Meet our teachers: Giulia Clemente

Teachers are the key element in a language school and at IIS we take pride in our teachers’ experience and quality of teaching. All our teachers have been doing this job for some time and, most importantly, love teaching and are passionate about helping their students learn our beautiful language. Our students can feel this drive to quality teaching every time they have a class, being it a group class or a private class.  

Please remember that you can take a look at the entire team of teacher at IIS, on our website page About us | SFIIS. 

One of the teachers who is best at sharing her passion for teaching Italian with her students is Giulia. And today we are getting to know her better. 

• How long have you been teaching Italian? How long for IIS?  

I have been teaching Italian for over 10 years. I started by teaching Italian to immigrants in Turin while I was working on my research project for my master’s degree thesis. I joined the IIS about a year ago when I moved to California from Australia. 

• Where are you from? How often do you visit your hometown? What do you miss the most? 

I am originally Italian, but I lived for the past 10 years in Sydney, Australia. My hometown is Turin, which I try to visit once a year. What I miss the most is the golden light of September over the river Po, the dehors full of people enjoying a drink and a chat, and being familiar with the faces that I cross on the street. 

• What made you choose to become a teacher?  

I love all language related things, and I strongly believe that knowing the language of the place where you live, or that you visit allows you greater freedom and the opportunity of a deeper understanding of a culture. I want my work to be meaningful for others. Being a language teacher allows me to help people realize their dreams, whether they are moving to a new country, better connecting with their roots or improving their professional life. 

• What is your favorite Italian dish? Do you like cooking?  

At present, I am obsessed with baking “baci di dama”, which are two melt-in-your-mouth hazelnut cookies held together with some dark chocolate.  Their name means “lady’s kisses” since the two halves of the cookies resemble two lips that come together for a kiss and are typical of Northern Italy.  Overall, I love cooking, I find it relaxing and enjoy inviting friends over for dinner. 

• Can you share with our students some tips for learning Italian faster?  

Set aside some time for Italian every day. Five minutes is enough. Listen to a song, or a podcast, read a news update, or a recipe, or combine Italian with other interests/activities you enjoy. Whatever works for you is the right way to improve. Try to meet and talk with native speakers and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Showing up every day: that’s the only way to learn. Have fun and be proud of being willing to learn a different language. 

• Is there a monument or place that you recommend our students to visit if they go to Italy?  

Visit Turin, my hometown. Turin is full of castles, parks, beautiful museums, hip restaurants, cafés and bars. It is green, romantic, young… We call it the little Paris for a reason. And you won’t find it packed with tourists like other Italian destinations. Visit Palazzo Reale and the breathtaking collection at the Museo Egizio. Have dinner at Cianci and get a glass at Pastis to enjoy it like a local.