Our origins
ABOUT US
The Italian School was born at Hotel Il Chiostro (Famiglia Studenti Chiostro), a symbolic location of the local diocese. Today, it still owes much to Don Luigi Cacciami: a priest, educator, and beloved figure in Verbania who dedicated his life to education and hospitality. Having been active in the Partisan Resistance, he was a key figure in journalism and social initiatives, with a particular focus on youth. Alongside him, we remember Don Ferrando Minoggio, a multi-degree graduate from the Holy Rosary Parish in Cleveland and Spiritual Director of the Pontifical North American College. It is from these values—hospitality, culture, and connection—that our project takes shape: an Italian school that places relationships and authentic local experiences at its core.
Who We Work For
Our school welcomes students from diverse backgrounds, united by the desire to learn Italian in a vibrant and engaging way:
International students living or staying in Piedmont and Lombardy.
North American students from the Pontifical North American College (PNAC) programs.
Scholarship winners from the Margherita di Sion Foundation.
International professionals.
Private individuals with second homes in the Lake Maggiore area.
Travelers and Italian culture enthusiasts seeking a new immersive experience.
Our Target Audience
Our audience consists of people who don’t just want to learn Italian—they want to live it. They are motivated, curious students, often already connected to the area or attracted by its natural and cultural heritage. At The Italian School, they find a family atmosphere, a personalized teaching approach, and the chance to connect with the local community through workshops, tours, excursions, and cultural activities.
Our team
The heart of our school is our team
The heart of our school is our team: a group of passionate professionals who have been dedicated for years to teaching Italian and organizing cultural activities. Friendly, experienced and always approachable, our staff is here to support and guide each student throughout their linguistic and cultural journey
LAURA SAU
Laura, our Academic Director and coordinator at The Italian School, has been leading the organization and managing international relations for over 30 years.
A graduate in Modern Languages and Literature (European specialization) from the University of Milan, Laura served as a teacher of English Language and Culture at the "Istituto Cobianchi" secondary school in Verbania for over 30 years. She has been teaching Italian as a foreign language at The Italian School since 1994, the year she co-founded the school to serve American seminarians and priests enrolled in Italian theological universities. For 32 years, she has been in charge of the school’s organization, educational direction, and external relations. A podcast author and trainer, she has specialized throughout her career in European Union projects focusing on borders, education, critical image study, and the cultural roots of European nations.
GIULIA COLZANI
Giulia joined The Italian School in 2013 and has grown from teacher to Administrative Manager. She coordinates the school’s operations while enriching the students’ learning journey with her insight and sensitivity as an educator.
Giulia Colzani has been part of The Italian School since 2013. She began as an Italian language teacher, an experience that played a key role in shaping both her professional and personal development, and later moved into her current position as Administrative Manager.
While not always based at Il Chiostro, the school’s headquarters, Giulia works closely with Laura and Annachiara on the organisation and coordination of activities, helping to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
Alongside her role at the school, she is also an early childhood educator. For Giulia, connecting with students—especially in informal moments—goes beyond language and culture, becoming a meaningful exchange of experiences that continues to enrich her work year after year.
ANNACHIARA MADDALONI
President of The Italian School and an experienced teacher of Chinese culture, she has been overseeing the school’s strategic management and communication since 2022.
A graduate in International Relations specialized in Chinese Language and Culture, Annachiara’s long-standing connection with China began at age 15, when she was awarded an EFS scholarship to Beijing. She has been part of the TIS team for 17 years, starting as a young teacher and progressively moving into organizational and management roles; in 2022, she was elected President of the school’s Board of Directors. She currently manages communication and the school’s website. During the academic year, she teaches English Language and Culture at the "Istituto Cobianchi" secondary school and serves as a coordinator for educational and publishing projects at the Confucius Institute of the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore in Milan. In 2026, through her role at the Confucius Institute, she collaborated on cultural promotion for the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
FRANCESCA FERRETTO
At The Italian School since 2016, she coordinates local activities and social media communication, connecting cultural experiences with language practice to make learning more engaging.
