Students' feedback on Antonella's teaching

Michaela Jones, Beginner Student, December 2024:
I really enjoyed learning italian with Antonella. She made the classes fun and interactive with clear communication and a warm welcoming nature. I learnt a lot and would definitely recommend learning with her!

Skayla Facini, 10 years old, Continuing Beginner Student, December 2024:
Italian is so much fun and iteresting, My teacher is very patient and knowledgeable, and give fun homework but it is challanging work.

Sandra Renner, Continuing Advanced Student, December 2024:
Absolutely enjoy the classes with Antonella. Always well prepared and makes learning the language interesting and fun. Lots of focus on grammar. Creative speaking/conversation. Learning in topics is very effective. Thank you for another fantastic Italian class Antonella :)

Sylvia Amor, Continuing Advanced Student, December 2024:
I am having so much fun learning Italian with Antonella. She is an excellent teacher and very good at matching the pace of her students. The lessons are interesting and the ideas are well explained. Grazie!

Harry Almey, Continuing Beginner Student, December 2024:
Wanderful fun. At the early stage of learning I am learning and relearning much about English as I learn a new language. Much more wholesome to learn the langauge in person and face to face than via an app

Finlay McGilchrist, Continuing Intermediate Student, March 2024:
Constuctive criticism. I very much appreciate it. Whenever I make any mistake it is always corrected, but not in an unkind way.

Lily, Beginner Student, December 2023:
Professor Antonella has made learning Italian easier than languages I took in highschool. Sher is incredibly patient and explains and answers any queries I/we have and clears any confusion. Highly recommend :)

Shanae Barton, Continuing Advanced Student, Decermber 2023:
I have found Antonella's way of teaching very helpful as it is more interactive and learning how to actually hold a convesation with someone rather than just sitting and doing book work for the whole lesson, Highly recommend

Fay Haszard, Beginner Student, March 2023:
Great partecipation, which is definetly the best way to learn

Sophie Eastmond-Main, Beginner Student, March 2023:
Antonella's classes have been great. I have always loved the theoretical side of learning a language but struggle with putting that into practice with speaking. Antonella's classes are structured to include a lot of speaking practice which has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, which is just what I need.

David Fletcher, Beginner Student, April 2023:
We found Antonella's really enjoyable and useful. Highly recommended.

Mark, Beginner Student, 2023:
Excellent calsses, very interactive. I like how speaking only Italiano is encouraged

Marie Lord, Beginner Student, March 2023:
A great brain teaser. made me think and helps with the understanding odf my own English. Thank you.

Andy, Beginner Student, March 2023:
Grazie Antonella! This was a great learning experience for me. I've learned enough to find a bank and shoes shop anywhere in Italy. Keen to learn more!

Liz Olsen, Beginner Student, 2023:
Grazie Antonella. I have really enjoied my class. I loved the group interaction. I am starting to gain confidence in speaking Italian a bit more.

Jennie Williams, Beginner Student, March 2023:
A great fun ways to immerse yourself in all things Italian!! Very intuitive teacher style and certainly helps you learn. Bene!

Dorothy Redfern, Continuing Intermediate Student, May 2023:
Patient Teacher

Sarah McAdam, Beginner Student, May 2023:
I have really enjoied the course, it's a great way to pick up Italian fro real convesations that covers vocabulary as well. xx. Thank you . Ciao.

James, Intermediate Student, May 2023:
Challenging and immersive

Ashleigh Vause, Beginner Student, May 2023:
I really loved this type of enviroment to learn. I was uncertaing at first, as I hate talking in front of people, but this stepped me out of my conmfort zone, which I love! Antonella is so lovely and I appreciate everything she's done for this class and beginning my immersive learniong.

Jaus, Beginner Student, July 2023:
I absolutely loved Antonella beginners' class; it was a mix bunch concerning our levels, but Antonella offered all of us a great platform to get ahead and made me feel very comfortable in class. Looking forward to the next class.

