By Sam Cohen, University of Maryland | ISI Florence Spring 2026

On the first day of my Italian class this semester, my professor made a key distinction between Italian as a foreign language and as a second language. A foreign language is one studied outside the region where it is used natively, while a second language provides the opportunity to practice it daily while immersing oneself in the culture where it is spoken. As an American student, I grew up learning French as both a second and a foreign language, but studying Italian in Florence has provided me with infinitely more opportunities for cultural immersion.

One such opportunity is available every Monday at 6:30 pm at Braumeister Beer & Kitchen Firenze, a family-owned pub. Chiara Marucelli, one of the Italian professors at ISI Florence, recently began gathering both Italian and English learners to practice conversation at an event called Tandem Table.

This semester is my first exposure to Italian, so I felt slightly intimidated by the idea of attending an event just to practice conversation. Thanks to my Italian course at ISI, I knew how to introduce myself and other basic terminology, but I doubted I could chat with Italian speakers for long.

The event’s attendees varied in fluency, native language, age, and background. There were people from various parts of Italy, a woman from Sweden, and one from Australia. At first, the conversation began in English, but people switched back and forth between English and Italian.

I learned about some locals’ favorite places to eat and get drinks. As the conversation continued, we also touched upon Italian politics and economics, discussing heating costs and affordability. Part of the evening was spent discussing linguistic differences within Italy – southern dialects greatly vary from those in the north.

I learned some new words, too – ones that I would be much less likely to learn in Italian class. For example, “mammone” means “mama’s boy” – a helpful term depending on the choices one might make when studying abroad and interacting with locals.

Sitting at the tandem table allowed me to listen. Despite living in Italy, I rarely sit and listen to Italians speaking, since I cannot understand them. Hearing speakers converse let me pick up on words and grasp the flow and rhythm of conversation. Hearing others speak allowed me to take risks and try to use what I learned in class in a judgment-free space. Most importantly, I got to ask questions like “What did you just say?” and “What does that mean?”

For me, learning a new language can be scary, especially when interacting with native speakers. Tandem Table provides me with a way to listen, speak, and learn with others in an accepting environment. I recommend attending this event to learn more about Florentines, this city, and its language, regardless of your proficiency. Bring a friend, grab a drink, and learn something new.