Communications at Salerno University. After few years working in a web communication agency as a web marketing consultant, he moved to San Francisco. His passion for American music and the idea of a “California dream” was the catalyst behind this choice. He quickly found a community of Italians in San Francisco which led to a successful carrier in the restaurant's hospitality business. After almost 20 years in this field, he’s now pursuing his passion for teaching.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: first year
Interests and hobbies: playing guitar, the Giants, skiing and more
A book to read: “Gomorra”, Roberto Saviano
Film not to be missed: “C’era una volta in America”, Sergio Leone
Favorite Quote: “gli esami non finiscono mai” (Life’s tests never end)
Elena Olivari
Instructor
Born in: Genova, Liguria
Professional History: She spent 21 years as an architect in the US and Hong Kong. This job has taught her the importance of working in a team and connecting and collaborating with others to achieve better results.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 14 years
Interests and hobbies: Traveling, art, and architecture. As all Italians, she loves food, Italian and international. She enjoys reading and watching movies.
A book to read: “Nel mare ci sono i coccodrilli”, Fabio Geda
Film to not be missed: “Le fate ignoranti”, Ferzan Özpetek
Favorite quote: “La semplicità è l’ultima sofisticazione”, Leonardo da Vinci
Professional History: She spent 21 years as an architect in the US and Hong Kong. This job has taught her the importance of working in a team and connecting and collaborating with others to achieve better results.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 14 years
Interests and hobbies: Traveling, art, and architecture. As all Italians, she loves food, Italian and international. She enjoys reading and watching movies.
A book to read: “Nel mare ci sono i coccodrilli”, Fabio Geda
Film to not be missed: “Le fate ignoranti”, Ferzan Özpetek
Favorite quote: “La semplicità è l’ultima sofisticazione”, Leonardo da Vinci
Estella Fucelli
Instructor
Born in: Modena, Emilia Romagna
Professional history: She was born and raised in Modena, a small city known for slow food and fast cars. She decided to move to Washington D.C. in 2018 to pursue a degree in International Relations and Sustainability at American University. Following graduation, she returned to her hometown and became an English teacher. Uncovering her passion for teaching, she made the decision to relocate to San Francisco to bridge cultures and share the richness of Italian heritage. She is now a vibrant Italian teacher, excited to share the beauty and intricacies of the Italian language with eager learners, building connections that transcend borders.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: She loves cooking, reading, Japanese knives and making Pinterest boards about her imaginary future home.
A book to read: "Uno, Nessuno e Centomila", Luigi Pirandello
A film not to be missed: "In the Mood for Love", Wong Kar-wai
Favorite Quote: “One Small act is worth a thousand thoughts” - Ai Wei Wei
Professional history: She was born and raised in Modena, a small city known for slow food and fast cars. She decided to move to Washington D.C. in 2018 to pursue a degree in International Relations and Sustainability at American University. Following graduation, she returned to her hometown and became an English teacher. Uncovering her passion for teaching, she made the decision to relocate to San Francisco to bridge cultures and share the richness of Italian heritage. She is now a vibrant Italian teacher, excited to share the beauty and intricacies of the Italian language with eager learners, building connections that transcend borders.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: She loves cooking, reading, Japanese knives and making Pinterest boards about her imaginary future home.
A book to read: "Uno, Nessuno e Centomila", Luigi Pirandello
A film not to be missed: "In the Mood for Love", Wong Kar-wai
Favorite Quote: “One Small act is worth a thousand thoughts” - Ai Wei Wei
Francesca Ribaudo
Instructor
Born in: Milano, Lombardia
Professional History: She graduated in Foreign Languages and Translation in 2016 in Padova, near Venezia. She has a Major in English and French and a Minor in criminology. In Italy, she was an ESL teacher for both, children and adults.
She permanently moved to the States in 2019 and has been working as an Italian and French teacher ever since. In 2020, she attended a specialization course in teaching Italian to Foreign Students.
She is committed to languages and loves studying new ones.
She is an enthusiastic language teacher who loves sharing her language and culture. She lives by Federico Fellini's words: “a different language is a different vision of life” as she finds that there is nothing more rewarding than using all her passion and creativity to enrich and color new visions.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Besides languages, she loves traveling, and has an endless bucket list! She enjoys art and history. She is a dedicated crafter and is really into drawing, card making, scrapbooking, and clay modeling. She likes to read, bake and watch movies with her husband.
A book to read: "La bambinaia francese", Bianca Pitzorno
Film not to be missed: "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso", Giuseppe Tornatore
Favorite quote: "Accadono cose che sono come domane. Passa un minuto, oppure anni, e poi la vita risponde", Alessandro Baricco
Professional History: She graduated in Foreign Languages and Translation in 2016 in Padova, near Venezia. She has a Major in English and French and a Minor in criminology. In Italy, she was an ESL teacher for both, children and adults.
