Beginner Italian Podcast Ep. 39

Title: Parliamo di scuola italiana 🧑🏻‍🏫
Host: Teacher Stefano
Guest: Prof. Mascia
Date: November 27, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging and accessible episode, Teacher Stefano and Prof. Mascia discuss the Italian school system and share their personal experiences as students. They break down the structure of Italian schools, discuss different types of high schools, favorite subjects, and unique aspects like the oral exam ("interrogazione"). The episode is tailored for Italian learners, offering insight into school-related vocabulary and Italian culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Structure of the Italian School System

• Three Main Levels:

  • Scuola elementare (Elementary School): 5 years, starting at age 6 ([01:32])
  • Scuola media (Middle School): 3 years
  • Scuola superiore (High School): 5 years, typically finishing at age 18 or 19

• Unique Feature: Italian high school lasts 5 years, longer than many other countries ([01:55]).

  "In Italia la scuola si divide in tre livelli... la scuola elementare... la scuola media... la scuola superiore, che dura cinque anni." — Stefano (01:32)

2. Types of High Schools in Italy

• Liceo linguistico (Language High School): Focuses on foreign languages
  • Mascia studied English, French, and German ([02:49]).
• Liceo classico (Classical High School): Concentrates on humanities—Italian, Latin, Ancient Greek ([03:00])
• Other Types:
  • Liceo scientifico (Science High School): Math, science-heavy
  • Liceo artistico (Art High School): Focus on art
  • Istituti professionali (Vocational Schools): Practical, job-specific skills ([03:30])

3. Favorite School Subjects and Personal Experiences

• Mascia:

  • Loved languages at all school levels (English, French, then Italian and philosophy at high school) ([04:04])
  • Importance of inspiring teachers in fostering a love for subjects

• Stefano:

  • Enjoyed Italian and grammar, influenced by his grandparents (both elementary school teachers) ([04:38])
  • Also loved philosophy and science for their variety and depth

  "Ricordo che mi piaceva tantissimo proprio imparare a scrivere, imparare a fare l'analisi grammaticale..." — Stefano (05:16)

4. The Focus on Italian Grammar

• Both hosts note Italian schools put a heavy emphasis on grammar, syntax, and logical analysis ([06:03])

• This linguistic rigor helps Italian students learn foreign languages more easily

  "Noi in Italia... per tanti anni studiamo la grammatica italiana... e non si fa in tutti i paesi..." — Mascia (06:03)

5. The Unique "Interrogazione" (Oral Exam)

• What is it?

  • Oral examination in front of the class and the teacher; a distinctive aspect of Italian education ([06:27])
  • Often stressful for students: "L'agitazione è la stessa!" (The anxiety is the same!—comparing to a police interrogation)

• Personal reactions:

  • Mascia: Disliked oral exams due to shyness ([07:41])
  • Stefano: Preferred oral exams, using personality to impress teachers ([07:58])

  "Durante le interrogazioni orali potevo mettermi un bel sorriso... quindi potevo sfruttare la mia simpatia." — Stefano (08:16)

  "A me piaceva molto di più l'esame scritto perché avevo la possibilità di pensare, di riflettere con calma..." — Mascia (08:47)

6. Personal Growth

• Stefano notes Mascia seems less shy now; she confirms she's worked on overcoming her timidity ([09:09])

  "Mi dici che sei timida, però adesso io non ti vedo più così timida." — Stefano (09:01)
  "Ci ho lavorato sulla mia timidezza, sì sì." — Mascia (09:09)

7. Invitation for Listener Engagement

• Listeners are encouraged to share their own memories and favorite school subjects in the comments ([09:18])
• Reminders are given about resources to download vocabulary and transcripts related to the episode ([09:31])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• "In Italia la scuola si divide in tre livelli..." — Stefano (01:32)
• "Io ho scelto il liceo linguistico, quindi facevamo molte ore di lingua straniera." — Mascia (02:38)
• "Ricordo che mi piaceva tantissimo proprio imparare a scrivere, imparare a fare l'analisi grammaticale..." — Stefano (05:16)
• "Noi siamo molto consapevoli della nostra grammatica, della nostra lingua." — Mascia (06:10)
• "L'agitazione è la stessa!" (referring to the oral exam vs. police interrogation) — Stefano (06:57)
• "Mi mettevano molta agitazione... ero molto timida..." — Mascia (07:43)
• "Potevo sfruttare la mia simpatia... Il tuo carisma." — Stefano & Mascia (08:14–08:22)

Highlighted Timestamps

• 01:32 — Breakdown of Italian school levels
• 02:38 — Mascia’s and Stefano’s high school choices
• 04:04 — Mascia’s and Stefano’s favorite subjects
• 06:03 — Intensive grammar study in Italy
• 06:27 — Explanation of oral exams ("interrogazione")
• 07:41 — Mascia discusses her anxiety about oral exams
• 08:16 — Stefano finds advantage in oral exams
• 09:09 — Mascia discusses overcoming shyness

Tone & Style

Friendly, informal, encouraging, and supportive—ideal for Italian language beginners seeking both cultural and linguistic immersion. Interaction between hosts is warm and candid, sharing real experiences with gentle humor and empathy.

Summary for New Listeners

This episode delivers an insightful, beginner-friendly exploration of Italian school life, ideal for learners curious about both Italian language and culture. With a focus on real experiences, useful vocabulary, and unique traditions like oral exams, listeners gain both knowledge and practical language exposure while enjoying the genuine camaraderie between Teacher Stefano and Prof. Mascia.