Julie Hill-Anderson, Beginner Student, July 2023:
Antonella is a great teacher. Always encouraged to speak Italian right from start. Lessons always include all group partecipation with lots of humor. I learned a great deal

Mary-Lou Walden, Beginner Student, June 2023:
Excellent. Challanging at the beginng; with little English spoken in class, but activates Italian very quickly. Very encouraging.

Derryl Sampson, Beginner Student, July 2023:
Antonella was very hel[pful and kind by tailoring our lessons to help with our forhcoming travel to Italy. Grazie!

Louise, Beginner Student, July 2023:
Antonella is kind and helpful. Our crash course to negotiate Italy and Italian restaurants will be very useful

Ting Wang, Beginner Student, July 2023:
I have tried to learn Italian for many years but never made much progress. These classes that Antonella provides are so effective that within 3 weeks of taking the classes, I can make simple conversations. After taking 3 or 4 classes, I could read the BBC Italian book that I bought many years ago for leraning Italian. Thank you Antonella for making it so easy for me to learn to speak Italian!

Mary-Lou Wilden, Begginer Student, July 2023:
It is well accepted learning another language is beneficial for brain health. having recently retired I chose Italian classes so my visit to Italy is even more wondeful.

Enjoied the experience, outside my confort zone. Learnt plenty, just have to remember it and practise!!

Craig, Beginner Student, September 2023:
We are going to Italy for a 5 weeks holiday and wanted to be able to understand the language. The course has been very good and I think we will get around a lot easier now

Sandra Renner, Advanced Continuing Student, September 2023:
-Enjoied the great learning enviroment -Speaking and teaching in the target language -Great exercises and revision in every class -First course: great introduction to the language.

Elena Fortin, Beginner Student, September 2023:
Great beginners course for setting a foundation in pronunciation and getting started with proper grammar. Would probably get more out of a course that moves at a slightly faster pace, maybe meeting twice a week.

Temoe Neuffer, Continuing Intermediate Student, September 2023:
Great classes where I learnt so much in a short amount of time. Antonella is an awsome teacher and I can't wait to do more classes. Thank you!

Vaughan Kitchen, Continuing Advanced Student, September 2023:
In a few short weeks I feel like I can have basic comprehension of Italian dialogue. Compared to Duolinguo I feel much better prepared for if I want to travel to Italy. The immersion learning really is helpful.

Sebastian, Beginner student, September 2023:
Great class with a fantastic teacher, very good conversational teaching. Antonella is great at helpin build speaking, reading, writing confidence. the best language class I have been part of. Highly recommneded.

Sharleen Johnston, Continuing Intermediate Student, October 2022:
Immerse teaching in a small group is an excellent way for a linguistically challanged student to learn Italian. Antonella is an excellent and very structured teacher. Ciao.

Tyrin Hamuera Tutaki, Continuing Intermediate Student, September 2022:
As a student of multiple languages over the past 10 years, I cannot speak any higher of Antonella's method in her approach to teaching italiano and giving invaluable insight into the world and beatiful culture of Italy. I belive that immersion focused classes are the most efficient way to learn a language and is a great challange for anyone looking to develop their language skills. Grazie!

Michelle Baker, Continuing Intermediate Student, September 2022:
Antonella is so passionate about sharing her language and culture.

Jaxon Tutaki, Beginner Student, September 2022:
The classes have been in depth and very informative while also enjoible. The immersion into the language has been very insightful. The feeling of gradually picking up on words in sentences is surprisingly quick and enjoiable. I felt I have learned more in these few weeks of Italian than my four years of Spanish. Grazie.

Alice Riley, Beginner Student, September 2022:
Antonella is a great, patient and kind teacher. She includes a lot of interactive activities and there is lots of variation in her lessoons to help you learn. She encourages you to try speak Italian from the first lesson and helps you work through your mistakes. I would recommend her to anyone wanting to begin Italian!

Ottavia Jojic, Beginner Student, June 2022:
Fantastic course! Fun and informative, a real plesure to attend and easy leraning enviroment. Great course structure and materials.