She permanently moved to the States in 2019 and has been working as an Italian and French teacher ever since. In 2020, she attended a specialization course in teaching Italian to Foreign Students.
She is committed to languages and loves studying new ones.
She is an enthusiastic language teacher who loves sharing her language and culture. She lives by Federico Fellini's words: “a different language is a different vision of life” as she finds that there is nothing more rewarding than using all her passion and creativity to enrich and color new visions.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Besides languages, she loves traveling, and has an endless bucket list! She enjoys art and history. She is a dedicated crafter and is really into drawing, card making, scrapbooking, and clay modeling. She likes to read, bake and watch movies with her husband.
A book to read: "La bambinaia francese", Bianca Pitzorno
Film not to be missed: "Nuovo Cinema Paradiso", Giuseppe Tornatore
Favorite quote: "Accadono cose che sono come domane. Passa un minuto, oppure anni, e poi la vita risponde", Alessandro Baricco
Gianna Di Dio Russo
Instructor
Born in: Milano, Lombardia
Professional history: before coming to the US, she worked in the Milan trade shows industry, in particular during fashion tourism and food shows. In the US, she worked briefly in the banking industry, and for 16 years, she worked in accounting and finance.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 13 years
Interests and hobbies: Art and going to museums, biking, and when it is possible, travelling to Italy.
A book to read: “La Divina Commedia” , Dante Alighieri
Favorite quote: “e quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle" Dante Alighieri
Professional history: before coming to the US, she worked in the Milan trade shows industry, in particular during fashion tourism and food shows. In the US, she worked briefly in the banking industry, and for 16 years, she worked in accounting and finance.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 13 years
Interests and hobbies: Art and going to museums, biking, and when it is possible, travelling to Italy.
A book to read: “La Divina Commedia” , Dante Alighieri
Favorite quote: “e quindi uscimmo a riveder le stelle" Dante Alighieri
Jimmy Hypi
Instructor
Born in: Durres, Albania
Professional History: Moved to Italy with the family when he was 3 years old, he grew up in Voghera, a small city close to Pavia. His strong passion for science and problem solving led him to obtaining a Bachelor and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and a Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he also worked as a Graduate Researcher. He privately tutored for Math, Physics and English for several year, gaining experience in teaching and connecting with students to find effective ways for a fruitful learning experience.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: loves playing sports (he is a two-time High School Badminton national tournament silver medalist representing team Lombardia), playing the piano (amateur level), having deep conversations and solving problems, in terms of puzzles or turning challenging ideas into reality.
A book to read: "L’Ordine del Tempo", Carlo Rovelli
Film not to be missed: "Interstellar", Christopher Nolan
Favorite quote: “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent”, Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Professional History: Moved to Italy with the family when he was 3 years old, he grew up in Voghera, a small city close to Pavia. His strong passion for science and problem solving led him to obtaining a Bachelor and a Master’s Degree in Computer Science and Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Milan and a Master’s Degree at the University of Illinois in Chicago, where he also worked as a Graduate Researcher. He privately tutored for Math, Physics and English for several year, gaining experience in teaching and connecting with students to find effective ways for a fruitful learning experience.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: loves playing sports (he is a two-time High School Badminton national tournament silver medalist representing team Lombardia), playing the piano (amateur level), having deep conversations and solving problems, in terms of puzzles or turning challenging ideas into reality.
A book to read: "L’Ordine del Tempo", Carlo Rovelli
Film not to be missed: "Interstellar", Christopher Nolan
Favorite quote: “Whereof one cannot speak, thereof one must be silent”, Ludwig Wittgenstein.
Luigi Imperatore
Instructor
Born in: Southern Italy
Professional history: He was raised in Tuscany, near Firenze. After graduating in Political Science, he moved to London for an MBA and started his career in finance working for large international financial institutions. He traveled extensively for work in Europe and USA until he moved permanently to New York. He moved to San Francisco in 2008. He loves teaching and enjoys sharing his knowledge of the italian language and culture
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 5 years
Interests and Hobbies: In his free time, he enjoys traveling and playing tennis
A book to read : “La lunga vita di Marianna Ucria”, Dacia Maraini
Film not to be missed: “Il Postino”, Michael Radford
A favorite quote: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn", Benjamin Franklin
Professional history: He was raised in Tuscany, near Firenze. After graduating in Political Science, he moved to London for an MBA and started his career in finance working for large international financial institutions. He traveled extensively for work in Europe and USA until he moved permanently to New York. He moved to San Francisco in 2008. He loves teaching and enjoys sharing his knowledge of the italian language and culture
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 5 years
Interests and Hobbies: In his free time, he enjoys traveling and playing tennis
A book to read : “La lunga vita di Marianna Ucria”, Dacia Maraini
Film not to be missed: “Il Postino”, Michael Radford
A favorite quote: "Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn", Benjamin Franklin
Mattia Milone
Instructor
Born in: Cisternino, Puglia
Professional history: He grew up in Milan, the city he feels inspired and influenced the most by: its cultural life, its style, its history and memories. He achieved his degree in Italian Literature and his certificate of Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language (DITALS).
