One of the best things about living in Auckland, is just how many things are available to you. Living in or around Auckland, as the largest city in New Zealand gives you a great opportunity to work in a field you would like to work in, be entertained with the kinds of entertainment you enjoy, as well as eat the type of foods you would like to eat.
When you live in a large city, you do have those advantages, you may be wondering if that also applies to studying?
It certainly does. People from all over New Zealand come to study in Auckland, people from Wellington, Tauranga, Christchurch, Hamilton or other nearby locations to study at university or an institute, you name it. This also applies to studying foreign languages, including European languages.
Of course we do speak English, however England is almost 19,000 kilometers away from our beautiful country, they still managed to bring English here centuries ago. While Europe is that far away it is still certainly possible to learn different European languages.
While French and Spanish are much more widely spoken, if you would like to learn Italian you won't have that much trouble finding lessons in New Zealand, especially in Auckland.
There are diffent possibilities for you to study Italian in Auckland so you may not want to limit yourself to just one way of studying Italian.
Positives of Studying Italian
If you are curious but haven't yet decided on studying Italian, then it is always good to remind yourself or learn of the positives that come with learning a foreign language, including Italian. While it is not as widely spoken throughout the world like Spanish or French there are plenty of reasons to learn Italian.
It is a Beautiful Language
Italian is no doubt one of the most beautiful languages in the world. At least that is what a lot of polls say when people are questioned about which languages sound the best. Italian is also a lot like French, Spanish, and Portuguese as it is a romance language that comes from Latin.
People from Spain and France usually don't have much trouble when they try and learn Italian for the first time. So if you already have a lot of experience with Spanish, French, or Portuguese you will have a much easier time learning Italian than someone who hasn't.
There Are More Employment Possibilities
Let's say it is your goal to actually have a career speaking multiple languages. While Italian is pretty far away it still has it's importance in New Zealand, Italian speakers are needed in some different fields around the country.
So what types of careers can introduce yourself to if you have a high level of Italian?
- Translation
- Teaching
- Foreign relations
- Foreign Commerce
You may end up working with Italians in New Zealand if you learn a high level of Italian or work in Italy on a diplomatic mission. People who speak multiple languages usually have a higher chance of employment.
Travelling Will Be Easier
There are many Kiwis that really love or would love to head to Europe to backpack for an extended period of time. Many people from New Zealand do manage to get to travel around Europe of course and unfortunately find their language skills could hinder them from time to time.
A lot of countries like Germany and the Netherlands have populations that speak English at a high level, so you wouldn't have much trouble there.
But what about when you go a bit more south in Europe?
Not only is Italian spoken in Italy but it is also spoken in parts of Switzerland, then it is also very similar to French, Spanish, and Portuguese. So you can use your Italian skills to get around Italy and Switzerland which are amazingly beautiful countries.
You can also your Italian skills to go around the other countries that use romance languages, even if you will need to pay much closer attention.
Why Study in Auckland
Many people around New Zealand would jump at the chance to live in Auckland during their years at university. However, depending on who you are and where you come from, studying in Auckland may seem like a really difficult task.
You may not like the idea of studying in a large city or you may be from Auckland and want to leave home.
However Auckland would be a great place to study as it is the largest city in New Zealand and exposes you to plenty of different international influences. While not the capital of New Zealand, Auckland is still it's most international city and has a lot of places to find extra academic assistance while studying Italian.
Studying Italian at University
If you didn't know, the University of Auckland is not only arguably the most respected university in the whole of New Zealand, but it is also one of the most respected universities in the world. Luckily enough, if you would like to learn Italian whilst at university then you are in luck as Auckalnd offersboth an undergraduate study of Italian as well as a postgraduate study of Italian.
Will the language be the only thing you study?
While of course the language is arguably the most important part, there are other things to learn as part of an undergraduate and postgraduate study of Italian.
Undergraduate Study of Italian
There are a couple of basic subjects you will learn whilst studying a degree in Italian. The two concepts you're going to learn in great detail if you are studying at the University of Auckland will be the Italian language and the culture.
Studying the Italian Language
If you want to pass the major of Italian at the University of Auckland there are various classes or Italian that come at different stages. You can start at Italian 101 if you have no prior Italian knowledge, if you do you can begin at a more advanced course.
There are many different Italian classes that you would take as your level goes up, all the way up to level 300.
You will also need to take courses that deal with the translation of Italian.
Aside from this you can also earn credits through a study abroad internship that you can complete in Italy.
Studying the Italian Culture
Studying a BA major in Italian is not only about the language, while it is most important to know the language, learning about Italian history and culture is also very important, especially if you see yourself working in foreign relations or living in Italy someday.
There are various topics that deal with the study of Italian art, history, culture, and even cinema.
As we all know Italian history is really extensive as well as the culture, studying this bachelor's degree at the University of Auckland will certainly set you up for a future in speaking Italian or even living in Italy.
Italian Postgraduate Degree
If you are really sure that the Italian language and culture will be playing an important role in your future career, the University of Auckland offers a master's degree in Italian as well.
While this won't be that much about studying the Italian language as much as the undergraduate degree as you would already have learned enough, this master will focus on thte Italian culture and history whilst being taught in Italian.
That is certainly enough to become extremely fluent in the language.
Studying Italian at a Language Institute
Around the world people try to learn languages, it's not only at secondary school or university that you can learn a foreign language in your local area.
If you are studying in secondary school or uni and want extra help, or if you are looking to learn Italian in your free time you can sign up for courses and extra help at a language centre.
In the Auckland area the most recognized language institute that focuses on Italian is the Italian Institute.
They offer a wide range of classes that should fit what you are looking for, including beginners classes, intermediate, advanced, and of course private classes.
You can even test your level before booking a course.
Take Italian Lessons with a Private Tutor
Apart from taking courses, private tutors are a fantastic way of learning. Private one to one classes with someone who is really experienced could possibly help you to learn Italian even faster than in a classroom.
If you want to look for a tutor in the Auckland area or online Superprof is one of the most internationally known platforms.
Using the website you can find an Italian tutor in your area or make an online class, and you can improve tremendously after finding a tutor whose specialities and experience fit what you are looking for.
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