A graduate in Modern Linguistics and Cultural Heritage, Francesca has been part of The Italian School since 2016, a path that has allowed her to merge academic training with daily field experience. In recent years, she has managed the organization of weekly excursions, meticulously designed to connect students with the local territory and offer practical opportunities to apply language skills learned in the classroom. These outings are a cornerstone of the school’s teaching method: an immersive experience that promotes natural learning, encounters with local culture, and authentic communication. She also manages the school’s social media channels with a light yet professional tone, sharing daily life at the school to strengthen the sense of community among students, teachers, and the local area.
ALESSIO FERRARI
Alessio, a collaborator for the past two years, creates language podcasts that explore grammar and practical language use, making them clear and enjoyable for learners.
Alessio, a 20-year-old from Verbania, holds a Linguistic High School Diploma, during which he developed skills in English, French, and German, also earning the Baccalauréat through the Esabac project. He is currently pursuing a degree in International Relations at the University of Milan. His passion for geopolitics inspired a five-month stay in Germany in 2022, where he completed a semester at a local high school. He has been working with The Italian School for two years, meeting students from around the world, particularly the United States. He is a regular contributor to the TIS podcast, explaining Italian grammar and usage while showcasing Verbania and its surroundings. Additionally, as a musician (member of the city’s municipal band), he organizes musical social evenings for staff and students.
CLAUDIO VICARI
A long-standing collaborator of The Italian School, he coordinates outdoor activities and produces podcasts and lectures on the natural and historical heritage of the area, bringing learning beyond the classroom.
After graduating in Natural Sciences, Claudio became a teacher, notably at the "Istituto Cobianchi" secondary school in Verbania. He was involved in teacher training at the University of Turin’s inter-university specialization school. Through the non-profit cultural association Il Baobab, l’albero della ricerca, he is dedicated to education and school publishing. He has brought his expertise to TIS for several years, on a wide range of educational initiatives. Passionate about nature and local history, he leads field trips to ensure students have a fully integrated experience during their stay in Verbania. He is also a podcast creator and frequent guest lecturer in these fields.
FRANCESCA DURANTE
An Italian language teacher at The Italian School, she manages courses for international students and develops multilingual enhancement projects that enrich the learning experience.
Francesca graduated with honors in Foreign Languages and Literature from the University of Pavia. She teaches German Language and Culture in middle school and Italian at The Italian School, working with students of various backgrounds, ages, and levels. She also focuses on language enhancement (English, German, and Italian for foreigners) programs designed to facilitate the transition between different educational stages. She brings a wealth of experience from her twenty-year career in communication and international relations within the design sector.
ILARIA LO DUCA
An Italian language teacher at The Italian School, she dedicates herself to teaching and cultural exchange, welcoming students from all backgrounds and fostering an inclusive learning environment.
Born and raised in Verbania, Ilaria moved to London at age 20, where she earned her degree and lived for 10 years. Moving abroad fostered her independence and growth in a land of great opportunity. She loves languages and meeting people from different cultures and backgrounds, firmly believing that cultural exchange is a fantastic opportunity for personal enrichment. She finds her role at TIS deeply rewarding, finding teaching and meeting new students to be deeply rewarding and stimulating.
ELENA FUSELLI
An Italian language teacher at The Italian School, she specializes in personalized and inclusive instruction, supporting international students of all levels to build confidence and achieve their goals.
Elena’s path stems from an interest in foreign languages and cultures, cultivated through a degree in Foreign Languages and Literature and enriched by an Erasmus year in Barcelona. Her diverse experience combines teaching, translation, and work in international corporate contexts. She currently teaches English in secondary school and Italian at The Italian School, adapting her teaching to individual student needs. Her extensive background in personalized tutoring has shaped her student-centered, inclusive teaching philosophy. Since 2012, she has also maintained a successful freelance translation practice, specializing in tourism, marketing, and IT. Her background in customer service and sales contributes to her precision, organizational skills, and strong
CRISTINA BONFANTI
A certified CEDILS Italian language teacher at The Italian School, she integrates her experience in journalism and communication into teaching, making lessons engaging, interactive, and relevant.
Cristiana holds a degree in Communication and Society from the University of Milan. A freelance journalist, she contributes to the local magazine Eco Risveglio, covering local current events. She manages communication and social media for the LetterAltura Cultural Association, a festival dedicated to mountain literature, travel, and adventure, handling press relations and promotion. She teaches Italian at The Italian School, backed by the CEDILS certification from Ca’ Foscari University of Venice. Additionally, she is an active volunteer with the Italian Red Cross.