He started working for the publisher Sonzogno, and taught Italian Literature to high schoolers. From 2015 to 2018, he collaborated in a program funded by the European Union, teaching Italian language to refugees and immigrants.
In 2018 he moved to California (somehow reminds him of Puglia!) where he lives with his wife, Claire.
Years at the Istituto Italiano Scuola: 6 years
Interests and hobbies: He enjoys reading novels and poems from different authors, languages, and styles. He is a music lover and a record store explorer. Recreationally, he also likes to write.
A book to read "Antologia della poesia italiana del Novecento", AAVV
Film not to be missed: “C'eravamo tanto amati”, Ettore Scola
Favorite quote: “Cogito, ergo sum”, Descartes
Professional history: He grew up in Milan, the city he feels inspired and influenced the most by: its cultural life, its style, its history and memories. He achieved his degree in Italian Literature and his certificate of Teaching Italian as a Foreign Language (DITALS).
He started working for the publisher Sonzogno, and taught Italian Literature to high schoolers. From 2015 to 2018, he collaborated in a program funded by the European Union, teaching Italian language to refugees and immigrants.
In 2018 he moved to California (somehow reminds him of Puglia!) where he lives with his wife, Claire.
Years at the Istituto Italiano Scuola: 6 years
Interests and hobbies: He enjoys reading novels and poems from different authors, languages, and styles. He is a music lover and a record store explorer. Recreationally, he also likes to write.
A book to read "Antologia della poesia italiana del Novecento", AAVV
Film not to be missed: “C'eravamo tanto amati”, Ettore Scola
Favorite quote: “Cogito, ergo sum”, Descartes
Romana Ricci
Instructor
Born in: Palmoli, Abruzzo
Professional History: graduated in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of G. D’Annunzio in Pescara. She holds a Master’s degree in linguistics from the University of La Sorbonne in Paris. She also studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain. She taught Italian in Paris in high school, business schools, and to corporate executives. She worked at The Louvre Museum as an Italian art teacher and in its linguistic labs for 2 years. After working in public relations for a fashion company in Paris, she moved to San Francisco in 2009, where she was happy to return to her true passion: teaching. She taught at University of San Francisco as an Adjunct Professor in Italian Language and Culture. She also collaborates with Flashbrand, an HRTech startup, on localization, training and coaching. She has been working at Istituto Italiano Scuola since 2010.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 14 years
Interests and hobbies: She loves spending her free time painting and doing creative art projects.
A book to read: “La luna e i falò”, Cesare Pavese
Film to not be missed: “Il capitale Umano”, Paolo Virzì
Favorite quote: “La semplicità è la sofisticazione finale”, Leonardo da Vinci
Professional History: graduated in Foreign Languages and Literatures from the University of G. D’Annunzio in Pescara. She holds a Master’s degree in linguistics from the University of La Sorbonne in Paris. She also studied at the University of Salamanca in Spain. She taught Italian in Paris in high school, business schools, and to corporate executives. She worked at The Louvre Museum as an Italian art teacher and in its linguistic labs for 2 years. After working in public relations for a fashion company in Paris, she moved to San Francisco in 2009, where she was happy to return to her true passion: teaching. She taught at University of San Francisco as an Adjunct Professor in Italian Language and Culture. She also collaborates with Flashbrand, an HRTech startup, on localization, training and coaching. She has been working at Istituto Italiano Scuola since 2010.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 14 years
Interests and hobbies: She loves spending her free time painting and doing creative art projects.