Linda Lobb, Beginner Student, June 2022:
I came along not knowing a word of Italian and I am amazed how much I have learned in 8 weeks. So enjoied it that I am coming back for another 8 weeks course. Cheers Antonella.

Shirley Rundle, Continuing Intermediate Student, June 2022:
Learning Italian has always been an interest of mine and this class has been a great way to start. Antonella is a fantastic teacher and makes it easy to understand.

Richard Lobb, Beginner Student, June 2022:
I am enjoing learning "italiano" as it is challanging and interesting. I am comimg back to continue this course. Thank you (grazie) Antonella.

Nic Dahl, Beginner Student, June 2022:
Awesome, fun and engaging learning enviroment. Coming back to repeat.

Lynette J., Beginner Student, June 2022:
Made to feel very welcome, a very nice enviroment to learn. Antonella is very patient and I feel I learnt a lot quickly. A long way to go yet, but progress is made every lesson. Looking forward to the next step.

Jillian Hetherington, Beginner Student, April 2022:
For someone with no language learning this was a safe space to learn. Antonella is very patient with her students and certainly tries to calm our nerves and encourage us to just give it a go. Languages are complex it appears, and italian is something! So I do feel after 8 weks my brain is sxploding but in a good way. Ciao!

Dushon J., Beginner Stdent, April 2022:
A very professional and entrateining experience. I would reccomand 2 lessons a week, as the time goes so quicly and there is so much to learn.

Maddy Hansen, Beginner Student, December 2021:
Our classes with Antonella have been wonderful! Very enjoible and engaging, she is a brilliant teacher, who made learning Italian approachable and fun.

Jared Monk, Beginner Student, December 2021:
Antonella is an amazing teacher, very friendly and accomodating. Had a lot of fun learning with my partner. We were beginners and have learnt so much over the few weeks. Thank you very much for everything.

Rebecca Meikle, Continuing Advanced Student, March 2021:
I have found the lessons to be enjoiable and an excellent introduction to the Italian language. I have learnt so much very quickly. I really like how we are immersed in the language right from the start.

Lesley den Toon, Continuing Advanced Student, March 2021:
Very immersive teaching style with an open, friendly and confortable classroom enviroment. I am looking forward to learning more.

Margaret Vincent, Contiunuing Intermediate Student, March 2021:
It has been so much fun, and very useful, to spend these last 8 weeks learning Italian with Antonella. We have learnt lots of different aspects of the language and the Italian life in general.

Grant Meikle, Beginner Student, March 2021:
Antonella is a fun, patient and dedicated teacher. She made me feel confortable while learning, even when I struggled.

Joelle Den Toon, Continuing Advanced Student, March 2021:
The class was lovely and welcoming. I always felt that i could ask as many questions as I liked. Antonella's teaching style is fun and interactive! Very different to formal classes that I have taken in the past (in a good way)= nice and relaxed which made it a joy.

Karina Greer, Beginner Student, August 2020:
I really enjoyed beginner lessons with Antonella. We launched into Italian from the first class! We had a great group and Antonella is a very encouraging and patient teacher. I look forward to using what I've learned when I visit Italy again (whenever that's a possibility!)

Emilie Grenon, Continuing Advanced Student, September 2020:
Great country, great language, great teacher! Italian really is fun! Thank you so much Antonella!!!!!

Molly Devine, Beginners Student, August 2020:
It has been great practicing my Italian in Antonella痴 classes. It is very practical and she gets you speaking right away which isn稚 as scary as it sounds. She is great at getting everyone to work together, so I have made some great friends as well as had buddies with similar Italian understanding to mine to practice with.

Stuart Cooper, Continuing Advanced Student, December 2019:
Generally a good course, but for a first time beginner slow progress is expected.As the number of students reduced, the work was more concentrated and pregress improved. I would certainly come back to the next course.

Sarah Strek, Beginner Student, December 2019:
The Italian Beginner Class with Antonella was a great introduction to the Italian language. We did a lot of active exercises and started speaking Italian from the first minute. Some exercises where challenging, but each time you learnt more!

