Homestay in Italy & Personalized Italian Instruction with Lucia De Zuani

Lucia is a friendly person who loves teaching her own language and taking foreign visitors sightseeing. She has many interests, and can offer her students a wide range of possibilities to learn Italian. For example, she teaches the language sitting at the kitchen table, going sightseeing, reading a newspaper or watching and discussing a film, all this according to the student’s preferences and level. She will accommodate and tailor activities to suit her guests’ interests: from museums to wonderful natural spots, from the lakes to the mountains, from wineries to outlets, all year round.

Testimonials:

Lucia’s students have been more than satisfied with their time spent with Lucia and their glowing comments tell you what a wonderful experience it is to stay with Lucia and her family:

For anyone who is serious about learning Italian this is indeed the most effective if not the only way to learn or improve your skills. There are no shortcuts to learning a language, but you can make it quicker and more enjoyable by immersing yourself entirely within a friendly and encouraging environment, thus forcing yourself to speak. Lucia’s Home Stay is the best, most convenient and cost effective way to learn Italian. She is an experienced bilingual teacher, who not only provides a high level of teaching but also maintains a friendly environment within her home, where after lessons you get to put into practice what you have just learnt. Having already learnt French I knew the importance of practice… you need to speak and Lucia certainly makes you gain your confidence and progress quickly. Also having a professional teacher on hand to clarify and help when questions arise is a true luxury. I have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Lucia’s Home stay to anyone really serious about learning Italian, from beginners to advanced level, but also to anyone wanting to explore a beautiful picturesque region of Italy and gain an understanding of a fantastic culture. -Penelope, New Zealand

When I decided to improve my Italian in 2006, I was looking for a method to combine rapid progress with a pleasant holiday. I was lucky indeed in getting Lucia’s coordinates, as at that time she just occasionally hosted students. Now this has changed, as I have learned, and for good reasons! Myself, having spent a first week with her in autumn 2006, I went back for a second one in spring 2007, and I have to say that this was the begin of a success story, both for me and her. As far as I am concerned, I could have written this testimonial in Italian as well, and in fact I am proud of my knowledge of the language today. As for her, I understand her home stays have become quite popular.

Staying at Lucia’s is like becoming a true Italian. You would not only get tailor-made lessons, but also become a member of the family, meeting her friends, participating in the social and cultural life, making excursions and having fun. It is exactly that mix that will bring you forward.

What I found with Lucia is a most efficient and at the same time most agreeable way to improve my language skills. Whether you need Italian as a businessperson or as a student or whether you simply want to experience the language as part of the Italian culture, you will take enormous profit from a home stay at Lucia’s, and you will certainly have a good time in Borgomanero and its marvelous surroundings. And maybe you will also find a friend in Lucia, as I did. -Roland, Switzerland

It had been my dream for so many years to visit Italy and it finally came true. I didn’t expect to find such an amazing host when I applied for Homestay. Lucia has been incredible, so patient and kind and so very generous. Nothing ever was too much trouble for her. We spent the most awesome weekend in the mountains I was so overwhelmed with their beauty. Our numerous visits to the Lakes and castles and islands. The fantastic weather. Lucia I can’t thank you enough for making my time in Italy so spectacular. I will never ever forget it, or you. There have been just so many incredible moments, times with your friends. Yummy dinners. I have been so blessed. If I ever get the chance I would return to enjoy more of this beautiful country. Thank you for teaching me your language. I only learned a little as I was too busy to enjoy this gorgeous place. My fault entirely. Thank you again, Lucia, you are a beautiful person and deserve the best in life. -Jennie, Perth, Australia

Queste tre settimane passate con Lucia sono state stupende! Lucia è generosa, premurosa e sempre alegre. Le visite alle isole, ai laghi, al castello, etc. sono state proprio bellissime… la natura e i luoghi sono straordinari! Lucia è una persona meravigliosa e mi sento beata di aver potuto conoscere tutti i suoi amici e la sua famiglia! E’ stato un vero piacere! Lucia, grazie per tutto: la tua cucina, le visite, la tua ospitalità, il tuo aiuto con gli esercizi e l’anello! Sei stata fantastica e mi mancherai! Grazie per tutto, thank you for everything et merci pour tout!

Ringrazio Mara, Roberto, Alberto, Claudio, Vanna e Arianna per la loro ospitalità e gentilezza! -Anina – Paris, France

I have enjoyed my second stay here every bit as much as my first, my only regret being that it was shorter. I have really enjoyed swimming in Lake Orta and being taken to lovely places, mostly new to me, but at my request, including a return visit to the beautiful Villa Taranto. Lucia is unfailingly kind, generous and thoughtful. Under her gentle guidance my Italian continues to improve. I look forward to another visit one day. -Barbara, Australia

Grazie molte Lucia per la tua ospitalità e disponibilità. Sei bravissima e io sono sicura che tu potrai aiutare tante altre persone. Grazie a te, Mara, i tuoi amici per una piacevole permanenza. -Maricarmen, California

Due settimane con Lucia… Mi è piaciuta la sua pazienza, la sua disponibilità. E’ sempre pronta a fare un favore. Ho scoperto una regione diversa e le due camminate in montagna staranno nella memoria. Ho scoperto Vanna e Terry che mi hanno ricevuto gentilmente. Ho scoperto la piadina e Lucia ha scoperto il “taboulé”. Ho capito che la grammatica e il vocabolario italiani sono ancora più difficili di quanto credevo. Grazie al Professor Grammaticus! Non sarò diventata bilingue, non ho la “musica” della lingua italiana ma ho fatto progressi, almeno lo credo! Grazie Lucia e sai che la mia casa ti è aperta! -Jacqueline, Francia

Teaching Qualifications and Experiences:

Diploma Superiore Traduttori Interpreti (1975), swimming-pool life-guard (1994), tourist operator (1995). Long experience as a translator and a teacher of English and Italian languages. In accordance with the student’s needs, I can offer Italian cooking, vegetarian or Kousmine’s method.

To Learn more or book a home stay/language vacation with Lucia contact Melissa for prices and more details about Lucia’s program. Rates are very reasonable!