A book to read: “La luna e i falò”, Cesare Pavese
Film to not be missed: “Il capitale Umano”, Paolo Virzì
Favorite quote: “La semplicità è la sofisticazione finale”, Leonardo da Vinci
Valentina Ottaiano
Instructor
Born in: Napoli, Campania
Professional History: She holds a bachelor's degree in Italian Cultural Heritage and a master's degree in Classic Archaeology from the Second University of Naples. In 2012 she left Italy and, after a brief stay in Brussels, Belgium, she moved to Dublin Ireland where she worked at the Saint Patrick Cathedral as a historical guide. In 2014 she crossed the Atlantic and landed in San Francisco where she immediately started working as an Italian teacher. The 2020 Pandemic reset brought her closer to her family in Southern California where she continues today to teach remotely. Not the imposed lockdown, nor the physical distance have weakened her relationship with her students.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 9 years
Interests and hobbies: She is passionate about interior design, transforming old furniture pieces she collects, and she loves spending time on the beach with her husband and her dog Piper
A book to read: "All quiet on the Western Front", Erich Maria Remarque
Film not to be missed: "La meglio gioventù", Marco Tullio Giordana
Favorite quote: "I contain multitudes", Walt Whitman
Professional History: She holds a bachelor's degree in Italian Cultural Heritage and a master's degree in Classic Archaeology from the Second University of Naples. In 2012 she left Italy and, after a brief stay in Brussels, Belgium, she moved to Dublin Ireland where she worked at the Saint Patrick Cathedral as a historical guide. In 2014 she crossed the Atlantic and landed in San Francisco where she immediately started working as an Italian teacher. The 2020 Pandemic reset brought her closer to her family in Southern California where she continues today to teach remotely. Not the imposed lockdown, nor the physical distance have weakened her relationship with her students.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 9 years
Interests and hobbies: She is passionate about interior design, transforming old furniture pieces she collects, and she loves spending time on the beach with her husband and her dog Piper
A book to read: "All quiet on the Western Front", Erich Maria Remarque
Film not to be missed: "La meglio gioventù", Marco Tullio Giordana
Favorite quote: "I contain multitudes", Walt Whitman
Valerio Mirarchi
Instructor
Born in: Catanzaro, Calabria.
Professional History: Always driven by an innate attitude for innovation, Valerio has defined his professional style by building on a foundation of humanistic studies and by capitalizing on an articulated managerial career in the media and entertainment industry. Passion for technology along with natural confidence in project management challenges, then moved him to jump into the entrepreneurial journey and found his own startup in digital marketing, successfully launched in Italy before the pandemic. Valerio is currently attending the MBA program at University Of San Francisco where he also works as Italian Practicum Tutor within the USF Languages, Literature and Culture Department: Valerio teaches USF undergraduate students by highly interactive methodologies, focusing on boosting their confidence in speaking Italian language with accuracy.
Year at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Startups, Innovation, Kitesurfing, Psychology
A book to read: “Our inner Ape”, Frans De Waal
Film not to be missed: “La Terra”, Sergio Rubini
Favorite quote: “Poco se mi considero, molto se mi confronto”, Sant’Agostino
Professional History: Always driven by an innate attitude for innovation, Valerio has defined his professional style by building on a foundation of humanistic studies and by capitalizing on an articulated managerial career in the media and entertainment industry. Passion for technology along with natural confidence in project management challenges, then moved him to jump into the entrepreneurial journey and found his own startup in digital marketing, successfully launched in Italy before the pandemic. Valerio is currently attending the MBA program at University Of San Francisco where he also works as Italian Practicum Tutor within the USF Languages, Literature and Culture Department: Valerio teaches USF undergraduate students by highly interactive methodologies, focusing on boosting their confidence in speaking Italian language with accuracy.
Year at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Startups, Innovation, Kitesurfing, Psychology
A book to read: “Our inner Ape”, Frans De Waal
Film not to be missed: “La Terra”, Sergio Rubini
Favorite quote: “Poco se mi considero, molto se mi confronto”, Sant’Agostino
Staff
Dream team
Meet our staff who oversees all programs and related activities for the IIS and builds relationships with our nonprofit community. They coordinate our business planning, accounting, and internal organization work.
Martina Di Biase
Executive Director
Michela Belluta
Operations Manager
Mariantonia Cambareri
Marketing and Events Manager
Martina Di Biase
Born in: Pescara, Abruzzo
Professional history: She did her undergraduate and Master’s studies at the University of Bologna, receiving degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. She began teaching Italian to foreign students while at university, and having developed a passion for this work, she became a certified DITALS (Italian as a foreign language) Teacher in 2007. She then received a Master’s degree in Pedagogy and Promotion of the Italian Language and Culture from the University of Venice, Ca’Foscari, in 2017. She worked as an Italian teacher for many years in numerous contexts: from teaching seminary students in the Vatican, to foreign diplomats on mission to Italy, to study abroad students, and refugees, she has honed her teaching style in diverse and multicultural settings. In Rome, she also opened an Italian language school that she run for over 3 years.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Cooking; reading literature; travelling; spending time with family, friends, good food & good wine.