Pamela Smith, Beginner Student, April 2019:
I have greatly enjoied Antonella's classes, and have learnt a lot. The small group learning style really suited my needs, and allowed enough time for each student to practice speaking as well as reading Italian. I look forward to going on to the the next level with the same group of students.

Peter Stables, Continuing Beginner Student, April 2019:
I have enjoied the course and want to take it to the next level (there is a long way to go). As usual when learning a language my lack of knowledge on the terminology in English (eg. what is an adverb?) is a hindrance but it has slowly got stuck in my mind. Tkank a lot.

Nicky Grant, Continuing Advanced Student, April 2019:
I am an older, beginner student and began lessons with Antonella late in 2018. I'm learning Italian to keep my brain active and to hopefully visit Italy with the ability to both speak with and understand the local people. For me learning Italian is both challanging and enjoyble. Antonella is a very patient, excellent teacher.

Theo Spyrut, Beginner Student, November 2018:
Antonella has a very effective way of teaching, making sure that everyone is on the same page and understands what is going on. After a while, you even forget you aren't speaking English! I'd recommend these classes to anyone serious about learning a language.

Colin Cheyne, Advanced Student, September 2018:
Antonella has been a huge help in my attempt to revive my long-neglected Italian. Her lessons are not only very enjoyable, but well-structured and provide excellent balance of reading and writing, speaking and listening, vocavulary and grammar.

Michelle Johnson, Continuing Intermediate Student, September 2018:
Antonella's approach to learning includes material which is well paced (in term of presentation). There is a logical presentation in what we are tought and we are given the opportunities to practice in class with feedback

Kate W., Beginner Student, April 2018:
I have greatly enjoyed the few lessons I had with Antonella and l feel I now have the confidence to attempt speak some Italian on my upcoming trip to Italy. We are lucky in Dunedin to have a native Italian speaker available as a teacher. The format of the lessons is easy to follow and I can really recommend one on one tuition. Thanks again for the lessons!

Natalie Yeoman, Beginner Student, February 2018:
Antonella had a good blend of "pressure" and "relaxation" in our lessons and homework. We had helpful resourses and emailed slides, with practical conversational exercises that kept us on our toes. We are not perfect but we have come a long way. Thank you!

Selwyn Yeoman, Beginner Student, February 2018:
A helpful introduction to the language. Extensive use of questions and dialogue.

Frances Fleming, Advanced Student, May 2017:
I started with Antonella Vecchiato痴 beginners class in Italian and thoroughly enjoyed it. Antonella uses gestures with her conversation so you pick up what is being said very quickly. Humour is a part of her teaching style so it痴 relaxed and flows very well. The time passes quickly because the learning is enjoyable. There is homework most weeks, but the handouts Antonella gives are very useful. Antonella offers a range of classes from beginners onwards plus conversation groups as well, so there is something to appeal to anyone wishing to learn Italian, from having no knowledge to being fluent.

Chaterine Hale, Intermediate Student, April 17:
Antonella offers an organized method that is enjoyable and gives learners confidence to speak, read and write rather quickly.

Toby Taylor, Beginner Student, March 2107:
I've really enjoyed my beginners classes with Antonella. The lessons are relaxed, but since as little English is spoken as possible, still challanging and stimulating for beginners such as myself. This method of teaching has been very beneficial for me and my pronunciation, particularly since Antonella is a native speaker. I'm thoroughly grateful for Antonella's guidance at this beginner stage of learning the language, and I have been inspired to continue learning when I return to the UK in July.Grazie mille Antonella!

Reva Gills, Beginner Student, March 2017:
My learning experience has been very positive! The approach of only using Italian in class is challanging at times but it pushes me to wrap my head around the language properly and get me speaking more than just observing.

Annette Littlejohn, Continuing Intermediate Student, September 2016:
Antonella is able to bring an authenticity to my study of Italian as she is Italian born. She is particularly skilled at assessing my level of understanding and responding sensitively to that. Her classes are fun as well as highly instructional. I have made considerable progress in my 18 months of study and feel inspired to continue with her long-term.