GIUSEPPINA ANTONIOTTI
An Italian language teacher since the foundation of The Italian School, she coordinates guided tours and excursions that highlight the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Lake.
A graduate in Modern Languages and Literature (European specialization) from the University of Milan, Giuseppina served as a teacher of English Language and Culture at the "Istituto Cobianchi" secondary school for over 30 years. She has been part of the fabric of The Italian School since its founding, taking on an even more active teaching role in recent years. Throughout her career, she took part in several Erasmus+ projects on biodiversity and climate change with Finnish and French schools. A lover of local nature and culture, she helps students discover the beauty of Lake Maggiore by organizing guided tours and excursions.
SARA BIGNARDI
An Italian language teacher at The Italian School, she designs personalized, interactive courses that promote students’ communicative autonomy and strengthen interpersonal language skills.
A graduate in Linguistic Mediation, Sara is deeply committed to the art of teaching her native Italian language. Her academic studies focused on linguistics, language teaching methodology, and intercultural communication. She is skilled in designing personalized learning paths and using innovative, inclusive methodologies. She strives to create a serene and stimulating environment where every student feels motivated to participate. Her teaching expertise spans all proficiency levels, allowing her to balance the four core language skills—listening, speaking, reading, and writing—while seamlessly integrating contemporary Italian culture. Her student-centered approach values the unique linguistic and cultural background of every individual.
ARIANNA BOTTACHIARI
A collaborator at The Italian School, she brings her international training and multidisciplinary background to support and enrich the school’s activities.
At 21, Arianna is a student of Medicine and Surgery at the University of Turin. She completed her scientific studies at the "Istituto Cobianchi" secondary school, a path enriched by an international exchange at a British Grammar School. Passionate about music, she plays the piano and is currently studying at the Novara Conservatory. An athlete, she also plays high-level volleyball.
AGNESE FRANZETTI
An Italian language teacher at The Italian School, she applies intercultural communication strategies and inclusive pedagogy to ensure every student thrives in learning Italian as a foreign language.
A graduate in Educational Sciences from the University of Milan-Bicocca, Agnese is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Pedagogical Sciences at the Università Cattolica in Milan. Her academic research into inclusive language learning strategies directly informs her work at The Italian School, where she has taught for two years. A natural listener who values reflective dialogue, Agnese thrives on creating a welcoming space for cultural exchange. Beyond the classroom, she is an avid reader of detective novels and an outdoor enthusiast who finds inspiration in sports and the natural beauty of her local territory.
FRANCESCO SANTANGELO
A collaborator at The Italian School for summer projects, he contributes his international and analytical experience to support and enhance the school’s seasonal programs.
A double-degree student in Data Analytics at Bocconi University and HEC Paris, Francesco’s academic journey has spanned Milan and Paris. He holds both an Italian diploma from the 'Istituto Cobianchi' secondary school and a Canadian high school diploma from Chilliwack, British Columbia. Francesco brings a global perspective to the TIS team, having contributed to the school’s operations during the summer of 2025. His commitment to social impact is reflected in his volunteer work for Special Olympics, while his personal pursuits showcase a rare blend of discipline and curiosity: he has been a dedicated pianist since 2011 and recently completed the entire Camino de Santiago—a journey that further broadened his passion for intercultural exchange.
Review
TESTIMONIALS
Much more than just a language school
Listen to Italian with Us
📢 New Podcast Online! Every two weeks, short episodes to improve your Italian:
🔹 Useful verbs
🔹 Everyday vocabulary
🔹 Authentic expressions Wherever you are, take Italian with you.
Tailor-made Courses for You
Whether you are a beginner or advanced, you will find the right course for you:
✅ Individual or group lessons
✅ Grammar and conversation modules
✅ Also available in French and German!
Learn. Live. Explore.
With The Italian School, you don’t just study a language. 👉 You cook, walk, talk, visit, and live Italy. 📷 Daily excursions, typical dinners, guided tours: a new experience every week!
Italian Summer: Your Study Holiday
Join our summer stays in Verbania:
🛏️ Hotel accommodation in the historic center
📖 Language lessons in the morning
🎨 Cultural activities in the afternoon Discover our study holidays; we look forward to seeing you!