A book to read: “Conversazioni in Sicilia”, Elio Vittorini
Film not to be missed: “Ecce Bombo”, Nanni Moretti
Favorite quote: “La letteratura è un’immortalità all’indietro”, Umberto Eco.
Professional history: She did her undergraduate and Master’s studies at the University of Bologna, receiving degrees in Political Science and Anthropology. She began teaching Italian to foreign students while at university, and having developed a passion for this work, she became a certified DITALS (Italian as a foreign language) Teacher in 2007. She then received a Master’s degree in Pedagogy and Promotion of the Italian Language and Culture from the University of Venice, Ca’Foscari, in 2017. She worked as an Italian teacher for many years in numerous contexts: from teaching seminary students in the Vatican, to foreign diplomats on mission to Italy, to study abroad students, and refugees, she has honed her teaching style in diverse and multicultural settings. In Rome, she also opened an Italian language school that she run for over 3 years.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Cooking; reading literature; travelling; spending time with family, friends, good food & good wine.
A book to read: “Conversazioni in Sicilia”, Elio Vittorini
Film not to be missed: “Ecce Bombo”, Nanni Moretti
Favorite quote: “La letteratura è un’immortalità all’indietro”, Umberto Eco.
Michela Belluta
Born in: Magenta, Lombardia
Professional History: Public Relations expert reinvented several times while moving abroad. First, she became a cultural events specialist in Singapore, then a travel agent for Americans visiting Italy when first arrived in San Diego, and during the pandemic she evolved into an Office Manager for Italian schools. She loves to organize and make sure everything works smoothly.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 1 year
Interests and hobbies: run, working out in her garage, watch movies, puzzles, organize events for Italian Women USA
A book to read: “Wuthering Heights”, Emily Bronte
Film not to be missed: “When Harry met Sally” Rob Reiner
Favorite quote: “We can do hard things”, Glennon Doyle
Professional History: Public Relations expert reinvented several times while moving abroad. First, she became a cultural events specialist in Singapore, then a travel agent for Americans visiting Italy when first arrived in San Diego, and during the pandemic she evolved into an Office Manager for Italian schools. She loves to organize and make sure everything works smoothly.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 1 year
Interests and hobbies: run, working out in her garage, watch movies, puzzles, organize events for Italian Women USA
A book to read: “Wuthering Heights”, Emily Bronte
Film not to be missed: “When Harry met Sally” Rob Reiner
Favorite quote: “We can do hard things”, Glennon Doyle
Mariantonia Cambareri
Born in: Rome, Lazio
Professional history: Born and raised in Italy. After working for a considerable period as an Art Director in children's publishing, her passion for travel and the exploration of new cultures led her to San Francisco in 2012. Her background ranges from art history to design, from communication to event management and planning. She also started teaching Italian as soon as she arrived in the Bay Area, to maintain the bond with her country and to share the beauty of the Italian language and culture with her students. She is a creative person who loves to keep her Italian roots alive.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Her passions are mainly art, literature, and travel, but she also loves sweets and chocolate very much.
A book to read: "La Grammatica della Fantasia", Gianni Rodari
Film not to be missed: “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso”, Giuseppe Tornatore
Favorite quote: “We Cannot Direct the Wind, But We Can Adjust the Sails”, Seneca
Professional history: Born and raised in Italy. After working for a considerable period as an Art Director in children's publishing, her passion for travel and the exploration of new cultures led her to San Francisco in 2012. Her background ranges from art history to design, from communication to event management and planning. She also started teaching Italian as soon as she arrived in the Bay Area, to maintain the bond with her country and to share the beauty of the Italian language and culture with her students. She is a creative person who loves to keep her Italian roots alive.
Years at Istituto Italiano Scuola: 2 years
Interests and hobbies: Her passions are mainly art, literature, and travel, but she also loves sweets and chocolate very much.
A book to read: "La Grammatica della Fantasia", Gianni Rodari
Film not to be missed: “Nuovo Cinema Paradiso”, Giuseppe Tornatore
Favorite quote: “We Cannot Direct the Wind, But We Can Adjust the Sails”, Seneca
Work with us
We are always looking for new teachers to add to our team.
Feel free to contact us if you want to join the institute.
Contact us
Board of Directors
Meet our board of directors, a fantastic executive committee that jointly supervises the activities of our organization.
Nina Lualdi
President
Karen McMillan
Treasurer
Curtis Schuhmacher
Recording Secretary
Deborah Keith
Social Secretary
Nick Figone
Jordi Moncada
Christine Pagani
Paola Rossaro
Walter Stella