Pauline Walsh, Beginning Student, February 2016:
I have really enjoyed my lessons. They have been challenging but fun and I'm surpised at how much I've learnt. Grazie Antonella!

Troy Smith, Beginning Student, September 2016:
I have a great time learning Italian. The lessons are fun and well set up. I would recommend if you are interested in learning!

Ruth Taylor, Continuing Beginning Student, September 2016:
I have found Antonella very patient and understanding. I have found what I have learned so far very interesting.

Jane Slade, Continuing Advanced Student, September 2016:
I never thought that I would find an Italian class here in Dunedin after leaving Australia! To my delight and surprise I am learning so much more in this small group at Antonella's house. It is a relaxed and encouraging environment for me to further my studies! Lots of discussion and some grammar have made it more enjoyable for me. Thank you, Antonella.

Keren Skegg, Continuing Advanced Student, September 2016:
I am still learning now after three years, mainly because I enjoy it so much. In our "Advanced" class we have lots of conversation and we laugh a lot. My Italian has now got to the point that I can actually have proper conversations on trips to Italy, and I am reading my first real Italian novel! (With much help from the dictionary)

Suzanne Cochrane, Continuing Intermediate Student, September 2016:
I am so happy that I found Antonella! I have wanted to learn Italian for years and have now found the perfect environment to do so. My class is fun, interactive and normally full immersion, which is the best way to learn. Our lessons are at a level where we understand, but Antonella also challenges us so that we constantly improve. Lesson content is really relevant and we also learn a lot about Italian culture alongside the language. Antonella e' una buona insegnante e le sue lezioni sono fantastiche!!

Kathryn Thatcher, Continuing Intermediate Student, September 2016:
I am really enjoying studying Italian with Antonella. Being taught by a native speaker makes such a difference to the learning experience. The classes are always fun and I have improved so much since I have been going.

Margaret Whitworth, Beginner Student, August 2016:
It is very enjoyable to learn the Italian language from an Italian person. I am older and mainly learn to keep my brain active. Antonella is a very patient and most helpful tutor. Nice to form friendships with classmates too.

Rhodes Donald, Continuing Beginner Student, August 2016:
I sought out Antonella when I wanted to learn a little Italian before travelling to Florence. When I came home I have continued my studies with Antonella and it is the highlight of my week. Antonella is a wonderful guide through the language. Molto bene!

Moya Smith, Continuing Beginner Student, August 2016:
I am picking up and learning fast some basic Italian. Antonella痴 classes are challenging and fun!

Philip Morey, Continuing Intermediate Student, August 2016:
Ciao a tutti! I am a 34 year old who decided to learn Italian out of a pure love of the language and a love of Italian song. After trying to teach myself for a while (and not getting very far) I started taking classes with Antonella. Antonella's classes mix conversational language use, fun games and exercises that help you to think in Italian, and an enjoyable social aspect to the classes created by your communications with Antonella and your classmates.

Maorita Hoyt, Continuing Beginner Student, August 2016:
So glad to have Antonella as a teacher. Learning a new language (Italian) is not daunting anymore. It is fun! Thank you Antonella :)

Graeme Dixon, Continuing Beginner Student, August 2016:
I have been attending for approximately one year and although I have struggled at times, I have a basic grasp of Beginner Italian. I am off to Italy this week and I am confident I will be able to use the Italian I have learnt so far. Good, comprehensive teaching and very patient with an older (66 years) learner who has only school boy French.

Mike Benham, Beginner Student, July 2016:
Antonella has provided me with clear well-structured lessons that were specific to my needs. I was about to travel to Italy and this was most helpful. Her lessons were relaxed and friendly and gave me a good basic foundation to use whilst I was travelling.

Morag MacTaggart, Beginner Student, July 2016:
Antonella designed a set of lessons specifically for our travels in Italy. Having a programme of lessons to follow before we travelled was so helpful and gave us so much confidence!

Margaret Whitworth, Continuing Beginner Student, May 2016:
I am an older person and my main motivation for learning Italian is to keep my brain active. I consider the Italian language very lyrical and pleasant to listen to. Antonella is a very patient and helpful tutor and I always enjoy the classes. Learning about the culture is an educational bonus. It is also pleasant to make new friends, and provide support to each other. And it is fun

Annette Littlejohn, Beginner Student, November 2015:
Antonella Classes are tailored to the individuals' pace of learning. They are fun and very practical in terms of everyday Italian speech. It is a huge advantage to be taught by someone who was born and brought up in Italy. Not only can you have confidence that the language and pronunciation is accurate, but also there is a wealth of cultural information passed on in the lessons too.

Robin Harvey, Coversation Class, April 2015:
I have been taking part in classes with Antonella for a number of years. The classes are always entertaining and we have covered a very wide range of topics. For some of these, it has been quite difficult to find the right words in English or in Italian, which can provide an enjoyable challenge for all of us! I feel that I have learned a lot of Italian, and, especially have very much improved my fluency and confidence, over the time that I have been working with Antonella.

Jon Fergus, Intermediate class, March 2015:
Hi Antonella, I have thoroughly enjoyed our classes & will continue to do so. I intend to learn to speak properly & while sometimes I struggle with the grammar, I also do in English. I have recently seen some lovely descriptions of italian romance. I do believe Romance is the italian language. Ti scrivo in italiano perche' questa e' la pui bella lingua per espimere i propri sentimenti. for instance, Una tua existenza su questo pianeta, mi rende felice.

Deborah Baird, Beginner Student:
Have thoroughly enjoyed what I have done so far. Thank you very much.

Keren Skegg, Continuing Intermediate Class:
Ciao! Antonella is a wonderful teacher, and because she uses a “conversational” style it is fun as well! If you want to learn some Italian I would recommend her highly.

Sue Walthert, Continuing Beginner 2 Class:
Learning with Antonella is an enjoyable way to master Italian. It was not easy to start with as Antonella teaches us by talking in Italian from the first lesson. But this just made me hungry to know more and in just a few weeks I was able to speak simple Italian sentences. I am mid-way through a second 8 week lesson series and can now read and speak basic Italian. Expect to be challenged and expect to do some homework! Italian is a beautiful language to learn. It has many words that are also found in other languages, English, French and even my own second ‘mother tongue’ Swiss German. Antonella also teaches us about Italian culture and customs and makes me look forward to visiting Italy.

Graeme Hammond-Tooke, Continuing Conversation Class:
I have been studying Italian with Antonella for about 6 years. I have learnt heaps from her and as she is a native speaker and also trained in linguistics, she understands how the Italian language and grammar works. She is thus an ideal teacher, not only of Italian language but of Italian culture too. Best of all, the classes are fun.

Brenda Green, Beginner Student:
Having no prior knowledge of Italian I attended the 8 classes. Written material for the entire course was provided on day 1 and was followed through to the end of the course. Antonella, your classes were always well prepared and taught in a friendly manner, the course was kept moving at a good pace with a balance of teaching new material and time for students to participate and practice with help as needed. I enjoyed the course, found it a challenge. Thank you for your encouragement. I appreciated it. Cheers.

David Keen, Continuing Beginner 2 Class:
Thank you very much for your kind e-mail ? and for the kindly trouble you took to correct my essay. Everything is clear ? and I appreciate very much the time and trouble you have taken to help and encourage me. The Port Chalmers classes were a lot of fun, as well as being valuable learning-wise, and it’s a pity that they are not continuing. However, I’m certainly keen to join the Opoho group. I’m looking forward to it! A presto

Tineke Jannink, Continuing Beginners 2 Class:
I have just finished a beginner’s 8 week course with Antonella. I started off knowing very little Italian and now find that I am able to construct full sentences! A great and fun environment to learn in, thoroughly enjoyed it!’